The Bluffs Restaurant seemed like the perfect place for my celebratory lunch after making it to Alleghany County, my last county in the state. Bluffs is a historic restaurant located at milepost 241 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It opened in 1949 and was the first dining establishment on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The restaurant closed in 2010, but funds were raised to renovate and reopen it in 2021. Things needed to get up to code, and the kitchen needed to be modernized. But they made sure to keep the dining area as it was back in 1949. They kept the retro lunch counter and cigarette machine. The green-and-white checkered floor was preserved, and the restaurant has wooden tables. They went for a rustic style with high ceilings, exposed wooden boards, sturdy beams, and low-hanging vintage lights. The goal during the New Deal Era was for it to blend in with the Appalachian landscape. Then Hurricane Helene hit in September 2024, and the whole parkway was closed due to landslides, fallen trees and infrastructure damage. Eight miles of the parkway reopened in September 2025, and Bluffs could reopen. The restaurant is currently open Thursdays through Sundays, so plan accordingly. Reservations are not taken, and it is walk-in only. I had to wait for a table as I didn't want to sit at the bar. My table was ready early, and the host came looking for me nearby at the Parkway gift shop. I thought that was really sweet. Service here was spot on, and everyone was so friendly. I ordered the NC Mountain trout as I wasn't going to be able to get that anywhere else. It is a locally sourced fish and came from the Blue Ridge streams. It had a pecan crust that was tasty too. I chose the baked apples for my side, and some rice, veggies and cornbread came with it too. It was filling, but I was ready to try the peach cobbler. They didn't have peach cobbler by itself, but the version they had came with blackberries and peaches. I was taken aback by it at first, as it looked like cake and not the cobbler I was familiar with. But it is an Appalachian technique, or "lazy man's cobbler," in which the wet batter rises through the fruit as it bakes, creating a soft, cake-like structure. The flavors were good, and I enjoyed the fruit in it. Eating heritage trout surrounded by the historic 1949 decor was the absolute perfect way to toast my final North Carolina county! Completing all 100 counties has been an unforgettable journey, and I couldn't have picked a more perfect or historic landmark to cross the finish line. read more

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We stopped in for a quick lunch while riding the motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a historic spot and somewhere we have been meaning to get back to since we heard they were under new ownership. When we stopped in, the place was packed for the lunch rush. We got seated relatively quickly and our server was very sweet. We order two beers, the hot pimento cheese dip, along with our mains. The beer and wine selection is pretty solid! The dip was great, but would have loved to have some more crackers and the pickles that were in the item description. Josh ordered the Meatloaf Sandwich with fries, which was very good! I ordered the Bluffs Burger and elected to add pimento cheese to the burger - but when it came out, it had replaced my side of fries instead, which I didn't mind. We did come in at a super busy time, so no worries. This place is a great lunch stop if you're on the BRP and the new ownership has really breathed new life into this place. We will be back! read more

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While the hostess was super kind and helpful. The rest of the staff was not as welcoming. Our food came out cold. And it seemed to take a very long time for others to receive their food. One older gentleman kindly asked about his pie he was waiting on and the server was quite rude and it took another 20 min or so to get it. He was very patient but the overall food and atmosphere is why I can't give a great rating. The corn hole and games look very inviting. However the food and over all atmosphere don't match the beautiful outdoor setting. read more

My wife, our dog, and I had lunch here yesterday, and let's be honest - the food is underwhelming, but you're absolutely coming for the experience, and what an experience we had! We decided to eat outside since the temperature was perfect and it was pleasantly overcast. Since we arrived after the lunch rush, they weren't very busy, which gave us a nice, relaxed atmosphere. My wife ordered a burger and fries while I went with the salad plate, which came loaded with pimento cheese, egg salad, tuna salad, and chicken salad. The pimento cheese was absolutely stellar - a perfect 10 out of 10! The egg salad had a surprisingly runny consistency, but the flavor was surprisingly good. The tuna salad was decent, nothing special. The chicken salad, however, was my least favorite - dry, a bit stringy, and seriously underseasoned. My wife's burger was simple and fine, but her french fries had been fried to within an inch of their lives. I'm not kidding when I say there was literally no potato left inside - she bit the tips off one fry and you could blow air straight through it like a straw! But here's the thing - you're not coming here for culinary excellence. You're coming for the gorgeous scenery and the memorable experience, and boy, did it deliver! The building is absolutely lovely and the outdoor seating is incredibly comfortable. While we were eating, Mother Nature decided to put on a show with a sudden downpour! We found ourselves huddled under an umbrella with our dog as the rain absolutely poured down around us. Trying to finish eating! It was hilarious, fun, and definitely unforgettable. So yes, the food might not win any awards, but the setting and potential for adventure more than make up for it! To those about to nosh, we salute you! Bring your umbrella!! read more

