What a fun stop during our time in Lynchburg! We were able to get street parking right in front of the restaurant and chose seats at the bar. The decor is awesome - license plates and college pennants are everywhere. There is one pool table and guests were playing when we were there. We saw a steady stream of customers come in for to-go orders so it seems like they have quite the following. We had drinks and fries since we had dinner plans elsewhere but didn't want to miss this gem. The fries were good but the ranch dressing is what makes them - worth the stop for the dressing. Make sure you look around at all of the funny and interesting memorabilia on the walls. Cash only so be prepared!!! read more

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Visited The Cavalier Restaurant on April 18, 2026. It was about 89°, and my family had just walked about a mile and a half in the heat to meet friends. We were wearing tank tops because of the weather. As soon as we walked in, the manager told us we had to leave due to a no-sleeveless-shirts rule. I understand there's a dress code posted, but the way it was enforced felt unnecessarily strict and unwelcoming--especially given how hot it was and how casual the place is. We left and went somewhere else. Just something to be aware of if you're planning to visit. read more

not what it used to be. I think the burgers are smaller and the meat is not as good. I know times are tough but when you compromise your main product, which was the best burger in town. People notice. read more

Walls filled with license plates and college pennants, and only accepts cash... yes, please! It's charming! We drove a few miles out of the way of our inn to get to this place based on a friend's recommendation. It was well worth the drive. The staff were super friendly and immediately offered seats at the bar. It's popular with the locals so the tables were full. A long term patron, Steve, was seated next to us at the bar and gave recommendations for food and lots of fun stories. I had his top choice, the Turkey Reuben. It was delicious! My husband had fried shrimp and our friend, their famous burger. Both thought their food was great. We shared a large basket of hand cut fries that were a real treat. Great food and good company. It was a terrific end to a great day of football. Go Dukes! The only negative was the lack of a JMU pennant on the wall. We left them some stickers which they promptly affixed to appliances. Their JMU pennant is on the way there now. I ordered it as soon as I got to the car. I'll look for it on our next trip to Lynchburg. read more

An old L'burg classic in Rivermont. The fries w ranch dressing are amazing. The food was ok, I think I just wasn't in the mood for what we had that night. We'll definitely be back. read more

Was good. Nice dive bar joint. Only complaint was not taking cards and having to use ATM inside

Stopped in on a whim after work. The decor is eclectic with older pictures and license plates. It is very neat. The staff is friendly and we enjoyed talking to them. The food was awesome. We had fries with the burger and ordered a side it onion rings. The portions of fries and onion rings were huge. We had plenty to take home. The burger was fresh and cooked perfectly. Get the funnel cake fries. They were a neat treat. If you go take cash. They don't accept cards but that should not deter your visit. read more

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I love the Cavalier it is a great restaurant with a pool table. What more could you ask? The Cavalier has great beer. When I went they looked short staffed but they did a good job. The hot dog bun is a little crispy but the dog was good eatin. I would say it is wheelchair accessible through the door not so much in the Restroom. So it is kind wheelchair accessible. I would come back. read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Men's Restroom - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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My wife and I are always looking for something new to try and we ran across the Cavalier! I'm so glad we did!! For just a small hole in the wall joint, the burgers were fantastic, the onion rings were out of this world delicious and the beer ice COLD!! Don't be offended by the carved up table tops as it just adds to the ambiance and history of the place (it is a bar after all)! I'm looking forward to trying their fried clam dinner! The only negative I can say is it was pretty warm in there as the AC wasn't working real well, but then it was blistering hot outside too! If you're looking for a cold beer, and a casual laid back atmosphere to have a great burger, check out the Cavalier!! We'll definitely be coming back!! read more

If you're hungry and don't mind a loud, messy and unwelcoming atmosphere, it's worth a visit. Pros: - The food was good. Our burgers were well-cooked and large, with quality ingredients, and sides were all solid. - A decent selection of craft beers as well as the standard "dive bar" staples. Cons: - Service was terrible. We were not greeted when we walked in, had to figure out seating ourselves, and our waiter was rude and gruff. He genuinely seemed unhappy that we were there, answered questions with one or two words, and never came back to check in us after he brought our food. - Atmosphere was not welcoming and claustrophobic. The license plates on the ceiling and framed picture on the walls could have been nostalgic and fun, but everything seemed like it had been piling up for years with no curation, like an elderly hoarder's house. read more

Burgers & wedges were delicious as always! Got onion rings too and they did not disappoint.

