Latest reviews from Afton

“As @hershiser2 said, the views here are amazing. The seating areas are up on a hill, and you see their cascading hills of grape plants as well as a couple of mountain ridges. The place is huge and reminded me of a castle. There's a SHIT TON of capital in this place. The system, and the place itself, is pretentious. You can't get a flight at the bar. You have to go to an outdoor table and use a QR code to order a flight and have it delivered. And the bartender inside even said to me that flights are easy to spill which is why they don't serve them at the bar. Fuck that. At least everyone working was friendly. The flight was a bit pricy but not bad. Beers were all drinkable, but not great. I probably won't be back, but its worth a stop once.“

Drake 748 days ago

“This is the latest of the Brew Ridge Trail cluster of breweries along the east side of the Blue Ridge Trail. We finally got a chance to stop in on a busy, holiday weekend Saturday, early afternoon. The scenery here is top notch, and the building is the prototype mountain town brewpub. The staff was friendly, a bit held back by COVID rules. Beers are OK to good. The house food truck looks good, but we didn't eat. Brewery #921.“

Braudog 984 days ago

“Stunning views - absolutely gorgeous. Likely more focused on the winemaking here, but they currently have 4 beers on tap. All are fine, could use a little work. All current ordering is done via an app, so the only service I got was when the waitress dropped it off at the table. Pizza lacked flavor and my friend believes it's from frozen. The winner here is the scenery. I'd return and hope for a bit better beer and food. I did not have any wine, but my friend had a glass she enjoyed.“

hershiser2 1025 days ago

“Stopped by here about 27 months after @hershiser2, and they are still going strong. Good crowd (properly masked and distanced). Bar is in the center of the room and the place seems wide and open as all the indoor tables have been removed due to COVID. I was getting beer to go, so I did not try the food (and honestly, still haven't tried the beer). Lots of options on tap, 9 or so. All were available in cans, and all were available in BYO singles for $14 per 4 pack. Bartender was very friendly as were the ladies in the kitchen. Fun vibe about the place, and if the beer is good, I'll be back.“

Drake 1339 days ago

“Restaurant set up, which is fine. The brewery itself, is huge. They have a large flight, which I rarely see.. so that was great. The food was amazing as well.“

spliffy74 2058 days ago

“Located in the old Blue Toad Restaurant/Taproom, this place was gutted and redone. There's a large bar in the middle of the room with tables around the rest of the place. Bartender was nice and helpful, explaining some of the beers as she poured them. Mark Thompson is back in the game with this brewery and plans to do a good amount of local collaborations. He was out and about talking to the handful of folks in the place. Right now, their brews are being contracted to local places, including but not limited to Seven Arrows (they have one Seven Arrows beer on tap), but they plan to do small batch brews on premise. All offerings were solid - and though there may be some rotation in the future, they're working out the kinks (they've only been open a week), and the core lineup will be what's there for time time being. They have future plans to spruce the grounds up, but not to distribute, bottle, or can. Also, $1 from each draft goes to a charity of your choice (well, pick 1 of 4).“

hershiser2 2164 days ago

“I liked this place despite it’s large size. It has very good beer, excellent food, fantastic views and when we visited on a hot Tuesday evening, it was busy without being crowded and the service was good. There are numerous indoor and outdoor areas, some of which overlook the hop farm. All up a worthy place to visit.“

dmarsha4 2487 days ago

“This place has expanded a ridiculous amount since the first time I visited. Beautiful views, but as I walked in today I heard a young child tell his mother this is like Busch Gardens, and it is. It’s ridiculously packed, people, stuff, tables, games, etc. everywhere outside. Two parking attendants directing traffic, a billion employees, a billion customers, and nary a seat to be found. I made my way up to the bar, ignored by the two bartenders chatting with eachother and browsed the menu. One secret tap - great! Thinking this will be the one beer that’s different, new I’ve yet to have (though my last stop in was in the fall and they also didn’t have anything new.) Nope - the secret tap was a well-known local canned brew. I asked the bartender how often they make new brews and he looked offended, and pointed to something on the menu (the Full Noonan) and said that’s new (I rated it back in February - first rating on here is 11/11/16). I don’t think they’re around to cater to the beer seekers as much as they used to. They’re dealing with Afton’s version of Disney World. Sorry, Blue Mountain fans... I’m just no longer impressed.“

hershiser2 2520 days ago

“Stopped in on a whim on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. This place is big, popular and well funded. Did not try the food but the menu looked good. Beers were exceptional and only $1 per taster glass. Beautiful outdoor seating. A dreamy place in the country.“

