Are you planning a vacation to Blowing Rock and looking for the best place to eat? Well, we’ve done all the hard work for you and made this list of our favorite Blowing Rock restaurants. Whether you are looking for an upscale spot to enjoy a meal paired with a fantastic glass of wine or want something a little more casual to grab, these restaurants in Blowing Rock should be on your itinerary.
In this guide, you’ll find restaurants downtown and beyond, so grab your fork and appetite, and let’s go!
We’ve organized this article to include:
- Downtown Blowing Rock Restaurants
- More Incredible Blowing Rock Restaurants
These Blowing Rock restaurants are listed randomly and do not display our personal preferences.
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Downtown Blowing Rock Restaurants
As foodies, we are always searching for delicious Blowing Rock restaurants. This is why we’re convinced that this North Carolina mountain town offers great choices!
Best Cellar
Address: 203 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC
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Located inside The Inn at Ragged Gardens, The Best Cellar has made quite a name for itself! Serving Blowing Rock since 1975, where the original owners sold soup, sandwiches, and books, today’s menu looks a little similar but elevated.
From fresh Oysters Rockefeller to Maine Lobster Bisque as starters, The Best Cellar certainly is one of the best restaurants in Blowing Rock! Savor a rack of lamb, veal marsala, or their incredible Salmon Oscar.
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Blowing Rock Ale House
Address: 152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Sure, Blowing Rock Ale House (152 Sunset Dr) is known for its incredible brews. But did you know that the High Country Ale pairs well with their Ale House Pretzels?
And don’t forget to order a juicy Carolina Bison Burger served with charred tomato jam and a stout glaze.
Please stop in for a brewery tour on Saturdays or book a room at their Inn. Either way, make sure to grab a six-pack to go after your delicious meal!
Back to the beer for a second, because we also included Blowing Rock Ale House among our favorite North Carolina breweries.
Hellbender Bed and Beverage
Address: 152 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Hellbender Bed and Beverage serves up some fantastic dishes at all times of the day. Whether you’re looking for flaky, fresh biscuits or a cocktail to swoon the night away, this Blowing Rock restaurant does not disappoint.
Expect great sandwiches, including a delicious collard green melt on rye bread or an ancient grain salad for those looking for something hearty and healthy. I will also add- the Hellbender has a kids’ menu at an affordable price, something we appreciate!
Six Pence Pub
Address: 1121 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
When looking for a restaurant in Blowing Rock, you should spend at least one meal eating like royalty at Six Pence Pub! This delightful spot brings us back to the pubs of London, and for good reason.
Serving both American and British comfort food surrounded by British décor, it’s not hard to feel like you’ve just hopped across the pond.
Grab some Bangers & Mash, a Beef Guinness, or a Shepherd’s Pie while there. Oh, and wash your meal down with a delicious pint or a snort of Glenfiddich.
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The Speckled Trout
Address: 922 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Is there any better introduction to Appalachia than a home-cooked, locally sourced meal from The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop? This Blowing Rock restaurant celebrates regional dishes and supports North Carolina farmers.
They also serve delicious meals like the Cracker Crusted NC Mountain Trout, Chicken ‘n’ Dumplings, and a finger-licking-good Smoked Trout Toast.
The Speckled Trout’s bottle shop also boasts an impressive wine and beer selection for dine-in or take-out.
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Storie Street Grille
Address: 1167 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
A beautiful stone walkway leads to Storie Street Grille. There, you’ll find one of the best upscale restaurants in Blowing Rock, where Southern classics mix with Mediterranean flavors.
Storie Street Grille offers an extensive wine list and cocktails, liquored up with NC Spirits.
But the best part of this Blowing Rock restaurant is the food! Star dishes include the Watermelon Salad, Chicken Piccata, and Aegean Pasta. I ordered their crusted trout with lemon, grits, and fresh vegetables and can confirm that it was a delicious choice!
