The Blackwater Cafe

The Blackwater Cafe is a beloved American restaurant nestled in the heart of Moneta, Virginia, offering a charming rural dining experience just minutes from Smith Mountain Lake. Known for its warm, rustic atmosphere and exceptional comfort food, this locally-owned establishment has been serving the community for years, earning a loyal following of both regulars and visitors to the area. The restaurant features an extensive menu showcasing Certified Angus Beef burgers, hand-cut steaks including a 6 oz. filet mignon and 14 oz. NY strip, and house-smoked pulled pork dishes. Signature appetizers like the Chef's Flatbread with house-smoked pulled pork, Truffle Fries topped with alfredo and bacon, and the famous Blackwater Crabfries with house-made beer cheese have become customer favorites. The dinner menu also includes fresh seafood options such as pan-seared salmon and mahi mahi, while the Chicken and Waffles dish—featuring sweet potato Belgian waffle with cayenne maple syrup—has earned a devoted following. The Blackwater Cafe offers an impressive wine selection with house wines at $9 per glass, along with bottles from California, Virginia, Italy, Argentina, and New Zealand. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 5pm, the cafe provides both dine-in and carryout service, with a convenient text-to-order system at 540.721.4333. Weekly specials rotate throughout the week, featuring prime rib on Thursday, BBQ meatloaf on Wednesday, and the Prime Rib Sandwich on Tuesday.