I haven’t been looking forward to writing this review since a few friends told me that Blue Moon Diner was their favorite place in town, and then menacingly asked if we had reviewed it yet. So as fair warning: in the ancient blue brunch battle of Charlottesville, my loyalties lie with the Bluegrass Grill. Sorry Team Blue Moon – I know there are many of you – and you may want to stop reading now.
There is good food to eat and good things to say about the Blue Moon Diner on West Main. The ingredients are local and fresh, the coffee mugs are basically mini thermoses, and the brunch menu is interesting and playful. I thought for sure they would win my heart over when I saw the blackboard featuring the artisan bacon special of the day. But as a metaphor for my broader Blue Moon experience, it sounded good and I loved the concept, but the actual experience was less than satisfying. The bacon, like the service, was just too salty and tough.
My biggest problem with Blue Moon is it seems as if we don’t know the secret hipster code word to gain acceptance. Other regulars wearing cooler clothing appear to receive prompt, friendly service, and perhaps better food, so I can only blame our own lameness for the disappointing experience. Or maybe it’s just that if we were cool, we wouldn’t mind waiting nearly an hour for our food.
Despite this, since its reopening in 2006 we drift back there every few months because there are good brunch options to be had. The omelet combos are great and feature some untraditional fixings (granny smith apples, aged gouda, sweet peppers). The Hogwaller Hash (scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, or ham, hash browns, and bell and jalapeño peppers) is tasty although the consistency is a touch too carb-heavy. The french toast is one of the best in town, and Jed tried a burger on our most recent visit and thought it was better than average with a great bun. Dessert even includes a Local Grills-With, which is grilled Carpe Donuts with Chaps ice cream and chocolate sauce. My only serious food complaint, and it’s a significant one, is the potatoes. The hash browns are tragically limp with peppers dominating all flavor. The sweet potato fries should not be advertised as fries, as they’re actually huge potato chunks with no crisp to be had. If only the fries were saltier and the service sweeter…
Jed says: “For me, this place is summed up by the t-shirts that the employees once had to wear – ‘my farts smell like bacon,’ they said. Irreverent, ballsy, and bacony, but also a little irritating and unfunny – not as good as it should be.”
Rating: Erin: 
Jed:
Pros: Fresh ingredients, fun menu, bottomless big coffee mugs.
Cons: Slow, indifferent service.
Price: Breakfast sandwiches $3.95-$4.95, omelets $5.95-$8.25, breakfast platters $5.75-$8.50.
Photos
More Info
Best in Chow
#1 by Guest on April 25th, 2010
WORST. REVIEW. EVER.
#2 by Billy Bennett on April 25th, 2010
I couldn't disagree more. I'm not trendy at all. I actually stay away from being even considered “trendy” but I've always had great service even if I do have to wait a little while. You can't be frustrated with the wait just because so many people flock to the place on the weekends. I absolutely love the hogwaller hash and pretty much order it every time except when I see something on the specials menu.
#3 by Jed on April 25th, 2010
I've always wanted to like the Hogwaller Hash. I keep ordering it because it looks like it should be great, and it never is. Don't get me wrong – it's always good – it's just never great. Potatoes on top of bread seems a little unnecessary, and the flavor is otherwise protein-heavy without much balance. But I actually quite enjoy the corned beef hash and the french toast, and the burger was decent.
#4 by Amy on April 26th, 2010
Well, I have never been to either place so I have no loyalties, and I appreciate the honest review. I am certainly not jumping out of my chair to go to brunch at BMD. Also, I looked at the menu photo, and saw no mention of a Bloody Mary. THAT would be a deal breaker. Any brunch place worth its bacon MUST have a least a decent Bloody Mary. What is the story here?
Thanks,
Amy, loyal subscriber
#5 by erin on April 26th, 2010
Thanks for the comment, Amy! And yes, rest assured that Blue Moon certainly has Bloody Marys. I've never had one but they have a well-stocked bar so I assume they make good ones. I was impressed a few years back when they offered a special BLT drink that was a Bloody Mary rimmed with bacon salt. I don't think it's a permanent fixture on the menu, but I hope it reappears because that would bring me back!
#6 by misterdonalddraper on April 27th, 2010
Hmm…just not sure how you guys are not walking away loving this place. Yes it would help if you all had some facial hair and wore some darker clothing, but even my preppier friends generally have great experiences. Perhaps one day it will finally click in, until then I appreciate you guys trying every so often. I have nothing but the fondest of regards for Blue Moon.
#7 by chris on April 29th, 2010
I absolutely agree that the wait-time for food at brunch is intolerable, even allowing for a small kitchen and busy restaurant. I once went through 3 of those thermos mugs of coffee waiting for my meal. Although the staff is generally indifferent to the problem, on one occasion our waitress took pity and delivered some free biscuits to tide us over. That was sweet and the biscuits were darn good. Nowadays I only go to Blue Moon for weekend brunch if I can get there right when the door opens.
#8 by Former Waitress on April 30th, 2010
This review 100% sums up every Blue Moon experience I've ever had.
The food can be lovely, but not so awesome I can ignore the long wait, indifferent servers and you're-not-cool-enough atmosphere.
#9 by Sian on May 1st, 2010
Have to say I love Blue Moon. I very had very few sub par meals there. I don’t go to brunch though. I don’t want to wait for a table. Same with Blue Grass whose food is fine but not much is worth a 45 to hour plus wait for a table. You can’t really fault places for being good to regulars. It happens everywhere. The regulars spend more money, more often and get to know the staff. I think the hipster complaint is pretty weak. As far as I can tell from my visits the patrons cover a pretty broad range in reality. I like your site, though.