Name: Chickadee
Telephone: (434) 422-8191
Rating: 4.7

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Posts

Andrew PorterAndrew Porter

The best restaurant in Charlottesville- I want to say that right out of the gate for anyone trying to figure out where to go and doesn't want to read a long review, so go, go now. Order the turkey sandwich, or the Italian. The menu names are over-the-top creative- a conceit I grew weary of twenty years ago- but this food is so good that it can bear the weight of my world-weary cynicism and I can order a sandwich called "The drum fill form In the Air Tonight" with more than just a straight face, but with an eager smile. The options are not simple- there is nary an offering that doesn't sport half a dozen components, but before you start trying to edit the text, just give it a read the way it's intended. These people know what they're doing. It's not just food they're making, it's culinary poetry. Now the details. My first five times at this place were carry-out at work, and five times in a row I had exclaimed, "this is the best sandwich in Charlottesville," and later, in all honestly, "This is the best sandwich I've ever had!" I am not being hyperbolic. I truly believe it. The ingredients colorful, even jarring, almost peacocking to see which one is either the more luxurious or the more madcap (bologna I'm looking at you). But I'll paraphrase the song "The Waters of March," IT'S THE BREAD, IT'S THE BREAD. The bread, made in-house with what must be oppressive regularity to the baker, is rich and aromatic, delicate and hearty at the same time, and it holds up to both the fireworks show of ingredients and to any of the sandwiches' residual moisture content (carryout people, you know the sorrow wet bread- here it's a bonus). The restaurant is pristine in the way only a new place can be, but it's maintained. I went in right after the brunch rush and it might as well have been freshly opened. Bathrooms- top notch. Finally staff- as I said we came in after what was likely a busy Sunday brunch, but the entire FOH was involved, efficient and ran the floor with an informal teamwork that was- to this industry vet- a delight to see. As first time dine-in-ers we were given some extra attention but it was never more than was welcome. Finally- great drinks! Strong, pretty drinks! This review has gone on long enough, and I hesitated to write it. I dread the day I have to wait in line for my favorite restaurant, but better wait in line for an AJ Soprano (yep), than to never have one again. You have been warned. BEST RESTAURANT IN CHARLOTTESVILLE.

Eric NelsonEric Nelson

It is one of the best restaurants in Charlottesville, in my opinion. I may be a little biased due to breakfast being one of my favorite meals, but Chickadee does it like no one else. Fresh in house bread takes the sandwiches to another level. Expect innovative food that is delightfully delicious, unique, and fresh. All with impeccable execution to the last detail. The staff is so good at what they do, and it really feels like they put their heart into it for a great experience. There is an auto-gratutuity added to the bill, which is refreshing as someone who previously worked in the service industry. It's cozy and inviting inside with a spacious patio when in season. There are plenty of vegetarian options as well as new takes on southern breakfast staples. If you're coming through town, don't miss the opportunity to try some amazing food to support this local business and the amazing people that make it possible.

SklounstSklounst

Grit tots are great, sandwiches were very nice. Coffee was not good. However, the reason for the mediocre review is the mandatory 18% service charge. Which is tacked on BEFORE taxes, unlike a tip. So the restaurant is double-dipping. It's really frustrating to see this awful trend come to a Cville restaurant. Just. Raise. Menu. Prices. Maybe they pay their staff well, maybe servers get the whole 18%. Who knows. But the restaurant doesn't have to pay taxes on the service charge, even though the customers are paying that cost. Service was...ok. And it's pretty limited in terms of space inside. Really would like to have a place like this in Cville, but it just leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

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Reviews of Chickadee

4.7

(83)

5.0

2y

The best restaurant in Charlottesville- I want to say that right out of the gate for anyone trying to figure out where to go and doesn't want to read a long review, so go, go now. Order the turkey sandwich, or the Italian. The menu names are over-the-top creative- a conceit I grew weary of twenty years ago- but this food is so good that it can bear the weight of my world-weary cynicism and I can order a sandwich called "The drum fill form In the Air Tonight" with more than just a straight face, but with an eager smile. The options are not simple- there is nary an offering that doesn't sport half a dozen components, but before you start trying to edit the text, just give it a read the way it's intended. These people know what they're doing. It's not just food they're making, it's culinary poetry. Now the details. My first five times at this place were carry-out at work, and five times in a row I had exclaimed, "this is the best sandwich in Charlottesville," and later, in all honestly, "This is the best sandwich I've ever had!" I am not being hyperbolic. I truly believe it. The ingredients colorful, even jarring, almost peacocking to see which one is either the more luxurious or the more madcap (bologna I'm looking at you). But I'll paraphrase the song "The Waters of March," IT'S THE BREAD, IT'S THE BREAD. The bread, made in-house with what must be oppressive regularity to the baker, is rich and aromatic, delicate and hearty at the same time, and it holds up to both the fireworks show of ingredients and to any of the sandwiches' residual moisture content (carryout people, you know the sorrow wet bread- here it's a bonus). The restaurant is pristine in the way only a new place can be, but it's maintained. I went in right after the brunch rush and it might as well have been freshly opened. Bathrooms- top notch. Finally staff- as I said we came in after what was likely a busy Sunday brunch, but the entire FOH was involved, efficient and ran the floor with an informal teamwork that was- to this industry vet- a delight to see. As first time dine-in-ers we were given some extra attention but it was never more than was welcome. Finally- great drinks! Strong, pretty drinks! This review has gone on long enough, and I hesitated to write it. I dread the day I have to wait in line for my favorite restaurant, but better wait in line for an AJ Soprano (yep), than to never have one again. You have been warned. BEST RESTAURANT IN...