Super nice place! Only sad thing is that they don’t have sweet tea. Love there burgers! We come every year after heading back from the homestead, super nice place with really nice decorations and layout. Highly recommend the salmon burger thing as that’s what I got and it was so good! The fact they brand there special burgers with an actual brander thing is so cool! You can watch them do it at the counter because of the super open layout. Great place!
Overview
If you’re in the mood for a burger that goes beyond the ordinary, Citizen Burger Bar in Charlottesville is where you want to be. Located at 212 E Main St, this spot has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. What makes Citizen Burger Bar stand out isn’t just their burgers-it’s the whole experience, from the lively atmosphere to the way they’ve redefined comfort food.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a cozy yet vibrant ambiance. The restaurant's design blends modern touches with a welcoming, almost nostalgic diner feel. Whether you're here for a casual meal with friends or a more intimate dinner, the vibe is just right. The seating arrangement is flexible, with options for larger groups or quieter corners, giving the place a laid-back, accessible feel. The walls are adorned with local art, contributing to a charming and unique space.
But of course, the heart of Citizen Burger Bar lies in its menu. The burgers, crafted with high-quality ingredients, are the stars of the show. They offer a variety of options that cater to both meat lovers and those with dietary preferences. For example, the Citizen Burger features a perfectly grilled beef patty topped with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their signature sauce. If you're after something a bit more adventurous, the BBQ Bacon Burger is a crowd favorite, with smoky barbecue sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar.
For those who prefer to keep it lighter or are avoiding red meat, the Veggie Burger is a standout, made with a flavorful blend of plant-based ingredients that doesn’t compromise on taste. They even have gluten-free buns available, ensuring that everyone can enjoy their delicious creations.
The menu isn’t just about burgers, though. The sides are equally impressive. You can’t go wrong with the Truffle Fries, drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with parmesan-definitely a must-try. If you’re craving something more substantial, the Fried Pickles are the perfect mix of tangy and crunchy. And for those with a sweet tooth, don’t skip the Milkshakes; thick, creamy, and made with real ingredients, they are the perfect finish to your meal.
What’s even more appealing about Citizen Burger Bar is their commitment to local ingredients. They source fresh, high-quality produce from nearby farms, which means you’re not only supporting local businesses, but you’re also getting a taste of what Charlottesville has to offer. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that connects you to the community. The restaurant also prides itself on its sustainability efforts, ensuring that the food you enjoy is responsibly sourced and served.
On top of the amazing food, the service at Citizen Burger Bar deserves a mention. The staff is attentive and friendly, always ready to offer suggestions or help customize your order to meet your needs. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, you’ll feel like part of the Citizen family.
Citizen Burger Bar has earned its place as one of the top dining spots in Charlottesville, and the reviews speak for themselves. Customers rave about the friendly atmosphere, delicious food, and the overall experience. Many return for the burgers, while others are drawn in by the fantastic sides and milkshakes that make for a perfect treat after a long day.
For those looking to grab a bite in a lively but relaxed environment, Citizen Burger Bar is a must-visit. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or a fun dinner with friends, there’s no shortage of great options to choose from. With its prime location at 212 E Main St, it’s easy to swing by and enjoy what is undoubtedly one of the best burger joints in Charlottesville.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ SportPopular for
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Late-night food âś“ Organic dishes âś“ Quick bite âś“ Spirits âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Bar on site âś“ ToiletAtmosphere
âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy âś“ TrendyCrowd
âś“ Groups âś“ Tourists âś“ University studentsPlanning
âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menuParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Paid multi-storey car park âś“ Paid parking lot âś“ Paid street parking âś“ ParkingPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 2686 reviews
I was on a mission to find the best burger in Charlottesville, and Citizen Burger Bar came up as the top pick—and wow, it absolutely lived up to the hype. Everything about our visit was fantastic. The star of the show was the Citizen Burger itself: stacked with fresh, flavorful ingredients and topped off with a crispy fried pickle that was a delicious surprise. I swapped out the fries for onion rings, and it was totally worth it—perfectly crispy and packed with flavor. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of downtown Charlottesville, on the pedestrian mall full of charm, energy, and people-watching. It really captures the vibe of the town and the university. One huge bonus: they’re extremely dog-friendly. They brought out a big bowl of cold water for our two pups without us even asking—such a thoughtful touch! My wife ordered the beet salad and loved every bite. We also appreciated the cold bottle of water left at the table to keep our glasses topped off—small detail, but it made the whole experience feel that much more relaxed and attentive. From start to finish, this was one of the most enjoyable dining experiences we’ve had in a while. Great food, awesome atmosphere, and top-notch service. Highly recommend—easily a five-star spot!
Cool looking burger joint in downtown Charlottesville, VA. We opted to eat outside because the weather was great. The service was decent but our fries were forgotten, which was probably a good thing, since the custom burger and grilled cheese we got were pretty pricey.
A wonderful spot for gourmet burgers. I had The Hotness burger here and it was AMAZING. I could taste the quality and freshness in each ingredient: the grass fed beef, brioche buns, and fries freshly cut each morning. Even the cheese is local. Outstanding service by our server Hollan who was very friendly and attentive as well. Great start to the year!
We stopped here on our way through Charlottesville.... It was an easy place to find seating, the service was outstanding and the food was great. Definitely try this place out when you are in town!
If you’re looking for a great high-quality burger, this is the spot for you! The Steakhouse Burger was delicious, and the beef was cooked just right and not overly greasy. I got a custom burger with the garlic aioli, which I’d definitely order again. The sides, especially the sweet potato fries, hit the spot. The location is on the main strip, and has outdoor seating.