Mockingbird came highly recommended, so we arrived expecting a special dining experience for our…read moredaughter's 20th birthday. We even drove 3.5 hours to meet her there. We had 5:30pm reservations and were seated immediately. The host was warm, acknowledged the occasion, and honored my request for a quieter table by placing us in a bay-window nook. Unfortunately, that's where the positives ended. The space echoed so badly we could barely hear each other, and the setting sun combined with the AC being accidentally turned off made the area feel like a sauna. Our water glasses were filled within minutes, so we thought service would be smooth. Instead, we sat for another 15 minutes before anyone greeted us--while a table seated after us was helped promptly and served at a noticeably faster pace. I understand large parties require attention (there was a group of 10-12 nearby), but as a former server myself, I've never allowed smaller tables to feel forgotten. When our server, Lucian (sp?), finally arrived, we immediately placed drink and appetizer orders because we were already starving. The appetizers came out about 20 minutes later--still before our drinks. The brussels sprouts were excellent and worth the wait. The biscuit basket was good, though the butter-to-biscuit ratio felt off, and the apple butter was surprisingly delicious. Our entrées didn't arrive until at least 45 minutes after that. The pacing was simply poor, and we consistently felt like an afterthought. While our server was polite, he didn't initiate conversation, offer suggestions, mention happy hour, or acknowledge our daughter's birthday. He didn't even suggest dessert. Meanwhile, the six-top behind us--seated well after we were--was wrapping up their meal as ours was just being served. The food presentation was beautiful. The pot roast, however, was underwhelming. It lacked seasoning and sauce, and the vegetables were forgettable--very few potatoes, no carrots. "Not your normal pot roast" was accurate, but not in a good way. The shrimp and grits were excellent, with great seasoning and a flavorful sauce. The salmon was moist and well-prepared, though it still had a few scales on the end of the filet. Once we finished eating, we again waited for our server to return. We eventually had to wave him down for boxes and again to request the check. Parking in the back was convenient early in the evening, though I imagine it becomes difficult later. Would we return? Unfortunately, probably not. We've been treated better, served more efficiently, and appreciated more fully at other restaurants--including one almost directly across the street. What we hoped would be a memorable celebration ended up feeling ho-hum at a high price--too high for the experience we received.

Absolutely delicious and well done! The ambiance is sweet and southern and the food is awesome!…read moreThere is a variety of apps you could fill up on alone, or dine on the delicious entrees. Craft cocktails are done by the bartenders and the service is top notch. We made a reservation, but there was plenty of space at the bar around 5:30 that we didn't need the reservation to get a good seat. It was a great experience and we'll be back!

Went to the Southern Cafe to see Will Johnson and Magnolia Electric Co. The music hall holds about…read more300 people with only a few places to sit. The ambience was pretty nice. Service at the bar was great - we didn't eat so I can't say much about the food.

Located within Charlottesvilles downtown mall tucked tightly down a stairwell. The Southern is…read moredefinitely a local venue with soul. The bar is wine and beer only, Which is fine. They have lots of options, and some local taps. Who needs liquor, am I right? (Although, there's a few bars nearby If you're so inclined to grab a stiff drink before) I went to hear Joslyn & The Sweet Compression with Michael Coleman (Free Union). The set was great, all I can say is follow them. True talent.

I posted this revues on Google and also sent an email to the restaurant explaining how frustrating…read moreour experience was. They neither responded to my email nor the review with any sort of explanation or apology which suggests that they don't really care. So I'll share this on Yelp too so others are aware of their poor customer service. We visited this restaurant with a group of seven and were excited to try it, especially because the outdoor seating area looked like a great spot for dinner. Unfortunately, the experience ended up being very disappointing. Service was extremely slow and disorganized from the start. About 15 minutes after ordering, a different waitress brought food to our table that we hadn't ordered, then quickly took it away without much explanation. From there, things only got worse. Our meals came out slowly over the course of 30-45 minutes, just one or two plates at a time, with no communication about the delays. Our four-year-old waited nearly 45 minutes for a simple order of fish sticks. Even basic service was lacking. We had to ask multiple times for something as simple as an apple juice refill, and it still took far too long to arrive. Toward the end of the meal, our waitress stopped checking on our table altogether, which made it difficult to order dessert. The food itself was pretty good, which is the only reason this isn't a one-star review. However, the poor service and lack of attentiveness completely overshadowed the experience. Overall, it was frustrating and disappointing, and we don't plan to return.

