We sat at the Aspen bar for a few casual cocktails, and had a lovely experience - our bartender Randy was super friendly and clearly knew his stuff, he shared some interesting facts about how they make the ingredients and their proprietary whiskies. Their homemade Bloody Mary is one of the better ones I've tried and the NA yuzu cocktail is DELICIOUS as well. read more

Restaurant inside of the Kimpton hotel that is on UVA's campus I stayed at this hotel with my fiance, and we had 2 free breakfasts ($30 of value for each person/meal) included in our stay since the hotel is in Chase's "The Edit" collection. Both of our meals were solid, but nothing special. The second time we came it took a very long time as well. Complimentary coffee in the hotel's lobby, so don't need to order here. read more

Stayed at the hotel and went here 3 times during our stay. First breakfast and dinner were good but the last breakfast just went out the window. I ordered the vegan wrap which listed a tomato-veganaise sauce. This was missing so it was just sautéed veggies and tofu. Definitely could've used the sauce as there wasn't much flavor. When it came out I was missing my fruit bowl as well. The server brought it out when I mentioned it and it had moldy berries covered in white fuzz. Gross. As I'm finishing my meal I find mixed into my potatoes a piece of steak. How that ended up on the vegan plate I have no idea. Seems like the Sunday kitchen crew needs some reeducation on what vegan means. One or two things I can forgive but all of it in one meal is a bit much. read more

This is located inside the kimpton hotel. You can get your valet parking waived if you spend more than $25 on food. Service was friendly. Smoked salmon toast: good portion size, comes with capers, onions, tomatoes, greens, and a white creamy sauce. This is more elevated compared to a lox bagel. read more

Birch + Bloom - Smoked Salmon Toast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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My server Yoshi was the awesome. Attentive, personable, and knowledgeable of the menu. Located within the Forum Hotel, it has a nice intimate type of vibe. Good for a date w the caveat that the bar is next to/behind the restaurant and was quite loud. Not loud to the point I had to raise my voice to speak to the server (I was by myself) but it level didn't match the ambiance. I ordered the burger and fries. I was tired and opted for comfort. It was prepared to order (medium) and it was flavorful. A good-decent burger. I wouldn't do it again as it wasn't worth $26. I also had their smoke Old Fashion! Very good. read more

Birch + Bloom - Ambiance - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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Hazel, our server for breakfast, was lovely. The breakfast menu had offerings to suit everyone's diet. Even vegan sausage. The juice selection was full of special mixes like orange-beet, carrot-ginger... yum! Loved this spot and will be back. read more

Great location. Wonderful ambience. Service was fast and friendly. Free valet parking if you're done in. Extensive wine menu. Dinner for two adults and two kids ran around 350 with tip. Everyone loved their meals. Will be back. read more

We are staying in the hotel and wanted an elegant and delicious evening. We were not disappointed in the service from Yoshi! She made sure we always had full drinks and our food was hot and delicious. Stars of the meal were the salmon and the raspberry sorbet. If we had one note, the carrot cake didn't taste very good and cheesecake made my mom physically sick after dinner so .... We would go back for dinner but not for many of the desserts. read more

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Amazing food! Best crab cake ever! Dante was on point. I'd recommend this place anytime!!!

Yeah it's not worth eating here. The menu looks really creative and interesting and I was impressed on the flavor pairings listed on the menu. But when the dishes came out they all lacked in flavor and were WAY more than worth paying for. Do yourself a favor and go somewhere like Orzo the Ridley or C&O if you want a nice evening that will actually be worth what you pay for. We came for dinner during the move in for Darden so the hotel was very busy and so was the restaurant. They were nice enough to seat us at a large table as a walk up group and go through the bar which we appreciated. We ordered the shrimp and toast to start along with the market crudo. I was going to ask which fish was in the crudo but the server was gone so fast we didn't have a chance. The shrimp was boring, basically just a savory sauce with toast nothing else memorable. The crudo was not my favorite, it had some scallions oil and fish eggs. This preparation just lacked a ton of flavor and kinda just left me feeling like I was eating sashimi swimming in oil. Not much else going on. The drinks were lackluster. I wish I could remember what they were but were very watered down. I had fish and potato for dinner. Extremely bland and boring. My partner had the steak frites and also commented the food was very bland. Everything was cooked pretty well but way below par for a restaurant of this calibre let alone one that charges as much as they do. It's not for me but many of my coworkers like it. I am giving it slightly below average because 1) the food doesn't hold up and 2) the price is outrageous. Do yourself a favor and check out any of cvilles awesome offerings. This is a upscale dinner that will leave you wishing you'd spent your $ elsewhere. read more

