7 Places to Enjoy a Cocktail in Blue Ridge (with recipes)
Spring and summer weather afford more reasons to explore Blue Ridge on the trails, in the shops and aboard the train. When you need a rest (or some air conditioning) head into one of these seven restaurants for a specialty craft cocktail. They’re out of this world and even better when paired with friends and family.
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar and Grill (pictured above)
Chester Brunnenmeyer’s is a downtown treasure with an upscale casual atmosphere; the type of place you want to be while you’re enjoying your friends and ordering a second drink. The Shrimp and Grits are delicious, and the Tomato Bisque is a crowd favorite.
As for cocktails, we love the Chester’s Mary with pepper vodka, and the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned! The cocktail lounge above the restaurant, Hideaway at Chester Brunnenmeyer’s, is the perfect place to book for a private party. Lounge on the leather chairs and couches under subdued lighting while you wait for your table with a Moscow Mule. Chester Provisions is their shop with everything you need to build your own at-home libation.
Thank you to Chester Brunnenmeyer’s for sharing the secret to one of their popular drinks.
The Wookie
1.5 oz house-infused habanero pineapple tequila
1 oz Combier orange
1 oz sour mix
Slash of cranberry
Shake and serve over ice with a salted rim
The Black Sheep
Blue Ridge’s largest outdoor bar and patio can be found at The Black Sheep. Take it easy under the grand 200-year-old oak tree while sipping a bourbon at this home-turned-restaurant, the historic William Butt House, circa 1914. It was one of the first homes in the area to have indoor plumbing, built by the former Georgia Legislator and Blue Ridge Mayor.
Tuna Nachos, Black Sheep Meatloaf or Veal Osso Bucco are just a few of the dinner options available as pairings to your main course–the cocktail. Try the Blue Ridge Lavender Smash, a Georgia Peach Bourbon or their highly desired Trouble in Blue Ridge. Lucky you, they’ve shared the recipe so you can enjoy one at home to remind you of your time here.
Trouble in Blue Ridge
2 oz Four Roses bourbon
1 oz Campari
.5 oz each of lemon juice, grapefruit juice and honey water
Basil leaf
Shake in a shaker with ice.
Strain and garnish with basil leaf and fresh cracked pepper.
The Dogwood
Just down from The Black Sheep and owned by the same fantastic crew is The Dogwood. If your cocktail vibe requires a more casual setting, then come grab a drink here. 150 outside seats are primed for your hangout pleasure, with live music and no TVs…just pure al fresco fun.
Specialty craft cocktails are top of mind, but there is also a wonderful wine list and a “beer garage” with over 70 options for creating your own six-pack. The menu offers 10 curated dishes served in portions made for sharing while you chill out to the music and friendly conversation.
Boat Dock Bar & Grill
After you’ve spent the day on the waters of Lake Blue Ridge, step foot on land at Boat Dock Bar & Grill for a casual (but classy) cocktail. The best seat in the house is on the deck or at the tiki bar, with views of the lake and a brilliant sunset.
Wandering out there on the weekend? You’ll love the live music on the weekends.
Grace's expertly crafted cocktails leave nothing to the imagination. They elevate the dining experience with their handcrafted cocktails that blend premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and artful presentation—perfectly complementing their signature steaks.
Classics and new cocktails, such as the Diablita, can be found at Grace.
At The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm, guests are treated to refined yet relaxed cocktails set against sweeping views of the golf course, river valley and mountains.
Classics, such as an Espresso Martini, can't be missed here.
At Ferraro’s Kitchen, guests enjoy thoughtfully crafted cocktails—everything from elevated Italian-inspired aperitivos to timeless martinis—served with precision in a warm, refined atmosphere that complements the restaurant’s fine-dining experience.
