16 Best Cocktail Bars in Charlottesville

Chateau Lobby Bar Cocktail Bar • $$$
122 Oakhurst Cir, Charlottesville

“The lobby bar and bartender were wonderful!!! We arrived late needing a bite to eat. She kindly made us a charcuterie board right at closing time. It wasn’t thrown together, it was handsome and delicious. Everything about this place was wonderful!!“

4.2 Good6 Reviews
Mockingbird Southern • $$
421 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Local Bison Hanger Steak
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Southern Shrimp & Grits
Fried Green Tomatoes
Bourbon Glazed Salmon
Braised Short Ribs
Shrimp and Grits
Goat Cheese Salad
Biscuit Basket

“We are repeat customers. The food is always great with innovative twists on southern comfort food. The friendliest staff in Cville.“

4.6 Superb121 Reviews
Pikasso Swig Cocktail Bar • $
333 2nd St SE, Charlottesville

“Had such a great belated birthday party with work friends. Jamie and her staff are amazing. they make you fell so welcome and ensure that you have a good time. Every thing was great from the music the food the drinks the painting. FABULOUS!!!!! if your looking to destress this is the place to go“

4.9 Superb95 Reviews
Lost Saint Cocktail Bar • $
333 W Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Hand Cut Fries

“Hidden beneath Tavern & Grocery, Lost Saint is one of Charlottesville’s best-kept secrets. The speakeasy vibe is intimate and stylish — low lighting, vintage touches, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

The cocktails are exceptional — creative, balanced, and beautifully presented. The bartenders are true professionals who can craft something unique based on your tastes. Service is always friendly and attentive without being pretentious. Lindsey and Connor were absolutely amazing!

Whether you’re on a date or out with friends, this is the perfect spot for a top-tier drink and great conversation. Easily one of the best cocktail bars in town.“

3.8 Good116 Reviews
Hamiltons' at First & Main American • $$$
101 W Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Country Ham Biscuits with Pickled Peaches Stone Ground Mustard and Arugula
Blue Crab and Corn Bisque with Bacon and Chives
Grilled Local Dry-Aged Beef Tenderloin
Crab Cake Sandwich with Homemade Chips
Vegetarian Blue Plate Special
Fish Entree of the Day
Jumbo Lump Crabcake
Seared Duck Breast
Homemade Apple Pie
Shrimp and Grits

“Service excellence. Perfect setting. Fantastic food. Everything was great“

4.4 Superb452 Reviews
The Fitzroy American • $$
120 E Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Steak Frites with Fries
Fried Chicken Sandwich
Baked Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese
The Fitzroy Burger
Hand Cut Fries
Fitz Burger
Cobb Salad
Pork Chop
Risotto

“My friend and I picked this place due to wanting to enjoy a rooftop while in Savannah. We shared a Caesar salad and each ordered a crab cake. Both were excellent. The crab cake has to be the best one I have ever had and I have had a lot of crab cakes. We agreed that it melted in your mouth. We split a delicious flourless chocolate tart for dessert. A great experience and good service.“

4.3 Superb99 Reviews
Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery - Charlottesville American • $$
520 2nd St SE, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

C-Ville Hot Chicken Sandwich
Craft Beer Flight Sampler
Parmesan Garlic Fries
Uncool Pretzel Prost
All American Burger
Sweet Potato Fries
2nd Street Nachos
Pretzel Bites
Mac & Cheese
Local Lager

“Staff were very attentive and helpful with our food and beverage selection. When it got crowded, it got a little loud but you could still hold a conversation. T-shirts and goodies were cheap!!!! Parking was good. I'll go back when I visit!!“

4.2 Good149 Reviews
Cafe Frank French • $$$
317 E Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Risotto with Bay Scallops
Roasted Duck Leg
Sea Bass Special
Seared Scallops
Moules Frites
Lobster Soup
Coq Au Vin
Ahi Tuna
Sorbet

“We went for a girls night out to celebrate wonderful friends. The food, wine recommendations and service were outstanding. The fried mushrooms were absolutely delicious. And the scallops with squid ink risotto was the best. We also enjoyed the halibut and creme brulee. Our server, Dylan, was fun and appropriately attentive. He made great recommendations on the food and wine.“

4.3 Superb267 Reviews
The Livery Stable (LWs) Pubs • $
120 Old Preston Ave, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Pepperoni and Sausage Pizza Topped
Hillbilly Bruschetta
Pepperoni Pizza
Seasonal Salad
French Fries

“We were there to see Billy Strings. After the concert we went to LW’s Livery Stable! What a great bar! The owner was so welcoming and an absolute blast! We talked about guitars and concerts! I would highly recommend and will be going back again!!“

4.4 Superb41 Reviews
10

Tonic

Tonic American • $$
609 E Market St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Brussels Mushrooms and Grits
Open Faced Tomato Sandwich
Curried Sweet Potato Soup
Salad with Salmon Patty
Sad Salmon Burger
Crispy Potatoes
Baked Ricotta
Deviled Eggs
Pickled Eggs

“Tonic, a hidden gem of Cville?