I was excited that Charlottesville opened a higher end restaurant which boasted great drinks and ambiance. However it was a bit of a let down from start to finish. I made a reservation for my mothers birthday and we were all excited. For food we started with baked oysters, roasted bone marrow and fried green tomatoes. The baked oysters were my favorite of the starters accompanied by smoked tomato-herb butter, spicy bread crumbs, chervil. The bone marrow was a let down, it was dry with overcooked oxtail on top. Lastly the fried green tomatoes were fine, paired with buffalo mozzarella, black eye peas, herb vinaigrette. For mains we had the Petite Filet Mignon, Pan Roasted Half Chicken and VA Rockfish with additional sides of whipped potatoes and roasted carrots. The filet was cooked just fine, but half of the roasting rope was left in it. The waitress offered to have them prepare a new one, but we had already waited 40 mins between starters and mains. The chicken and fish were a favorites from my parents. Both flavorful and tender. The sides should've been thrown away. The potatoes were boxed, lumpy and dry and the carrots were under cooked. Lastly for dessert, since it's a birthday after all, we ordered the Peach-Blueberry Tart and pineapple upside down cake. The former was accompanied by Sweet tart with hazelnut crumb, peach cardamom coulis, white chocolate croquant, creme fraiche chantilly cream. I did not enjoy the flavor combinations and the tart itself was dry. The pineapple upside down case was fine, your typical cake nothing special. While the candles and saying happy birthday to my mother was appreciated, the service otherwise was lacking. The timing between courses was off, often we would get new silverware and wait 30-40 mins for the next course. Not sure if the slow service was to also help charge diners an elevated parking fee. The parking fee is $8-12 and I've never paid for parking in cville. When I entered I was told since I was dining there just to stop by the front desk and they'll take care of it. But by that they meant you'll pay for it first . There's no other parking option so it is what it is. Maybe it's new and working out it's kinks. I would skip this place unless staying at the hotel or some major changes. read more

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DO NOT COME HERE! Reservation was at 7:15, didn't get entrees until 9pm. Restaurant was not busy and we were told we were the last ticket, despite other tables coming in after us. 5/6 people at our table were served and we had to wait 10 mins for the last entree. Not to mention, the steaks were awful and bland. We ALL ordered medium rare, and the pictures show the discrepancy between the steaks we received (raw vs hockey puck)! Save your money and time and look elsewhere in Charlottesville. read more

Birch + Bloom - Hanger Steak - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

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I love a hotel bar/restaurant and this one did not disappoint! A swanky spot in a great location, this place is great for a nice dinner to celebrate anything, while also accustomed to guests heading to concerts at the nearby John Paul Jones Arena. The food is legit fancy and extremely well done! Heads up that the menu changes but the website isn't as quick to post those changes. And we recommend reservations. Seems silly to me, but they really did get super busy. We loved dinner so much that we went back for brunch the next day. The seasonings and cooking methods they use are something out of a Top Chef or Chopped episode. Tajin on avocado toast? Lardons on eggs Benedict? Crispy salmon SKIN? All were so good! read more

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We went for restaurant week and what a gorgeous establishment this is. It's located within the forum hotel so you'll need to valet park (they validate) or pay for the lots. We started with the ricotta as our appetizer which was good but a little on the dry side as we really couldn't spread it on the toast very well. Then we ordered a bottle of white wine which they placed table side with a bucket of ice. Our server was good but you could tell she was overwhelmed as we couldn't seem to find her to get our bill when the time came. the roasted grouper was amazing and I ate the entire thing along with the mint chocolate mousse! read more

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We made reservations for the Thanksgiving buffet. It's pricey but we wanted a great holiday experience. Oddly, we were seated at a table in the lobby near a group of people drinking and eating sandwiches ( not part of the buffet) and they refused to reseat us. We realize they were busy but the beverage service was very slow even considering this. Most of the food was good, but the beef wasn't as tender as we'd expected. The desserts were excellent but they ran out of the chocolate pie . Overall, not worth the price. read more

We had dinner at Birch and Bloom recently and to me the menu was somewhat limited and even a bit odd. We ordered the crab cake appetizer to share and while it tasted good I was under the impression, based on the description by our server, that it would be local blue crab from Maryland. Maybe it was but it didn't taste that way to me. The Stringozzi Duck Ragu was just ok but what bothered me most is that it was served in a chipped ceramic bowl. I kept looking for that chip in my food. This represents bad management and low standards. I would not serve food in a chipped bowl in my house. I have a photo I will add. Service was average. Noise level was loud. You can do much better in Charlottesville. read more

