When visiting us at the Academy Center of the Arts, we encourage you to visit the restaurants below, who generously support arts and culture in downtown Lynchburg!
The Water Dog
The Water Dog aims to bring together great craft brews and tasty artisan beer food with an awesome riverside environment and “some pretty rad people”. If you know what craft beer is, you probably like it. If you don’t, they still have a seat for you at our 2,000 sq. foot beer garden.
Their 36 draft brews are sourced to be as local as possible. Fill up one of the Water Dog growlers or grab a mix-n-match sixer and start L-I-V-I-N.
“We know what you’re thinking … you’re already in love – but there’s still more to love (whaaa?). Indoor and outdoor TVs for the VT vs. UVA game, a large 150” screen projector showing the Barca v. Real Madrid match.
Bring the kids and let them play in the splash park just outside our front door while you grab a brew and high-five your BFF for saving beans instead of getting a babysitter. We’ll even be spinning solid vinyl from time-to-time.”
Robin Alexander Bistro {RA} Bistro
Combining style and substance perfectly, {RA} Bistro is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Lynchburg and features seasonally inspired American cuisine. The polished casual design and sophisticated atmosphere is built around the 75 year-old rustic commercial dry cleaning building with open truss ceilings, painted brick, cityscape art, alluring front and back patios, and a Turkish tree root Martini bar.
{RA} Bistro is a showcase of American diversity and cuisine. With an eye for detail and a passion for food, we will guarantee hand-selected, quality ingredients and the absolute freshness of every item we serve.
Jimmy’s on The James
Located on Commerce Street, just steps away from the Academy Center of the Arts, you’ll find Jimmy’s on the James, a dining experience like no other. A modernly designed restaurant with a classic urban décor, reminiscent of the fine supper clubs of the Fantastic 50’s. Hear live music or listen to jazz and blues while the friendly service staff caters to you. Meanwhile, the bar staff offers up boutique wines, local artisan beers, and a seasonal speakeasy style cocktail menu. The experienced and passionate chefs prepare your dinner with ingredients focused fresh and unique, using classic comfort style preparation and cutting-edge technique. We are a locally owned restaurant that truly believes in giving our guests the best we possibly can. So make a reservation at Jimmy’s on the James, where something good is always cooking.
