What Locals Love About Lake Lure Dining

Something I am notorious for doing when I go out to eat is asking our waiter or waitress what their favorite dish is. I am always on the hunt for that crave-able dish. You know, that irresistible item on the menu that you simply must try – especially if you’ll only be there once. Or, if you have the pleasure of going back again and again, then it’s the dish that keeps you going back for more.

While we are certainly not known as a “foodie” destination, I was determined to uncover the favorite dishes, crave-able creations, claims-to-fame and what locals love about Lake Lure dining. So, my husband and I decided to eat our way along 74A (well not quite that literally). I also polled all our local friends for what they love about Lake Lure dining and got fan favorites submitted via Facebook.

What I learned is that our locals enjoy the Lake Lure dining establishments for many reasons. Sometimes it’s the crave-able dish that locals love. Sometimes it’s the beautiful view or the atmosphere or the hometown hospitality of the folks that run the place.

Our hope is that this list helps you experience the area the way locals do. And if you are a local, then we hope you find this list helpful as you branch out and explore all our Lake Lure dining options. For reference purposes our list of restaurants is sorted from East to West along 74A (aka Memorial Highway, Main Street) … so you could literally eat your way along 74A and go from one place to the next to temp your taste buds and have a great time.

What Locals Love About Lake Lure Dining:

Point of View Restaurant – Lake Lure

Locals Love: The Mountain Trout dish and the homemade salad dressings are most talked about. Oh, and given the name … they’ve got a nice view.

Address: 454 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-4380
Website: www.thepointofview.com

Larkin’s on the Lake – Lake Lure
Locals Love: The view is a favorite of course and the boat-able access makes it a favorite destination while boating the lake. The ribs are raved about and the Macho Nachos were mentioned by several people as a great appetizer. They also have a Mother Load Burger that’s 1-1/2 pounds of beef! If you eat it all you earn bragging rights and they’ll give you a t-shirt. They also do a series of Locals Nights and Wine Tasting Events throughout the year that are always lots of fun if you get a chance to go to one of them.

Address: 1020 Memorial Highway (74A), Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-4075
Website: www.larkinsonthelake.com

La Strada Italian Bar & Grill – Lake Lure
Locals Love: The outdoor patio with the beautiful view of Lake Lure. This is a great way to spend a beautiful afternoon. There’s a broad menu of Italian favorites. The Italian Nachos are a yummy twist on a traditional favorite.

Address: 2693 Memorial Highway (74A), Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-1118
Website: www.lastradaatlakelure.com

El Lago Mexican Restaurant – Lake Lure
Locals Love: The Grande Margarita is a crowd-pleaser and it’s big enough to quench the thirst of a crowd. It’s huge – the size of a fishbowl and I’m not exaggerating. The margarita goes great with the chips and salsa that quickly arrive at every table. The fajitas are delicious and they have several interesting fajita varieties to try that are beyond the ordinary.

Address: 119 Arcade Street, Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-9051

The Veranda at The Lake Lure Inn and Spa – Lake Lure
Locals Love: The Sunday Brunch. It’s always a treat with a huge assortment of sumptuous options including appetizers, entrees, salads, desserts and more. There’s also a “Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar” from 12-2pm.

Address: 2771 Memorial Highway (Highway 74A), Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-9655
Website: www.lakelure.com

The Lake House Diner

Locals Love: Good eats at a good price! Just as a diner should be. The patty melt and hand cut chips is a mentioned favorite along with their burgers.

Address: 2795 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746
Website: The Lake House Diner on Facebook

Lake Lure Coffee and Scoop Ice Cream

Locals Love: The delicious locally made Tony’s Ice Cream is a creamy, dreamy, delicious treat and your furry, four-legged friend can enjoy a mini scoop too in this great dog-friendly place. The grape ice cream is their signature special. The coffee drinks are great too and they’ve always got seasonal specials. The fun outdoor location across from the beach has nice views of Lake Lure and is accessible by car, foot and even by boat.

Address: 2797 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: (828) 980-5675
Website: https://www.facebook.com/scooplakelure/

Carolina Moon
Locals Love: The cozy, coffee-house atmosphere, the custom / private coffee blends – Lake Lure Blend, Chimney Rock Blend, Bat Cave Blend – and the hand-crafted items made by local artists that are available for purchase.

Address: 2992 Memorial Highway (74A), Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-537-1771
Website: www.carolinamooncoffee.com

Geneva Riverside and Tiki Bar – Lake Lure
Locals Love: The extremely casual, riverside atmosphere complete with swimming pool, horseshoes, volley ball and people floating in the river on tubes. It’s a great way to enjoy a pretty day and take in the view of Chimney Rock. They have nightly specials and delicious burgers that are served with homemade chips or fries. You can also always count on them to be open — in season, off season and even holidays.

Address: 3147 Memorial Highway (74A), Lake Lure, NC 28746
Phone: 828-625-4121
Website: www.genevarivermotel.com

Riverwatch Bar & Grill – Chimney Rock
Locals Love: The recent expansion and the full bar area. There is also a new outside covered deck space with great views of the Rocky Broad River and Chimney Rock. Their full-service bar has over 50 local, craft and domestic beers to choose from. The smell of their burgers cooking on the grill up front is what draws you in and is the menu item most talked about. It’s a nice post-hike pit stop.

Address: 379 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: 828-625-1030
Website: www.riverwatchgrill.com

Old Rock Cafe – Chimney Rock
Locals Love: The burgers! They are made with with Hickory Nut Gap Meats’ 100% grass-fed beef and the burger has critical acclaim. The burger was recognized by Zagat, a national restaurant review company – 2014 Zagat-rated “Must-Try Burgers Across the Country”. I also think their Turkey Classic sandwich and homemade chips is simply delicious. Another nice post-hike, Lake Lure dining pit stop.

Address: 431 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: 828-625-2329
Website: www.chimneyrockpark.com

Medina’s Village Bistro – Chimney Rock
Locals Love: One of the most talked about Lake Lure dining dishes is the Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup. It is raved about and is almost legendary in these parts. I heard how delicious it was from so many people and that’s what got me in to try the place. I see what everyone was talking about. Actually, anything that John makes is delicious. Another favorite is their Cinnamon Rolls that are so delicious they have been featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine and Southern Living.

Address: 430 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: 828-989-4529
Website: www.medinasvillagebistro.com

The Esmeralda – Chimney Rock

Locals Love: The steaks. It’s also great if you are looking for a finer-dining experience or a place to enjoy a special occasion.

Address: 910 Main St, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
Phone: 828-625-2999
Website: www.theesmeralda.com

Thank you to everyone who helped me discover an impressive assortment of down-home delectables and fun little spots to … enjoy a good drink, have a home-cooked meal, take in a stunning view, lounge by the lake, float down the river, meet-up with locals, make a post-hike pit stop and get my toes tapping with some great live music. Enjoy the Lake Lure dining options and have fun eating your way along 74A!

Bon Appetite!

Please share other favorites with us via the comment area below.