Divide and Conquer

Continental Divide

Most Charlottesville natives already know what's behind the "Get In Here!" sign, but for those of us making a (grades willing) quick pass through the town, the Continental Divide is the definition of hidden treasure. I've been to L'Etoile, CD's fine-dining neighbor, a handful of times without ever realizing there was a Mexican diner so close by.

The draw for Continental Divide is unquestionably the price. Nothing on the menu is over $12, and most are cheaper. While this is typical for Mexican food, the quality is well beyond what you're paying for. It starts with the ingredients tucked back in that tiny kitchen - goat cheese, sushi grade tuna, pumpkin, etc. that all gets added to the otherwise expected dishes.

For an appetizer, we had blue corn nachos with goat cheese and green onions - surprisingly delicious, with just a slight hint of spice. One was good to share for the five of us. The entree portions are large enough to cover you. And what options there are. The tuna tostada was excellent, if a bit overcooked. Look, it's like $10 for tuna. It's hard to complain with that price tag. Other options are fajitas (not sizzling, beware), burritos, enchiladas, all the typical things you'd expect at a decent cost with above decent quality.

Word on the street is the margaritas are delicious. And the beer selection, if not as daunting as plenty of other Charlottesville beats, is still satisfying. There's no question that the Continental Divide is a good, cheap dinner spot for the college crowd.

-M.