This is the first in an occasional series documenting bicycle rides that include stops at unique local eating and/or drinking establishments in the Charlottesville area. In common vernacular, such establishments are often affectionately referenced as greasy spoon, dive bar, hole in the wall, mom and pop, or off the beaten path.
Given that this is still basically a bicycle ride, there are no real rules, other than be safe and enjoy. However, in the spirit of exploration and local authenticity, some guiding principles will be followed. Additionally, while I try to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, I will give myself a lot of grace when ordering.
Gastro-Ride Guiding Principles:
- visit to establishment must be part of a longer ride (not just a bike ride to the joint)
- if an item is featured on the establishment’s building, outdoor sign, or name, I am obliged to order that item
- if the server makes an unsolicited menu recommendation, I will order that item
- no national or chain establishments
Canipe Brothers Bar & Grill
2104 Angus Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22901
During the nearly 10 years I have called Charlottesville home, I can honestly say I had never heard of Canipe Brothers Bar & Grill. I discovered it completely by accident recently and stopped in for a visit. Canipe Brothers is located in a small side street strip mall shared with a convenience store and barber shop. I stopped in on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon in early August. The place is not large. It has maybe 6 seats at the bar, a couple of tables, and a few booths. While it was not crowded, there was a pretty steady stream of to-go orders, which I interpreted as a good sign. Being a party of one, I sat at the bar, which offered a view of the TV (showing college football, of course), the beer selection, happy hour specials, and miscellaneous bar decor. I was greeted by the lady behind the bar and, after perusing the menu, I ordered a hot dog, half an order of onion rings, and a domestic draft beer.
Upon ordering, I chatted up the lady to get a bit of history on the establishment. She was gracious in addressing my inquiries (while likely thinking to herself, this dude sure asks a lot of questions). She noted that Canipe Brothers has been in the location for nearly 20 years. Prior to that, it was the long-time location of Big Jim’s, which was apparently a well-known local watering hole. She described Canipe Brothers as a local, blue-collar establishment, drawing a good lunch crowd. She also noted that despite its relatively close proximity (less than 2 miles) to the UVA campus (excuse me, grounds), students are not regular clientele, but are not too uncommon. During my brief visit several young folks in UVA gear were having lunch and drinks.
After finishing my meal and beer, I asked the lady for water to fill my water bottle for the rest of the ride. She kindly obliged and I continued on my way. On the whole, I view this as a successful first gastro-ride. I enjoyed my first visit to Canipe Brothers. The service was friendly, the hot dog was tasty, the onion rings were delicious, and the beer was ice cold. At only $9.26 (plus tip) it was a solid meal for a fair price. And a great addition to any bike ride!
While the next ‘gastro-ride’ is not yet planned, I am open for suggestions!
adventureECO Cycling 