An insider’s guide to eating on and around Grounds on a budget

Each year, thousands of new first-years make their way to Grounds. For many, the University is a place of great opportunity — rigorous classes, prestige as one of the top public universities in the United States, a vibrant social scene and well-rounded athletics. Despite the high standards the University has set in nearly all aspects of undergraduate life, some find that dining options on Grounds fall short.

This often lackluster dining experience when dining on Grounds is a far departure from the greater Charlottesville culinary environment, which was nominated as one of the top culinary towns in the South. Establishments like C&O Restaurant, The Alley Light, Tavern & Grocery and more dine and dazzle Charlottesville residents and visitors alike. However, most fine-dining eateries like these are outside of reasonable walking distance and the typical price range for a college student’s budget.

Still, being a first-year student does not mean you should not be able to devour a delicious meal. From our combined five years of exploring the accessible food scene in Charlottesville as rising third- and fourth-year students, here are our go-to meals near and around Grounds. All selections are either part of the University dining plan or under $10, and on or within a 15-minute walk from Grounds.

Blenz Bowls Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls

Lily Notter, staff writer: A newer addition to U.Va. Dine as of February, Blenz Bowls, located in the Aquatic and Fitness Center, offers options that are perfect for post-workout or in between classes. The shop’s interior brings a small slice of tropical paradise to Charlottesville with its cheerful decorations and theme. It includes both tall tables and comfortable couches to allow for a positive snack-and-study ambience. The shop offers plenty of smoothie options for a meal exchange, and different sized smoothie bowls that can be bought with dining dollars. Dining dollars are prepaid funds that can be used at on-Grounds dining locations to buy snacks, meals, essential items and drinks.

Besides the variety of bowl options and acai bases, Blenz offers an array of toppings like peanut butter, Nutella, granola and fruit — just to name a few. My personal go-to is an acai base topped with peanut butter, almond slices and strawberries — the refreshing combination never fails. Though Blenz Bowls is new, its tropical vibe and quality meal and snack options have quickly made it a favorite for myself and other students alike.

Marco & Luca Dumplings

Ingrid Gay, life editor: For those heading to the Corner for lunch but don’t feel like waiting in the line for Bodos, I recommend Marco & Luca Dumplings on Elliewood Avenue. Less than a 5-minute walk from the Rotunda, Marco & Luca is affordable enough to be a go-to lunch spot for students on a budget, as nearly every item on the menu is less than $10.

When it comes to ordering, consider the Fried Pork Dumplings, which come with the addicting Marco & Luca special soy sauce. At $6.50, it is one of the cheapest meals on the Corner. However, if dumplings aren’t your favorite, try the small chicken curry with rice. Despite its name, the portion is actually rather large and is a nice alternative if you want something a bit more hearty.

Grit Coffee at Nau Hall

LN: A coffee shop local to Virginia, Grit has multiple locations in Charlottesville, with two in convenient areas for students. While the Grit on the Corner is cozy, with lovely study ambience, the on-Grounds location can be hard to beat on weekdays due to its proximity to classes. It’s located in Nau Hall, where big windows and flexible seating provide the perfect environment to eat and drink while working on an assignment or preparing for class.

Grit’s menu includes both drip and espresso-based coffee beverages, tea options for non-coffee drinkers and convenient grab-and-go items. Their coffee and pastries make for tasty combinations for those on a time crunch, and unlike the Corner location, the Grit in Nau Hall is included in the U.Va. Dine plan and offers the option to pay with dining dollars.

Crozet Pizza at Buddhist Biker Bar

IG: Crozet Pizza at Buddhist Biker Bar on Elliewood Avenue is a great option for a hot meal in the evening thanks to their student menu. With a University student ID, you can unlock great prices, like a 10-inch personal cheese pizza for $7 or spin dip — spinach artichoke dip — for $5. On Wednesdays, Crozet also offers a $10 large pizza deal, perfect for a small group or a casual date night.

