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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Patty CANAVAN
Glad we stopped at this establishment. We only had a drink and appetizer (feta spread with grilled bread) but loved the outdoor atmosphere and friendly service. There is also indoor seating. Feta spread was nicely flavored with lemon zest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karl Candelaria
A nice chill place for some drinks
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Emily Palmer
We've had several delicious meals at Tonic - we absolutely love the snack boards to start, and the ever-changing entrees are a hit every time - definitely appreciate the shift with the seasons.
Plenty of gluten free options and the variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is much appreciated. The outdoor seating is the cherry on top in nice weather!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Grits, Deviled Eggs
Windy Forch
What a great outdoor space , great location , good service . But, oh my goodness , food was incredibly disappointing . There are 2 “main” salads on the menu - at 6:00 PM , one was no longer available . I had the eggplant sandwich - it was good , open faced but certainly not a portion that would feed a heartier appetite . Very over priced for what it was . I would recommend going for a cocktail , maybe a small plate app but def not for dinner . Really a shame as a wonderful space
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Lawrence Dortch
I really struggled whether not to give this place a three-star rating or a two-star rating mostly because the portions were ridiculously small especially for the price. I ordered the shrimping grits it was $26 and it was like the portion size of an appetizer My wife ordered a salmon sandwich and there was more bread than salmon and I literally left hungry. Flavor of the food was okay he was fine it just wasn't enough of it and I'm not saying that you have to serve so much that someone's taking home dinner for the next night but I shouldn't leave hungry at any price. One thing that really got me which was just sort of threw me off a little bit was the hose was really adamant about people having reservations then was make it seem as if us not having reservations was going to be a big issue when there was literally one couple at the restaurant at the time I mean one other couple there and he was saying that there were some 6:00 reservations but we arrived at 5:00 technically 5:09 because I checked my watch. When we receded and eating another couple came and sat down and they didn't like where they were seated so they got up to move to another seat like two tables over and the guy came over and said oh no you can't move we have reservations and that don't mess up the seating or something to that effect and it seemed really really odd and overly aggressive considering that there was virtually no one there. By the time we left which was right around 6:00 there were a few people that started to come in but even after we had walked around for a big got dessert and came back it wasn't like the place was jam packed there was still plenty of seating in the place and I was sitting outdoors there was plenty of seating outdoors and for what I saw There was no one sitting indoors. I have to say I would not go back here The food was just okay the prices were high considering the amount of food that you got if I received a full-size normal portion that had me not leaving hungry I would have been fine with the dollar amount but because of the small amount of food I felt like it was way overpriced. I will say though I had a nice brown ale that was cold and good I mean it's hard to go wrong with a nice cold beer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
TM
Great spot to be enjoy the great summer weather at a lovely patio! Cocktails are great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dyl
Good service and espresso martinis
Food: 5
Service: 5
Catherine Jackson Moynihan
We love Tonic! Reliably delicious food with good veggies. Service staff seemed a tad shorthanded but super nice and covering for each other so we were well served. In
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Josie Hurley
Yum!! I tried the whiskey berry smash and was floating. It was refreshing and smooth like a whiskey sour but with a perfect sweet comfort from the berry and bourbon. I’d come here again and again for the drinks.
We came in for dinner this Sunday and left disappointed. The main issue was my wife's chicken was burnt and overcooked. Not blackened, it was completely burnt on the outside. You couldn't even taste anything except burnt skin. My phone was dead so unfortunately I couldn't get a picture.
The fact that the expo, cook, and server sent this out, we decided we had no confidence to ask for a replacement from the staff. There restaurant was almost empty at the time, so it's not like they were slammed.
The rockfish was good at least or I would have given them 1 star. The pickled shrimp was pretty disappointing as well. No flavor, there was 1 pepper slice in the dish and just shrimp with, and saltine crackers for $14. Maybe the dish just wasn't for me but I wasn't too upset about that until they served us the burnt chicken.
The servers were nice, drinks were okay. The atmosphere is nice outdoors ,but I definitely would not return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Trish Kennedy
We’d just arrived in Charlottesville and wanted a fun lunch. Tonic was so much more than we expected. The cantaloupe soup was equal to a Michelin Star restaurant. The grilled bread with whipped Feta was the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy with a beautiful herb flavor. The summer salad with a grilled chicken thigh had so many layers of flavor we couldn’t stop except for our open faced heirloom tomato sandwich which had the most pure Virginia tomato flavor it made me think of my grandma from Alberene Va where she grew the best tomatoes . 🍅 I forgot to mention the cocktails, I had the chamomile and cucumber sonic cocktail with a chamomile and cucumber flavor which was a beautiful combination. My son had the handmade margarita and loved the bright fresh flavors. Despite the warm day we sat outside on the shaded terrace which was surprisingly cool with an elegant water statue. If you can only have one meal in Cville have it at Tonic!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nathan Kilduff
Nice outdoor patio with a relaxing atmosphere. We very much enjoyed the way they cooked their crispy potatoes and the entrees were good. Service was a bit slow to start and they didn't seem very busy, but overall it was a good experience. Would recommend Tonic for a nice night out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Katelyn Retzer
Sunday brunch was SO GOOD. We got the Turkish eggs with the best sour dough and also the avocado toast! 10/10 Will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jimena Ruiz Castro
Food is a little pricey but the terrace is gorgeous and the drinks are amazing.
