Editor’s note: The author of this article is over the age of 21.
Several weeks ago, I visited The Alley Light with my dear friend Lily. Wanting to make the most out of our last few weeks together — she was a second semester fourth-year at the time — we developed a wonderful tradition of exploring a new restaurant in Charlottesville every Thursday evening. We visited an array of eateries, such as C&O, Bar Tomas and The Bebedero, but while all these establishments were lovely, The Alley Light brought something uniquely memorable to the table.
Open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., The Alley Light is tucked into a small alley off of Second Street, and is anything but easy to spot. The restaurant itself hides behind a wooden barn door, and the only signage is a large, glowing lantern hanging above it, illuminating the otherwise onyx street. By design, The Alley Light isn’t just something you stumble upon — finding it is as deeply intentional as every single detail inside of the restaurant itself…