Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    TJ's Tavern

    3.2 (28 reviews)
    ModerateAmerican
    Open • 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    TJ's Tavern Photos

    TJ'S TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Quiet
    Good for groups

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - TJ's Tavern

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    facebook.com/foodcriticcville
    Nicole K.

    I'd love to say that TJ's Tavern is not your typical hotel restaurant. But.... alas... it is. Conveniently located in the Double Tree by Hilton hotel, TJ's prides itself in it's large local beer and wine selection, as well as local fare with a contemporary flair. While their bar selection is impressive and highlights a few local wineries and breweries, the main courses were sadly lack-luster. We entered TJs with no greeting....no "please seat yourself", I ended up having to interrupt a waitress who was punching in a reciept to ask her if we should seat ourselves where she responded with a quick, "yes, sure." Along with the bar area there was a larger room full of dated tables and chairs. We chose to sit at a table by the bar, as there was no one sitting in the larger room. Worrisome for a Saturday night... Anyways, our waitress, Audrey, took our drink orders. I asked for a "Soco Lime" where she declined to clarify, bringing me just a shot of Southern Comfort. Thanks. The table was set nicely, but I was a little thrown off by the center feature. Every table had a bread holder with plates below it, indicating that we would be served bread with our meal. But instead, it sat there empty, taking up space the entire time. The appetizer section was ..meh... so we skipped to entrees. I ordered Braised Beef Chuck Short Rib with mashed potatoes. I figured it was simple, how could they screw it up. My dad ordered Monticello Grilled Pork Loin with roasted pear and mashed potatoes. Here's where is gets weird.... the inconsistency. My entree was served in a bowl. My dad's was served on a plate. Texture wise, very similar dishes. Why were they served so differently? Honestly, it was difficult to eat my beef out of a bowl. Taste wise, both dishes were great. Nothing to write home about, but both were so simple it was difficult to not get it right. But, for $22, I expected much more food... I definitely did not leave full. When Audrey asked us about dessert, I asked about the "Small Bites Selection Presented Tableside". Where she responded, "Oh.... let me see if we even have those plated." Awesome. I love when restuarants advertise something that may or may not even exist that night. She returned with a plate with 3 different desserts on display; a brownie, a lemon tart, and a blackberry cobbler. I chose the lemon tart, which...tasted just like store bought lemon tart. Nothing special. Same with the blackberry cobbler. Both about 3 bites worth of dessert. Overall, TJs tavern is a your typical outdated hotel restuarant... It will fit your needs if you are looking for a quick, pricey bite. You will not leave full but you will feel satisfied. A note to the chefs, Ed and Cordell, luke warm and inconsistent plating is not a spectacular way to spend your careers, step up your game!

    The panini and side cole slaw with pickle.
    Amber M.

    This is a bar/lounge in the Double Tree. They serve Virginia beers and wines. I only tried the honey wheat beer, which was amazing. The service was very good each time I went. I ordered the pretzel and beer cheese - big enough for two people and tasty! I also ordered the watermelon salad - a lot bigger than expected and delish! I ordered the tomato pesto panini - it wasn't the greatest, I would pass on it. The coleslaw is not your average slaw, it's a fancy version. I ordered the barbecue sandwich and a side of fries. Very filling and tasty. It's not like your traditional Carolina barbecue with vinegar based sauce, it was a thick sweet sauce - still good though. And lastly, at the recommendation of one of my waiters I had the banana creme brûlée which was fantastic!! I would definitely recommend you eat here if you're at the hotel, but definitely get out and try the restaurants in Charlottesville as well!

    Charles H.

    The beer selection was adequate for a hotel bar. However, the beer itself was on the skunky side. I realize it's a college town, and if this was a dive bar I'd allow for the stale taste of the beer and quasi-Gardetto's snacks but it's in a premium hotel property. They need to step up their game a bit. Service was great but their product needs work.

    View from the breakfast area. Gorgeous
    Pete A.

    For a hotel restaurant it was terrific. Very cool decor (wood paneled swanky pub feel). The food was delicious. Ribeye steak special came with a salad, 2 sides, and a sundae and it was all around $16. The steak was good. We also had the club sandwich. It was HUGE, and really good. The fries were perfectly seasoned and nice and crispy. Pretty good selection of beers on tap, and the bar itself was well stocked. Definitely would go again if staying at this hotel, and honestly, if I lived nearby, I would probably stop in for a beer and club sandwich.

