Whether you are searching for craft beer and burgers or something on the lighter side, like pimento cheese with jam and crackers, the restaurants in Chimney Rock, NC, have it all! Read on to discover six great places to eat in the area. And, if you are hungry for more, dig into our free Chimney Rock/Lake Lure Vacation Guide! Don’t waste time researching and reading reviews on the top places to eat. Our guide is full of tasty recommendations on Western NC restaurants, wineries, breweries, and more.
6 of the Best Chimney Rock Restaurants
1. The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant
No list of Chimney Rock restaurants is complete without The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant. Our seasonal menus take advantage of only the freshest local ingredients. Although our menu is ever-changing, Southern staples like savory shrimp and grits and housemade crab cakes are always on the menu. We also pride ourselves on an exceptional beer and wine menu filled with options from local breweries and award-winning wines from around the world.
In the morning, guests of our inn can also look forward to complimentary, gourmet breakfast served daily. Bon appetit!
2. Medina’s Village Bistro
If you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast or classic lunch, then Medina’s has you covered. The menu at this local cafe is full of breakfast dishes, hot and cold sandwiches, salads, and dinner options that change weekly. Southern Living Magazine and National Geographic Traveler both featured Medina’s Village Bistro as a must while in Western North Carolina. Take one bite, and you’ll understand why.
3. Riverwatch Waterfront Bar & Grill
There’s dinner, and then there’s outdoor dining with a fantastic view. Riverwatch Waterfront Bar & Grill is perfect for those who want to enjoy a cold beer, a bodacious burger, and beautiful views of the Rocky Broad River. The kraut dog, the pimento cheeseburger, and the grilled shrimp are a few of the restaurant’s most popular options. The restaurant also features a variety of local breweries and wineries on their drink menu, like Green Man Brewery and Oskar Blues Brewery, and wine from Burntshirt Vineyards.
4. Old Rock Cafe
After a rewarding hike at Chimney Rock State Park, Old Rock Cafe is one of our favorite places to grab a bite. It is conveniently located at the entrance to the park. The menu boasts an impressive roster of burgers and sandwiches. Their french fries are one of Western North Carolina’s best-kept secrets! If you aren’t sure what to order, the B.L.T. is always at the top of our list. And, in the chance that you have room for dessert, you can’t go wrong with their signature Apple Brown Betty. Yum!
5. Village Scoop
Village Scoop has the scoop on ice cream! This ice cream shop serves over 60 flavors of Hershey’s Ice Cream and offers melt-in-your-mouth creations like banana splits, the mint chocolate chip brownie sundae, and special seasonal flavors. There isn’t a better way to cool off and treat yourself after a hot hike at Chimney Rock!
6. Coffee on the Rocks
Coffee on the Rocks is your one-stop-shop for coffee creations and delectable pastries. Here, you’ll find iced coffee, espresso drinks, frappes, pastries, and muffins. The Riverwalk is only steps away from this coffee shop, making it the perfect place to grab a fresh cup of coffee and enjoy the beautiful views along the Rocky Broad River.
Stay Near It All at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurants
After a meal at one of these Chimney Rock restaurants, head home to The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant to continue your culinary adventure! 
Our restaurant is only a short walk away when you book any of our lovely rooms, like the Premium View King. Complimentary breakfast, spa services, magnificent mountain views, and easy access to Chimney Rock State Park are a few perks that our guests can enjoy. When you are ready to plan your next vacation, check our seasonal specials and book your stay. We can’t wait to host you at The Esmeralda Inn & Restaurant.
If you are looking for more ways to get a taste of Western North Carolina, read our blog on Asheville area breweries!