About the Old Rock Café

Big and simple. Around here, we consider those compliments to the chef.

We’re proud to offer a simple menu full of big flavor. Since 1999, that’s been the Old Rock Café’s signature serving. Ask us and we’ll tell you we’re the hidden gem sitting in the shadows of Chimney Rock. Or ask Zagat’s. They put us on their “Must-Try Burgers across the Country” list, and for that we’re mighty appreciative. But our menu goes way beyond burgers. It ranges from pizzas with cauliflower crusts to locally sourced salads with organic ingredients—and from leisurely lunches to those on the go. You can even get your weekend started with breakfast at The Old Rock Café. We’ve got microbrews and cobblers-of-the-day, and we won’t look at you funny if you decide you want them together.

You’re hereby invited to loosen up your boots, take a load off, and share some stories of the day’s adventures over good food with great people. And bring those four-legged family members—we’re big fans of dogs, too. In fact, we’ll soon be launching a dog-friendly menu just for them!

We’re just next to the entrance of North Carolina’s iconic Chimney Rock State Park in Chimney Rock Village, which is just a short drive down some winding country roads from Asheville or a straight shot from Charlotte.

Can I get a side of housemade fries with that?

You sure can. Many of our housemade burgers are made with 100% grass-fed beef and come with a side of freshly made fries, cut from real potatoes. But if fries aren’t your thing, the Old Rock Café has a wide variety of sides, many good enough and hearty enough to be your main. We offer gluten-free and vegan options for those who need it, none of which fall short in flavor.

Is the Old Rock Café a roadside diner? Maybe. Is it an off-the-beaten-path dining spot you’d go out of your way to get back to? Definitely. Should you and your family give it a try yesterday? Absolutely.

The food says, “freshly made.” The décor says, “delightfully dated.”

Maybe you’ve grabbed one of our Hiker’s Lunches to conquer the trail to the top, take to the beach, or have on your trip home. Or you’ve enjoyed the cool mountain breezes on our back deck that looks up at Chimney Rock and out over the Rocky Broad River. No matter which, you now find yourself ready to slip back in time. To a day when things were a little simpler.

We’ve got some great old black-and-white historic images of Chimney Rock. There are old postcards and all sorts of memorabilia for you to enjoy. Did they do things better then? You be the judge.