Simeon Market — Local services in Charlottesville

Stopping by at Simeon Market over the last few months I have had the chance to try a number of things. Go for the gigantic chocolate chip cookies. They are worth Every. Single. Penny. It took me 4 days to eat it all, and it still tasted fantastic!

However, they are a little hit or miss with other things. I have had coffee twice. Once was perfect, the second time the milk tasted burnt. Three times I have had the pimento cheese, and it has been different each time. The first had a ton of shredded onion, making it a predominant flavor. The second pimento spread was just about perfect, and the third, well it had chuncks of onion the size of dimes throughout. It almost felt there was more onion than cheese. Needless to say, it isn't consistent.

The food can be a bit exorbitant in pricing for what it is, however I believe this is due in part to being near two landmarks and multiple vineyards with no other options around. Crackers cost over $7, as they seem to be specialty. The baguettes are partial baked, so plan to wait a bit for those. (They are over $4) You have to make sure you ask about prices. Signs are up, but not in easily visible places, and the writing is very small. Staff will not often provide a total of your purchase unprompted. (Though they now appear to be using a tablet outside to take card purchases, something they weren't doing previously.)

Some of the staff are very helpful and accommodating, while some of the staff working appear to prefer only being bothered by well-dressed customers. It usually seems to only be one person who acts in this manner, but since this person has "helped" me on multiple occasions, it is a noticeable habit.

Take-aways: There are some really nice options at Simeon Market, but they seem to have not yet worked out all the kinks. It is worth supporting, though you should plan to pay higher prices here. A sandwich, chips and a drink will likely set you back about $15 for the basics, pimento cheese spread and crackers around $12.

I would prefer to provide a 3.5...

Prepare to be delighted!

We had been to Simeons before, and always found it charming and fun.

The changes they have made are completely MARVELOUS. The staff is so enthusiastic about their work and making sure everyone has a wonderful experience. It was legitimately like hanging out with your favorite family members who are so delighted to see you, and want you to have a good time. Their humor, kindness, and positivity is so wonderfully infectious.

The food is WONDERFUL. I had their brunch with my hubby, and we had a ham and cheese crepe with apricot jam, a English muffin sandwich, a croissant with fresh butter, snd some fresh homemade fromage blanc (made from a cow nearby!!!) with chips. Each was such a treat, and made us feel totally spoiled in the best way possible. They put pesto on the breakfast sandwich, which turned out to be a fantastic addition, and not overpowering or anything. We also in had their mimosas which was so refreshing, and their everything cookie.

It was one of the best meals...

We just happened by this little gem on our way to James Munroe's home. I'm so glad we stopped! It's a cute little market/bistro. Lots of sweet little items for sale along with coffee, drinks, pastries, sandwiches, etc. We bought a ginormous chocolate chip cookie with everything in it and it's the best we've had. A few outdoor tables and chairs and a couple of tables inside make for cozy seating. Sarah the cashier was sweet and personable and she made our experience memorable. They have wine tastings on Fridays and we're told that the view of the sunset over the adjacent winery is amazing. We plan on coming back for that experience. Definitely stop if you are nearby. You...