The food is very good and I like the atmosphere . We enjoyed live music and their french fries were delicious and there is great service.

Love this place! Food is good and friendly staff:) willl be our local hangout! Fried pickles delicious!

Destiny was our server and she went above and beyond for our group! Very personable and pleasant, attentive and professional. The food was good and all orders were correct in our group of 9. A great experience all around. read more

This fabulous riverfront tavern in the Village of Chimney Rock serves up one of the best burgers I've ever tasted, along with a great selection of craft beers. My Smokehouse Burger was not only massive, but also dripping with BBQ flavor, with the crisp onion rings adding a delicious texture to the perfectly cooked patty. My wife enjoyed the restaurant's signature Riverwatch Burger -- a more traditional choice that was just as large and almost as delicious. Riverwatch says it serves the best burgers in North Carolina, and it's hard to argue with that claim. There are nearly two dozen different burgers on the menu, and they all look amazing. If burgers aren't your thing, the restaurant also serves salads, sandwiches, hot dogs and other fare. But they're famous for their burgers, so find one that fits your taste and dive in. The beer selection here is also terrific, with a number of local and regional NC crafts on tap and in bottles. And the service on our recent visit was outstanding. Seating is available outside or on the spacious deck overlooking the Broad River, which is a great place to enjoy a good meal and a fantastic view of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the distinctive Chimney Rock, towering high above the valley. Like much of this area, Riverwatch endured traumatic damage during Hurricane Helene, but reopened in September 2025. Well worth the drive from anywhere in North or South Carolina! read more

Excellent service and food. Make sure to ask for Nick. He is a great waiter. (He is very funny). I recommend the fried pickles and the portabella chicken and Rueben sandwich. I am glad we were able to support the small business during their recovery effort. read more

Pretty good place to stop by while you're in the mountains. This area was hit hard by the hurricane. They've come a long way. We stopped by for some drinks. Nice atmosphere. Live music also. Highly recommend. read more

Our Friendship Force Club, 18 people, came for lunch today. We were seated and served promptly. Our server was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Most of us ordered one of the burgers, but not all of us. Whatever we ordered, we all agreed the food was very tasty with ample portions. We enjoyed the atmosphere. We highly recommend Riverwatch Grill !! read more

Great burgers here! Lovely porch/deck! Destiney (our server) was awesome! Shared some local pics and awesome burger rec! (Gouda Bacon Jam! HELLO)!!! Gotta stop here when in Chimney Rock! Nice cold beers too! Cheers! read more

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This is a great restaurant on the river. It is open now after the Helene flooding. It's a great place to grab a very well-made burger. One of the best I've tasted. The salads and sweet potato fries were awesome as well. Megan, our host was delightful. The food was scrumptious, and I loved driving to chimney rock to help do my part to help the rebuild by supporting a local business. In the middle of destruction, this is a place of beauty. read more

Riverwatch Bar & Grill - Burgers on the river. I love coming back to chimney rock and seeing that it's beginning to rebuild. - Bars Near Me - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

We waited over 40 minutes for our food with minimal server interaction, just for our food to take like cheap microwave meals. I would not recommend this place again. The food was mediocre, service was terrible minus the directions we got from one of the workers. read more

So happy they are back open!! So so many birger options! Their burger master cooks every single burger perfectly. The buns are fresh amd compress nicely. Crispy lettuce, fresh sliced tomatoes and onions. The fries are lightly battered and perfect. Love the homemade ranch on literally anything! The appetizer fresh fried mushrooms are a MUST. Help bring the businesses back and help the town. Many businesses opening daily. Nice quaint town you can walk down the street. Indoor, outdoor and upper covered patio so plenty of seating. Beautiful and clean place with a sanitation score of 100!!!! Friendly staff and amazing service. Definitely where I want to spend my money- read more

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My wife and I had lunch here the other day and it was outstanding ! We had the Rueben, Cole slaw and dill pickle chips and everything was amazing. The service was great and the places looks fantastic since they reopened. It was so warm and inviting, they have done a great job. We can't wait to go back again !! read more

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Best hamburger in town. The entire staff is great. You get greeted a number of times by all the people who work there. The back deck is a great place to sit, eat and enjoy the flowing of the stream. The bar area is very clean. You can enjoy watching sports on t.v.. read more

Great place , friendly , staff, food was on point and the views are outstanding, we will be back read more

Riverwatch Bar & Grill - Bars Near Me - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Great burgers! Perfectly cooked with good buns. Liked the mushroom and Gouda option. Onion rings were very good with a nice crunch. Friendly service in a cozy place with an option to sit outside. read more

I grew up coming to this area often, but hadn't been in years. Went on a Monday evening after hiking at Chimney Rock, as we wanted to support after Helene. The food was fantastic - I had the fried mushrooms and the Fried Pickle burger (pro tip: replace the pepper jack cheese with pimento cheese for that extra Southern touch). The service was attentive and friendly - we never felt rushed, even though they were closing and it had been a long day. Would absolutely go back, and recommend to anyone in the area. read more

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Ian did a great job today! Very attentive and did a great job! I'll b back! You guys need to come here you'll love it!

