Cozy Restaurants and Crafted Cocktails

Winter invites a special kind of culinary exploration, where cozy restaurants and masterfully crafted cocktails become havens of warmth and flavor.

From Maple Bacon Old Fashioneds in a rustic, lodge-like setting to a double-smoked Old Fashioned with 180-degree views of the city, each of these Blue Ridge restaurants offers a unique blend of comfort, sophistication, and culinary delight.

picturedChester Brunnenmeyer's Bar & Grill

Join us on a journey to these winter gems, where the food is hearty, the drinks are bold, and the atmosphere is as inviting as a warm fire on a cold night.

Chester Brunnenmeyer’s Bar & Grill

Rustic wood, brick accents, dark leather seating, and a beautiful bar make Chester Brunnenmeyer’s feel like an apres-ski lodge destination… right here in the Appalachians.
If the weather outside is frightful, I recommend warming up with a bourbon flight. (The rye flight is my favorite.)

But if you prefer a bit of excitement then set your sites on the Maple Bacon Old Fashioned, which feels like winter in a glass. Or let the Wookie warm you: House Infused Pineapple Habanero Tequila, Combier Liqueur D' Orange, House Made Sour, Cranberry with a Salted Rim.

Finish off the fun with appetizers like Fire Roasted Pimento Cheese, Shrimp Tacos, or Chester’s famous wings.

Grace Blue Ridge

Grace Blue Ridge offers a unique winter retreat set in the now-transformed Brown’s Feed & Seed, showcasing an industrial-modern-rustic aesthetic, and boasting 180-degree views.
Sophisticated cocktails are a given here, but you’re going to want to treat yourself to the double-smoked Old Fashioned. Watching the barkeep, Justin, craft them tableside is truly a treat.

You’re going to want more than just a cocktail, though. 45+ day aged steaks are the stars here. You can join the Celeste Society membership to secure your own custom engraved Grace steak knife, sharpened for every returning visit.

Grace Blue Ridge

Ferraro's Kitchen Blue Ridge

If you’re craving a “moody” vibe that feels intimate and warm then book a reservation at Ferraro’s Kitchen.
An exhaustive list of Italian wines is matched only by the amazing service. You’ll also find spirits and after-dinner sippers like one of my favorite Grappas - Poli Sarpa Sambuca.

Don’t stop at the wine list, though. Burrata & Prosciutto di Parma is the perfect starter. Pair it with the veal filet, Chilean sea bass or veal parma. Che buona!

Chocolate Martnin's at Ferraro's

The Tavern at Old Toccoa Farm

Let’s switch gears to a location that is more casual, but still upscale. The Tavern, on the golf course, is the perfect haven for those seeking warmth and charm.

Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the 9th hole, as well as both the Toccoa River Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Beer, wine and spirits make the list here, but for something more exciting try the Bourbon Cobbler - Bourbon, sour cherry, pecan orgeat, and lemon curd. Or dream about warmer days with a Vodka Lavender Lemonade.

Need to fuel up before hitting the links? I recommend the chicken piccata or the seared salmon!

Black Sheep Blue Ridge

You know Black Sheep for its amazing summer patio, but it’s just as cozy in winter. If the nights are still warm (and you wear a sweater) you can enjoy a glass of wine around the firepit.

Otherwise, come inside this renovated home with wood floors, inviting alcoves and plenty of Southern hospitality. Start with a Citrus Basil Martini or (my fave) Trouble in Blue Ridge: Campari, local honey, basil, fresh citrus, and cracked black pepper make it a delightfully spicy and refreshing drink.

Entrees change with the season, but the fried chicken with dill pickle aioli is a staple you can’t miss. Oh - and be sure to save room for the creme brulee. You can thank me later.

Black Sheep Restaurant

Harvest on Main

When I say “winter dining,” do you think of a large stone mantle with a seat next to a roaring fire? If that speaks to you then Harvest on Main is where to book your table.

Settle down with a sangria or a gin and tonic, and an unexpected appy of Brussels cooked with bacon jam and Gouda.

But don’t call it a night! Save room for scallops or scampi (though hubs always picks the steak here.) Then, linger by the fire a little longer with a warming aperitif.

Whiskey & Water

Whiskey & Water sits in the historic post office, just off Main Street, but the “send a letter to Santa” vibe has been replaced with a sexy speakeasy feel.

As the name suggests, you’ll find whiskey, bourbon, scotch and other spirits from around the world. Take them neat if you need to get warm quickly, or sip on one of their signature bourbon cocktails.

I know you probably don’t associate the coast with the mountains - but in Georgia, we have it all! And Whiskey & Water is on a mission to bring the best of that seafood to the north. Tuna, halibut, swordfish - you name it.

No worries if your friends are mere land lovers. Steak and chicken are also available. We won’t tell the Captain.

These enchanting gems and their signature cocktails embody the essence of cozy and comforting, offering a delightful refuge where the chill of the season meets the warmth of Blue Ridge’s best.

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Lesli Peterson

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Lesli Peterson

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