    Crab Mac and Cheese. Excellent.
    Chris E.

    For a hotel restaurant this place is great. Food is very good. Great service. Salid was good and crab mac and cheese was excellent! Prices were reasonable. No hotel gouging

    TJ's Tavern Chesapeake Eggs Benedict with a side of sausage.

    See all

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike F.
    22
    27
    117

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Reminds me of a Buffalo Wild Wings. Mostly bar food (burgers, ribs, BBQ). Gets the job done

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peter V.
    19
    78
    27

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Charles H.
    76
    100
    219

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rico S.
    0
    21
    29

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Helen H.
    60
    74
    30

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anthony W.
    148
    473
    66

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J P.
    35
    83
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob W.
    0
    10
    1

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - TJ's Tavern

    You might also consider

    Burtons Grill & Bar - Maxx Burger: allen brothers angus beef, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion strings, american cheese, special sauce, brioche bun, french fries

    Burtons Grill & Bar

    4.1(653 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    •$$
    Gluten-free friendly
    Large group friendly

    Tried Burtons on the recommendation of the hotel we stayed at and had a wonderful experience that…read moreevening. My wife and I were warmly greeted and seated upon our arrival. Our server Elle was welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable on the menu and attentive throughout our stay. Restaurant features a full bar with seating as well as tables and booths behind the bar area with a relaxing stay at home ambiance. The food topped off the wonderful experience. I highly recommend the fried cauliflower which complimented my Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest glass of beer . Both the California Chicken Sandwich was juicy and well seasoned while The Prime Burger was cooked to perfection and well portioned. Topped off with a couple of cappuccinos to end the experience. Overall a great restaurant serving delicious, well portioned and reasonably priced food and staffed with exceptional customer service focused team members. Definitively with a visit.

    We had an excellent experience at Burtons in Charlottesville!…read more Jessica was our server and was absolutely fantastic--friendly, attentive, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. She really made the experience enjoyable. I also want to recognize Lyndon, the manager. He was incredibly welcoming and clearly takes pride in making sure guests have a great experience. The combination of excellent service, great management, and delicious food made this visit stand out. Jessica and Lyndon are both a huge asset to the Burtons team. We'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    Burtons Grill & Bar - Bag of Donuts (Brunch Menu)

    Bag of Donuts (Brunch Menu)

    Burtons Grill & Bar - Bread Service

    Bread Service

    Burtons Grill & Bar - Brunch Burger (Brunch Menu)

    See all

    Brunch Burger (Brunch Menu)

    Timberwood Grill - Southwest Wrap

    Timberwood Grill

    3.8(214 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    •$$

    Time for an update of Timberwood grill! This is a local favorite and sometimes can be crowded and…read morehave slow service-but! The food is great! This visit was fantastic! We had the perfect salad-and the Philly Cheesesteak. Both were outstanding! We also ordered two desserts-for research purposes! We had the carrot cake and the cheesecake chimichanga-both were delicious!! I can't wait to come back to Timberwood again!

    Timberwood Grill in Charlottesville is one of my favorite afternoon restaurants. I love the…read moreambiance of this place. There is plenty of room and normally on Monday through Friday there is not a large crowd during the 2-6pm Happy Hour. Table, booth, or bar they normally have room for you. On this visit during their Happy Hour I had a few of their $4 drinks to go with my meal. Their dry cider is worth a try, as is their Devils Backbone Vienna Lager. Their Philly cheesesteak sandwich is loaded with steak and cheese. Be sure to get the skin-on house fries. Their Pastrami Reuben on grilled Rye bread is an excellent choice. The thousands island dressing is homemade. There is a generous portion of Pastrami on their Reuben. Their wait staff is excellent. They are very informed and helpful with all your menu questions and will help you decide on a selection if you are having trouble deciding. Our waiter was most attentive on bring our drink refills. For me, this is easy in and out from the Seminole Highway.

