What a wonderful surprise to find after a day of hiking, that after over a ten year absence, The Bluffs Restaurant and Café is now open and serving breakfast and lunch.
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Thanks to the generous donors that wanted to preserve this special spot and The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundations who played a vital role in it’s reopening now you can stop here and grab a hot coffee, yummy breakfast, lunch and delicious dinner.
Located at Milepost 241 on The Blue Ridge Parkway right next to the Doughton Park Visitor Center the construction of the restaurant began in 1948. In 1935 the site was used as a camp for the workers constructing the Blue Ridge Parkway. The plans for the building were put on hold in 1942 due to World War II.
The Bluffs Coffee Shop first opened it’s doors in 1949 and was the first ever dining establishment to provide meals and refreshment on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
After operating for nearly 60 years The Bluffs Restaurant and Café closed it’s doors on November 1, 2010.
For the delight of all of us that have been praying for it’s return and thanks to the over 500 donors to the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, including the State of North Carolina and Appalachian Regional Commission the renovation to the interior of the Café began in 2019 and the Restaurant officially reopened it’s doors on August 22, 2020.
The meticulously updated interior consist of retro green checkboard floors, golden chairs lining the bar, retro tables and chairs and the original light fixtures. On the walls visitors can have the pleasure of taking a look back in time through some old and new Blue Ridge Photographs the main one being a large photo of The Bluffs from how it looked when it first opened it’s doors back in 1949.
There is a good variety of delicious breakfast and lunch options on the MENU to choose from and we learned that they have recently obtained an alcohol license and are planning on serving local brews and wine.
Upon being seated on the table you’ll find a placemat on each table that gives great information on the history of the Restaurant and a coloring page for kids on the back of it to keep you and them entertained while waiting on your food.
On this little paper we found the fascinating story of Ellen Woodruff Smith who worked at the Restaurant from the day it opened it’s doors in 1949 until it closed in 2010 That’s over 60 years). Isn’t it fantastic! She was greatly beloved by all the visitors who absolutely loved her warmth and hospitality and loved hearing her say that in all those years she never met a stranger.
We highly suggest you try their Triple Decker Club and the delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich. If you love fried chicken we hear their Classic Fried Chicken is to die for and a must. Their hand cut fries were so delicious that if I had any room left in my belly I would’ve ordered an extra side of them on top of my side.
They do recommend you make a reservation in order ensure a seat. At busy hours and on weekends the wait might exceed an hour. There are covered picnic tables outside however if you do need to wait. You can do so by calling the number bellow.
(336) 372-7875
The Bluffs Restaurant operating Hours are:
Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Lunch: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Dinner: 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Restaurant closes at 8 p.m.
The Restaurant is Closed on Tuesdays.
We hope you make s pitstop here while adventuring on the Blue Ridge Parkway and enjoy it as much as we did. We ourselves are looking forward to returning soon and trying out few of their other menu items which I’m sure would not disappoint.
For more adventure and hiking ideas make sure to follow us on Instagram and if you see us around stop by and say hello!