Citizen Burger, Charlottesville, Va.

Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is filled end to end with quaint coffee shops, high-end boutiques, art galleries and some of the city’s best restaurants, including 5-star dining and more casual eateries, like Citizen Burger.

Citizen Burger focuses on two things: burgers and beer — both of which they do exceptionally well. This laid-back spot, located in a unique old building in the center of the Downtown Mall, is the perfect spot to catch a game, grab a drink and enjoy a meal.

The restaurant partners with local farms to create delicious, all-natural burgers, using only grass-fed beef from Timbercreek Farm, located in Charlottesville. The exposed kitchen lets guests see the burger-building process, from the ground beef to the final step — the restaurant’s signature hot-iron bun branding.

There are several burger options to choose from or you can build your own. If you opt for the latter, you choose beef, local free-range chicken or the house vegan burger, followed by a selection of buns, cheese and toppings. I crafted a chicken burger with Jalapeno Jack, fresh jalapenos, Citizen sauce and bacon on house brioche.

Also of note on the menu are the cheese fries; shishito peppers; and grilled cheese, made with local Gouda and Cheddar, apple, thyme and truffle oil.

The extensive drink list is comprised of great local craft beers, ciders and cocktails, including my favorite, the Rosemary Collins — made with Virginia gin, cucumber, rosemary, lemon and agave.

Citizen Burger

212 E. Main St.
Charlottesville, VA 22902

tel 434 979 9944