Michie Tavern Charlottesville VA

Michie Tavern is a very historic tavern. Originally located about 17 miles down the road, it has an interesting history. Today you can take a tour, do some shopping and have lunch. Tours begin on the half-hour so we decided since it was 1:25 p.m. it made more sense to take the tour first even though we were hungry. By 2:15 p.m. we were really hungry. There is a sign outside that says "wait to be let in", we barely reached the porch before the door was opened for us to enter.

Lunch is served from 11:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., this is the only meal they serve. It is served buffet style and I had no idea what to expect. You grab a pewter style plate, silverware, and a tray, and start serving yourself. The coleslaw was the first offering and it looked as if it had been put together within the minute, it was that fresh. It was followed by mashed potato, green beans, baby beets, black-eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, pulled pork, fried chicken, baked chicken, biscuits, rolls and cornbread. Drinks other than water are extra. We had water which is served in a metal cup.

#Michietavern

So far there was nothing really unusual happening here other than the fact that one of the drink choices was hot mulled cider. You take your tray and try to find a seat. Unfortunately, we couldn’t sit in the more historic part we did, however, find a table on the porch. My only complaint is that the seats are benches. Not great on my back but really it is a very minor complaint.

I am about to rave about the food. The chicken was wonderful, crispy on the outside and moist on the inside and I had a huge breast, Al had two legs. Oh did I forget to mention that if you want seconds your serving wench will bring them to you? Everything we tried was good and some of them were really good. The stewed tomatoes were... I am at a loss, divine. I don’t know what they put in them but they are sweet.

#michietavern

For dessert, they offer peach cobbler with or without ice cream, an ice cream sandwich, and other options. We shared a peach cobbler ala mode. It was wonderful, warm and sweet with the cold ice cream melting all over. I added a steaming cup of coffee again in the metal cup. Remember; don’t grab the cup, only the handle.   

I love dining at Michie Tavern and stop here anytime I am in the area.