Coming to Cville? This Downtown Charlottesville Information will stroll you thru a few of the finest eating places, bars, and issues to do.
Charlottesville, VA is a small metropolis with large appeal! Nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and residential to the College of Virginia, it’s recognized for its historic buildings, vibrant artwork galleries, unbelievable meals scene, and stay music that spills out onto the streets. Probably the most beloved areas to discover is the downtown mall—a pedestrian-only stretch that has been the guts of Charlottesville for many years.

After residing right here for 15 years, I’ve eaten, sipped, and strolled my method via numerous spots on the mall. There are such a lot of nice locations to select from, however at this time I’m sharing my very favorites on this Downtown Charlottesville Information that can assist you profit from your go to. Whether or not you’re coming for a day journey, a weekend getaway, otherwise you’re a neighborhood searching for contemporary inspiration, this publish is for you.
Downtown Charlottesville Information
This information is ideal for first-time guests, foodies trying to find the finest charlottesville eating places, or dad and mom searching for kid-friendly actions. You’ll discover every little thing from cozy espresso outlets to elegant nice eating, plus enjoyable actions for each children and adults. When you take pleasure in this, you may additionally like a few of my different posts like Wineries in Charlottesville, Greatest Breweries, Greatest Lunch Spots in Charlottesville VA, or Greatest Day Journeys From Cville.
The place Is Downtown Charlottesville?
Downtown Charlottesville is positioned proper within the coronary heart of the town, a few mile from the College of Virginia. The realm is anchored by the downtown mall, which stretches for about eight blocks of brick-paved pedestrian walkways lined with outlets, cafes, bars, and theaters. The Omni Lodge anchors one finish with the Ting Pavilion on the opposite (the place Fridays After 5 exhibits are hosted each Friday within the hotter months together with mid-sized concert events).
When you’re driving, you possibly can park in one of many public parking garages or floor heaps simply off the mall. There may be additionally a lot of road parking in case you’re courageous sufficient to parallel. The Market Road and Water Road garages are the preferred and are each centrally positioned. When you want public transit, Charlottesville Space Transit buses cease close by, and the Amtrak station is only a brief stroll away. The mall is flat and totally walkable, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Be aware: bikes aren’t allowed!


What To Do In Downtown Charlottesville
There’s extra to downtown than simply meals! Listed below are my favourite issues to do on the mall:
The Paramount Theater
A fantastically restored historic venue, The Paramount is the place to go for concert events, exhibits, and particular movie screenings. It’s family-friendly, elegant, and at all times a deal with to go to. Test to see if there’s a present whilst you’re right here.
Ting Pavilion
An out of doors live performance venue that anchors the east finish of the downtown mall, Ting Pavilion is residence to Charlottesville’s free Fridays After 5 live performance collection within the spring and summer time, plus bigger touring acts and festivals all year long. It’s top-of-the-line locations on the town to take pleasure in stay music and/or let children play within the grass.
The Jefferson Theater
Situated proper on the downtown mall, the historic Jefferson Theater is one other unbelievable stay music venue. The wooden-floor, mostly-standing house hosts every little thing from common bands to native performances to DJ events, making it a should for music lovers.
Violet Crown Cinema
This boutique movie show exhibits each indie and mainstream movies and has the bonus of a full bar and kitchen. Seize dinner and a film multi functional spot!
Immersion Escape Room
Excellent for a gaggle of mates or households with teenagers, the Escape Room challenges you to resolve puzzles and work as a crew to “escape” earlier than time runs out.
Many years Arcade
Step again in time and play your favourite arcade classics from the 80s and 90s. It’s nostalgic enjoyable for adults and a complete hit with children and teenagers!
Virginia Discovery Museum
When you’re touring with little ones, the Discovery Museum is a should. This hands-on, interactive museum is ideal for teenagers underneath 10 and supplies a lot of totally different play-based studying actions.
The place To Eat In Downtown Charlottesville VA
Now for the perfect half—the meals! Downtown Charlottesville is filled with eating places, bars, and cafes, however listed below are my prime picks after 15 years of eating out:
Greatest General Restaurant: Zocalo
With its trendy Latin menu, Zocalo is my go-to for teams. The cocktails are top-notch, the stuffed pepper entree is my favourite dish, and the patio is ideal for heat evenings and folks watching. Situated at 201 E. Essential St., it’s smack in the midst of the downtown mall.


Greatest Fancy Restaurant: Fleurie
When you’re celebrating one thing particular, Fleurie is a should. The French-inspired tasting menu is elegant and crammed with pleasant surprises from begin to end.


Greatest Bars: A Six-Means Tie
- Whiskey Jar for the S’mores Outdated Common. It’s on the sweeter aspect however SO GOOD.
- Bebedero for the unforgettable drink “Donde Estan Mis Pantalones?” Simply belief me!
- Zocalo once more, however this time for the margarita flight!
- Bang for his or her inventive martini menu.
- The Alley Mild, if you may get in, for its speakeasy vibes.
- Crush Pad for wine!


Greatest Lunch Spots
- Nook Juice for his or her sandwiches and wholesome smoothies.
- Tilman’s for salads, paninis, and French bites—very a lot in my common rotation.
- Tea Bazaar within the winter for its cozy vibe, Moroccan mint tea, and the wholesome salmon salad.
These lunch spots are a part of what I additionally lined in my Greatest Lunch Spots in Charlottesville VA publish—in case you’re exploring downtown, that publish gives you much more concepts.




Greatest Espresso Store: Grit Espresso
Brilliant, trendy, and filled with pure gentle, Grit Espresso is the place I am going for my morning latte or a day pick-me-up whereas people-watching.


Greatest Dessert: Chaps Ice Cream
A Charlottesville traditional, Chaps serves up scoops of home made ice cream. The birthday cake taste is a must-try.


Last Ideas
You might say I stay on the downtown mall — I’m there on a regular basis, whether or not I’m sipping espresso at Grit, catching a present on the Paramount, or grabbing dinner at Zocalo. With its mixture of historic buildings, stay music, household actions, and unbelievable eating places, the downtown mall is a spot the place everybody can discover one thing they love.
When you’re planning your go to, begin with this information, and don’t miss my full listing of the finest charlottesville eating places for much more eating inspiration.