The Southern Café and Music Hall in Charlottesville, VA, offers a unique blend of soulful live music and a solid food menu that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers rave about the venue's intimate atmosphere and exceptional acoustics, making it a prime spot for music lovers. Fran Crisafulli notes that the separation of the bar and music areas facilitates easy ordering, while also maintaining a comfortable space to enjoy performances up close. The food menu, while not exhaustive, has something for everyone—whether you’re craving cheesy comfort food like Mama's Mac & Cheese or lighter fare such as the Summer Babe salad. Described as decent, the snacks include tantalizing options like Chicken Tenders and Gas Station Potato Wedges that cater to diverse palates. Samantha Federico highlights the versatility of the menu, which satisfies a variety of cravings, alongside the standout peanut butter cookies. Regulars, like Z F, emphasize the venue's ability to attract unique artists, fostering a special community atmosphere. While some guests, like Steve, suggest that it’s primarily a music venue rather than a culinary destination, the combination of good food and great sound defines The Southern. Overall, it’s a place where music and bites come together to create memorable nights in Charlottesville.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services available
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Has live music
Has live performances
Popular for
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Sells prepared foods
Serves small plates
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Popular with university students
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Photos
Reviews For The Southern Café and Music Hall
Fran Crisafulli
May 4,2025
The perfect venue to see live music. The venue and bar area are in separate areas. But ordering is not a problem. The music room is well equipped and sounds great. Do yourself a favor and see a show. It's a great up close and personal experience.
Z F
Apr 2,2025
TBH I have no idea if they serve food here, but if it’s anything close to the drinks, atmosphere, and service, it’s probably great. Huge fan of this venue. They pull in bands and musicians unlike any other venue in the central Virginia area. Former cvillian who makes several pilgrimages a year for various shows and to see friends. Love the Southern and only wish there was a comparable venue in Richmond.
Tim D
Mar 29,2025
Great small venue, and the sound in there is great! I've been a lot of places that sounded like a muddy mess, but top marks to these guys!
Samantha Federico
Mar 17,2025
The Southern is my favorite venue in Charlottesville. The food passes the vibes. Food for all kinds of friends who want something green, something cheesy, something greasy or meaty. The music is always awesome. There's a lot of places to watch the music whether you're in the front of the stage or in the sides where its darker and out of the way. The Southern also has fantastic peanut butter cookies.
Steve
Mar 7,2025
It's a place to see a music show, not a place to eat. Decent food. Tiny selection.
Kevin Dufresne
Feb 19,2025
I experience good customer service during my visit to The Southern Cafe and Music Hall; a helpful-kind employee helps me navigate a menu for Vegan options. The Falafel meal is really good (the Black Olives are so yummy, the Falafel is really good without the hummus even, the establishment prepares really good tofu, the vegetables are crisp as well as fresh, and the bread [which is like a pita bread] tastes so good [especially warmer] with the hummus). I pick at the meal during an entertaining concert! Fun!
Grant Averill
Feb 18,2025
Listened to Vansire and Toledo Saturday night in this music hall. Mostly standing room, but a few tables and chairs if you get there a little early. The acoustics were excellent. Easy access to drinks while the shows were in progress. Loved the venue.
Isaiah Moore
Feb 16,2025
I went for a concert, so I didn't taste the food, bit is right downtown amongst a host of other venues where activities are going on. As for the venue itself, it's very intimate. Not a bad spot in the place.
Reviews For The Southern Café and Music Hall