Restaurants Charlottesville

Hey there!

I decided to start my review of Charlottesville Restaurants with one of my favorite places to eat, C&O restaurant.

(Located at 515 East Water Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 on the Downtown Mall. 434.971.7044)

C&O has been open since 1976 and is a staple in many folks diets…and a place where many folks in C-ville go to meet up.

It’s got 2-sides: conservative upstairs and casual downstairs…

While C&O serves its dinner menu (the best item on the main menu in my opinion is the Steak Chinoise, which is tender with a terrific gravy) until 11, they are one of the few places to eat in Charlottesville late because they offer a late night menu until 2 AM.

The best thing on the late night menu as far as I’m concerned is the barbecue chicken which is served with the C&Os hot bread, but the artichoke dip is fantastic if you’re looking for a change-up…

Many folks go to C&O for the drinks and the company. Live bands occasionally play downstairs, but actually it’s sometimes too crowded when that happens, so I’d advise to go on nights when they don’t have entertainment if you’re a bit claustrophobic.

(Props to the folks at C&O because it’s unusual for this town because most places without an event have a little bit of difficulty drawing a crowd.)

The wine menu is great, stocked with many Virginia wines. Ask the bartenders for recommendations.

The patio seating is a nice change of pace if you’re on a date, but I find the upstairs a bit stuffy.

Actually, I find the informal basement a lot more fun, and I rarely eat upstairs.

The best thing about C&O in my opinion is the consistency of the service and the menu.

Most of the folks who work there are dedicated and professional, and the food hasn’t changed much in the ten years I’ve been going there.

More recommendations from the main menu include the Cubans steak, which is a marinated rib eye. If you’re a fish lover the Pan Fried Trout is good.

Now I will warn you that the main menu is pricey for C-ville dining. Perhaps that’s one reason that I tend towards the late night menu…

But it’s difficult to beat C&O for a nice date or a special occasion.

It’s all happening,

Mike Long

Mike owns Bring the Fresh, a high value online marketing advice site. He’s a long time Charlottesville Restaurant aficionado.

P.S. Next time: One of Charlottesville’s best kept secrets, especially for music lovers: the Box.