Tonic - Charlottesville

I recently visited Virginia for the first time and arrived on a Thursday night. When my companions and I were searching for a restaurant that was still open upo... read more I recently visited Virginia for the first time and arrived on a Thursday night. When my companions and I were searching for a restaurant that was still open upon checking into our hotel, we were dismayed to find that most establishments closed at 9 pm, and it was already 8:50 pm. Seeing that Tonic was open until 10, we decided to drive there without checking reviews, menus, or any other information. As it turned out, we were pleasantly surprised! Tonic boasts a beautiful atmosphere with a garden terrace, outdoor seating, and a cozy café vibe. The menu looked fantastic, and I decided on the roasted chicken with hominy. The dish was a delight - the chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside, and the hominy was savory and creamy. The sauce was flavorful, and the sweet touch of grapes was a lovely surprise. Luckily, we were able to secure a table without a reservation, and parking was convenient with a nearby parking garage right by the police station.

It is necessary to pay in cash at this restaurant. The lack of communication and unfriendly staff ruined the experience. However, the atmosphere was cozy and th... read more It is necessary to pay in cash at this restaurant. The lack of communication and unfriendly staff ruined the experience. However, the atmosphere was cozy and the service was impeccable. The food, particularly the ricotta dish and starter board, was delicious. The restaurant is conveniently located in the city center, making it a great addition to our food and brewery tour in the city.

The drink menu is amazing with a wide variety of creative, tasty, and interesting drinks. It is definitely the best cocktail menu I have come across, as they us... read more The drink menu is amazing with a wide variety of creative, tasty, and interesting drinks. It is definitely the best cocktail menu I have come across, as they use top-quality ingredients. The food was decently prepared, with good plating and presentation, although it did not have the same wow factor as the drinks. Overall, I will definitely return for the drinks, but may not choose to dine here again.

This place was phenomenal in all regards food, drink, and environment. Starting with the food, there were two standouts for me: the feta dip was herbal, complex... read more This place was phenomenal in all regards food, drink, and environment. Starting with the food, there were two standouts for me: the feta dip was herbal, complex, and savory. It had such a rich gaminess to it (I mean that as a compliment) that promptedme to ask whether there was lamb fat in it (there’s not). The other was the braised lamb roast special. The lamb perfectlyseasoned and it’s one of the best entrees I’ve had anywhere in months. Of the other items we ordered, there were no“misses”. The cocktail menu is very good and the execution was also on point. I enjoyed the patio atmosphere on a niceOctober evening. And my dog loved that she could come too. I’m visiting from out of town, so I don’t know when I’ll beback next. But I bet I return to Tonic the next time I’m in Charlottesville.

The drink menu is INCREDIBLE. Very crafty, creative, flavorful, and interesting drinks. Definitely the best cocktail menu I have seen they use very high quality... read more The drink menu is INCREDIBLE. Very crafty, creative, flavorful, and interesting drinks. Definitely the best cocktail menu I have seen they use very high quality ingredients. The food was alright, it was plated very well and the presentation was on point.The food just didn’t live up to the presentation. Overall I will definitely come back here for drinks, but most likely notfood.