Birch + Bloom - yes that's a big chip in my bowl and the restaurant served it to me like this. Unacceptable - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Came at 6:00 and ordered but it took us till 7:45 to get our entrees. Every table that sat before and after us had FINISHED. And when talking to the manager, they took no accountability for the wait. I understand the place was understaffed, but I was very confused as to why every single table was served and left before us. Don't go here. read more

Xmas Brunch at the new restaurant located in the new KIMPTON Forum hotel at UVa Darden School. Service and ambiance was great! Valet parking is free with validation from dining. read more

Birch + Bloom - Crab cake Benedict - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

Birch & Bloom is outstanding. Randy delivered exceptional service from start to finish. Mattias was relentless (in the best way) with his drink recommendations -- every one was a hit. Zach's stories and life advice made the night memorable. Highly recommend stopping by Birch & Bloom when you're in town for work -- you won't regret it. read more

The greens they just put in front of me for breakfast were expired a week ago, without exaggeration. And I have been waiting about 20 minutes for someone to come by so I can pay the bill. Last night we sat at the bar to get takeout at the host's instruction, and the bartender was fraternizing with a customer across the way and kept his back to us for a solid 8 to 10 minutes. When he finally looked away from that customer, he went to someone who had just come to another seat at the bar instead of us. Then he noticed us, but after giving us menus, he mixed drinks for a bunch of other people before returning to take our order. He could've taken our order and got the kitchen working on it while he was mixing those drinks. In the end, it took forever to get our food. read more

Birch + Bloom - Slimy, rotten, yellow arugula - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Charlottesville, Virginia

3.5/5, overall a positive dining experience, but the cost was just too high for the food being served. Drinks and service were great. Ambiance was nice, located in the very nice hotel lobby of the new Forum hotel on the UVA Darden Campus. We had reservations and were promptly seated and service was great throughout the night. The bar program and cocktails were the standout, would be worth a visit just to sit at the bar and enjoy a couple drinks there. Walking distance to JPJ/Klockner so a great place to stop before an event. Food was perfectly fine, but at these prices we expected more. You are probably just best off getting the burger/fries (which is the cheapest entrée on the menu), and enjoying a drink or two and the cost would be acceptable. Our other food for the night were the kale/beet salad (not great), duck breast (well cooked but nothing else about the dish was special), steak frites (steak well cooked but under seasoned, served with A1 sauce and very basic fries for $30+), and some sides that were also fine. We had a good time, but this place is among the most expensive restaurants in Charlottesville and the food just doesn't match up to those prices. read more

our server was very enthusiastic and we were celebrating a birthday. for the cost of the meal it was very disappointing. the best entree was the pork schnitzel but the pasta and steak frites were heavily oversalted with very tough steak. it is unlikely we will return for dinner read more

I left hungerie ok , no salt or pepper shaker, and needed it. Also no bread that's a first, the staff seemed scared to make eye contact. Portions where tiny I could keep going but I won't. Do better management ! read more

Excellent. The food was perfect, and service professional, nice and non-pretentuous. Probably the nicest wedge salad I've ever had, the Proteins were excellent and perfectly prepared by the chef. And a solid wine list and terrific sommelier. And the hotel? Gorgeous. read more

Great food, very clean and nice ambiance, kind staff, yummy drinks. It's a nice place for a special occasion. Excited to see the menu expand. read more

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Did not receive the breakfast I ordered. Service adequate, however, wait staff should NEVER wear "Perfume"! The room far to noisy. Excessive number of tables in the middle of the room, making passing seated customers very close. Two hour breakfast Say no more read more

The service and ambience was not disappointing (4.5/5). The food was satisfying (4/5). I had pork chop, apples and greens. The apples and some of the vegetables were pickled. This was the only thing I didn't like. It was overly salty and too much vinegar taste. Other than that I would recommend this restaurant for a romantic date or classy get together. read more

Breakfast I only, servings were fantastic, excellent variety on the menu, weak prepared and presented. Service was excellent all week. Great setting at the end of the lobby. read more

The ambiance and decor are wonderful. The bathroom wallpaper and hand towels are fit for royalty. Staff was friendly. The wait for our drinks and apps was far too long. The cocktails were strange...a poolside concoction cosplaying as fine dining. All the mains were consistent and well prepared but taste and flavor were lacking. At reservation, they were informed we were coming for a septuagenarian birthday but did not have a candle to stick on the birthday dessert. read more