Tonic so far has not failed us. Early in the pandemic it was hit and miss, however we have gone back for brunch and dinner. So, its the kind of place that you should know about. The atmosphere, if you're sitting outdoor, its lovely especially in the fall, spring or winter cool, the cocktails are inventive, and selective. I personal am not a Gin fan, however they do have a different drink for everyone. Tequila, whiskey, vodka and an Aperol spritz. Also, drinks are reasonable for Cville. NOW, the food! Absolutely delicious.

I ordered the spicy chicken sandwich, and not your average sandwich. They use a juicy, chicken thigh that’s perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection. I think double or triple breaded. SO MUCH CRUNCH FACTOR like, audible-in-a-quiet-room kind of crunch. The spice level hits a sweet and bold spice, just enough to wake up your taste buds, but balanced.

The staff is very nice, however if a large party is there just be prepared, because they do the best they can, with what they have.

if you got this far, sorry for no photos. I'm the person that will usually leave my phone at home, so I can have more engaging with my guest. Cheers everyone!“

4.1 Good85 Reviews
The Bebedero Mexican • $$
201 W Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Tinga Quesadilla
Avocado Minichangas
Nachos with Chorizo
Birria Queso Tacos
Tres Leches Cake
Chips and Salsa
Burrito Del Dia
Street Tacos
Shrimp Tacos
Taco 2 Ways

“Every time I've been here the Bartenders have been insanely friendly. And the owner is a friend of my good friend Jackie and I only hear good things about her! I hope to be back sometime soon. 10/10 every time. Unsure if this is something already done. I didn't see a changing drink menu. But it'd be really awesome seeing a seasonal mezcal cocktail menu with the fruits of the season. Maybe just one a month or every few weeks. if this is something already done ignore me! I love this place and can't wait to come back. I recommend it to my friends all the time.“

4.2 Good201 Reviews
Ellie's Country Club Bar • $
16 Elliewood Ave, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Loaded Tater Tot Nachos

“Can't speak on the food because I have never had it but service is solid and atmosphere is unmatched. It's rarely if ever so crowded that you are uncomfortable and they more often than not will have live music. Easily my favorite spot to go close to grounds.“

4.2 Good24 Reviews
Southern Crescent Galley and Bar Cajun/Creole • $$
814 Hinton Ave, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Fried Green Tomatoes
Blackened Catfish
Key Lime Pie
Fried Shrimp
House Salad
Muffuletta
Jambalaya
Beignet

“Nola food and drink and great people!“

4 Good66 Reviews
Tavern & Grocery American • $$$
333 W Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Croissant Sandwich
Duck Hash Browns
Scallop Risotto
Eggs Benedict
Bison Tartare
Bison Steak
Kale Salad
Hamburger
Brussels
Burger

“Really great service and the food was incredible. As a business traveler, I look for locally owned restaurants. I'll definitely be back in the future.“

3.8 Good201 Reviews
Plaza Azteca Mexican Restaurant Mexican • $
101 Seminole Ct, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Frozen Lime Margarita and Chips with Salsa
Enchiladas San Miguel
Seafood Chimichangas
Black Beans and Rice
Molcajete Azteca
Chicken Fajitas
Tacos Al Pastor
Fresh Guacamole
Fajitas for Two
Texas Fajitas

“Fabulous meal, yummy drinks! table side guacamole was delicious!!!“

3.8 Good127 Reviews
The Ridley Southern • $$
1106 W Main St, Charlottesville

Customers` Favorites

Restaurant Week Blackened Catfish Entree
The Draftsman Old Fashioned
Fried Brussels Sprouts
Jalapeño Corn Bread
Fried Green Tomatoes
Chicken and Waffles
Skillet Cornbread
The Ridley Burger
Chicken Sandwich
Steakhouse Burger

“My best friends, husband and I had dinner there on Saturday evening. My choice. We had the most endearing, lovely server, Shelly. Driving from Virginia Beach, she really made our Anniversary special. She sang Happy Anniversary while presenting us the most amazing chocolate dessert! Highly recommend to anyone celebrating anything special in their lives!“

3.8 Good439 Reviews