By Katie Adamson

Image courtesy of Blue Mountain Brewery.

If you find yourself cruising down Virginia State Route 151, also known as Nelson 151, a “state-designated scenic byway,” you will be amazed at the beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and fruit orchards just off of the highway. Whether on your way to go skiing at Wintergreen Resort or a hike on the trails surrounding Afton Mountain, there are plenty of stops you can make to grab a bite to eat while on the road. However, if you want to have top-tier American cuisine and a perfect view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, no other restaurant can compare to that of Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton, Virginia.

No matter the weather, season, or reason, Blue Mountain Brewery is one of the best American restaurants that I have been to. From their many burgers, paninis, and pizzas, to the wide range of beers brewed in-house, Blue Mountain offers a wide variety of food and drink options. I have consistently been impressed with the speedy food service and impeccable taste of the food itself, therefore putting Blue Mountain high on my list of favorite restaurants. 

Outdoor patio overlooking the mountains.

When my family and I go to Blue Mountain, we chow down. Often ordering at least one dish each and occasionally indulging in an appetizer or two, such as our favorite BMB Nachos, we waste no time once we sit down. The BMB Nachos are nothing short of phenomenal, from the fresh, house-made tortilla chips to the pepper jack nacho cheese sauce, black bean and corn salsa, salsa roja, sour cream, and jalapenos on top. No matter who you dine with, you can expect a full plate of BMB Nachos to be completely eaten in about 4-5 minutes. 

Appetizers at Blue Mountain.

In the spirit of appetizer talk, I feel it is necessary to rave about the soups (yes… I said soups) on the menu. My sister Shepard Adamson (‘25) always orders the BMB Chili and states that it is “joy in a bowl.” This soup may seem like your basic chili, but on a cold day after a long afternoon of skiing, this soup never fails to hit the spot. To break it down for you, the chili is made with chipotle-seasoned ground beef simmered with sauteed onions, peppers, beans, tomatoes, and spices in a beer-based broth topped with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Upon being asked about the flavors in this chili on our most recent visit, Shepard says that “the spice is nice” and claims that it makes her “feel warm on the inside, unlike the weather outside.” 

While tomato soup is a classic option, the hint of spice and delicious fusion of savory flavors elevates Blue Mountain’s tomato soup, setting it apart from the rest. From the tomatoes, carrots, onions, and celery blended together, to the cream, herbs, and spices that top it, this soup makes you feel like you are cozying up by a fire at home.

When it comes to salads, the Adamsons keep it simple with a Caesar salad or a Kale Harvest Bowl, but typically, we order both to satisfy everyone. The Caesar is a classic, and the Kale Harvest Bowl is a flavorful adventure with shredded kale and quinoa, roasted chickpeas, carrots, apple cranberry relish, candied pumpkin seeds, and crumbled goat cheese, drizzled with honey lemon vinaigrette. With our vegetable requirement fulfilled, we then move to our entrees. 

Black Bean Burger wrap and fries.

For the main courses, there are three menu items that are necessities: the vegetarian Black Bean Burger, the Mushroom and Swiss Burger, and a Cheese Pizza. 

The Black Bean Burger is nothing short of fantastic, with a mix of black beans, peppers, onions, and spices topped with melted pepper jack cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and chili lime ranch served on a butter-toasted roll. However, I have recently swapped the burger bun out for a wrap, making it a lighter meal but still delicious as ever.

Cheese pizza.

The Mushroom and Swiss Burger is my parents’ favorite, which they often have to split. The twin beef patties smashed on the flat top grill, served on a butter-toasted bun, topped with sauteed onions, basil mayo, Swiss cheese, and shiitake and oyster mushrooms, is “delicious, but quite filling,” according to my parents, John and Katherine Adamson (‘96). Lastly, my youngest sister Caroline (‘29) always enjoys a cheese pizza, which is a classic that we all like to have a piece of if we are feeling it, but the pizza is quite large, so it makes for great leftovers.

The outdoor patio at night.

In the spring, summer, and beginning of the fall season, sitting in Blue Mountain Brewery’s outdoor seating area is always enjoyable. The view from their outdoor patio is remarkable, with a clear view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and an orchard nearby. In the spring and summer months, there is live music and activities such as cornhole for everyone to enjoy while at the restaurant. If it gets a little chilly, staff are sure to turn the heat lamps on near the tables so that guests can still enjoy the outdoors. No matter when you visit Blue Mountain Brewery, you are guaranteed to have an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a great time, and even better food. 

All photos by Katie Adamson except where specified.