Checking in with the Locals: Darren Sweeney

It’s been one year since we started checking in with the local-loving people of Charlottesville, featuring the faces of Cville and their top picks every week.

For this special occasion, we’re checking in with the Cville Niche Team! This group of locals is passionate about what they do in this great city. So far we’ve checked in with founder Katerina Diplas, editor Linnea White, arts writer Elizabeth Casey, tunes and lifestyle writer Erin O’Hare, and food and wine writer Shannon Gillen.

Check out our past year of local check-ins! And next week, check back for a whole new line up for our Checking in with the Locals series!

Darren Sweeney

From hop stringin’ and home brewin’ to food truck shopping (Spiked or Sweet?) and restaurant dining, our resident beer guy and foodie is always down for a new experience in Cville.

Describe what you do in town.

My passion for journalism is what led me to my day job and to Cville Niche. When I’m not writing, I spend my time checking out local breweries and restaurants, trying new food trucks, and searching for cool concerts.

Describe yourself in 5 syllables or less.

Hungry and Thirsty

Top Picks

A favorite dish in town.

I’m a sucker for the Breakfast BBQ at Blue Moon Diner. I had never eaten barbecue for breakfast before moving to Charlottesville. The crispy onion straws, scrambled eggs and hashbrowns are the icing on the cake. This may be the second best thing that ever happened to me.

A favorite drink in town.

I’m a sucker for local IPAs. Champion‘s double IPAs are probably my favorites, but the Killer Angel at Three Notch’d is pretty tasty as well.

A favorite weekly or monthly drink special.

I love Steal the Glass night at Blue Mountain Brewery. Can’t go wrong with $5 craft beers, free glassware and delicious food with an amazing view. Of course, I’m a fan of any restaurant with happy hour specials.

A favorite local music venue.

I’ve seen a lot of great touring bands at The Jefferson. As a music lover, I’m always thirsting for more. I also like seeing and supporting local and lesser-known bands at Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar, The Southern, and the Main Street Annex.

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