American restaurants

The Blackwater Cafe

4.6 289 reviews Closed 4730 Scruggs Rd, Moneta, VA 24121, United States

Discover this place

Located in the picturesque surroundings of Moneta, Virginia, The Blackwater Cafe stands out as a premier American dining experience. Customers have consistently praised its exceptional service and delectable menu offerings. Rachel Smith highlights the outstanding service from Jordan and the "AMAZING" food, including delicious martinis and diverse appetizers. Meredith Burger applauds their meticulous takeout packaging, ensuring every dish, even desserts, retains its quality. Deborah Driscoll echoes this sentiment, celebrating the warmth of their staff and declaring the Peach Cobbler a favorite.

The menu boasts a variety of dishes that leave diners raving. Denise Ladner describes the perfectly cooked salmon paired with couscous and green beans, while her daughter’s chicken and sweet potato waffles with spicy maple syrup received equal acclaim. James Snyder recommends visiting on Thursdays for the Prime Rib night, promising a highlight of the week.

Overall, The Blackwater Cafe is not just a restaurant; it’s a culinary gem. With its charming atmosphere, attentive staff, and exceptional food, it’s no wonder diners are eager to return. A true *must-visit* when in the area!

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service
Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great cocktails
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great wine list
Serves local specialty

Popular for

Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Romantic
Trendy
Upscale

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with The Blackwater Cafe before visiting.

Reviews for The Blackwater Cafe

4.6

289 reviews

100%

19%

Review highlights

Based on 289 reviews

The Blackwater Cafe consistently receives praise for its exceptional service and inviting atmosphere, with staff frequently noted for their friendliness and attentiveness. Diners appreciate the high-quality, flavorful American cuisine, highlighting well-prepared dishes such as salmon, prime rib, and unique accompaniments like sweet potato waffles with spicy maple syrup. The cafe’s attention to detail extends to takeout orders, where thoughtful packaging and reheating instructions enhance the experience. Guests also enjoy the diverse beverage selection, particularly martinis and crafted cocktails. Overall, The Blackwater Cafe is recognized for delivering a memorable dining experience that combines delicious food, excellent service, and a welcoming environment, making it a favored destination in the Moneta, VA area.

Rachel Smith

Jul 07, 2025

Absolutely incredible! Jordan was the best server and our food was AMAZING! We had such yummy drinks, appetizers, meals, and desserts! Their martinis are yummy! We already can’t wait to go back! Highly recommend! This place is a MUST if you are at SML!

Meredith Burger

Jun 19, 2025

This place is great, very cute, and the food is outrageous. Literally everything we ordered was incredible. We got takeout, and everything was packaged separately so nothing got soggy, and they even included instructions on how best to heat up the dessert we got.

Deborah Driscoll

Jun 14, 2025

From the youngest greeter thru the second we walked out the door superb service!! We came all the way from Wisconsin for this amazing food and we will be back! My favorite was the Peach Cobbler

Denise Ladner

Jun 03, 2025

I don't know why it has taken us so long to try this place. The food was delicious! I had the salmon with couscous and green beans. The salmon was perfectly cooked. My daughter had the chicken with sweet potato waffles, and it came with a spicy maple syrup. Chefs kiss amazing!

James Snyder

May 27, 2025

Food is always good, especially Thursdays Prime Rib night. Seasonal Salad is one of the best @ SML. Monica / Bartender is always smiling and remembers you, as do just about all the waitstaff.

DCS

May 12, 2025

Wonderful experience!!! A very inviting restaurant with a warm and cozy atmosphere. Service was phenomenal (thanks Chris) food was great. Excited to come back and try some other things like the salmon, prime rib, some of their alfredo. Apparently everything is made from scratch and it definitely tasted like it. The restaurant was super clean and the food came out fast and hot. I had the pulled pork sandwich which came out I believe on a brioche bun with a side of french fries.

Eileen M

May 01, 2025

Finally came in for dinner after having amazing take out. Our waitress, Jordan was amazingly friendly and knowledgeable! The food was to die for, I have never had a pork chop so flavorful and juicy! And you HAVE to get the crab fries and desserts with HOMEMADE whipped cream! We will be back

Rebecca Romano

May 01, 2025

What a delightful evening over the summer! I am not sure why it had taken us so long to try this place out. The Sunday 4 Martinis and 1/2 Price Apps (Truffle fries!) specials were awesome. And, the rest of our food was just as great - Pork chop and Shrimp & Grits entrees, Key lime cheesecake dessert. The service was also top notch, which is so rare to find these days since Covid. Thank you for a wonderful meal. This is honestly the best meal we have enjoyed at the lake to-date. Looking forward to returning again soon!