Iphonephan 2813 days ago

“This is quite an operation. Somebody directing parking on your way in, which is a nice touch given how busy it is. Thirty minutes wait at seven on Friday, but there were spots at the bar. Friendly service, super fast. Food menu kind of cool, interesting selections. Food was quite good actually. Large outdoor seating area, partially covered. Live music. Pet friendly area separated from the rest, which is a nice touch; as much as you like him, not everybody is a fan of your dogs nose in their crotch. Yard games. Beer decent, but honestly that is not the draw here. This is a production.“

bytemesis 2913 days ago

“A yuppie spot, but that isn’t bad. The place is typical neo-bar with plenty of outside seating under strung lights. The service is very friendly and attentive, and the beers are well above average, with inexpensive flights. A first rate place, worth seeking out.“

rondphoto 3232 days ago

“This is a large setup complete with a busy restaurant, a couple of bars and outside seating on the patio area. We even spotted a pouring unit outside that must get used during the warmer months. Bonus points for its location, with a lovely view over the hills. The tap beers were pretty good and well brewed. Efficient service, I think I counted about two dozen wait staff so it gives an idea on how busy it gets here. We didn’t eat on our visit but heaps of food options on the menu. Slightly off the beaten trail but worth a visit.“

nate2g 3337 days ago

“Fantastic place to visit. Very busy and crowded. awesome food with awesome beer. Definitely a must visit if you’re in the area.“

Beergeek23322 3590 days ago

“Visited for a beer only and so can’t comment on the food. Fantastic place to sit outside and enjoy the view on a nice day. Good service, cost of a pint is reasonable, and they have a reasonable selection of their beers. I would definitely visit again.“

strongpieman 3598 days ago

“Interior is open and welcoming, though it lacks the lived-in feel that adds charm. It has plenty of patio seating outside, booths and tables plus a long bar inside. Bartender is friendly but not familiar. Can’t say a lot about the food, but the pretzel is great - and that mustard will clear out your sinuses. Bluegrass and indie music is at a level where you can enjoy it but not so it interferes with conversation. This place is worth finding in Virginia’s Blue Ridge region.“

Cybercat 3603 days ago

“Large yet cozy building. Plenty of seating inside and out, though the bar is not the largest. About a dozen taps, and also bottles, and pretty darn good food. The service is generally very sweet, somewhat helpful, and pretty prompt. They never seem to mind loading up full flights of all of their available draft offerings, and the prices are very reasonable.“

Emeister84 3630 days ago

“Stopped by driving home from vacation on I-81. Not exactly right off the highway, maybe 20-25 mins away from Staunton. Worth the trip though, very nice rural brewpub. The weather was nice so seating was outside among the hop gardens. Beers offered were the regulars and special brewpub offerings, all were solid to excellent. Food was tasty too, mainly sandwiches/burgers/salads. Loved the mountain view while dining. Left with a bomber to go. Would love to stop by again if in the area.“

radio_nowhere 3644 days ago

“Drank a few beers here with obguthr, pleasure! This is a large place with a gorgeous view of the "mountain"-like bumps in the landscape. Huge patio, pretty crowded on a nice sunny spring day. Service was prompt and friendly. Beers were very tasty, and there were plenty of new ones for me. Food was good with large portions. Well worth the easy trip from C-ville.“

