Charlottesville is always buzzing with news of the latest restaurant concepts, developed by old pros and fresh faces alike. Last year brought many new options, while some longtime favorites closed up shop. Here’s a roundup of (most) of what we gained and lost.
When North American Sake Brewery owner Andrew Centofante received a terrible fortune at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo, he decided he would make his own luck by transforming the bitter prediction into a different sort of future. Pairing well with his American-made sake, ramen had fast become the most popular dish on the NAS menu—so slurp hello to Bad Luck Ramen Bar, dedicated to the craft of slow-simmered noodles and sake-marinated ingredients. As luck would have it, Bad Luck Ramen Bar held its grand opening on Friday, January 13.
On the Downtown Mall, Botanical Plant-Based Fare gives vegans more choices. Rockfish Brewing Company serves brews right next to Mudhouse, and a permanent kitchen from Charlottesville’s food truck FARMacy Café is making Mexican fusion. Check out their Super Naan Taco, using garlic naan bread with al pastor pork.
Surf’s up at Brightside, a beach-inspired pub in The Bebedero’s former location above The Whiskey Jar. The sunny joint offers classic bar bites alongside an extensive tropical drink menu. Just off the mall is more exciting fusion in the Japanese-Korean comfort food from Umma’s (formerly the Basan Food Truck).
On West Main Street, Smyrna is making a name as one of the hottest new dining places in town. The Quirk Hotel added the Bobboo Lounge, modeled after an estate cigar room, and Cake Bloom spoils us with elegant cake and champagne pairings. Dairy Market rolled out Basta Pasta by the team at Dino’s Pizza, and Birdhouse serves organic, free-range chicken dishes and creative sides in the Rose Hill neighborhood.
The Barracks Road Shopping Center welcomed Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom, and it seems the shuffle at 5th Street Station is beginning to settle down, with Pei Wei Asian Kitchen being the only new restaurant to open in the center last year.
Emmet Street welcomed Chang Thai’s fresh and sustainably sourced family recipes. Popito’s Pizza, another food truck origin story, popped up in the Rio Hill Shopping Center, and visitors to The Shops at Stonefield can now grab some Tex Mex at Torchy’s Tacos and leafy green bowls and juices at Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery.
In other knead-to-know news, DIY Pie is entering the scene as the newest pizza shop, at the former Lelo’s Pizza space on Pantops. Have it your way with an entirely customizable pizza, pasta, and salad menu. Also on Pantops, The Donut Kitchen parked its bakeshop in a permanent space. Pick your dozen from traditional flavors like strawberry glazed, or the indulgent Bavarian creme.
We can’t wait to order from
Brazos’ second location at Barracks Road Shopping Center, and Black Cow Chop House, a new woodfired, meaty-good concept from the team at Public Fish & Oyster.
Stick a fork in ’em, they’re done
Sadly, we lost some of our favorite go-to spots including Little Star, Peloton Station, Piedmont Bar and Kitchen, and, closing on Pi Day (March 14), The Pie Chest.
Pie partners Rachel and Tina announced that they will step away from the rolling pins to pursue education and career goals, and we are just crustfallen. There’s a crumb of hope, though, because they’ll continue to offer some Pie Chest favorites at pop ups, and the entire Fourth Street space will be taken over by Lone Light Coffee.
After a few short months of serving gourmet, grown-up grilled cheese sandwiches Ooey Gooey Crispy closed its doors last October. The fast-casual restaurant also offered juicy smashburgers and crunchy salads.
Say goodbye to cheddar bay biscuits, because Red Lobster is sleeping with the fishes, but you can still snag the catch of the day at Red Crab Juicy Seafood, a family-friendly spot known for its signature Cajun seafood boil.