As our world — Charlottesville included — continues to roll back coronavirus-related restrictions, more restaurants are opening with increased options for diners. Plenty of Corner favorites are back with takeout, delivery and sit-down meals. In this time of uncertainty, a delicious meal can go a long way to restore a sense of normalcy, and supporting local businesses is always an added bonus. Let this be your guide to both a responsible yet delicious meal on the Corner.
In-person dining
Many of the Corner’s restaurants — especially those featuring outdoor seating or patio space — are welcoming customers back with open arms. Masks are required to enter many of these establishments, but aren’t necessarily mandated once eating at your table. Kick back and enjoy a meal, a drink and allow yourself to pretend — if only for a moment — that life is back to normal.
Boylan Heights remains open Thursday through Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., though the kitchen closes at 9 p.m. The chicken fingers, curly fries and honey mustard are a must try. There’s patio space for outdoor seating and you won’t spend too much money — expect around $20 for an entree, fries and a drink.
The Virginian is open Wednesday through Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Their macaroni and cheese is a go-to for any comfort food lover. You can expect to spend around $30 for an entree, starter and a drink.
Crozet Pizza Buddhist Biker Bar is open Tuesday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday and Monday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. A small, personal sized pizza will run you about $12. Try making your own customizable pizza — gluten free options are available too.
Thyme & Co is whipping up their Lebanese fare Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by for a friendly smile, savory chicken wrap and healthy but filling lunch. A wrap and a side will come out to around $15.
Fig Bistro's infamous brunch, complete with $2 mimosa pints, is still in service. Stop by for a delicious and well-priced brunch Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. or Sunday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can expect to spend around $15 for an entree and mimosa. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
Lemongrass offers their delicious sushi and Thai food Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Order by calling their restaurant, using Doordash or checking out their website. Make sure to check out their fresh and filling California rolls and the spicy fried rice with basil. You can easily make a meal from Lemongrass, including an entree and appetizer, for under $20.
Asado has opened their doors again, offering their delicious wings and margaritas every day — Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. and Thursday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The Biltmore is serving customers Thursday through Sunday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Pronto! is open weekdays 12 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with delicious fresh pasta perfect for a to-go bite.
Kuma Sushi-Noodles and Bar is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Trinity Irish Pub is now open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
Takeout Only
Many Corner restaurants have adopted takeout systems instead of reopening their indoor or outdoor dining spaces. So If you’re not comfortable dining in at a restaurant yet, a great way to support local restaurants — and eat something you didn’t have to cook — is by picking up takeout from your favorite places. This is a great way to save on those pricey delivery fees — you can instead put that money towards tipping restaurant workers or donating to a verified Black Lives Matter or COVID-19 relief organization.
Michael’s Bistro is offering curbside pickup from its Corner location Monday through Saturday 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Michael’s Bistro boasts some of the nicest dining on the Corner but you can easily put together a meal for under $25. Try their Thai Chicken Curry or the Grilled Ahi Tuna Sandwich for a light and delicious meal.
Mellow Mushroom is offering their delicious pizzas from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. One small specialty pizza will cost you $12 and a medium specialty pizza will ring up at $19. I recommend you check out my favorite veggie-loaded option — the Kosmic Karma. Mellow Mushroom offers phone-in ordering and online ordering via their website.
Bodo’s has absolutely stepped up to the plate, offering the highest quality of service, food and distancing. The Corner location is offering walk up service, but you can find drive-through service at the Preston and Emmett locations. Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bodo’s has continued its reputable efficiency and the bagels are as fresh as ever. Even if the drive-through line is eight cars deep, I assure you that your bagel will be freshly prepared within minutes for under $10.
Takeout and Delivery
Living in a fast-paced college town means restaurants thrive offering quick and easy takeout options. Many of these traditionally grab-and-go spots are functioning much in the same way — just add a mask. If you choose to minimize your risk and exposure further, check out the great delivery options offered by calling the restaurants or placing an order through food delivery apps like GrubHub or UberEats.
Delivery food doesn’t have to be junky — everyone’s favorite quick and healthy salad stop, Roots, is available for pickup or delivery Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can place your order through GrubHub, Uber Eats or on the Roots app, which is available on the App Store. You can expect to spend around $10 on a Roots bowl. Check out the menu to see their bowls or design one of your own.
Corner Juice has mastered the art of efficient, fresh and healthy takeout food. Corner Juice is open on the Corner everyday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on the Downtown Mall 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by their pickup windows for a delicious smoothie, sandwich or my favorite, the avocado toast with lox. Corner Juice can be a bit pricey if you get both a sandwich and smoothie — sometimes up to $18 — but their rewards system offers money off for regular customers. Check out Corner Juice at either of their locations, on the Toast Takeout app or on their website.
College Inn remains open with its classic late night bites and comfort food open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. If their cheesy bread has been in your rotation for a little too long, try branching out for their delicious Greek Chicken Gyro and fries for around $11. Their slightly greasy but delicious fare can be ordered on Grubhub or through the online ordering services available on their website.
The Corner’s most notable dumpling spot, Got Dumplings, is open for takeout and delivery on GrubHub and UberEats every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.. The pork dumplings are a classic and all-time favorite for many, but I highly recommend the curry chicken or shrimp and chive dumplings. The ramen soup with added dumplings is a great comfort food that is sure to hit the spot every time. Got Dumplings also offers fantastic prices for the amount of food they offer — you can get a combo plate of dumplings and two sides for just under $8.
For some of Charlottesville’s most authentic Chinese eats, go for Ginkgo Chinese. Ginkgo is open Monday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also find Ginkgo on Grubhub.
Your favorite late night slice is back. Christian’s Pizza is open Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., as well as offering delivery on Grubhub.
Poke Bowl is open every day 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on UberEats and GrubHub, perfect for a light and tropical meal that will support those staycation vibes.
Marco & Luca is open 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m on weekdays and is available on GrubHub for delivery.
Temporarily Closed
Not all of our favorite spots have been able to reopen their doors yet during this trying time. But hopefully we can revisit these Corner staples when they return.
Juice Laundry — the Preston location is open for takeout
Take it Away — check out their Sunday pop-up at the Dairy Market to satisfy your sandwich cravings
Permanently Closed
Sadly some Corner favorites had to permanently close their doors — we hope the best for their employees and owners.
Arch’s Frozen Yogurt
Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
Make sure to mask up, social distance and wash your hands frequently to keep both our community and your loved ones safe. Happy dining.
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