Dining in the District
A Guide To Danville’s Finest Restaurants, Bistros, Breweries and Bars
Hungry for a great meal, local cocktail and relaxed, friends-welcome vibe? Danville’s eclectic River District awaits with a range of breweries, bistros, upscale cafés and lowbrow hangouts to suit every taste, style, and budget. Here are a few of our favorites.
COTTON
Chill out in style at Riverside Mill’s Cotton Restaurant. Housed in the former Dan River Mill in the heart of the River District, Cotton offers the perfect mix of crowd pleasers and foodie delights. Enjoy beautiful patio views of the Dan River while you sample a local craft beer or vintage-inspired signature cocktail. Step inside, and you’ll experience one of Danville’s grooviest hangouts, featuring retro chic furniture, lighting and décor straight out of the pages of a high end magazine. Menu includes fire-roasted pizza, weekend brunch, premium burgers and — of course –bourbon.
Cotton Restaurant at Riverside Mills
109 Bridge St, Suite 600
Danville, VA, 24541
(434) 421-6711
www.CottonatRiversideMill.com
KING CROPP
If you’re looking for a farm-to-table meal using fresh, local ingredients from a family that really cares about food, then look no further. Visit King Cropp for a taste of husband chef Chris’ cooking, which just so happens to highlight wife horticulturalist Darcy’s passion for growing their own food and raising their own animals for eggs and food. Menu items range from sandwiches and elevated basics all the way through exciting, unexpected options showcasing the freshest, home-grown herbs, veggies and farm-raised chicken, quail, duck, turkey and pork. A must eat while in Danville.
King Cropp
621 Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 713-3305
www.kingcroppfood.com
616
Sample locally grown-and-raised goodness from local restaurateurs Chris King and Darcy Cropp at the 616 Farm to Table restaurant. We’re talking scratch made bread from locally milled flour, regional wine and cheese, farm-fresh veggies from the family’s own garden, even flowers for the table. If it’s not local, it’s not here. Seriously. Thanks to their lifelong passion for growing, raising and sourcing only the freshest, niche-produced ingredients, the team at 616 has put together an award winning menu comprised of an extraordinary 90% local ingredients.
616 Restaurant
616 North Main Street
Danville, VA 24540
(434) 797-3463
www.facebook.com/neapolis616/
CREMA AND VINE
Feel like a coffee? Or something a little stronger? Crema and Vine can accommodate. Located in a converted Esso Station in Danville’s chic Old West End, this quirky hangout is the best stop to refuel after a tour through Millionaire’s Row — which contains homes of tobacconists and textile entrepreneurs from the 19th and 20th centuries. Stop in for a leisurely breakfast or lunch, sample some sweets from the bakery case, or recharge with a glass of local wine or your favorite coffee (and your laptop). Cushy sofas, vintage decor and oversized leather chairs beat Starbucks any day.
Crema and Vine
1009 Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 835-4304
www.cremavine.com
GOLDEN LEAF BISTRO
Located in the historic Tobacco Warehouse District of Danville, Virginia, Golden Leaf Bistro is surrounded by old world charm and local heritage. From the full service bar and wine list to the outdoor patio and intimate private dining options, Golden Leaf Bistro delivers a taste of Danville’s unique and welcoming culture like none other. Fried oysters, Saganaki, Bronzed Salmon, Filet Mignon, Ahi Tuna Wontons and classic Shrimp and Grits are just some of the highlights. Reservations accepted, but not necessary.
Golden Leaf Bistro
215 Craghead Street
Danville, Virginia 24541
(434) 791-3191
www.goldenleafbistro.com
MUCHO TAQUERIA
So, you’re going to stop in here whether you plan to or not. And once you do, you’re almost guaranteed to stay for a small plate or two. So make plans to include Mucho Taqueria in whatever your Danville itinerary demands (you won’t be disappointed). This eclectic taco and tequila bar serves simple, fresh, Mexican inspired dishes in an elegantly restored and repurposed building. Décor includes vibrant art, moody nooks and a bar that’s more like a social scene than a solo spot to grab a bite. Friendly service, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of deck and patio seating. And if all of that hasn’t sold you, perhaps we should mention the bar stocks more than 85 tequilas available in short or long pours.
Mucho Taqueria
530 Craghead Street, Suite 100
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 835-2545
www.muchotaqueria.com
SCHOOLFIELD RESTAURANT
When it’s time to sit down for dinner, head to the Schoolfield. This Danville hotspot serves a savory mix of premium meats, fresh caught seafood and farm-fresh vegetables. Carnivores will love the throw-back prime rib au jus, served just like you remember it (with plenty of napkins). Feeling upscale? The private fine dining salon is ready with a signature filet mignon, cooked or order seasonal appetizers and crisp beer on the side.
The Schoolfield Restaurant
1009 West Main Street
Danville, Virginia 24541
(434) 799-9300
https://schoolfieldrestaurant.com
ME’S BURGERS AND BREWERY
Named for owner Aunt Emily – affectionately known to her nephew as Me — this neighborhood mainstay serves up juicy burgers, local brews and everything you need to feel right at home. Grab a table and relax with a few friends. Or come as you are and make some new ones. Full bar, patio seating, view of the fountain, and the best burger you’ve had all year (even if you’re vegetarian!). Serving dinner and drinks Tuesday through Saturday.
Me’s Burgers and Brewery
215 Main Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 792-0123
www.mesburgers.com
LOCAL LIBATIONS
DRY FORK DISTILLERY
When in Virginia, do as the Virginians do. Dry Fork Distillery hand-crafts spirits, whiskey and moonshine using local ingredients and traditional methods. The distillery was formed to create a premium whiskey at a fair price. With access to locally grown corn, barley, and fruits, Dry Fork Fruit Distillery started offering a 100 Proof moonshine and 80 proof strawberry moonshine 2015. Stop in for a taste, then browse the products for sale to take some home. Notable is the hand crafted Blueberry, Blackberry and Damson fruited whiskey, and the ever popular Apple Brandy.
Dry Fork Distillery
534 Bridge Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 857-2337
www.dryforkdistillery.com
BALLAD BREWING
Grains, hops, yeast, and water. That’s really all you need to brew beer. But at Ballad Brewing, head brewer Dr. John Andorfer and team are on a mission to transform these four humble ingredients into the world’s most interesting beers. Stop by anytime for a flight of the best brews of the season. Or stick to the classics with Ballad’s award winning Double IPA, aptly named HOME. Served on site and in most restaurants throughout Danville, Ballad is the epitome of local brews.
Ballad Brewing
600 Craghead Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 799-4677
www.balladbrewing.com
TWO WITCHES BREWERY
It all started with homemade witch costumes, a Polaroid picture, and a dream. When Marvin Jefferson first dreamed of starting his own vineyard, farm, winery and nanobrewery, he knew he would name it 2 Witches after his daughters Julie and Andrea. Years later, the enterprise is still run by the family, now expanded to son Alex, who earned a degree in Brewing Science in order to become Head Brewer. Pop in for a taste and see how magical 2 Witches can be.
Two Witches Brewery
209 Trade Street
Danville, VA 24541
(434) 549-2739
www.2witcheswinebrew.com