Storie Street Grille also offers covered outdoor seating, an excellent way to enjoy the crisp mountain air while dining.
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Town Tavern
Address: 1182 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Town Tavern mixes a classic feel with a beautiful outdoor patio, as well as delicious comfort food and live music. This is probably one of the most popular family-friendly Blowing Rock restaurants in downtown. So during peak season and weekends, expect a wait- but you can walk around the quaint stores to build up an appetite.
Loosen up your vocal cords on some of their world-famous wings before belting out some Whitney on Karaoke night.
Take a minute and browse their impressive menu of delicious specialty sandwiches and burgers while sipping on a refreshing brew.
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More Incredible Blowing Rock Restaurants
Bistro Roca
Address: 143 Wonderland Trail, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Bistro Roca is an upscale bistro that serves comfort food. Tucked away from Main Street by the Annie Cannon Gardens, diners can expect gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and some of the best lobster mac ‘n’ cheese in the High Country!
Bistro Roca has been a mainstay of Blowing Rock restaurants since 2005, but did you know that their bar has been slinging drinks since 1932? That’s right! Prohibition who? We don’t know her…
As with many restaurants in Blowing Rock, reservations are highly recommended. During the Fall season, in particular, their covered back porch becomes very popular!
Mexican Rock
Address: 8180 Valley Blvd, Blowing Rock, NC
If you are looking for excellent Mexican food in Blowing Rock, then add Mexican Rock to your itinerary! Mexican Rock is owned by the same culinary visionaries as the Boone restaurant, Taqueria El Paso. They are known for their fresh housemade tortillas and delicious salsa!
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Timberlake’s Restaurant at Chetola Resort
Address: 185 Chetola Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Timberlake’s at Chetola Resort (185 Chetola Lake Drive) isn’t just for guests! In fact, Timberlake’s serves one of the best breakfast buffets in Blowing Rock!
Inspired by the historic building it’s housed in and North Carolina’s renowned artist, Bob Timberlake, diners can expect expertly crafted menu items like a pan-seared duck, Korean braised short ribs, and incredible desserts.
And if you are looking for a great breakfast spot in Blowing Rock, Timberlake’s is top-notch!
Dine inside or eat on the patio overlooking the lake- Timberlake’s is one of the best restaurants in Blowing Rock!
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Blue Deer Cookies
Address: 3551 US HWY 321 S, Blowing Rock, NC
Website
Blue Deer Cookies is a must-stop when walking up and down Main Street. Starting as an adorable camper pop-up in Boone, Blue Deer now has a location in downtown Blowing Rock. Known for their delicious handcrafted cookies, Homeland Creameries’ premium ice cream. They offer five different flavors of cookies, so it is fun to mix and match your cookie and ice cream flavor!
While not specifically a Blowing Rock restaurant (it’s a franchise), we couldn’t leave the locally owned Kilwin’s (1103 Main St) off of our list.
Sweet smells of chocolate and fudge waft down Main Street, where you’ll usually find a queue of people waiting to get in. This is the perfect place to stop for an ice cream cone or to satisfy your post-meal sweet tooth!
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Boone Restaurants
I bet you didn’t know that we love the High Country so much that we’ve also created a guide to Where to Eat in Boone! What is so wonderful about Blowing Rock and Boone is how close they are and how incredible both restaurant scenes are!
Some of our favorites include Sunrise Grill, Wild Craft Eatery, and CoBo Sushi!
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Ready to Dig Into These Blowing Rock Restaurants?
Now that we’ve put our favorite restaurants in Blowing Rock out there, we’re hungry for another visit to the High Country! In the meantime, we hope you can make it out and let us know what you think.
Also, do you have any favorite Blowing Rock restaurants to add? If you’ve never been before, which of these places to eat would you try first?
That is a great list; you got most of our favorites on it! I might add the Best Cellar Restaurant located in the Inn at Ragged Gardens on Sunset (opposite the Blowing Rock Ale House). Next up, Boone and Banner Elk!