Great drinks and really nice atmosphere when the weather is perfect to sit outside. The food is…read morealso very good. The beignet was very dense and was not exactly like the ones you get in New Orleans but it was still amazing as a dessert on its own without the comparison.

While visiting Charlottesville, we stopped in Milk and Honey to enjoy some southern dishes. It was…read morebetween hours and the service was great. Mandela and Cam took great care of us. The fried green tomatoes were crispy and dressed with an awesome spinach and corn salad. A whole meal themselves. We ordered shrimp po boy sliders that were a little spicy and sweet with Cole slaw. I'd get them again any day! Butter biscuits and then shrimp and grits were also delicious. However, we needed to invite 2 more people because the portions were so generous. It's just too bad they are not located in our neighborhood in Florida!

Wanted to try this restaurant up at NOVA but never connected. Down at Charlottesville for UVA…read morevisit and decided to try it. The restaurant reminds me of Burton's. The menu is not large. We got the fish sandwich, tail of two fish and wharf scramble. My fish sandwich looks substantial at first but there were more batter than fish. Every bite I am just eating the crunchy batter. The accompanying tartar sauce was delicious. Their no cost substitute is nice touch. I would say it was a decent experience but really not sure if I would go back given there are many restaurants with similar menu. Our waitress was working incredibly hard. She seems to be the only one waiter serving all the indoor tables. It was late afternoon but still. I've been to restaurants where there were 3 handling same amount of tables and not getting services.

Every thing at Ace Biscuits and Barbecue is house made, right down to the pickles. Oh my the…read morepickles are wonderful. Staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The interior has an industrial atmosphere with exposed ductwork and concrete floors.

This is great BBQ, great vibes, and amazing biscuits! The servers were personable and talked to…read moreeveryone and gave great recommendations for our first visit. The pulled pork was so juicy and the sauces were varied and tangy. The biscuit was perfect and i wanted another before we had even finished. The fried green tomatoes were a little tough, if that makes sense and I wish the brisket was a little juicer, but it was amazing and I would definitely come back!

I wish I took pictures of the food because all 7 of us got something different and everything was…read moreamazing. We had coffee and lattes and they were all good. I'm mentioning this because the amount of breakfast places with shit coffee is wild. So not only good food, but excellent coffee. Brioche French toast bananas foster - the bananas foster syrup was the bomb. Nutella and Strawberry Crepes - they were huge and so good! Chicken and Waffles- fried crispy bone in chicken is yue only way to go. My teen son eat every crumb. Avocado Toast with egg and smoked salmon - my husband loved it. Avocado Egg Bake - cooked perfectly and so good. Buttermilk pancakes for fluffy and great flavor. They offer real maple syrup, bananas foster syrup if you're fancy and then regular (fake) syrup.

We really enjoyed our anniversary brunch. The peach spritz was delicious and was not too sweet. I…read moreloved the fried green tomatoes. My husband got Eggs Benedict and found it truly tasty, even when he reheated some the next day. The potatoes were well cooked and flavorful. It was a cooler, dryer day so we were able to eat on the porch. It was perfect and reminiscent of our wedding day 44 years prior.

Really good BBQ. Very knowledgeable about gluten allergies. Everything except Mac and cheese is…read moreGF. Collared greens are exceptionally good for a side. I think there is brisket in them. Yum.

Went to Vision BBQ for pre-concert dinner (show was at Ting Pavilion). Walked in on a Sunday…read moreafternoon about 5. Very slow, business wise. Server (Brianna) started out good, fairly attentive until I got my food. After I got my food I got one cursory "all good?" and that was it until I got the bill. Anyway, on to the food: ordered two meat plate (brisket and pulled pork) with fries and coles slaw. Fries were the highlight of the meal. Hot, crispy, seasoned...awesome. Cole slaw was good....but it was super tangy (vinegary) for my taste. Don't get it wrong, it was good, just hard to eat all of it thanks to the tang. On to the meat. Got a pretty good sized pile of pulled pork and a couple slices of brisket. Both meats were lukewarm at best. Pork was dry (thank goodness for the NC vinegar sauce). The brisket made up for the porks dryness, it was extra greasy and extra fatty. Like, for real, do you think people are going to eat the fat layer between the lean point meat and the fatty upper meat? Yeah, not me. But since the brisket was also lukewarm (more like lukecold) it really didn't make a difference. I did think the Vision BBQ sauce tasted pretty good. If Brianna would have come back by after I got my meal I would have sent it back....and probably would have just left without worrying over a replacement, or a comp, or anything. Secondary issue: went to the mens room. It was just nasty. You get once shot to make an impression, and this one was not good. Would not/will not repeat.

