I had originally planned BBQ for this evening, but when John and I were walking past the restaurant, he stopped and looked at the menu posted in the window and asked what I thought of the place. I gave it a quick glance and noticed their special for $8.95 which included a choice of meat, 2 veggies, and a roll. Since I didn’t have to have BBQ I said OK and we went on inside. Inside we checked with the host and he informed us it would be just a few minutes. In less than 5 minutes we were taken upstairs and given a seat by the huge picture window. Like most other places in town, there is a view here. In this case you can look up and see Chimney Rock. You can also walk out on their porch and get fantastic views of the mountains and the town itself.
The menu here draws on homestyle Southern country cooking. Everything is hand made and fresh. Their entrées include chicken, pot roast, meatloaf, and pork chops. They also have sandwiches, salads, soup, and burgers. Our waitress comes over and takes our tea order as we try to decide what to have. We know we are already going for the dinner special since that is what brought us here in the first place. When our waitress takes our order John asks what is the best thing on the menu and she replies the chicken telling us it is not greasy or dry. We both decide on their fried chicken. John gets the slaw and mashed potatoes and gravy while I get mac and cheese as well as glazed carrots. We both go with biscuits over cornbread.
It doesn’t take long before our meal comes out. I take a bite of my chicken and it is piping hot but oh so good. The chicken is not greasy and not overloaded with a coating as can sometimes happen. My mac and cheese is made from a white cheese and is some of the best mac and cheese I have ever had and my carrots are wonderful. John’s potatoes were fluffy, creamy, and yummy (yes I snuck a bite) and I took his word that the slaw as good. Our waitress comes back with tea refills and to make sure we are fine.
As hungry as we are I save some room for dessert and that chicken I didn’t eat gave Jazzy a treat for being stuck in the room while we dined out. Their dessert menu is a sweet tooth’s delight and includes cobbler, pudding, short cake, pie, and 9 different cakes including lemon, chocolate, red velvet, and carrot cake. Their signature dessert is the Hickory Nut Gorge which is a decadent looking brownie sundae. When we order our cobbler we are given a choice of apple or peach. I said apple and John said peach. We were both too full to have our own, so I conceded and we went with peach. When it came out it was pure heaven for your taste buds.
There has been a restaurant on this property for more than 130 years. But the current owners have been here since 2001. The restaurant is housed in a very attractive 3-story A-framed building. It has a lovely stair case leading to the dining room and high vaulted ceilings with walls of a pretty moss green and yellow. It offers large floor to ceiling glass windows allowing incredible views of the surrounding area. It is nestled with the mountains behind it as even more of an attraction. They do offer private dining for events and large groups. The property is located within the Chimney Rock village beside of Bubba’s General Store and across the street from the Riverwalk entranceway. You can find parking in the village. They are open for lunch and dinner and breakfast on weekends and some holidays.
Hours:
Monday to Friday - 11am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday Breakfast 8:30 am to noon. Lunch noon to 8pm.
Hours may change by season and demand so always call ahead in off season.
With fantastic views, great service, and exceptional food, I must say I am sure glad John looked at the menu and suggested this place. While I am sure the BBQ would have been excellent, I certainly was happy with our final choice.
They are in the $10-$20 pp range.
V