Travlr 3697 days ago

“Visited here right before closing time on a Friday evening. This place is massive, with a couple of different bars and serving areas. Professional ambiance, plenty of merchandise available for purchase. I tried a flight of 10 different Blue Mountain beers and was pretty happy with the quality on offer. The food’s nothing to write home about, but it’s cheap, filling. Service was attentive. Overall, an established venue that’s well worth a visit.“

jackl 3861 days ago

“This is a neat beer destination not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Great view, large indoor and outdoor seating, and a large and attentive wait staff. I went for lunch and they were geared up for several large parties so that may have been why all the staff was there. It would be a cool place to hold an event. Food was upscale pub fare. The beers were solid. That had hop vines that they just harvested and i would love to go back and try the wet hopped beer when it comes out. Well worth the stop.“

jsquire 3923 days ago

“Probably the best brewery in the area. Always a good beer to meet any palate here and the food is definitely the best of the 3 pubs on 151.“

PepeLePew 3940 days ago

“(US backlog Sep 2012) Glorious stop on our way out of Charlottesville in search of the Skyline Drive and a way into the Blue Mountains. Basically a well-stocked craft beer lodge with spectacular views, ample indoor seating and typically professional service, up to vigilante-style parking ushers. I expect the hop stakes just next to the outsoor seating area are an extra atmospheric addition, but being Sep evidently all hops had already been harvested. Range of own beers on draughts for samples is great, although I feel many of their brews would benefit from some more time in the test tubes/barrels to truly come into their home-grown potential. Decent enough but not very inspiringly presented pub grub, friendly and slightly over-eager young student staff, easily overburdened by the relaxed beer geek’s FAQs amidst hords of families on a summer outing. Would gladly stop over again or go somewhat out of my way to visit again, but none of 8 beers sampled inspired me to take along a growler full for the rest of our road trip..“

bartlebier 3971 days ago

“Went there with some friends while I was visiting central Virginia. Was just warm enough to sit outside, so we did - a little windy but it was busy inside and outdoor sitting was a lot better. Beers came out relatively quickly based on how busy it was, food too - was pretty tasty food.“

radagast83 4136 days ago

“Enjoyed a day trip with my sweetie yesterday and we stopped in here for a late lunch. Nice location (if it had been warm, the outside looked like it was particularly nice). Despite being packed, the service was speedy and friendly. Nice selection of their own brews which we enjoyed. Food was decent but basically pub grub. Prices were average. A nice stop on a nice day. I’ll go back when I’m back in the area.“

tia 4192 days ago

“Pretty nice place, they have a nice setup, pretty good food, and a solid selection of beers. The outdoor area is really nice with some tables and corn hole, and other stuff to do. The inside offers a nice atmosphere as well. Worth a stop if you are in the area for sure.“

ben4321 4196 days ago

“This brewery/brew pub is nestled right in the blue ridge mountains and they take full advantage of that. The building itself looks like a mountaintop lodge/cabin and out on the patio you can take in the mountains themselves. Inside you’ll find a big open yet inviting space with a lot of natural wood. I sat at the bar for Sunday brunch and sampled a few of their harder to find brews and enjoyed some amazing biscuits and gravy. The selection is good, though they only feature their own beers along with some local hard cider and some interesting non-alc beverages on tap (like kombucha). You can buy merchandise and get a growler fill. Everything is super fresh (they grow most of their own hops on site). Can’t wait to go back.“

RABinCO 4401 days ago

“Excellent brews paired with a scenic location make for a great Virginia Brewpub. A must visit, especially after a full day of skiing in Wintergreen. As far as the beer goes, all were quality but The Full Nelson Pale Ale was the stand out winner.“

hubrew22 4487 days ago

“Blue Mountain is an amazing spot. The beer is as fresh and smooth as it gets. The brewmaster knows his stuff and is constantly experimenting, try the seasonals they are excellent. The food is as good as the beer. Like the hops, the food focuses on local ingredients from Nelson County Va. and compliments the beer well. A must-try if you’re in the neighborhood. Try sitting outside for an afternoon brew while the weather is nice.“

