Going out to brunch in Charlottesville is a delight as there are numerous options and get locations to choose from. Below are three that you may like!
MarieBette Café and Bakery
This is bar none most people’s go-to brunch, lunch and anytime destination on Rose Hill Drive, just past the intersection with Preston Avenue – the lines are typically out the door and you can get into some great conversations with people – there was one couple there recently who said they come up from Richmond every weekend just to have brunch there.
The first thing you notice as you open the door is the wonderful smell of fresh bread – something has usually come out of the oven and is resting on the baker’s trays, waiting to be added back into the glass case that wraps around Espresso and drinks station.
You have the option of picking up breakfast sandwiches, warm croissants and drinks and taking them to go, or to eating in the cafe space or at the outside tables on the patio, or waiting to sit in the indoor dining area.
Brunch starts early on Sundays here – at 8 am – and runs until 3 pm. It is hard to judge when to avoid the crowds as it is just a fact you will see them, but the lines do go fairly quickly – this is a place to linger and enjoy a conversation while you wait.
Everything on the menu is a delight for the senses – a true French bakery experience and one we guarantee will keep you coming back for more..
Commonwealth – outside
If you like to dine outside, Commonwealth/Skybar is a great place to start as Sundays are quiet on the Downtown Mall and you get a sense of being removed from the hustle and bustle that surround other restaurants with seating on the Mall itself. Brunch runs from 10 am to 3 pm so you can either be on the early or late side of lunch as your schedule permits.
There is a side deck with several tables of dining al fresco – the main dining room has windows that open to this deck on warmer days – or you can walk upstairs to the Skybar and people watch to your hearts content as many passersby never think to look up while walking down the Mall.
The menu changes often, but you can find old favorites like french toast, omelets, Eggs Benedict and waffles or choose something from the a la carte side. The new head chef is Harrison Keevil – a familiar face in the local chef world.
Beer Run
Another fun spot is Beer Run on Carlton Road – but don’t let the name fool you – this place offers a great espresso bar of coffee choices, wonderful vegan and vegetarian options and an emphasis on fun and filling brunch items.
Brunch is served from 11 am to 2:30 pm, but be sure to get there on the earlier side as this place does fill up fast – they do have outdoor seating under a tent or on their patio.
Their muffin or biscuit basket is a must choice and their egg dishes in particular are super yummy. If you like decadent french toast options then you can’t go wrong with their weekly specials.
