Blue Ridge Brewery
What a treat! After a short but sweet office caravan on Wednesday, a group of us decided on the new spot for lunch- the Blue Ridge Brewery, located downtown Blue Ridge next to the old Post Office on Mountain Street. My wife had lunch there a few weeks ago and said it was wonderful. Six in our group; walked in with about a 3 minute wait while they rearranged a few tables for us (later to find out that a 15 minute wait should be expected). We thought there would be a local beer brand on the bar but seeing none, Coach Harbin ordered a Bud Light Wheat, I had a Harpoon Indian Pale Ale, and the rest ordered water and soft drinks. All beer was on tap and they looked to have about 7 or 8 taps available. My IPA was delicious. The building was once the old Blue Ridge Post Office, and is the size of a small pub- probably seats about 30 in dining room and 10 in the bar. Soft music was playing the background, but our group was telling old real estate stories and laughing at jokes that it was hard to describe what was playing.
Menu items ranged from $6 to $10 and had several salads, soups, and sandwiches. Not a large selection, but plenty for this style of eatery and everyone selected in quick fashion. I ordered the burger and was most pleased- cooked to order with crumpled blue cheese. I posted on my Facebook status that Sue’s Cafeteria will have a run for their money on their "Best Burger In Town" claim – I’ve had several comments agreeing. I think we should suggest a cook-off! A couple in our group ordered the tuna special and, although none dared to taste the hummus, seem to enjoy their meal. Salads around the table looked good, too. There was plenty of food on each plate. Of course, our collective eyes wandered across the room at the waitress delivering dessert. We all ordered the brownie, but they only had one left. After everyone else opted for an sliced apple and caramel-type dessert, I personally sacrificed and took the last brownie. No regrets. To wrap up a great outing, Joe Ray from Suntrust Mortgage picked up our tab- what a great friend!
If you missed the festival, you still have time to enjoy the fall festivities. Several offshoots from the Apple Festival are still in full gear- Hillcrest Orchards has their Apple Pickin’ Jubilee, and Several Corn Mazes and Haunted Hay Rides have popped up along Hwy 52 between Ellijay and Dawsonville. The trees that lose their leaves first are just now turning colors, so the next few weekends should make for some spectacular colors. And to top if off, there’s a horror movie showing this week at the Drive-in in Blue Ridge… October can’t get much better!
