Prime 109
300 E. Main Street . Charlottesville, VA . (434) 422-5094
https://www.prime109steakhouse.com/
Why Prime 109?
From the team behind Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria, Prime 109 is like two restaurants in one, each of which could warrant entry into The Charlottesville 29. One is an a la carte steakhouse showcasing a product rarely found: local beef, dry-aged as long as sixty days, and grilled to order. The other is a New American restaurant with an entire separate menu, prepared by one of the most talented kitchens in town, including two prior winners of C-VILLE’s Best Chef.
The front of the house does justice to the kitchen. Before opening in 2018, Prime 109 gave the spectacular space a posh overhaul, preserving and enhancing features of the bank that occupied the historic downtown building for a century, like towering pillars, soaring ceilings, and ornate trim. In the rear of the restaurant, steaks are fired on a stunning open grill, where a marble chef’s counter provides the best view in the house. Completing the experience are expert-selected wine, New York City polish behind the bar, and one of the most professional staffs in town.
What to Order
Some call the steak the best of their life. But, the rest of the menu warrants attention too. Below is a list of our suggestions, Prime 109 chefs’ picks, and appearances in Five Finds on Friday, where a local chef or personality has named a Prime 109 dish as one of the best in town. Also included are appearances on chefs’ Best Thing I Ate All Year.
Our Picks
- Specials
- Parker House Rolls
- Hand Cut Beef Tartare
- Prime 109 Burger
- Prime 109 Steak
- Thrice Cooked French Fries
- Creamed Spinach
- Whatever Cocktail Abraham Feels Like Making
Chefs’ Picks
- Crab Louis
- Hand Cut Beef Tartare
- Cioppino
- Prime 109 Burger
- Kansas City Strip
- Thrice Cooked French Fries
- Creamed Spinach
- Ice Cream Sundae
Five Finds on Friday / Best Thing I Ate All Year Picks
- Parker House Rolls — Ryan Davidson (daughter); Melissa Close-Hart (Junction)
- Meatless Bolognese — Marijean Oldham (100 Things to Do in Charlottesville Before You Die)
- Prime 109 Burger — Ivan Rekosh (Zocalo)
- Dry-aged Steaks — Shelly Robb (Prime 109)
- Bavette — Wilson Richey (Ten Course Hospitality)