    Photos
    Timberwood Grill - Timberwood Grill

    Timberwood Grill

    Timberwood Grill
    Timberwood Grill - Timberwood Grill Devils Backbone Vienna Lager

    See all

    Timberwood Grill Devils Backbone Vienna Lager

    Tonic

    Tonic

    4.2(97 reviews)
    4.9 mi

    High end creative food with a not pretentious vibe. The miso maple salmon and the grilled pork chop…read morewith hominy and crimini shrooms are my fav mains. Multiple layers of flavor and all the right textures. Visually appealing on the plate as well. Solid cocktail list here. I'm a big fan that they go old school with a hot toddy. The applejack brandy added to that is a nice touch. Service is excellent here. Prices reasonable given the quality of the dishes. Will be back the next time I'm in town for sure. Take out orders here https://orders.cake.net/11301553 Reservations via Resy.

    Walking up this place has great ambiance, perfect for a first date. The indoor seating was closed…read morebut the outdoor seating was great. The menu was quite promising. Ordered a cucumber chamomile gin and tonic, which left something to be desired. We started with the blackberry salad which on the menu said it also included avocado but there was none on the salad-despite this the salad was great. Our mains were good but not great. The biggest issue I found here was despite our server being very nice while ordering she NEVER checked in on us after anything arrived, never refilled waters either. So although she was nice the service was not good as there were times we wanted to order something else and one of the entrees didn't arrive as it was ordered but our server never checked in. All things considered I think I would only come here to grab a salad or appetizer.

    Photos
    Tonic - Marinated mushroom open-faced sandwich, trout rillettes, on the patio

    Marinated mushroom open-faced sandwich, trout rillettes, on the patio

    Tonic - Crispy potatoes with Aleppo pepper ricotta, preserved lemon, and mushroom powder

    Crispy potatoes with Aleppo pepper ricotta, preserved lemon, and mushroom powder

    Tonic - Botanically inspired craft cocktails

    See all

    Botanically inspired craft cocktails

    Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar

    Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar

    4.2(415 reviews)
    5.0 mi
    •$$

    Delicious food, great service, beautiful ambiance. We arrived just before closing but still got…read moreseated and served without any rush which was wonderful.

    AMBIANCE We came in with reservation for a dinner with…read morefriends one evening. The place is easy enough to get to and we found parking luckily on the street. We strolled in, gave our name for reservation, and were swiftly seated in the back of the restaurant behind the bar area. It was a comfortable setting for dinner with most of the dining room in a pleasantly quiet a bit dark in a warm way but good enough for conversation and relaxing atmosphere for chilling out. FOOD We started with the housemade rosemary focaccia bruschetta ($14), and were recommended to order two servings for our table of four... so we did. About 10 minutes later, the appetizer arrived and the focaccia was a nice way to begin the meal, and was surpised it wasn't pre-cut but it was fine to cut it at the table with the cheese and share...it tasted good but was not especially remarkable for what you'd expect (forgot to take a photo) For our entrées, we ordered the grilled branzino ($39)...a bit overly oily for me, the fish of the night ($39), coastal tagliatelle ($28), and spaghetti pomodoro ($23). The dishes were solid portion and generally enjoyable. I suppose I expected more of a WOW that I didn't get from the menu options or the service...probably didn't help we were seated next to a large and very loud group in the back. Overall, the food was fine and satisfying, though nothing stood out enough to make the meal especially memorable. We skipped dessert. SERVICE Service was acceptable and kept the meal moving, but it did not add much to the overall experience... Overall, this was an okay Italian spot with a comfortable ambiance and a solid selection of dishes, but it did not quite deliver the exceptional food or memorable experience expected from a well-raved restaurant that others had hyped up. I personally wouldn't visit this spot again in the area for Italian food, knowing that there are spots nearby with warmer service and more interesting menu options....so this rating is relative to those spots.

    Photos
    Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
    Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
    Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar

    See all

    Black Cow Chophouse - Cowboy Ribeye

    Black Cow Chophouse

    4.5(142 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    I stopped by Black Cow for a solo dinner during happy hour, and it ended up being one of the best…read moremeals I've had in Charlottesville. I ordered the steak frites, and every bite was fantastic. The steak was cooked perfectly, the fries were crisp and flavorful, and even the horseradish crème fraîche was incredible. I'm usually not someone who gets excited about dipping sauces, but this one complemented the meal so well. The bartender was also outstanding. He recommended the chocolate mousse, saying he "could bathe in it." After trying it, I completely understood what he meant. It was rich, silky, and hands down one of the best chocolate mousses I've ever had. It was the perfect way to end the meal. Excellent food, great service, and a welcoming atmosphere made this an easy five-star experience. I'll absolutely be back the next time I'm in Charlottesville.