The Bluffs - Ellen's plate with four different salads, croissant was excellent and the pimento cheese was a stand out - American Near Me - Laurel Springs, North Carolina

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I really wanted to love this restaurant -- both for its history, but also given its convenience for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Bluffs is at milepost 241 in an area referred to as Doughton Park. There are other attractions nearby, including a Visitors Center/Gift Shop, a historic cabin, hiking trails, a campground, and more. Parking is plentiful and free. First, some history. The Bluffs Restaurant, which opened in the spring of 1949, was the first restaurant to open on the Blue Ridge Parkway -- the 469-mile byway that meanders through the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. After falling into a state of disrepair and without a concessionaire, the beloved coffee shop closed in 2010 after 61 years of operation. The Blue Ridge Foundation began raising funds in 2016 to repair and restore the restaurant and, with help from individuals, the state of North Carolina, and the Appalachian Regional Commission, the restaurant underwent a transformation while keeping the original charm of the former coffee shop. It reopened in 2021. Now, The Bluffs is being further challenged by staggered road closures/detours affecting a 75-mile stretch of the Parkway. We had already eaten lunch, and it was too early for dinner, but it was the PERFECT time in the afternoon to have some pie a'la mode -- especially after having burnt a lot of calories hiking. The restaurant did have hard scoop ice cream (6 flavors available), but unfortunately, they didn't have pie. They did, however, have a case with other desserts including gigantic cinnamon rolls, brownies, and fruit COBBLER! Success! Isn't cobbler almost a pie? Visions of a deep-dish sweetened fruit dessert, topped with some type of biscuit-like topping enticed us both. We ordered our cobblers, a'la mode please. Only one flavor of cobbler was available -- blackberry-peach -- but that was okay, as we like those flavors together. We were both disappointed with our cobblers though. Rather than the pie-like consistency we expected, the cobblers were more cake like than pie like. The scoop of ice cream per serving was also quite small -- especially given the price point. Each cobbler was $6, plus $3 for the small ice cream scoop. We were well over $20 for the two desserts after adding the tip and taxes. Finally, it's worth noting that the service was good. There was only one waiter handling the floor but he was friendly and attentive. read more

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The breakfast menu is limited! My suggestion to them would be to post a whiteboard and write what is available each day, rather than give you a menu for things they don't have, or having to check with the cook before telling you what they can offer. They tell you they have Red Eye Gravy - but don't be fooled! The first hint is that they do NOT have grits to put it on. Even though grits are relatively inexpensive, and can be prepared in small batches. What they DO have is a delicious thick brown country ham gravy. It just is not red eye gravy. Me and my friend ordered eggs over medium and what we were served were seriously scorched eggs with hard yellows. They did correct that for me - but I was told if they weren't 'done enough', they would put them in the oven.....‼ Excuse me.... They were very disorganized and no one had been trained, even though they had been open for 6 days. Which is the excuse that was used for everything. The manager got rather angry at us because we expected them to be prepared and to have standard items for breakfast fare. As a matter of fact, at one point, she left our table and threw something in the back, then wouldn't return to our table, having someone else do it for her. The facility smelled very musty from being closed up. Overall, it was nice enough and appeared to be clean. They are going to have a tough time keeping the doors open as they are situated on the parkway between 2 closures and road construction. So, go - just be prepared for substitutions and for the fact that the gravy isn't really red eye. read more

The Bluffs - Menu - American Near Me - Laurel Springs, North Carolina

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We drove an hour and a half to dine here and arrived 30 minutes before closing. We were turned away and told to come back tomorrow. I have never been treated so rudely at a restaurant. Why would I come back tomorrow, if you won't serve me today? read more

We enjoyed our 3 egg omelettes and country ham biscuits. Service was quick, attentive, and friendly. Loved the historic atmosphere and views. Great place to eat breakfast after an early morning hike. read more

The Bluffs - Nearby hike - American Near Me - Laurel Springs, North Carolina

I am updating my review in light of new ownership at the Bluffs Restaurant. The new menu is much more fresh and cost effective . I had a cup of chicken and dumplings and my husband had the meatloaf sandwich with fries. Both were good. The service was outstanding. They were well staffed, able to accommodate guests both indoors and outdoors. Of course the setting is amazing. The historic Bluffs Restaurant was very retro and clean. If you haven't been in a while, give it another go! read more

The worst food & service I have ever had. Our server was drunk. The mac & cheese tasted like spoiled milk. Just gross.