Destiny was great...bubbly and very friendly. She was very considerate: do we need anything else..refills. Mike and Nancy from Wake Forest, NC read more

We had a large group and were seated on the outside porch. Megan was our server and she made sure the heaters were on cuz it was a little chilly that night. The drinks came quickly and she got the food out fast for the 12 of us. All orders were accurate and very delicious. The menu has about 3 pages of burgers among other choices. We went back and celebrated St. Patrick's Day there with 19 people. Green beer and lots of great corned beef sandwiches. Different waitress, but didn't catch her name. She kept 5 booth's satisfied with drinks and good service. I highly recommend Riverwatch!! read more

Before Hurricane Helene, Riverwatch was always our go-to spot whenever we camped at Hickory Nut Falls. We're so grateful to see them back open, and the food hasn't missed a beat--it's still awesome. Hands down, they serve the best burgers around. My favorite is the Grilled Cheese Burger--it's always cooked to perfection. Add in the friendly staff and the welcoming vibe, and this place is exactly why we keep coming back read more

Riverwatch Bar & Grill - Grilled Cheese Burger - Bars Near Me - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

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The food was excellent ! the Hillbilly burger was delicious and the watermelon margarita was perfect!! Shelly was a delight - tell g us about the history Worth a lunch or dinner there !! read more

The food was so delicious. The service was so good. It was so quiet. I would eat here again. I would recommend it to everyone.

Elisha was wonderful and very friendly. Provided superior service and we will definitely be back again. Great location. read more

Came here with our daughter and her girlfriend and had a blast. Really inspired by how the area has started to bounce back after the storms a few years ago. This place had the best burgers and the onion rings were amazing! so many options on the menu, it was hard to make a decision. Finally we all picked something different, and just passed plates around. Service was very friendly and the atmosphere was cozy without being crowded. Will come back again next time we are in the area. read more

Another great experience at Riverwatch Bar & Grill. As always, the atmosphere and food are top notch. Destiney was our Bartender and waitress. We enjoyed having wonderful conversation and excellent service with her. She went out of her way to provide outstanding customer service as does the entire staff and owners. As this being a family owned restaurant and experienced the damage from Helene, I hope everyone will support the staff and family and help ensure they prosper and come back. We continue to make this our get away place for good food, relaxing conversation and beautiful views. Thanks again! read more

So good! Sophie was great, the food was excellent, and I'm so glad it's open for business after the storm! Don't hesitate to come here!

Wonderful restaurant with the best food I've had in a long long time. The atmosphere was incredible and our server whose name is Nick what's the best waiter I think I have ever had his personality and his competence and his kindness and being fun was outstanding. read more

The food and drinks were fabulous & so was the servers Destiney & Patrick!! The Riverwatch exceeded my expectations!!! Destiney & Patrick = amazing!!! read more

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2/21/26 Saturday mid-afternoon: My wife and I stopped in for a late lunch. This past Saturday was our first time. Food was very good, if not just outstanding. Our server, Elisha, was incredible, attentive, assuring and genuinely professional. Her eight year tenure at River Watch was evident. Look forward to coming back soon. Jim & Cheryl read more

Came to the restaurant for lunch on a Saturday and they were very busy. Our wait was estimated at 20 minutes but we were called back in 10. We chose to sit on the back deck, which was nicely repaired and offered a great view of the river. Be mindful that the view still contains aftermath of what this town endured a year ago but it made for an even cooler experience. Joey was nice and attentive and took our order once we were ready. The fried pickles are insanely good and the best I've ever eaten. I had the Hottie Burger with onion rings. Burger was cooked nicely and had lots of flavor. I highly recommend if you like spicy food. Onions rings and the sauce were amazing. My wife had the Southern Dog and onion rings, which she enjoyed. We're planning to come back and eating here again will definitely happen. read more

Great service from Cleighton! Great food and atmosphere! Glad to have river watch back!

Delicious Food and Drinks every time we come in. Great Staff and ambiance. Patrick is always making the best drinks and providing Excellent Service!! read more

Have not missed yet with a meal at River Watch...The back deck gives you a great view of Chimney Rock and the stream, very relaxing. Shelly was an amazing host. Everything was serv d hot and tasty. read more

Enjoyed great meals with friends at this great place. Good to see Chimney Rock on the way back from Helene. Service was great and so was the look of the place. read more

Incredible view, we sat outside. Meg was our waitress and she was so sweet and very attentive. And of course the food was so good too! Must go to! read more

Food and service was great! Best burger I've had in a long time. I had the Gouda Burger and my husband had the Mushroom Burger. Both were phenomenal. read more

Came from Orlando to visit the area with ny wife for the first time. They highly suggested this place to us, and it was AMAZING! They gave us a table very fast. Greeted us with a smile. Joey, our server was very attentive. We orderes the mushrooms for appetizer, then a guacamole burger, and a blue cheese burger. All I can say is...WOW! Great taste, well cookes, we had to throw in the towel as we got full lol. A young attentive lady came after to ask how was the service, and made us feel right at home. If you want good food, atmosphere, and feel welcomed, this is your place to go. I will be coming back. read more

We're visiting for the first time and I'm celiac so it's difficult for me to find places to eat safely, I got the southwest salad and they were very accommodating to me so I can eat! My husband and son have no allergies and enjoyed their onion rings, chicken tenders and burger! Will come again :) read more

Riverwatch Bar & Grill - I think its their Southwest Salad (you'll see on the menu) and it's really good and great for celiacs - Bars Near Me - Chimney Rock, North Carolina

Love this place, was so glad to hear it was back open. I try to eat here every time we visit Lake Lure. Our waitress Destiney was great - not long waits on anything. Kept checking to make sure we were good and refilled on our drinks. And of course will most definitely be back to eat there again. read more

Destiney is a great employee!! Very friendly and great customer service. Food was great also. Please come and visit River Watch and support this great team of employees!! read more