3 Iconic Charlottesville Eateries

Delectable detours are around every corner in Charlottesville! Over the past 12 seasons, Charlottesville Inside-Out has dug into many mouthwatering meals within the Piedmont Region, but these three eateries stand out not just as delicious destinations, but as fixtures of the community. Learn more about them below and enjoy a brand-new lineup of CVIO episodes at the new 8 p.m. time slot beginning Thursday, January 30 on VPM PBS.

Chaps Homemade Gourmet Ice Cream

Chaps Ice Cream owner, Tony LaBua, has been an icon in the Charlottesville community since 1985. He’s never met a stranger, eats ice cream for breakfast every morning, and is famous for serving up a mix of tasty food, homemade frozen delights and good cheer in his Downtown Mall restaurant. Terri Allard sits down with LaBua in this mouthwatering episode of Charlottesville Inside Out!

Airing on VPM TV April 30th at 8:00 pm

Blue Moon Diner

The Blue Moon Diner has been a staple on West Main Street since the 1970s. After taking a two-year hiatus for renovations, the diner reopened in September of 2019 and went right back to serving up diverse fare to a diverse crowd - from regulars coming in for brunch to fans of live music in the evening to weary nurses just getting off of work during the late-night hours.

Mel’s CafeFor over 30 years, Mel Walker has served up some of the best home-cooked food in the Charlottesville area. And it’s not just locals and students who make his eatery a regular destination. Visitors from far and wide have heard about the famous fried chicken, burgers, and sweet potato pie at Mel’s Café.