JPSHop07 4676 days ago

“Stumbled upon this place on the way to North Carolina. Picturesque setting with view of the Blue Mtns. Sampled some beers there and liked the place so much that we stopped by again on way back. The food we had was very good (veggie pizza and bratwurst) and staff was friendly and helpful. I will definitely try to make it back here soon.“

HighlanderOne 4737 days ago

“A worthy stop a bit outside of Charlottesville. The hop farm was still dormant at my visit, but the trellises were in place and ready to support (ha ha). The beers are above average, and the food is well prepared. A new patio was being built, just in time for the spring and summer weather.“

BeerandBlues2 4807 days ago

“We have been buying growlers for many months. But lately we have had time to have lunch. The view from the dinning area is of Afton Mountain. They are planning an expansion South of their building. The food is excellent. Limited choices but all good. Bathrooms are clean and staff are very helpful. New enlarged dinning area, bar and terrace. The changes more than double area for service. We stopped by on the Saturday of UVA and VT. It was crowded with football fans getting lunch and some great beer. This a must visit if you are West of Charlottesville.“

Foxbush 4825 days ago

“This is a small, cozy brewpub located in a small town in the mountains. When I visited on a Monday evening, most of the tables were full as well as the small bar. They had ~5 taps with some interesting styles (old ale, barrel aged impy). The food menu is short but the food is very good (I split the crab dip and had the pulled pork sandwich). Definitely a chill place to settle down and enjoy a few pints. They also offer some of their beers to go + growlers. I had a great time here! Edit 12/7/2011: They have updated the brewpub since I was last here. The old area is now a special events area and there is a brand new bar and restaurant right next door. It’s quite nice, all wood fixtures, a larger bar and much more open space with huge ceilings. Today they had 7 offerings, with 2 new to me (I’m visiting in the same month as last year so the seasonals are the same). Great beer and the new space makes the place even better!“

LilBeerDoctor 4886 days ago

“The building is a nice farm house and the brewery is the garage. The hops grow on the premise. They have a nice patio outside and deck. In a nice rural part of Virginia located at the end of skyline drive. The beers were very good and the food was excellent and inexpensive. I had a beer flight, appetizers, and fed a family of four for $50. I highly recommend it for lunch and a brew. There Dark Dark hollow beer is a world class beer and worth the trip alone.“

kennydiaz 4945 days ago

“A good place to go, especially for the beer - they make one of the best pale lagers I have had since moving to the US. The food is good though a little pricey. Quality service and good vibe though make this one of my favourite places to go!“

Velkyal 4953 days ago

“a clean medium sized restaurant off in some farmland. small hop farm set up next door. nice enough place with an outdoor porch type set up. some pretty good brews and good food. friendly, smiling service and good value on everything. Growlers and six packs to go. good place to stop for awhile then MAKE SURE to drive on down the road to the DB.“

BREWMUSKCLES 4965 days ago

“You are going to be hard pressed to find a brewery with better views. Nice hop vines growing outside with spectacular views of the mountains. Unfortunately the service was less than stellar outside (painfully slow) and downright frigid inside (we were completely ignored for awhile). They have a good selection of their own brews but the food leaves a bit to be desired. Not completely overpriced, but you will pay a few bucks for a pint or two. Overall it is definitely worth stopping by if you are in the area. I hope to return again and see if the service improves.“

Elwood 5423 days ago

“This small and sometimes crowded brewery turns out some really amazing beers. The food is grown on local farms and everything I’ve had has been very tasty. Worth planning a trip to any day.“

phukktifano 5470 days ago

“man, what a weird place for a brewery. I absolutely love the building, the location, and the ambiance. It could not be more tasteful. I had some beer cheese and hummus, both of which were pretty tasty. The beers spanned a reasonable spectrum and I liked the two I had. It’s too bad that this is so far off the beaten path. I would like very much to visit again in the future.“

