The Box: I've heard that developers kicked Atomic Burrito out because it made too much noise for the hotel they wanted to construct across 2nd St. Anyway, where Atomic Burrito once was, now is The Box. The Box's vibe is similarly hip and laid back, a place for a quick lunch or to hang out late into the night. A gong and Mr. Miyagi's portrait on the wall indicates that you won't get any glares for ordering a sake bomb. The Box, though located steps away from Marco & Luca's, focuses on noodles that are unquestionably superior to M&L, which often taste of peanut butter and are kind of disgusting. This is at the cost, however, of $8 for a bowl [with some meat and a wide selection of noodles and sauces.] If The Box knocked their noodles down to a price point of $6 we could have a deal. I'll probably return to check out the evening scene or expanded menu at some point.Aroma's Cafe: Newly transplanted from the middle of nowhere to Barracks, Aroma's is a middle eastern restaurant with an eye to interior design. Think falafel, hummus, and couscous while listening to "Apologize" by Timbaland. Despite dinner service with ceramic plates and actual glasses, Aroma's features a price point around $10 for a full meal. The dishes are appetizing but not mind-blowing, but the convenience factor is undeniable - easily the best overall restaurant in Barracks. The servers are well-meaning novices but this will hopefully improve with time.
Boheme: Kind of disappointing. The "cozy" dining area quickly turns into "cramped" with "long waits." Boheme also shares a very utilitarian bathroom with the three or so other facilities in its building. The owners are caterers who were forced into the restaurant business, and the level of service shows. The price point was uncomfortably high for the quality of food received. There is no compelling reason for me to go to Boheme again when I could go to Zinc for a more comfortable atmosphere, roughly equivalent food, a much better bathroom, and a much lower price. This place might have trouble competing with the glut of semi-French places already in Cville. [e.g., Fleurie, Petit Pois, Cassis, Zinc...]
Maya: Maya is easily the best new restaurant I've eaten at in Cville. While some of my friends have complained about service, each time I've been there the service has been either very kind or at least adequate. The interior combines an attractive dark red
brick wall and black slate detailing current specials with what I presume are locally-made paintings. The food is also excellent - combining southern-style cooking with more modern techniques. Maybe a little too Paula Deen in its approach to lipids, but that isn't a huge issue. The bartender is superb and the bar has the most comprehensive whiskey selection I've seen in the city. They have music on the weekends too. I will happily consider Maya along with other top tier Cville restaurants such as Zocalo the next time I'm looking to drop a chunk of change on a really nice dinner. 
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