Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern, historic restaurant next to Monticello

Michie Tavern is a Virginia Historic Landmark located half a mile below Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. The building, dating to around 1784, originally served as an inn for travelers and today houses a rustic restaurant where a bountiful Southern Midday Fare buffet is served, along with an 18th-century style pub and several shops set in restored period structures.

The Southern Midday Fare

The main dining offering is the Midday Fare, a buffet served daily from 11:30 to 3:00. The selection includes Southern fried chicken, marinated baked chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, stewed tomatoes, black-eyed peas, buttermilk biscuits and other dishes from Southern cuisine. The dining room, with its rustic atmosphere, is wheelchair accessible via a ramp, and table service attends to diners during the meal.

The restaurant has an enclosed courtyard with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the surrounding area. During the summer months, treasure hunt maps and stick candy are offered to families with children.

The 1784 Pub

The 1784 Pub occupies the oldest section of the tavern and recreates the atmosphere of an 18th-century refreshment establishment. Its offering focuses on local wines, beers and hard ciders, accompanied by Southern dishes served in the late afternoon and early evening. The pub is open Wednesday to Saturday from 3:30 to 7:30 and does not offer takeout service. Among its beverages is the Michie Tavern Amber Lager, brewed in-house, and the Tap Bar Room serves local beer, wine and hard cider.

Shopping in period structures

Michie Tavern's shops occupy restored historic buildings. The General Store is open from 11:00 to 4:00 on weekdays and from 11:00 to 5:00 on weekends; the Tavern Shop, adjacent to the dining room and the pub, is open daily from 11:00 to 4:00. The selection includes historical reproductions, a line of tavern-inspired gifts, items for all ages, Virginia food products, local wine, beer and hard cider.

Takeout and groups

The takeout service allows orders by phone between 9:00 and 4:00, with pickup in two time slots: 11:00 to 11:45 or 3:15 to 5:30. The tavern also serves groups, with specific programs for motor coach tour groups and private dinners, as well as group reservations handled by a dedicated contact.

Recognition and offers

Michie Tavern is included in Southern Living magazine's "The South's Best 2026" list, dedicated to the South's most legendary restaurants. The establishment also publishes midday discounts throughout the year, such as the September 2026 offer for Virginia residents, with $4 off adult lunch on weekdays and $2 off on weekends. Information about promotions and hours is shared through its "Tavern Crier" newsletter.

Location and contact

683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902 · Phone: 1-434-977-1234 · Email: info@michietavern.com · Hours: Lunch: 11:30 – 3:00, daily; 1784 Pub: Wednesday to Saturday, 3:30 – 7:30