We randomly stopped here on the way home from Asheville!!…read more We are so glad we did. We chose to sit outside, and people watch. The food was delicious. They made a great NA Bloody Mary. Get the poutine!!

We've been to Hell or High Water a few times now, and honestly--it still feels like one of Black…read moreMountain's best-kept secrets. Every time we go, I'm kind of shocked it's not absolutely packed. This is part of the Foothills Meats family, and if you know their spots (the butcher shop, the food truck, The Grange, etc.), you already know--they don't miss. So we went in the first time pretty confident, and they absolutely delivered. The space itself is great, but the rooftop is the real standout--easily one of the best views in Black Mountain. It's such a good spot to sit, have a drink, and hang out. Speaking of drinks--the bar is excellent. The bartenders have always been great, super easy to sit at the bar and enjoy yourself. They've got a strong liquor selection and fun, well-balanced cocktails. Now the food. Everything we've had has been consistently good, but our last visit really stood out. We shared the pork katsu sandwich, the sweet potato biscuits, and the poutine. The pork katsu was done really well--crispy on the outside, tender inside, with that classic crunch from the cabbage and a slightly sweet, tangy katsu-style sauce. I also really liked that the sauce was on the side so you could control each bite. The sweet potato biscuits surprised us--in the best way. Those are easy to mess up, and these were not. Soft, flavorful, slightly sweet with that savory balance, paired with ham, sorghum butter, smoked cheddar, and red eye gravy--it's a really thoughtful combination that just works. And the poutine... so good. Crispy fries, rich mushroom gravy, and cheese curds that actually hold their texture. It's hearty without being heavy, and every bite felt balanced. For the level of quality they're putting out, the prices are very reasonable--which makes it even more surprising that it's not more crowded. It's right in downtown Black Mountain, but we actually drive all the way from Flat Rock to come here--and it's absolutely worth it every time. Overall, this place just nails it. Great drinks, really solid food, beautiful setting--and somehow still flying a bit under the radar. Definitely worth checking out.

Service: The front-of-house staff were exceptional -- attentive without being intrusive, and…read moregenuinely warm in their interactions. They took time to engage in casual conversation and created an atmosphere that felt personal and welcoming. A particular highlight was the owner's involvement throughout the meal; visiting the table on several occasions to personally describe each dish, which proved invaluable given our limited familiarity with South African cuisine. Ambiance: The setting strikes an ideal balance between relaxed and charming. We dined al fresco alongside the garden and farm animals, lending the experience a distinctive, unhurried quality that felt refreshingly unpretentious. The environment is well-suited to those seeking a genuine farm-to-table atmosphere without affectation. Food: The quality of the cuisine was genuinely impressive. The lamb chops were a standout -- cooked to a precise medium to medium-rare and seasoned with a confident, well-balanced hand. The dishes reflected the skill and experience of a kitchen operating at a high level, with clear attention to both technique and ingredient quality. Overall: Bush Farmhouse delivered on every front. The combination of superior food, engaged and joyful staff, and a relaxed, authentic setting makes for a dining experience that is as memorable as it is satisfying. This is a restaurant clearly operating at its best, and one we would recommend without reservation to anyone seeking a distinctive and well-crafted culinary experience.

We drove to Black Mountain just to try this South African restaurant and we were not disappointed…read more Decor is a hodge podge of African masks, art, maps, and memorabilia. Very rustic vibe with chickens and pigs outside. Server was very attentive. She talked us through the menu giving her favorites and recommendations. The food was delicious - sausage rolls and chicken liver mousse were amazing. I had the Bunychow, my first time having it and it didn't disappoint. The pie is typical English/Irish/South African pie that you get from the chipper. Very nostalgic for me. Lamb chops were the best. Go check this place out. It's worth the drive over from Asheville.

If you're staying in Black Mountain or at least the greater Asheville area or want to check out…read moresome good eats with more laid-back, small-mountain town vibes, Goldfinch Kitchen & Cocktails will fit the bill just fine. The restaurant and patio bar are within walking distance to other spots in downtown Black Mountain, easily walkable if you are staying at an Airbnb in the local area like we were. The cocktails were glorious. On the first night, Puck's Potion and Negroni were very enjoyable. We found ourselves at the outdoor bar with the patio behind us, surrounded by quaint shops offering various retail and service options. The bartender that served us was super cool on the first night. We didn't have to wait for stools and enjoyed our cocktails on high-top seats. The second time we went, which was our last night in town, we had a reservation and went downstairs into the cellar. Watch your step as you descend the stairs so you don't trip. It was lovely to enjoy the libations and vibrations with my wife on her birthday week as we enjoyed Bahn mi with mustard-glazed roasted pork and falafels. Enjoying the meal in the cozy dining space was lovely and stylish, with modern art-like seats and a little lounge with a sofa behind us.

