Continental Divide
A buzzing cantina serving creative Southwestern fare and legendary margaritas, known for its lively atmosphere and signature dishes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Continental Divide
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A buzzing cantina serving creative Southwestern fare and legendary margaritas, known for its lively atmosphere and signature dishes.
"Get in here! You won't regret indulging in their flavorful food and superb margaritas."
Arrive Early for a Table
The popular spot fills up quickly; arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
Margaritas While You Wait
Enjoy a superb margarita from their extensive tequila menu while you wait for your table.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southwestern
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(434) 984-0143
Address
811 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature Southwestern Flavors
Indulge in tropical brisket, Santa Fe enchiladas, and the famous Red Hot Blues nachos with blue corn tortilla chips.
Extensive Tequila and Margarita Menu
Sip on expertly crafted margaritas from one of the longest and best tequila menus in Charlottesville.
Lively, Local Atmosphere
Experience the buzzing, energetic vibe of this beloved local cantina, often described as a hidden gem.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for a Table
The popular spot fills up quickly; arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
Margaritas While You Wait
Enjoy a superb margarita from their extensive tequila menu while you wait for your table.
Don't Miss the Nachos
The Red Hot Blues nachos with blue corn chips and goat cheese are a must-try appetizer.
Try the Brisket or Enchiladas
The tropical brisket and Santa Fe enchiladas are highly recommended dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for a Table
The popular spot fills up quickly; arrive early or be prepared for a wait, especially on weekends.
Margaritas While You Wait
Enjoy a superb margarita from their extensive tequila menu while you wait for your table.
Don't Miss the Nachos
The Red Hot Blues nachos with blue corn chips and goat cheese are a must-try appetizer.
Try the Brisket or Enchiladas
The tropical brisket and Santa Fe enchiladas are highly recommended dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Continental Divide is praised for its delicious Southwestern cuisine and vibrant atmosphere, with many highlighting their exceptional margaritas and popular dishes like the Red Hot Blues nachos and Santa Fe enchiladas. While the lively ambiance is a draw for many, some diners note that the restaurant can be quite noisy. Service is generally considered friendly and efficient, though occasional waits are to be expected due to its popularity.
"Fun! Loud! Delicious Food! Superb Margaritas!! I went in on my own and sat at the bar!! You can have fun by yourself, and I plan on doing so again soon!!"
Jim Dulaney
"The black bean nachos were incredible. I haven’t had nachos this good in probably 10 years.
I got the Carnitas which was crispy sweet and spicy deliciousness.
The House Margarita was delicious. Perfectly sweet."
Nikita Rain
"Stopped by on a Tuesday night around 6.30 and the place was packed. Came back the following day around 5 or so and got a seat at the bar. Within 45 minutes the place was full.
The tropical brisket was on the menu and it was really good. The brisket was seasoned well and was tender. The whole plate was seasoned well and very good. If you try their dangerous sauce, it is quite hot. Great service behind the bar too."
Dan J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The Red Hot Blues nachos and Santa Fe enchiladas are highly recommended, along with the tropical brisket tacos.
Due to its popularity, it's often crowded. Arriving early or being prepared to wait is advised.
Continental Divide boasts one of Charlottesville's longest and best tequila menus, offering superb, customizable margaritas.
The restaurant has a lively, buzzing, and sometimes noisy atmosphere, which many patrons find charming and indicative of its local gem status.
Yes, you can enjoy a margarita and the lively bar scene while waiting for a table to open up.
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Top 10 Mexican Restaurants In CVille!
At Continental Divide, choose a delicious, customizable margarita, made from one of Charlottesville’s longest and best tequila menus, from the bar and get ready for a fun and memorable Mexican experience!. Charlottesville’s locals and visitors alike rave about the unique appetizers and entrees, like the Red Hot and Blues nachos with blue corn tortilla chips and goat cheese, as well as the mouth-watering tuna tostada. Keep an eye out for Continental Divide’s distinctive neon sign, and make sure to follow its instructions: “Get in Here!
Best Restaurants and Cafes in Charlottesville
If it weren’t for the cheeky green neon sign hinting for passersby to “Get in here!. ” it would be hard to tell there was a Mexican-fusion restaurant operating behind the sole window draped with Christmas lights and dangling greenery. The dim lighting and barstools full of locals debating whether to try the daily special (mashed potatoes and chorizo quesadilla?!) make you feel like you’ve discovered a well-kept secret.
My Fave Casual Sit Down Restaurants in Charlottesville, VA
If you ask someone where to get the best margaritas in Charlottesville, they will probably tell you Continental Divide. It’s a definite blink and you’ll miss it spot located on West Main (they don’t have bold signage) and it’s very small (you can often expect a wait here), but it’s definitely worth the venture. I like to opt for the Carnitas, but I’ll never say no to their nachos.
15 Charlottesville Restaurants That'll Make Your Stomach Growl
A neon light on Main Street beckons passerby of Continental Divide to “Get in Here.” You should definitely obey this command. This Charlottesville hotspot serves Southwestern style dishes that appeal to cravings for spice and also tequila. I highly recommend the Red Hot Blues appetizer, which features blue corn chips topped with goat cheese, jack cheese and red onions.
Top 9 Spots For Tacos In CVille!
811 W Main St, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 Website | Facebook | Photo: FB. Located on West Main, you’ll know you’re there when you see the glowing neon sign in the window that says, “Get In Here”. Go for the tacos, stay for the margaritas!
The 15 Best Restaurants in Charlottesville, Virginia (+ Other Locavore Gems)
Considering that it is something of a hole-in-the-wall, Continental Divide really knows how to draw a crowd. They don’t even have their name on the outside of the building!. Only their gecko logo and a sign that famously reads, “Get In Here.
Best of C-VILLE 2019: Food & Drink
The garage rock is always playing and the margaritas flowing at Continental Divide. Both go well with nachos, and the restaurant with the famous “Get In Here!. ” neon sign in the window serves ’em up tall and extra-cheesy.
UVA Students' Guide To Charlottesville
If you find yourself craving Mexican food, try Continental Divide. It boasts delicious food, a lively atmosphere, and margaritas, for those over 21 years old. If you like hot sauce, be sure to try their in-house sauces.
CHARLOTTESVILLE'S RESTAURANT REVOLUTION
And all the chefs love hanging out at the tiny, new Continental Divide, where former Metropolitain chef Rachel Greenberg and chef/owner Duffy Pappas turn out stellar Southwestern food.
Highest-rated Mexican Restaurants in Charlottesville by Diners
- Rating: 4.0/5 (217 reviews)- Price level: $$- Address: 811 West Main St. Charlottesville, Virginia - Categories: Mexican, Tex-Mex- Read more on Yelp
The Charlottesville Dining Guide
Continental Divide | 811 W Main St. – Southwestern food & the best margaritas in town served in cozy cantina quarters.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit