Bluegrass Grill
313 Second Street SE
What to expect: On a typical Sunday, you will wait up to an hour for a party of four, and I think it’s worth it! First-timers often experience some confusion about what to do when they arrive, so here’s some help: go in and add your name to the sign-in on the wall to your left. If you’re lucky, there will be open seats at the bar. It’s first come, first served. First-timers should also come with cash or checks. The crowd skews young and hungover, but families should not be deterred.
What you wouldn’t expect: I’ve had a lot of the menu these past few years, and I’m still pleasantly surprised each time. The biscuits aren’t buttermilk, they’re better. The gravy doesn’t have sausage in it, but it doesn’t need it. They don’t do bloodies, but I probably shouldn’t have one anyway. My coffee comes in a different mug each time. The best surprise came recently with the mushroom omelet, with a sage spread. Who’d have thought? Quest for the perfect omelet: OVER!
Blue Moon Diner
512 West Main
What to expect: It’s a diner! Smoking is permitted (and done with frequency), and the tables are small. The menu has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, and a full bar. Regulars typically line the bar.
What you wouldn’t expect: Please leave any negative diner stereotypes at home. The restaurant is clean, and the food tastes fresh. I like it!
Boheme
609 East Market Street
What to expect: With menu items ranging in price from about $7 to $13, brunch is a frugal way to enjoy Charlottesville’s newer French bistro on East Market, across from the police station. Though I still recommend dinner, Boheme’s brunch is among the best I’ve yet had in Charlottesville and offers the unpretentious cuisine of an American in Paris (or perhaps Provence): Eggs Florentine, Shrimp and Brie Grits, and a Steamed Artichoke, with egg, to name a few.
What you wouldn’t expect: I wasn’t surprised with how perfectly my meals have been cooked and seasoned, but I thought I’d be paying more for such attention to detail, creativity with traditional fare, and generosity in portions. I also recommend sitting on the patio. I’ve left untouched by sun and mosquito alike.
Fellini’s #9
200 West Market Street
What to expect: Federico would be proud. Watch any of his movies, and you’d think the entire cast had just come from the Bloody Mary bar at #9, parading through the bubbles cascading from the second story window. Spumante! Squisito!
What you wouldn’t expect: I was so distracted by DIY pickled peppers and worcestershire that I wasn’t even concerned with my frittata last time, but the frittata was impressive. I’m planning to go back for the Italian sausage gravy over focaccia soon. I’ll admit I’ve always been surprised with the subdued, wooden interior. It works well for the live music on weekends, but it’s too dark for Sunday morning. If that roof can hold people and tables, it would make a perfect patio…
Maya
633 West Main
What to expect: If you’ve been enjoying Maya for dinner, go for Sunday brunch. It’s a modest selection of contemporary takes on American comfort food.
What you wouldn’t expect: I had no surprises except my garnish in my bloody. It was a very good surprise, too!
Tavern
1140 Emmet Street North
What to expect: An experience. Whether the experience is good or bad is not the point at the Tavern. It’s just an experience. You’ll eat with hungover sorority women and Earlysville farmers alike. You’ll get heaping portions of whatever, and it will be greasy. If you have a delicate palate, enjoy your meal, but don’t sit at the bar and watch it get cooked. Actually, if you have a delicate palate, just don’t. We tough it out and love it in spite of itself, because it makes no apologies for its scrapple. (All this said, I haven’t been there in two years, and I’m pretty sure it hasn’t changed.)
What you wouldn’t expect: If you do sit at the bar, watch the waitresses really closely. You’ll find out how they stay so mellow, dealing with morning-afters for years on end. Also, when you approach the building from 29 North, take a good look at the lettering on the roof. Something just ain’t right about “townpeople.”
Popularity: 4% [?]