Friendly staff and nice atmosphere. They have ample outdoor seating as well as a cozy, nicely…read moredecorated dining room with a bar area. My friend and I both ordered the Cuban bowl, motivated by the fact it came with plantains. She added jerk Chicken to hers and I added pulled pork to mine. She said her jerk chicken was nice and flavorful, but I found my pork to be bland. We both LOVED the plantains; they were coated in some sort of seasoning with a little kick to it. This place is good for vegetarians as they offer many dishes to suit their needs. The bathroom was nice and warm and clean.

Had my experience at Town Pump comprised hearing some evangelical bluegrass guitar player and a…read moresinger play weird spiritually inspired tunes while calling people who say, "Cool beans," weird, my experience at Town Pump would have been solid. They had great drink prices -- Jameson and ginger doubles, yes please! The bartender was friendly and attentive. The crowd was laid back. The dollar bills on ceiling are the typical fun touch as well as the dart boards and other games available, with a nice outside deck. But those two musicians saying that people who say, "Cool beans" are weird while thanking the lord... no thanks. No thanks. I'll come back when they're not there.

Bartender was rude. She was not hospitable in the slightest. I cannot believe that this place even…read moreemployed her based on how unenjoyful she was.

The place was busy but worth the wait. The salmon cakes were delicious, we might go back just for…read morethose. Mountain to sea was solid and my wife had the special. Drinks were good. Service was some of the most friendly people I've ever seen behind the bar. Also, shocked by the prices (low) but not mad about it!

Best part about The Trailhead was the service - our waitress was very attentive and sweet!…read more The food was a variety of bar foods and we ordered four different appetizers which were all decent. The drinks were nothing to write home about...not great tasting but had alcohol haha.

love this place! such a great addition to the area. great atmosphere, fantastic drinks,…read moreincredible service. max, the manager, is so polite and professional. will continue to come back!

From the owner: We are so excited to open our new Cocktail Lounge here in Chimney Rock Village! We are hoping to…read morebring something different to our small town that includes crafted cocktails, desserts, and a warm space to stay awhile. We invite you to grab some friends, order a drink, a slice of chocolate cake, and enjoy the living room feel of The Broad River Inn Lobby and Cocktail Lounge.

Espresso dacquiri Hibiscus mojito…read moreCaprihini (sp?) Unique drinks. Non-alcoholic menu is as cool, if not cooler than, the alcoholic one. Dacquiri is wild - unique and delicious. Gorgeous place inside and outside seating.

Cocktail bar with a turn-of-the-century feel, offering a creative cocktail and coffee menu…read morealongside a small bites menu if you're looking for something light. We stayed on the main floor since the host seated us there, but later realized you can order at the bar and take your drinks up to the rooftop--something I wish we knew earlier. The bartenders were pleasant and laid-back, not pretentious at all. The cocktails were inventive and well-crafted. I went with the Coffee Date and Lord of Misrule--pretty good--but in hindsight, I wish I had tried more of their Fever-Tree and Chemist collaborations, which sounded especially interesting.

Beautiful!!! Enjoyed my time at The Observatory. We attempted to sit out side but the wind and lack…read moreof sun due to cloud coverage had other plans for us and moved us inside! lol! It was nice for the 10 minutes we did last. The view is great and the inside reminds me of a French cafe with giant floor to ceiling windows and doers. There was a small two person table perfectly centered near the windows that overlooked the outside city. I would you have taken a photo but there were people sitting there lost in the pure bliss of that spot and each other. It was beautiful Anyway...onto the food. It was wonderful. Had the sliders and the kale salad. That salad was DELICIOUS and huge. They do take reservations but if you go later on in the night, you can find a spot at the bar!! Have fun!!

Gorgeous rooftop. Exceptional service. Delicious food. My 4 stars reflect my Spritz flight. They…read morewere just okay. A little watered down.