My son picked this place. The place is very small, maybe four tables. It's really a one man…read moreoperation with some help to clear tables. Each meal is cooked by Shaun who is especially nice, friendly, and puts love into each dish he prepares. You can tell. Just take a breath when you walk in and take it in. Service is good, but like I said - its a one man operation so just be patience. The Fried Chicken and Devil Eggs are EXCELLENT. We would go back. Keep up the good job Shaun. Nicely done.

Came here to grab a bite with friends. The inside is very casual. The food was good and the…read moreportions were great for the price. I tried the Babyback Ribs and Fried Chicken Soul Sandwiches. The Babyback Ribs were really good. The ribs are taken off the bone for the soul sandwich and plated on slices of potato rolls. The Fried Chicken was good but not the best I've had in Charlottesville. I would have liked the outside to be crispier. The cornbread that comes with the order was also good. It was not traditional cornbread-- it tasted like carrot cake corn bread. The Mac and Cheese was a little too overcooked for my liking. However, for the meat sandwich and two sides were a large portion and cost 12 dollars which was awesome. Overall, Soul Food Joint is a charming locally owned soul food place downtown. It wasn't the best fried chicken or barbecue that I've had in Charlottesville, however the food was good and the portions were great for the price.

This was our second visit to Maya, and it continues to deliver…read more The meals are well thought out and tasty! The staff is incredibly polite, friendly, and knowledgeable. We are in a booth in the bar area this time. The sound was chill with guests relaxing at the bar engaging in conversations. We arrived before 6 pm and were able to order the $20 fried chicken dinner. It was like a country fried chicken with ham gravy and two sides. Very tasty and definitely a full size meal. We also had the trout, which was the thickest piece of trout I've ever had, and it was perfectly prepared. It also came with two sides, and I ordered the shaved brussel sprouts and roasted fingerling potatoes. Terrific!! Maya is a must do.

Great local restaurant serving southern cuisine in Charlottesville! The food was delicious and I…read morereally enjoyed the appetizers - especially the fried green tomatoes. I wished there were slightly more carrots on the heirloom carrots appetizer but I liked it overall. For entree, I got the cornmeal crusted fried oysters with my choice of 2 sides (Brussels sprouts and broccoli) - it was exactly what I wanted after a days hike at Shenandoah. The waitstaff were friendly and we were able to sit out on the patio since it waa nice early summer day. If I'm ever in Charlottesville Virginia again, I can't wait to come back here!

What an experience. By myself on business. Bar was full, or so I thought! Danny cleared a spot and…read morehad me seated in less than a minute. Which is also why, unfortunately I don't have pictures. This place is so on point with service. Danny making the drinks and his oyster shucker getting it done quickly to the back of the house bringing out my lobster bisque. Oysters were spot on. But the bisque. One of the best flavors. To Danny's credit I asked about the clam chowder or the bisque. He said they were both great but very different. Off his description I chose the bisque. OMG! With my issues I need to be safe and this was so good. The food, the environment, but most importantly the service was great. If you are here, sit at the bar and hope that Danny's there and in charge. He gets it.

Small restaurant with ample sitting outside. We did not have reservations but able to get outdoor…read moreseating. It is under a tent with fan blowing for hot weather. I got the clam chowder to start. I was not use to the sourness of the chowder. It was like someone squeezed too much lemon into the chowder. Not a lot of clams either. I would not say that is a New England Calm Chowder. For entrees, we got the Rockfish and fried oyster Po' Boy. The only miss on the Rockfish is the corn. They were not sweet at all so do not match well with the clams. The fried oysters Po' Boy has a generous portion of oyster and fries. The dipping sauce was really good with the fries. Only miss is the pickle onions is really sour. To end the night, we had the key lime pie. It is a good ending to the night. Interestingly, I had sour tasting in all my food.