Afghan Kabob Palace
- Location: 400 Emmet St. N
- Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m., closed Sunday
- Distance from Rotunda: 0.6 miles
This stop is a Charlottesville staple that offers authentic Afghan cuisine with bold flavors, fresh ingredients and the culinary traditions in a cozy setting.
Head chef and owner Mohammad Zubair Shafiqi immigrated from Afghanistan in 2014 and became the sole owner during the pandemic. Since then, he has expanded to a new second location just off the Downtown Mall.
The extensive menu features appetizers like samosas and goshti (pastry shells filled with seasoned ground beef, served with a garlic yogurt dip). Soups include aush, made with Afghan noodles, vegetables and ground beef. The restaurant’s signature kabob meals feature seasoned skewered meats, including the chicken tandoori kabob marinated in bright red spices. Classic Middle Eastern favorites like falafel and hummus are also included in the menu.
I’m partial to the Combo No. 1, which comes with chicken and kofta (lamb) kabob, rice, salad and your choice of an additional side. I got the chickpeas, which were extremely flavorful with the perfect amount of spice.
For newcomers to Afghan cuisine, the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for $16.99, gives the perfect opportunity to sample different flavors. Given Charlottesville’s prominent Afghan population, this restaurant offers a taste of your neighbors’ cuisine.
The Virginian
- Location: 1521 University Ave.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily; brunch starting at 10 a.m. on Sunday
- Distance from Rotunda: 0.2 miles
A true Charlottesville classic, The Virginian has been serving the community since 1923, making it the city’s oldest restaurant. Originally opened as a soda fountain during prohibition, this Corner establishment has witnessed more than a century of local and national history while remaining a food and drink hub for students and residents alike.
The cozy space features a few booths and counter seating, creating an intimate atmosphere with a tiny kitchen that efficiently serves up comfort food classics. Despite the limited space, service moves quickly, so you won’t wait long for your food.
The menu offers starters like chicken quesadillas, pork barbecue nachos, French onion soup, fresh salads and a selection of 16 different sandwiches – all served with seasoned steak fries on the side. The standout mac ’n cheese has a creamy cheese sauce topped with a crispy fried hashbrown puck that has become The Virginian’s signature.
Sunday brunch (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) brings classics like French toast, omelets, breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy, and eggs Benedict. Its convenient location makes it perfect for catching up with friends or family before strolling around Grounds to walk off your meal.
Grit Coffee
- Location: 19 Elliewood Ave.
- Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Distance from Rotunda: 0.3 miles
Grit Coffee is a staple for local coffee enthusiasts and sleep-deprived UVA students. Located on Elliewood Avenue, this spot is just a 6-minute walk from the Rotunda – perfect for an off-Grounds treat before heading to class.
Grit Coffee opened its location near the University in 2008 and has since expanded to seven locations throughout Virginia.
Grit Coffee sources its coffee beans from farmers worldwide and roasts all its coffee in-house. Grit Coffee sells its beans, including the Side Hustle blend used for most espresso drinks.
An order at Grit is not complete without a pastry. Grit Coffee receives daily pastry deliveries from Seasons' Yield, a bakery and farm located in Shenandoah Valley. Options include croissants, chocolate chip and ginger molasses cookies, morning buns and more.
I enjoy their hot vanilla latte and a snickerdoodle cookie. The light layer of foam on the top of the latte is heavenly.
With two levels of indoor seating and several tables outside, Grit is perfect for completing homework or catching up with friends.