Great burgers and fries! It's a really great dive bar. The ambiance is great. The service was great! read more

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What a find!!! If you love a good "hole in the wall" the Cavalier is your place! The service was excellent and the food was great too! You've got to order the fries! They are delicious! The chicken salad was yummy and the side salad was huge. I also had a glass of the house Chardonnay. We were a large group and sat at the bar. Everyone enjoyed their food! If your in Lynchburg and want some good eats check out Cavalier! read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Enjoying our lunch at the bar. - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

Place was gross, floor look like it hadn't been cleaned in decades, It was to the point where we felt uncomfortable to touch anything, the tables have so much crap carved into them that there's years worth of food in the cracks. The food sucked, "famous cavalier burger" is nothing great. Very dry and hard as a brick. Fries were cooked in old oil, and tasted terrible. We were the only ones waiting for food and it took 45-50 mins for 3 burgers and 2 fries... almost walked out.. Service was alright, owner walked in and took a lot of money out of the register and played the electronic card game by the door. He doesn't care about the restaurant or the quality of the food, so why go? read more

I go to "The Cav" sometimes because I live close by, it's been here forever, and my husband's photo is on the wall. I don't think it looks like him--he's much better looking now. I also really like vanity plates because I'm desperately self-absorbed. It's sort of an obligation to get the fries, because they're specially seasoned. You also kind of have to have the Gorilla dog at least once. You can also buy beer to go. They don't have a credit card machine because they're one of the few places in Lynchburg that don't really have to care what you have to say about it and they'll communicate that in one way or the other. They are also one of the few places on earth I'd expect to see a veggie burger, but they have one and I'm sure there's a very interesting story behind why. One of the truly authentic dives in Lynchburg. Many locals have a story about it--my husband's is about a guy getting thrown through the window when it was a store. Mine is about finding my number in the bathroom. Not quite as flattering as having your picture on the wall... read more

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Doesn't look like much from the outside but I enjoyed my time here! I got the burger & potato wedges. They put a special seasoning on the wedges that separates them from the rest. well worth it! Don't forget the RANCH! So good. The burger was cooked properly as well. No complaints. The staff was extra friendly and even let me use their charger. Much appreciated! If you're looking for a affordable meal this is your place but be aware it's CASH only.... Also, I noticed lots of regulars in this place so it's def. been around for awhile but the only con I have is the smell. It just smells old. Other than that I'd come back for a quick bite or drink at the bar. read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Burger & wedges - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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THE neighborhood staple for a great burger. When you go somewhere like this and enjoy a good meal, you remember that a good burger doesn't actually need all that many toppings. You appreciate the simplicity of the menu items and the love of the community and the cavalier shines through the food. The rakish appearance of the restaurant may catch you off guard, no need to be alarmed or uncomfortable - all of the many accessories are supposed to do just the opposite. Pull up, snuggle in a booth, grab a stool at the bar, a cold Stella and good bite. See you next time I'm home! CASH ONLY SPOT, forewarning. read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Double *swiss* cheese burger - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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Food was okay. Place was disgusting. There was food on the floor. The menus were dirty. Our booth smelled like piss. I leaned back and my hair got stuck on the headrest. The air conditioner was blowing ... but only hot air. The waitress was kind, but didn't convey our order correctly. And now, 3 hours later, both of us have queasy stomachs. (We both ordered the famous cavalier burger, which was nothing to write home about.) It used to be a fun divey-place to hang. It was still quite busy for a Sunday afternoon. But why??? It was just disgusting. Such a shame. (Texted a friend who said he'd been recently and it was the worst day of his life. Perhaps the disgusting is the new charm?) read more

