I like both VO and BMC and I really like All City frames. But for versatility and bang for the buck - why not Surly?

Classic Pacer - clearance for bigger tires and nice roadie and people do take them for light off-roading
Versatile Cross Check - built it any way you like, will take up to 29x2 tires without fenders
If you are not allergic to new developments in brakes - Straggler would be my choice for the use you described, it will do everything you want