Bang! Offers Cville a New Cultural Tradition
Samuel Huff, staff writer
Just five years ago, if you had asked the typical American to point you in the direction of an eccentric tapas restaurant, you would have probably gotten a puzzled glare. However, over the last couple of years, tapas, which are snack sized portions of ethnic cuisine, have become a cultural phenomenon. Everyone is talking about this unique dining experience and Charlottesville has the perfect place for you to get in on the exciting trend.
Resting just off the downtown mall, at 213 2nd Street Southwest, is Bang!, Charlottesville’s unique tapas experience. While there is little to no designated parking, the Water Street parking garage and the metered lot directly in front of the restaurant serve as adequate substitutes.
As you approach the renovated two story house from the street, your senses immediately become overwhelmed. Taking in the romantic ambiance of the hedge-trimmed patio becomes difficult as the enticing aromas lure you to the hostess who greets you with a friendly smile. The bottom floor flows with a strategic placement of tables and walkways while the much smaller upper floor maintains a more casual vibe complete with low chairs and coffee tables perfect for first dates or one-onone meetings.
The friendly staff will guide you through the menu and explain that each item you order is crafted to be shared by the table. The staff also ensures that your tapas experience is authentic by bringing out each ordered item as it is readily available.
If you are, in fact, planning a night out for you and that special someone, search no more. The romantic atmosphere is outdone only by the incredible convenience of a short 3-5 minute walk from the historic downtown mall, making it the perfect option to be followed by a live show at the Jefferson Theatre, a movie at the Violet Crown Cinema, or an afternoon walk to experience the heart of Charlottesville’s unique culture.
From the incredibly tender short-rib ravioli to the sweet potato gnocchi complete with curry sauce and kale, the Asian-fusion menu is sure to ruin any other restaurant for you the following week.
The expert bartender utilizes the flavors of rum, bourbon, tequila, and vodka, blended with a variety of other exciting flavors, to craft over twenty exclusive martinis that will propel you to elite, socialite status, right there at the bar. The incredible tapas, which rotate seasonally and typically range from $8 – $15 per entree, matched with stylish martinis may result in a higher bill than you would typically set aside for a night out, but the quality of the food and service, will leave you more than satisfied and ready to plan your next visit. For a less pricey dining experience, however, Bang! offers generous happy hour discounts Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays from 5:30- 6:30 p.m.
With vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options, Bang! is a standout choice for any group that you want to exclaim with joy. With tapas exploding onto the scene and gaining a reputation for being a hip new trend, Bang! is proving to central Virginia that they are here to outlive the newest fad and provide Charlottesville with a special kind of dining experience for a long time to come, and they openly invite you to come be a part of the fun.