While I understand the theme of chaos, I'm afraid I'm not in a position in life, anymore, to appreciate it while dining. We were greeted promptly, and told to sit anywhere. The booth we chose was carved out and drawn on. The seat, table and walls. Which, unfortunately, led my family to notice the grime. It's obvious someone tries to clean up, but you'll never get food particles out of gouged wood, especially at that level. A gentleman took our order and was very pleasant. He answered our questions, and returned with our drinks, promptly. When the food arrived, we all gave it a try, as the place is known to have excellent burgers. That statement, my family can agree with. We will also go a step further and say the fries were awesome, too. But, the chili nachos and the mozzarella sticks left a lot to be desired. The price point isn't bad at all. If you're in the mood for bar food, this would be a good stop. But, if you're looking for a family place that's able to be kept clean, perhaps look elsewhere. I can't say this place is bad or good. It just is what it is. read more

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Omg! This is the best hole in the all restaurant in Lynchburg. Definitely a best kept secret! I highly recommend you stop in. The onion rings are the best! The burgers are by far the best burger I have had in a very long time. The staff was friendly and efficient. Even though they were busy they were on point. read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Cavalier burger - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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The best dive bar I've ever been to, period. Service was quick, professional, clean and kind. I'm usually not a fan of steak cut fries, but whatever seasoning they use here does it for me! read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Double cheeseburger - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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First of all ... who in 2022 does not take credit cards? The famous fries were what people said ... awesome! BUT .... I got a Ruben that was made with roast beef and not corned beef ... I went and rechecked that the menu did say corned beef. We waited forever for forks while our food sat on the table .... the server was more interested in socializing than being a server. The entire place was "sticky" .... not clean at all. Overall ... skip it ... there are a lot better places in Rivermont to get a good meal. read more

It took 45 minutes to get our appetizer and when it came out our mozzarella sticks were stuck to the paper towel they were served on. The marinara sauce was cold and we were not given any kind of plates. Our food came 10 minutes after that and I wasn't very impressed With any of that either. The butterfly shrimp were still cold when I bit into it and the burger left something to be desired. The french fries are what brought us to the restaurant because everybody raved about them, however I didn't think they were that great. They were literally just steak fries with a whole bunch of seasoning on quite a few of them and nothing on the others. Such a big disappointment we won't be back. read more

Cavalier Restaurant - Emily and I - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

Still the best double cheeseburger and fries to feel guilty about eating. The service is great and the ambiance...well, you have to experience it!!! It's a jeans kinda place...just go and enjoy the burger! read more

Looking on the outside you couldn't tell how amazing this place is. The fries WAS ABSOLUTELY SO AMAZING. The crunch, seasoning, and overall flavor was so tasty. The burgers - really can't complain just a solid classic burger. This place has definitely become one of my favorite places in Lynchburg . read more

Cavalier Restaurant - a woman eating french fries and dipping sauce - Burgers Near Me - Lynchburg, Virginia

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The Cavalier is a local institution. They have excellent seasoned fries served with ranch dressing, and their burgers are fairly good. This is one of the few places you can shoot a game of pool or steel tip darts. Service is quite slow, but if you're enjoying a pint the time seems to pass quicker. Although I have been going to the Cavalier for many years, I only get takeout anymore. The inside could definitely use some updating and a good scrub. It used to be part of the charm for me, but now I just find it unsanitary, hence why I now only order for takeout. CASH ONLY!!! read more

Definitely not a fine dining experience but you will have a fine time. The best menu items are the large potato fries with seasoning and the burgers. There's several other menu items worth checking out like the Rueben. There's a couple TVs and booths, a pool table and make sure to bring $CASH$ for your bill. Also, the bathrooms are nasty so I'd recommend using a bathroom before walking in. Good prices, fun atmosphere, and good food. Lately they've been a little slower I think because of short staff but the staff that is there works hard to get your order out to you. Cool place. Classic Lynchburg stop. read more

I recently visited the Cavalier to have a burger and to check it out. I had heard many good things about it, so I thought I would give it a try. It is a simple place to enjoy burgers and sandwiches.There is limited seating, so it is best to go when they are not busy, unless you go for carryout. They do have a bar with a good amount of seating, and one pool table. The menu is simple, and I ordered the cheeseburger that I have heard so much about. It arrived on a toasted bun with the lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles that I asked for. It was very flavorful and perfectly cooked to my specifications. As a side, I also ordered a small order of the seasoned french fries, which also came highly recommended. Unlike the fast food fries that we are all accustomed to, these fries were actually seasoned potato wedges fried to perfection. The "small" order was actually much more than I could finish, so I took most of them home. People have also raved about the onion rings, so next time I will try those. Service is friendly and prompt, and prices are fair. But be aware that credit cards are not accepted. However, they do have an ATM on premises. I heartily recommend the Cavalier if you are looking for a place to get a good old fashioned, well prepared burger. read more