NachlamSie 5542 days ago

“Not quite what I’d expected, the brewpub sits along a fairly busy road in Virginia mountain wine country, not from Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park. We visited mid-afternoon on a holiday and virtually had the place to ourselves. It was quite the cozy and inviting place and welcome respite from the crisp fall temperatures. Blue Mountains brews, some of which are availble in bottles down in southern Virginia, are all quite tasty. The food during our visit was exceptionally yummy and home made, and the excellent service topped off a great visit. Highly recommended! - Brewery #466, 11/11/2008.“

Braudog 5606 days ago

“Not sure why I never reviewed this place until now, but this is a really great brewpub. Was referred here from Mark Thompson of Starr Hill fame when they first opened. The food is great, the beers are all very well made, the ambiance is cozy, and staff is very nice...........really, nothing bad to say about it whatsoever. It does get crowded, and the seating is family style, but that didn’t bother me one bit. I’ll surely go back when in the area.“

HoppityHop 5685 days ago

“place is awesome- great food, great ambiance and view- you look onto the mountains from the patio, and great beer. Really enjoyed myself there. The mostly organic menu was a treat, as I had a bratwurst made locally. The service was outstanding- we were in and out in an hour which was important as we were in a big hurry due to a wedding later that day. The inside of the place was very modern and comfortable, and the outside was killer. No hops to speak of as we went after the harvest, but don’t expect a big old farm with tons of hops. this is a small operation- one of the coolest beer places I have been too.“

hopson 5703 days ago

“This place rocks, and so does their beer. Way out in scenic Afton, its a lovely location. The place is somewhat small especially for the crowd it draws. If you want to get a parking spot, you might want to show up slightly before it opens, but the crowd may be more managable during the week. Spotless location, with a spotless brewery. The tours are very interesting and the sampler is very good. Food is excellent, but somewhat slow given they only have one cook and the crowd bogs down the kitchen a bit. Certainly worth dropping by if you’re in the area.“

maniac 5803 days ago

“This brewpub is located deep in the heart of wine country, and it looks like it. Picture a beer hall combined with a wine tasting room. The staff is very friendly, and both owner and brewmaster are there all the time and are very approachable. The food is very good with a local emphasis. A bit expensive, but high quality, and there are a couple of inexpensive options. Beers range from easygoing and highly quaffable to extraordinarily good. They messed up once and it resulted in a beer that people are begging them to brew again. Six beers available at a time. They have some bottled selections to go and now offer growlers. Easy to miss when you drive by and it does get CROWDED. If you are visiting the Charlottesville area and have limited time, make sure you hit here and Devils Backbone before you do anything else.

UPDATE: The brewery has expanded a great deal. The old brewpub is now used for special events and a whole new restaurant has been added, along with a massive beer garden. The bar is longer, and has a lower feeling, giving it a more cozy feel. They are up from 6 taps to 10. The food menu has expanded along with the new kitchen, but the portions are small for the price. Probably the most beautiful place you can have a brewed on premise beer in Virginia.“

Drake 5868 days ago

“If you didn’t see the sign out front, you would think that it was just a house up on a hill. And the interior decorations add to that effect. Very cozy lounging areas as well as solid wood tables for eating. Almost felt like a winery rather than a brewery. I didn’t try the food but the group that I was with could not stop raving about the advacodo sandwiches they enjoyed. This was the first stop on the www.JRHB.org 2008 Brews Cruise, and they were very accomodating to our group of 30. Lots of free samples and very friendly staff.“

Butters 5921 days ago

“Finally made it down to Afton, VA to Blue Mountain Brewery. Well worth the time and effort. Charming little tap room/pub attached to the brewery. Small, cozy, immaculately clean place, with a small, but good menu with soups, salads, meat & cheese boards, wood fire pizzas and sandwiches. 5 taps of Blue Mountain beer pouring, along with a guest beer, and a good selection of local Virginia wines. Beer is very well done here. Good service, but very busy on the weekends. Excellent views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, a wonderful day trip for beer lovers, and a good local for those in the area. Six packs and 750ml bottles of their beers to go, and I’m sure cases and kegs from the brewery.“

TheBeerLover 5941 days ago