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!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glad we stopped at this establishment. We only had a drink and appetizer (feta spread with grilled bread) but loved the outdoor atmosphere and friendly service. There is also indoor seating. Feta spread was nicely flavored with lemon zest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A nice chill place for some drinks
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
We've had several delicious meals at Tonic - we absolutely love the snack boards to start, and the ever-changing entrees are a hit every time - definitely appreciate the shift with the seasons.
Plenty of gluten free options and the variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is much appreciated. The outdoor seating is the cherry on top in nice weather!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Grits, Deviled Eggs
What a great outdoor space , great location , good service . But, oh my goodness , food was incredibly disappointing . There are 2 “main” salads on the menu - at 6:00 PM , one was no longer available . I had the eggplant sandwich - it was good , open faced but certainly not a portion that would feed a heartier appetite . Very over priced for what it was . I would recommend going for a cocktail , maybe a small plate app but def not for dinner . Really a shame as a wonderful space
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
I really struggled whether not to give this place a three-star rating or a two-star rating mostly because the portions were ridiculously small especially for the price. I ordered the shrimping grits it was $26 and it was like the portion size of an appetizer My wife ordered a salmon sandwich and there was more bread than salmon and I literally left hungry. Flavor of the food was okay he was fine it just wasn't enough of it and I'm not saying that you have to serve so much that someone's taking home dinner for the next night but I shouldn't leave hungry at any price. One thing that really got me which was just sort of threw me off a little bit was the hose was really adamant about people having reservations then was make it seem as if us not having reservations was going to be a big issue when there was literally one couple at the restaurant at the time I mean one other couple there and he was saying that there were some 6:00 reservations but we arrived at 5:00 technically 5:09 because I checked my watch. When we receded and eating another couple came and sat down and they didn't like where they were seated so they got up to move to another seat like two tables over and the guy came over and said oh no you can't move we have reservations and that don't mess up the seating or something to that effect and it seemed really really odd and overly aggressive considering that there was virtually no one there. By the time we left which was right around 6:00 there were a few people that started to come in but even after we had walked around for a big got dessert and came back it wasn't like the place was jam packed there was still plenty of seating in the place and I was sitting outdoors there was plenty of seating outdoors and for what I saw There was no one sitting indoors. I have to say I would not go back here The food was just okay the prices were high considering the amount of food that you got if I received a full-size normal portion that had me not leaving hungry I would have been fine with the dollar amount but because of the small amount of food I felt like it was way overpriced. I will say though I had a nice brown ale that was cold and good I mean it's hard to go wrong with a nice cold beer.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Great spot to be enjoy the great summer weather at a lovely patio! Cocktails are great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good service and espresso martinis
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love Tonic! Reliably delicious food with good veggies. Service staff seemed a tad shorthanded but super nice and covering for each other so we were well served. In
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Yum!! I tried the whiskey berry smash and was floating. It was refreshing and smooth like a whiskey sour but with a perfect sweet comfort from the berry and bourbon. I’d come here again and again for the drinks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
We came in for dinner this Sunday and left disappointed. The main issue was my wife's chicken was burnt and overcooked. Not blackened, it was completely burnt on the outside. You couldn't even taste anything except burnt skin. My phone was dead so unfortunately I couldn't get a picture.
The fact that the expo, cook, and server sent this out, we decided we had no confidence to ask for a replacement from the staff. There restaurant was almost empty at the time, so it's not like they were slammed.
The rockfish was good at least or I would have given them 1 star. The pickled shrimp was pretty disappointing as well. No flavor, there was 1 pepper slice in the dish and just shrimp with, and saltine crackers for $14. Maybe the dish just wasn't for me but I wasn't too upset about that until they served us the burnt chicken.
The servers were nice, drinks were okay. The atmosphere is nice outdoors ,but I definitely would not return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
We’d just arrived in Charlottesville and wanted a fun lunch. Tonic was so much more than we expected. The cantaloupe soup was equal to a Michelin Star restaurant. The grilled bread with whipped Feta was the perfect mix of crunchy and creamy with a beautiful herb flavor. The summer salad with a grilled chicken thigh had so many layers of flavor we couldn’t stop except for our open faced heirloom tomato sandwich which had the most pure Virginia tomato flavor it made me think of my grandma from Alberene Va where she grew the best tomatoes . 🍅 I forgot to mention the cocktails, I had the chamomile and cucumber sonic cocktail with a chamomile and cucumber flavor which was a beautiful combination. My son had the handmade margarita and loved the bright fresh flavors. Despite the warm day we sat outside on the shaded terrace which was surprisingly cool with an elegant water statue. If you can only have one meal in Cville have it at Tonic!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice outdoor patio with a relaxing atmosphere. We very much enjoyed the way they cooked their crispy potatoes and the entrees were good. Service was a bit slow to start and they didn't seem very busy, but overall it was a good experience. Would recommend Tonic for a nice night out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Sunday brunch was SO GOOD. We got the Turkish eggs with the best sour dough and also the avocado toast! 10/10 Will return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food is a little pricey but the terrace is gorgeous and the drinks are amazing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
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