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This place is awesome!!! The atmosphere, the license plates all over the ceilings(lol), the service and the food! My now X girlfriend and I ate here back in July and it was a great experience. Kind of a nostalgic and groovy place. Turns out it was my sisters place to go hang out back in the late 1990's when she attended Randolph. read more

The best classic burger in town. ALWAYS get the fries and remember to bring cash! The staff is friendly, it has a hometown, "come as you are" feel and they were giving away their toilet paper at the height of toilet-paper-pandemic when we couldn't find any in store. read more

The "Cav" exemplifies the dive bar experience. From its lack luster service to the dirty outdated atmosphere. If you go in with that expectation in mind you will find a Lynchburg staple. Confused by some of the one-star reviews complaining about things that would be obvious if you looked at a single photo before walking in. Suggest ordering the cavalier burger and a side of seasoned fries with ranch. This did seem like it was what everyone one ordering. The selection of beer is adequate and cheap. The place is cash only so keep that in mind but everything is reasonably priced. ___ Sweet Water Blue - $4.50 The Cavalier Burger - $5.25 Large Seasoned Fries - $3.95 read more

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Great local place for burgers. The fries are really good too. Very laid back atmosphere.

The best burger on the planet as far as I'm concerned. Season salt fries and ranch redefine what a burger should be served with.

I use to have so many great memories and meals here, but in the last two years WITH-EVERYTHING-GOING-ON the Cavalier has become one of the most unfriendly places to grab a bite on Rivermont. I don't know how this place passes health inspections. What use to make this place so special was it's dive-bar welcomeness to all in need of a cold drink and hot meal. HOWEVER, the Cavalier now tries to impose strict rules on the clientele, while the staff and crew make no effort to keep any standard of cleanliness. I hate to be mean, but the last few times I went there the old man manager who always wears plaid was as rude as he could be (definitely on a power trip). If you like being disrespected & dirty environments then this the place for you. read more

Best burgers in Lynchburg and the best team name, as well. Go Cavs!

I've had roots in Lynchburg for 66 years and The Cavalier is older than me. It's an institution that has passed the test of time serving a few great dishes. They use top of the line buns and excellent meat. My favorite dishes are their hot dogs and fries, but a burger with bacon and cheese, is also mighty good. read more

In Lynchburg for the weekend and I made our friends to take us to "The Cav". They thought I was nuts but its an institution! Great burgers, the best fries! Husband said it was just his kind a place! The four of us had a great evening in this great little dive. read more

If you want great food, you've found it. The Cavalier is also an Artisan site on the Artisan Trail Network.

The Cavalier is amazing for what it is. It's a bar. A place to grab a burger. A hangout for friends to catch up. Don't rate it for what it isn't meant to be. Oh... bring cash. Kids: If you have kids, try and catch lunch here during the day. It gets a bit crowded and more of a bar scene in the evening. My kids have loved coming to the Cav when we are in town. Ham and cheese toasted, burgers, and hot dogs appeal to our kids like nobody's business. Especially when the cook takes an extra moment to design the ketchup and mustard. The Fries: No lie. Look at all of the reviews. People come back for the fries. Get a large basket and share or... get a small one and don't. But DON'T leave The Cav without trying the fries. I've been coming here since 1992 and get them every time. The Staff: Sometimes it frustrates me to NO end when someone posts a review based on one visit. The staff here are always great when we come. Never have we ever had a bad experience with wait staff. Wells (the owner) is the very definition of the word awesome. The Rest: Enjoy the atmosphere. It is a unique little dive you'll be glad you visited. Enjoy it for what it is. A little slice of Lynchburg life. read more

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What they do they do great! Great burger and fries for a very reasonable rate. Only down side is that you have to have cash, but there is an ATM in the joint. This place is very laid back! read more