The Ridley
If you’re in Charlottesville, VA, and looking for a spot to enjoy great food with a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, The Ridley is a must-visit. Located at 1106 W Main St, this charming restaurant serves up delicious dishes in a stylish, upscale setting perfect for both casual outings and special gatherings. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or even bringing your dog along, The Ridley has you covered.
The vibe at The Ridley strikes the perfect balance between classy and comfortable. With a moderate noise level, it’s ideal for conversations, while also providing a lively environment that’s great for groups. They even have happy hour specials, making it an excellent spot to unwind after a long day. Plus, you’ll love that dogs are welcome, so you can enjoy a meal with your furry friend by your side.
When it comes to the menu, The Ridley offers a variety of mouthwatering dishes that cater to different tastes. If you’re craving something with a kick, don’t miss their Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich—it’s spicy, flavorful, and sure to hit the spot. For seafood lovers, the Oysters Rockefeller is a classic option that never disappoints. For those with a sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with the French Toast, a dish that strikes the right balance of sweet and savory. And if you’re a fan of comfort food, their Deviled Eggs and Brussels are guaranteed to be crowd-pleasers.
Whether you're here for a quick bite, a special night out, or enjoying a relaxing meal with loved ones, The Ridley offers something for everyone. With great food, an inviting atmosphere, and an overall fantastic experience, it’s easy to see why locals and visitors alike rave about this hidden gem. So next time you’re in the area, make sure to stop by and treat yourself to a meal you won’t soon forget.
Reviews
I still think the Ridley is a good restaurant choice in cville - the food has been slightly inconsistent the few times I've been (same with the service) so knocking off a star. If you're in, ask for Angela - she's the best server they have!
I love when the richness of the origin story of a restaurant matches the delectable dishes that come out of the kitchen. This black owned restaurant located in Charlottesville, VA was named after Walter Ridley who was the first to receive an academic doctoral degree from the University of Virginia. As part of the Thompson Restaurant Group was familiar with the aesthetic and I was excited to experience the menu at this establishment. My order consisted of: - Pineapple Lime Martini - Crispy Brussel Sprouts - Gumbo - Collard Greens Everything was beyond delicious and I would definitely comeback to order everything I ate again.
We had an amazing birthday brunch! Our waitress Shelly took great care of us!!! She was so kind and gave us free dessert! Will be coming back!
We took a drive over to Charlottesville for some quick shopping and a movie. We wanted to try a new spot (to us). We chose the Ridley and met Shelley! She was awesome with her personality, attentiveness and recommendations! We took her up on her recommendations and loved the cornbread, shrimp and grits, and fried chicken with smashed sweet potatos!! All was sooooo good! She connected with us almost immediately and helped us have a wonderful dining experience!! Check them out!!
We've eaten several times at the Ridley and can recommend it as a reliable restaurant inside the Draftsman. The seasonal cocktails change, but the rest of the menu is consistent each time we visit. The deviled eggs are worth trying! And the Brussels sprouts are a little spicy, in a good way.