The Virginian – American
This storied local landmark invites guests into a warm, wood-toned sanctuary where the air is thick with the savory aroma of seared burgers and the comforting scent of bubbling cheese. The kitchen transforms American staples into soulful masterpieces, from golden-crusted signature crab cakes to bowls of their legendary, velvety mac 'n cheese that anchor every table. It is a timeless gathering spot where crisp, vibrant salads and hearty sandwiches are enjoyed amidst a lively atmosphere that feels like a perpetual homecoming.
1521 University Avenue, Charlottesville VA 22903 https://thevirginiancville.com/Rating: 1/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at The Virginian
Dairy-Free at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Salads and Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 2 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Salads and Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 4 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Signature Crab Cakes, Fresh Salads and Famous Mac 'n Cheese. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 1 high-protein-tagged dish on its current menu, including Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 1 keto-tagged dish on its current menu, including Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 1 low-carb-tagged dish on its current menu, including Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 1 nut-free-tagged dish on its current menu, including Burgers. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at The Virginian
The Virginian in Charlottesville has 1 vegan-tagged dish on its current menu, including Fresh Salads. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at The Virginian
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Burgers | 7 g | 11.8 g |
| Sandwiches | 26.8 g | 4.3 g |
| Famous Mac 'n Cheese | 8 g | 2.6 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently closed
Hours
- Monday - Saturday
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 AM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its nearly five-decade history and nostalgic charm, guests love visiting for sentimental milestones and appreciate the transparency of the open kitchen layout. Standout dishes include the classic grilled cheese, which diners highlight as a comforting staple of the menu. While reviewers note the importance of confirming specific dietary protocols with the staff, the atmosphere remains a long-standing fixture for those seeking a traditional and familiar dining experience.
Menu
Main Courses
A Charlottesville tradition since 1923.
- Burgers - $12.99: Best burgers in Charlottesville Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Sandwiches - $11.99: Assorted sandwiches Dietary tags: Halal, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: lunch
- Signature Crab Cakes - $18.99: House-made crab cakes Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Famous Mac 'n Cheese - $10.99: The Virginian's signature macaroni and cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
Freshly prepared salads.
- Fresh Salads - $9.99: Seasonal greens and fresh ingredients Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Frequently Asked Questions about The Virginian
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The menu accommodates diverse diets with vegan salads, vegetarian mac 'n cheese, and high-protein crab cakes, though staff should confirm specific protocols.
- What do customers love most about this restaurant according to reviews?
- Customers love the restaurant's nostalgic charm, nearly five-decade history, open kitchen layout, and the comforting classic grilled cheese.
- Is this a good spot for a date or special occasion?
- This historic spot is popular for sentimental milestones and nostalgic charm, though its very low 1.0/5 rating suggests inconsistent quality.
- What percentage of this menu works for vegan, keto, gluten-free, or low-carb diets?
- Fresh salads are the primary option for vegan, keto, gluten-free, and low-carb diets, while crab cakes provide a high-protein, pescatarian alternative.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- The Virginian has an average rating of 1.0/5 based on customer feedback and restaurant data.
- What is the price range at this restaurant?
- The Virginian is a budget-friendly ($) American restaurant offering affordable staples like burgers, sandwiches, and their famous mac 'n cheese.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- The restaurant's website is https://thevirginiancville.com/, though the provided data does not specify if online ordering is available.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Reviewers emphasize the importance of confirming specific dietary protocols with staff, despite the restaurant's nostalgic charm and comforting classic dishes.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- The Virginian specializes in American cuisine, featuring classic staples like burgers, sandwiches, signature crab cakes, and famous mac 'n cheese.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact The Virginian by visiting their website at https://thevirginiancville.com/ for more information.
- Is The Virginian dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. The Virginian has 2 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Fresh Salads and Burgers.
- What can I eat at The Virginian on a dairy-free diet?
- Fresh Salads and Burgers carry the dairy-free tag, out of 2 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does The Virginian have vegan options?
- Yes. 1 dish is tagged vegan on the current menu, including Fresh Salads.
- Is The Virginian gluten-free?
- 2 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at The Virginian?
- Burgers, at roughly 11.8g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
Restaurants near The Virginian
- Roots Natural Kitchen — American
- The Spot — American
- Mudhouse Coffee — American
- Corner Juice — American
- Trinity Irish Pub — American
- Boylan Heights — American
- Krissy Cakes — American
- Cake Bloom — American
- Kardinal Hall — American
- Oakhart Social Restaurant — American
- Give & Take Coffee — American
- Vision BBQ — American
