Bootleggers

Stopped by on our way through to Charlottesville. Parking isn't great. Had to meander around to find a space to park. Restaurant wasn't crowded for a Monday evening so was seated right away and chose to sit outside. Lovely views from the patio. Service was a bit slow. When we did order, the food came out pretty quickly. Had to go in and ask for napkins, silverware, and condiments. Hubby had the tuna burger. The fish was a bit overcooked but good. I had the southern belle, and it was yummy. Paired our burgers with onion rings and the garlic parm fries. They were both average. Overall the atmosphere/views make this place great, and the food is above average. Definitely give it a try if you get a chance. They were also playing great 80's music!!!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 2

Love, love, LOVE this place! My family and I always make a point to go to Bootleggers when we are in Lynchburg (which is not often!).

Very neat interior, and you can overlook the train tracks and canal/river when sitting outside. Our server Cara was awesome! She was super friendly and connected with our group easily.

The main reason my family comes here is their burgers are incredible! I like that you can build your own burger with the add-ons you want. Their panko-crusted onion rings are also very crispy and have a little zing to it with whatever seasonings they use. We also got dessert for the 1st time and... IT WAS SO GOOD! HIGHLY recommend the Bourbon caramel sunday. Be prepared, though, because it is big! Their strawberry milkshake has one of the best strawberry flavors I've had in a long time!

Bootleggers is a family tradition, and we will keep coming back whenever we are around!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great place! A little hard to find but plenty of signs pointing you down the stairs at the end of the short alley. Food was delightful. I had the create your own burger with egg, cheese, and chorizo, and an appetizer of loaded tots with their killer beer cheese. Definitely worth the short walk. Service was excellent, seating was good, and the view was beautiful. If you find yourself out this way, stop in! You'll enjoy it.
Unless your vegan or vegetarian. Though I'm confused you're trading a burger and whiskey joints reviews if you are.

Please include some fries with your expensive burgers!

This place is not what it used to be. Not sure if they've switched ownership or what. The burger meat used to be a blend of meats, now it's just black Angus patties. If you're getting a soda be ready cause you have to pay per drink cause they only have cans, which by the way are kept at room temperature. This place truly had something going for it, now it's dogshit.

The server only checked on us once, and drinks were flat. The view was awesome

The Smoking Gun was the best burger I’ve ever had! The view is lovely and houses a fun environment to enjoy great food, appetizers, and drinks (especially at Happy Hour).

Service was great! Our waiter knew about celiac, and it seems like staff are well advised about food intolerance/allergies. The gluten free bun was great! My mom and I believe it is the same one another restaurant I've reviewed before used. They also label the things that are gluten free, which was nice. And for being graduation weekend at Liberty, it wasn't too loud or anything when we went. Would recommend!.

The tuna burger was great. Everything was excellent.

Easily a top choice in downtown. Happy hour menu alone is worth a visit. Grab a table outside to enjoy the views.

**A Hidden Gem with Stunning Views and Exceptional Dining**

I had the pleasure of dining at this charming restaurant overlooking the James River, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the panoramic view—especially at sunset. The setting alone is worth the visit, offering a serene and picturesque backdrop that perfectly complements the dining experience.

The food was nothing short of outstanding. Every dish we tried was beautifully presented and packed with flavor, clearly prepared with care and fresh ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for some apps, unique burgers or even a salad, the menu has something for everyone, and the quality rivals that of far more expensive establishments.

What truly set the experience apart was the wait staff. They were incredibly attentive without being overbearing—friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about making our evening memorable. It felt like they took real pride in their work.

To top it all off, the prices were surprisingly reasonable for the level of service and quality offered. It’s rare to find a spot that delivers such a complete package: amazing views, delicious food, stellar service, and fair prices. We’ll definitely be back—and bringing friends next time!

Excellent burgers and an extensive selection of liquor

Great Happy Hour.

First off, kudos for offering a delicious gluten free bun, AND for indicating the gluten free items already on the menu!

The San Miguel burger was superb, with just the right amount of heat to it! The Butcher's Choice was well flavored, with a great horseradish mustard. Both burgers were cooked exactly to order, not overcooked like most places. The Potachos were so much fun, with an impressive amount of toppings and the house made chips were perfect!

Our server, Eden, was friendly, attentive, and helpful.

The only thing I'd suggest for this restaurant (and the reason they didn't earn five stars) is to offer fountain drinks, rather than just canned soda.

One of the few worthwhile food joints in Lynchburg. Fantastic burgers. Reasonable whiskey prices. Decent beer selection. Nice location with fun patio and warehouse feel.