X Lounge retools, Buck's Elbow Pub goes public

Four years ago, when the Hook asked whether Charlottesville might be "New Yorkifying," a $10 martini at the trendy X Lounge was a key trend indicator. Indeed, when the multi-leveled restaurant/bar outfitted in steel and glass opened in 2006, it immediately erupted as a hip addition to the urban scene. A review in Virginia Law Weekly declared that "NYC-cool has finally arrived in the 'ville." Like NYC, the place even banned smoking before the Virginia ban.

Recently, though, the X Lounge has announced that it would be open to the public for dinner only on Friday and Saturday nights, reserving its space the rest of the week for private parties. So what's up?

The Hook contacted X Lounge representative for the owners (Francois Bladt and Kari Legault ), J.F. Legault, who said a personal family emergency has temporarily taken the focus off the restaurant, and he downplays the schedule change.

"We will be closed until Friday this week for a main drain line maintenance," he says. "That's it."

However, the restaurant's voicemail gives callers only two non-group dining options: Friday and Saturday. And a reporter noticed the place closed on a Tuesday back in mid-March.

"We have been doing some work routinely Monday through Thursday," says Legault, "so as good measure of communication to our patrons we posted those hours."

Legault says that he and his partners have also felt consumed by a new venture, Buck's Elbow Pub, which opened April 2 in the clubhouse at Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet's Old Trail Village. A renovation of a grill space within the clubhouse now features four large-screen TVs, a pool table, and spectacular views of Buck's Elbow Mountain.

Despite the word "club" in the name of the golf course, the Pub is open to the public for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, and for brunch on Sundays. As for food, expect local wine, beer, and food options, kids' and senior's specials, as well as a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. There is also live music and trivia on the weekends.

As for the X Lounge, we look forward to warm weather and grabbing an artisan cocktail on the front patio by the train tracks.