16 Best Cocktail Bars in 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!!“

“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“

“Over the course of the last month or so we have been there three times. We highly recommend this restaurant and have yet to have a bad experience. Contrary to the negative reviews on here I cannot say that we have experience anything stated. All of our food has come out with great presentation and very tasty. The wait staff has always been very attentive however, I will say they are challenged at times due to the amount of staff that they have versus the amount of tables that they serve. Taking that into consideration, our food has always come out in a reasonable amount of time, has always been to temp and we have had no complaints about the food or service at any point. I will stay that people have to be mindful. This is not fast food. The food at this restaurant is made to order and they offer specials every week so if you’re looking for something more immediate, this is definitely not the restaurant for you however, if you’re looking for a well crafted meal then this definitely is a place for you. I would recommend going on their date night for a great deal.“

“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.“

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

“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!!“

“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.“

“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.“

“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.“

“Up on the Roof is easily one of my favorite spots in Charlottesville! The views are gorgeous, especially at sunset, and the atmosphere is always so welcoming. The staff are friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the drinks are consistently creative and well made. The food menu has something for everyone — I especially love how fresh and flavorful everything tastes. Whether you’re meeting friends, going on a date, or just want to unwind after a long day, this place never disappoints. Highly recommend!“

“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.“

“Nola food and drink and great people!“

“This bar is everything! They were incredibly classy and very accommodating to our large bachelorette party. Brandon was our server and he was both professional and hilarious! I absolutely recommend!“

“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.“

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

“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!“