Undercover Diner Visits Skyline

Photos by Undercover Diner

Last weekend, I visited Skyline, the rooftop bar atop The Virginian Hotel on Church Street, for Downtown Restaurant Week with a group of girlfriends. The cozy interior and dim lighting provided a warm and inviting ambiance—perfect for a chilly January evening. Outside, the fire pits were still ablaze, adding to the atmosphere. Though no one dined outdoors, a few guests ventured out to snap photos by the fires.

We indulged in the $37 Restaurant Week special, which included a choice of soup or salad, a main course, and dessert. Most of us were observing Dry January, so drinks were limited. I opted for a club soda with lime, two friends enjoyed a mocktail called "Oh Holy Night" (a festive mix of cranberry, lime, rosemary syrup, and ginger beer), and another ordered iced tea. One friend broke the dry streak with a glass of red wine, which came in a generous pour, and another chose a lemon drop cocktail.

For starters, most of us chose the salad, which was a hit—fresh, flavorful, and topped with standout homemade croutons.

One friend tried the soup of the day, "loaded broccoli cheddar." While she enjoyed the flavor, she was less thrilled about the two large broccoli florets on top, which required some work to break apart. Additionally, the seasoning leaned heavily on pepper.

When it came to the entrees, our table explored a variety of options. Two friends ordered the pork ribeye with seasonal vegetables, goat cheese, and a bourbon sorghum glaze. They could not stop raving about it and even took home leftovers.

Another pair chose the grilled chicken with roasted redskin potatoes, caramelized onions, and herb demi-glaze. They enjoyed the chicken but found the demi-glaze a touch too salty.

I went with baked pecan-crusted salmon, served with blistered garlic and herb green beans, and it was the clear winner of the night. The salmon was perfectly cooked, with a delightful crust and flavors that balanced beautifully. One friend even admitted she wished she had ordered it instead of her chicken.

Dessert was a letdown. The chocolate cake didn’t quite live up to the expectations set by the decadent photos on Skyline’s website. While the icing was rich and delicious, the cake itself was dry and slightly hard, lacking the moist texture for which we had hoped.

Despite the dessert misstep, the evening was a success. Skyline’s food, drinks, and inviting atmosphere made for a relaxing and cozy girls’ night out. For $37, the Restaurant Week special offered a satisfying culinary experience and a chance to enjoy the views and vibes of one of Lynchburg’s finest rooftop spots.