I went here today. The atmosphere was nice. The people were fine; however, I would have to give it a thumbs down on taste and value. My girlfriend and I both ordered the fried chicken special. It was $12 for two pieces of chicken and a piece of cornbread. Add to that a $4 up-charge for white meat only, which was never mentioned, bringing the total to $16 for two pieces of chicken plus a piece of cornbread. Side dishes are an additional $3 as are drinks. The chicken was quite dry, overcooked, tough, and a bit salty. I've had much better, much cheaper at KFC, Church's, and even Popeye's. It certainly didn't meet expectations. All told, I paid $40 plus tax and tip for two meals of chicken, cornbread, and a soft drink. A tastier meal can easily be had for less than half at a drive-thru. Though I enjoyed meeting the people, seeing this historic place, and a drive along The Parkway, unfortunately, I wouldn't go back. read more

We had a lovely dinner on the evening of Sunday June 6. As currently required due to lack of staffing, we made reservations the day before. Please be patient with all restaurants as they continue to deal with the fallout from COVID-19. The Bluffs just re-opened with a brand new operator and is doing the best they can. Our service was great, we didn't have to wait long for an outstanding salad and fried chicken. Please support this restaurant so we don't loose it again! Additionally, hand dipped ice cream is available for take out. read more

The Bluffs - Cobb Salad - American Near Me - Laurel Springs, North Carolina

We went to the Bluffs for lunch yesterday ...WOW the service and our barbecue sandwich were excellent...and John loved his Collard greens! I know they are newly opened , I read some of the past reviews..but I must say our meal and the whole staff were aces! The restaurant was clean, attractive and actually quite full with happy folks! read more

My friend and I ate there today and loved it. The service was attentive and the food was tasty. My friend had the dumplings and fritatta and I had the marvelous hamburger with REAL fries. We also had a Pinot Grigio with our meal and enjoyed all. It is 'down-home cookin" which we love. I do want to say that Stella, our attendant, was fabulous and it was so great to talk with the new proprietor, who does so want to make it a go. There are a lot of stumbling blocks to get to the restaurant, closing of the Parkway, repaving the road, etc. but if you are at all "Parkway-minded" and love our historic highway, you will stop at Bluffs and simply enjoy their efforts. That is the only way we are going to maintain Bluffs and it is a noble effort which I am honored to be a part of. Don't forget the incredible effort the Blueridge Parkway Foundation has played in trying to keep it afloat. Kudos to all. Anne Farmer read more

I could not find it. Not in google either. Address bad. Good luck. May you can do better.

Well in my opinion With the price of the food and the quality of the food I would not make it a destination restaurant. This was a few weeks ago read more

love it amazing restaurant and food hidden gem that everyone should try 10/10. Also in a great location with lots of hiking

The atmosphere is stunning, but the food and service are terrible. The server rarely stopped by the table and the food was severely overpriced and tasted old. read more

Let me start by saying that we dined at this restaurant on November 6 at lunch and had a very nice experience. Had I given a rating and review then, it would have been at least a 4 star. Fast forward to this past Tuesday for dinner. We arrived shortly before 5 pm. There were only two or three other parties dining at that point. There was plenty of staff. The hostess that seated us was very personable. Our server, Cristina, was attentive. Our tip reflected our server's performance and no way was indicative of our food. We ordered two meals. Let me start with the first one. They didn't have the chicken pot pie that my husband really wanted. He ordered the barbecue and brisket with a brussels-sprout slaw and green beans. Being a NC resident, He said that he would be ashamed to call what he was served "barbecue". He said that it tasted like a canned barbecue and was terrible. The brisket was rubbery. The slaw was awful. His concern was that while eating it, he was concerned that he would end up sick the next day. I ordered the exact same meal that I had in November: the fried chicken with mashed potatoes and green beans. My mashed potatoes and green beans were lukewarm at best. My fried chicken seemed like it had been reheated by refrying it. The breading was overly greasy and disintegrated as I tried to eat it. I wasn't sure the leg was even cooked all the way. We paid our bill and left without complaining, however, our food was awful! read more

Poor quality poor selection. Fried chicken smelled and tasted like dried fish! So sad his could be such a great place. Sad there's a rotting lodge in front too. read more

Upon entering you will see a sign indicating service will be slow due to being EXTREMELY short-staffed. BELIEVE IT!!! Over 2 hours to be seated and receive food. But that is not the reason for my rating. We understand how things are these days. We were anxious to try their famous fried chicken. Well it came very darkly fried, almost to point of being burnt. Cutting into it we found it very undercooked and even bloody near bone..:uneatable. After all this time didn't even want to deal with it. Paid the bill and 20% tip and left. Don't bother stopping here. read more

Historic Blue Ridge Parkway institution reopens! Food is excellent. Fried chicken was amazing, and salad dressings were made from scratch. Short staffed, so please be patient as they get back up to speed. Worth the trip. Although reservations were recommended, the wait is reasonable if you don't have reservations. read more