Accompanying the fair pricing, Crozet also has a vibrant social scene. Throughout the year, it hosts special themed events like a Rodeo Day and Mamma Mia Night, both with special deals or menu items tied to the event. There is also weekly trivia Tuesdays at 6 p.m. during the school year. However, beware that tables tend to be claimed quickly on those nights, so I recommend arriving early and ordering some discounted appetizers for the table.

Pavilion XI

LN: In my experience, Pavilion XI, colloquially called "the Pav" is one of the best lunch options if you’re looking for something included in a U.Va. meal plan. Located smack dab in the middle of Central Grounds, inside of Newcomb Hall, the Pav boasts its own Chick-fil-A and Subway. Both of which offer meal exchange options — a trade-in of a traditional dining hall meal swipe for select menu items at certain on-Grounds dining locations, perfect for an on-the-go option between classes. Food from Ben & Jerry’s and Bento Sushi in the Pav can be purchased with dining dollars.

The Pav is on the first floor of the building, set up like a large cafeteria with plenty of tables for students to use after picking up their food at each counter. Personally, I love that the Pav is a one-stop shop. If — or when — you’re still hungry after lunch, skip on over to Ben & Jerry’s for some ice cream!

Atlas Coffee

IG: Though the area is far less popular than the Corner, one of my favorite coffee spots in Charlottesville is on the edge of the Fry’s Spring neighborhood. Only a 5-minute walk from Gooch-Dillard dorms, Atlas Coffee is a great option to grab local coffee and pastries. I particularly love being greeted by the friendly staff and admiring the artwork from local artists adorning the wall. Plus, it’s hard to beat a 12-ounce latte costing only $4.25.

Located in a small storefront, Atlas offers limited indoor seating at the coffee bar but a fantastic patio space. Any first-year — especially those residing in the Motels or Gooch-Dillard — should make the walk over to Atlas one fall morning and enjoy a pastry with my personal favorite, the vanilla latte.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

LN: Located inside of Rice Hall on E-Way, Einstein Bros. Bagels is conveniently close to first-year dorms. Inside, you’ll find a brightly-lit seating area, but to-go bags make it easy to bring meals anywhere.

While it isn’t our beloved Bodo’s, Einstein’s menu offers nearly every type of bagel with any type of shmear, including plain, strawberry, garden veggie and onion & chive. Beyond bagels, the meal exchange menu even includes avocado toast, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. For a lunchtime pick-me-up, each meal exchange also comes with a self-serve fountain drink or a cup of coffee.

Guajiros Miami Eatery

IG: If you’re in the market for bold flavors and fantastic ambience, I cannot recommend Guajiros Miami Eatery enough. A less than 15-minute walk from the Rotunda, Guajiros is nestled off the corner of 10th and Main. Inspired by flavors of South Florida and Central America, Gaujiros goes beyond a typical brunch establishment’s menu of pancakes and omelets.

While most items are moderately priced, there are some affordable small fare plates, such as the empanadas de pollo for $9. Guajiros is also home to one of my favorite coffees in Charlottesville — their cafe con leche is delectable, especially after a full morning of classes.

What really sells Guajiros is the atmosphere. The walls are decked out with art centered on Miami or Central American culture, from a mural of Frida Kahlo to fútbal jerseys hanging from the ceiling. Rays of natural light pour in through the large windows at the storefront. For a step up from meal exchanges and Corner dining, Guajiros for brunch is worth a visit.

While the University’s dining scene may not always meet students’ expectations, there are many ways to get outside of the bubble and enjoy yummy meals throughout your first year. Whether taking advantage of the first-year unlimited meal plan alone or exploring other affordable options, there are plenty of alternatives for when the dining hall dinner just doesn’t cut it. Although tasting around for yourself is the way to go, this list provides a jumping-off point for anyone who wants to learn about some of the best and cheapest meal options here on Grounds and nearby.

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