The experience yesterday was excellent. Resulting in our return today... Top shelf food, The service was spectacular, and the ambiance is welcoming. The team members: Courtney Angelique Jasmine Daniel ...more to come... read more

A special thank you to the host at the reservation/entrance desk Who went out of his way to make our anniversary dinner celebration very special!!! The card signed by the entire staff, including the personal visit from the manager also made for a very memorable experience. Dinner, dessert and coffee was excellent in every aspect. A post-dinner walk outside to view the gardens topped off a wonderful evening read more

We brought our guests for brunch. The venue is very pretty and the coffee was very good. A few suggestions that we believe will help a lot: - Checking on guests sooner. We waited a bit for our server to come check on us. - The pancakes were very fluffy but had a bitter aftertaste; perhaps less baking soda would help - The breakfast potatoes have potential. They could be cooked a bit more with less seasoning. read more

Excellent meal and service! We were skeptical based on some online reviews. In town for UVA family weekend, everywhere was booked except for a 9:15pm spot available here. Ordered 5 filet mignons (7oz), 1 crispy skin salmon, sides included brussel sprouts (must try), puréed potatoes, mac and cheese, fries; dessert was apple cobbler, and chocolate torte (for choc lovers). Everything was cooked to perfection, and tasty. Excellent selection of wines. Server, James, was top notch along with busboys constantly refilling water. The place itself is impressive ~ modern and elegant. Not aware of any dress requirement. All 6 of us wore jeans! Valet parking only ~ get ticket validated for free parking. read more

My husband and I arrived for a birthday dinner and quickly called an audible and left. We arrived early to get a drink at the bar and no one greeted us after 20mins. We took a peak at the restaurant and it looked like a lobby bistro vs a real restaurant. Soooo back in the Uber we went to try elsewhere. Such a shame. Charlottesville could use a high end hotel restaurant. read more

Service was warm but uneven. Food was just okay. Sides were cold and one was incorrect. Disappointing meal given the cost

We tried Birch and Bloom for the first time tonight. If you're looking for an intimate setting you'd be better off elsewhere. It is very noisy with hard tile floors, very tall ceilings and not a shred of acoustic material to be found. The clam chowder was the consistency of applesauce. The wedge salad was excellent. The filet was fatty and underdone. If my martini was any smaller it would have been served in a shot glass. The staff seemed flustered and confused at every point. Maybe that's the newness and they'll get over that. It's all too bad as C'ville badly needs fine dining and Birch and Bloom has missed the mark. We may give it another shot after more reviews are in and they've had some time to readjust. read more

Went with family very nice experience. All the staff was super knowledgeable friendly and made us feel valued.

Absolutely horrible service and lackluster food. Waited almost an hour for our meat and cheese platter appetizers while we watched people who came after us getting their drinks and entrees. We also never received our cocktails which we just ended up cancelling. The waitress gave us a house wine as compensation but ended up spilling one of them on the patron next to us. Our appetizers, which consisted of just the meat and cheese board and fries cost over $120. There are so many better options in Cville. Unfortunately we brought our out-of-town guests here for a special night which turned into a bust. read more

I had really high hopes for Birch and Bloom, but I probably won't be back. Three stars because the food was ok. Nothing special, but nothing really bad (except the vegetarian sausage option that my husband got--avoid it; whatever it was looked and tasted like a hockey puck). The real issue was the service. They weren't at all busy for a Sunday brunch and seemed to have plenty of staff, but we sat down and waited unusually long to even be acknowledged. Two people came over and poured water at least ten minutes apart, and the second asked about if we'd ordered. I thought they'd then go let whoever was assigned to our table know that we existed, but we waited another 15 minutes or so before anyone else came over. By this time, a table that was sat after ours had already ordered and received drinks and some food. We ordered coffees and a few cocktails. The person who brought out the cocktails very clearly had zero interest in being there or helping anyone and made no effort to hide it. The cocktails weren't the worst I've ever had, but they weren't great. No one ever came back and offered coffee refills; one of us just got up and refilled all of our coffees repeatedly at the continental breakfast area attached to the hotel. Salt and pepper grinders were empty, so we had to take them from another nearby table. There was trash on the floor under our table. All in all, it was not a great experience, and while my original plan was to go back for dinner after trying brunch, I don't know why I'd bother when there are so many other good places in the Charlottesville area. read more

Disappointing overall. Very noisy, more casual than I expected. Steak was good but sides were nothing special. Food came out a bit too fast without allowing us to finish salad course. Staff very friendly but our server misheard or just forgot a few things. read more