Awesome, AJ! Looks like we’re going to have to return for a visit to Best Cellar, huh? Thank you so much for stopping by!
I agree, Best Cellar!
You missed Best Cellar…wonderful restaurant inside the Inn at Ragged Gardens.
Also, Famous Toastery , a new restaurant on Sunset, and Timberlake’s restaurant at Chetola. Timberlake’s has a lovely outside patio to enjoy on Spring, Summer and Fall days.
Thank you so much, Genie! We’ll definitely have to return for a visit to these places you mentioned. Appreciate the tips!
My husband and I recently opened up the Grilled Cheese Cafe. Internationally inspired gourmet grilled cheese. Our town is loving it. Eat at one of our cafe tables or take it to go!
1179 Main Street
Southmarke Courtyard
Kewl, we love grilled cheese! We’ll hit you guys up next time up!
Ditto this. Thank you so much, Rochelle! Always happy to support local businesses, especially when they’re starting up!
We totally agree with Carl, support your local businesses! All the Blowing Rock shopkeepers know my wife on sight (I’m sorry to say! ? ). We’ll visit you next trip up Rochelle!
Wow! Congratulations Rochelle! We’ll be sure to stop by next time we are in town and say hello!
Grilled Cheese Cafe has the best Tomato Soup with grilled cheese crotons!
Best Cellar!!! My very favorite!!
Another win for Best Cellar! I think I know where we’re going next time. 🙂
Bistro Roca tops the list for us! The calamari appetizer is a must.
Thank you, Terri! We’ll definitely have to stop by and check out Bistro Roca!
Agreed! How is Bistro Rocca not on this list???
Hi D,
Please see the honorable mentions and you’ll find Bistro Rocca. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
My Missus reminded me you can’t forget about the Restaurant at Gideon Ridge! We don’t eat there often, but my wife LOVES it.
Sorry, have to disagree with 2 of these. Storie Street and Speckled Trout are not good at all! Have given Storie Street a second chance and they still did not deliver! Awful!
Agree to disagree? Either way, thanks for stopping by and commenting, Rebecca!
Bistro Roca and hands down the best restaurant in BR! Local favorite!
Thank you, Samantha!
You missed two excellent restaurants that are favorites of both locals and visitors. The Best Cellar has the best crab cakes and baked acorn squash in the High Country. The restaurant at Gideon Ridge is fabulous, small, and five star quality with an amazing view. Both of these eateries offer excellent service, great menus, and fine dining service. They shouldn’t be missed!
Thanks for letting us know, Pam. We’ll have to stop by and check them out next time:)
Best Cellar is the first one on this list! FYI. Great restaurant!
Best Cellar at Ragged Garddn Inn is also a great one. Especially great for special occasion, Thanksgiving and New Years Eve (reservations are a must those holidays). Wonderful menu and great drinks from a craft bar. Whole thing is within an historic grand house (at one time) now turned restaurant and Boutique Hotel. Definitely worth a try, all year. Enjoy music on the lawn Friday evenings May- October. Great way to end a week (or is that start a weekend ?)
Thank you, Kelly! Will definitely have to check it out when we’re back in Blowing Rock.
Definitely agree with the comments about the Best Cellar..great place..also think Bistro Roca is an amazing restaurant which deserves much more than an honorable mention..Gamekeeper restaurant is also a very unique and exceptionally good place as well .
Awesome, David. Thanks so much! Will definitely keep this in mind as we update our guide to Blowing Rock restaurants. Have a great day!
*Correction*
Kilwin’s is locally owned by a family in Blowing Rock, but the store name itself is a franchise.
Hi Daniel,
Thanks for mentioning this. I’ve made the correction and appreciate you stopping by to share that.
The restaurant at Gideon Ridge is AMAZING. That along with The Best Cellar and Bistro Roca are always on our must-go list!