    My first visit to Black Cow Chophouse left me with mixed feelings. The ambience is beautiful and…read morehas a great upscale atmosphere, and I really appreciated the staff accommodating our request to move inside after we had originally reserved outdoor seating. The service was excellent throughout the meal. Our server, was absolutely lovely. She was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made us feel welcome. She was one of the highlights of the experience. We started with the steak tartare. It was decent, but a little saltier than I would have preferred. My biggest complaint was that the accompanying bread wasn't brushed with butter or olive oil, which made it feel a bit dry and out of place alongside such a rich dish. One thing that was disappointing was the portioning of the shareable sides. The menu describes them as serving 3 to 4 people, but in our experience they were much more realistically sized for about two people. That was frustrating, especially given the overall price point. For our entrees, we ordered the ribeye, bavette, and New York strip. All of the steaks were cooked well, but I found them to be good rather than great, especially considering the price point. They just weren't particularly memorable. The ribeye, in particular, leaned a bit too far toward fatty rather than beautifully marbled, so there was more unrendered fat than I would have liked. The steak sauces were enjoyable, but they also didn't stand out in any significant way. They were well made, but nothing especially unique or memorable. Overall, I enjoyed the evening, the atmosphere, and the exceptional service. However, for a steakhouse at this price point, I expected to be more impressed by the food. Everything was solid, but nothing really wowed me or left me thinking, "I can't wait to come back." It is disappointing to have buyers remorse from such a nice restaurant.

    Photos
    Black Cow Chophouse
    Black Cow Chophouse - Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

    Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette

    Black Cow Chophouse - Vanilla Bourbon Creme Brûlée

    See all

    Vanilla Bourbon Creme Brûlée

    Tony’s Diner & Restaurant - Large Greek Salad with Chicken Breast added

    Tony’s Diner & Restaurant

    4.1(119 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    •$$

    Had an awesome and healthy breakfast with my partner before heading out of town for a wedding! I…read morenever knew that this place was here! Came here on the earlier side, and there was a table of older gentlemen and a table of cops. Usually a great sign of stick to your bones, no-frills, food for value. Our waitress was great and we were quickly seated in a Comfy booth. They had all your diner classics and some healthy options which I truly appreciated. I had an egg white veggie omelette, which came out lightning with delicious fries and a side of tzatziki sauce a must! Breakfast sandwich with a side of cottage cheese. Delicious home-cooked meals done right! Yum!! I love a place that has customizable options to make your breakfast feel like comfort.

    Tony's Diner doesn't look like much from the outside since it's tucked away at the end of a strip…read moremall in Charlottesville, but don't let that fool you. We were greeted by Tony, the owner, as soon as we walked in and were seated immediately, which made us feel welcome right away. Our waitress wasn't especially bubbly, but she took good care of us. It may have just been her morning personality, and the service itself was perfectly fine. We stopped in for breakfast. I ordered the pecan pancakes with a side of sausage, and the pancakes were delicious. There were three large pancakes on the plate, so it was a great value. My husband had the French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, and home fries. The breakfast was classic diner fare, but the home fries were exceptional. One of the highlights was getting to chat with Tony when we paid. He shared a little about how he came to own the restaurant and some of his background, which added a personal touch. We also ended up talking with the regulars at the table next to us, and it was easy to see this diner has built a friendly community of loyal customers. The menu is extensive, with just about every breakfast option you could want, plus a wide selection of Greek dishes for lunch. Overall, it's a welcoming neighborhood diner with generous portions, good food, and an owner who clearly cares about his customers.

    Photos
    Tony’s Diner & Restaurant
    Tony’s Diner & Restaurant - All American with French Toast

    All American with French Toast

    Tony’s Diner & Restaurant - Chicken Souvlaki Platter

    See all

    Chicken Souvlaki Platter

    TJ's Tavern - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...