For many students, frequenting popular coffee establishments and restaurants on the Corner for drinks and tasty dinners during the weekends is a common rite. Others prefer to go to the Barracks Road Shopping Center for lunch and dinner when there is time to spare. But there are some alternatives further away from Grounds that aren't so well known to those who wish to bypass the usual hot spots and discover hidden gems around the City of Charlottesville.
Shenandoah Joe - A coffee bar located near Preston Avenue, Shenandoah Joe is a great alternative to the usual coffee spots across Grounds, which can often become crowded during the week. "This place is pretty hardcore about coffee," said Saunders, who said the coffee bar - which has a large variety of coffees - allows her to take a brief respite and is a quiet place to read and study. "I can stay for hours," she said. The most convenient way to reach Shenandoah Joe is by car, but visiting is a great excuse to venture away from the University to get a coffee fix.
Monsoon Restaurant - A local restaurant near the Downtown Mall that specializes in Thai food, Monsoon is a great place for those seeking an alternative to the usual Thai food spots immediately surrounding of the University. "Monsoon is unique because you can enjoy Thai food outside, the staff is really friendly and the food is great," fourth-year College student Na Shai Alexander said. "People who don't eat Thai food that often would enjoy it. It's great to go out and experiment."
Jinx's Pit's Top - A barbeque restaurant not far from Grounds, Jinx's is a tasty selection for students who desire to search for restaurants beyond the Corner. Offering a variety of meals, Jinx's is a place where students can feel at home - and taste delicious BBQ that can't be found anywhere else. "It's located in a house near a cemetery, but they love U.Va. students there," Saunders said. "Visiting reminds me that there is a world outside of Charlottesville." The establishment also won "Best Pulled Pork Sandwich" from the 2008 Maxim Food Awards.
La Taza - Located not too far from the Downtown Mall in the heart of Charlottesville, La Taza is a quaint coffeehouse that can be a great alternative to the hustle and bustle of Alderman Caf
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