The Best Least Populated Restaurants in Charlottesville

There are plenty of great restaurants in town for those who want to be social, enjoy the bustle of conversation and business, maybe run into one or two people from work. But sometimes you just want a place where you can get a hearty meal and sit in relative silence, soak in the ambiance, and not have to worry about the constant threat of chit-chat. If you're in the mood for the latter, here's our list:

1. ISO ISO Ramen & Bar

The vibe is Blade Runner meets Homer Simpson. There are multiple big-screen TVs and a confusing but hygienic ordering process. No front-of-the-house staff is necessary--they actually have their own robot server. The poke, while tasty, was mostly rice with a top layer of fish and seaweed. For those who want a quiet place to eat and watch the game, there’s really no better restaurant.

2. Fusion

In case you haven’t seen it, Fusion opened up on West Main St. across from The Quirk hotel. This is your basic hole-in-the-wall cafe (a couple of tables inside, a couple of tables outside) that serves an array of sandwiches. The chicken quesadilla is well worth $6. The $5 cappuccino? Maybe not.

3. Doodle's Diner

Doodle's is misleading. It’s packed for Sunday brunch, but on the weekdays there’s hardly anyone there. By far the cheapest diner in town, their French toast short stack is only $5. You might see one or two other people eating lunch, but you’ll certainly be able to get a booth. Unfortunately, the hours are confusing:

• Mon:Closed
• Tues, Weds, Thursday: 11am-6:30pm
• Sat:Closed
• Sun: 9am-1:30pm

4. Taqueria El Comalito

This restaurant has an odd aesthetic. It’s painted in warm bright colors, but with fluorescent lighting it feels sterile. If you’re a fugitive hiding out in Charlottesville, Taqueria El Comalito provides a lot of food. Fast. It’s located in the gas station near the UVA Credit Union on East Market st. If you’re interested, you can get a quote before you hit the restaurant.

5. Red Lantern

Chinese takeout restaurants aren’t usually known for their indoor dining. Although it’s never crowded, the Red Lantern on Carlton road is surprisingly good for a casual date night. With only a couple of booths it feels very private. They’re also always busy so you never get the feeling your conversation is everyone else’s entertainment.