The General Ledger — Restaurant in Blue Ridge

Last weekend, we had the pleasure of dining at The General Ledger, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the best experiences we’ve had in a long time.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was classy but comfortable, with a great mix of modern design and vintage charm. What really set the tone for the night, though, was the incredible service provided by our servers, Katie and Cheyenne.

Katie greeted us with a warm smile and made us feel right at home immediately. She was knowledgeable about the menu, offering fantastic recommendations without being pushy. Thanks to her suggestion, we started with the cornbread and the house-made pimento cheese and pickles — both were outstanding, especially paired with their craft cocktails.

Cheyenne took over as the night went on and continued the amazing service. She was attentive without hovering, and somehow managed to be both professional and genuinely friendly — a rare and perfect combination. She made sure our drinks were never empty and even surprised us with a complimentary dessert when she overheard we were celebrating a birthday.

As for the food, it was just as memorable as the service. The trout was full of flavor, and the ribeyes were cooked to absolute perfection. Every dish was presented beautifully, and you could tell a lot of care went into the preparation.

Overall, The General Ledger offers not only incredible food but also a truly welcoming experience, thanks largely to people like Katie and Cheyenne. They turned a great meal into a truly special evening. We can’t wait to go back — and we’ll definitely be asking to sit in their...

My husband and I really, really liked this place. Apparently it was an old bank? and the safe is in the middle of the restaurant and the vault door was open which was cool. We didn't have a reservation which apparently is a mistake, particularly on a Holiday Weekend for dinner. We waited a bit and then finally my husband asked a young lady if she would move down one chair which she graciously did. The hostess was concerned and checked on us while we waited and even offered to get us a drink which I thought was a super nice touch. I don't think it would have been gratis, but no need, just the fact that she offered was great! (This was Sat around 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend past.) I am so glad we got to sit at the bar because we got Sarah as our bartender and she was GREAT!!! Fast, funny, patient to answer our questions and make recommendations. Made a nice dinner a fun dinner! My husband's filet - of which we eat many - was one of the most tender we have ever had! I got the Fried Chicken Paillard and the Chicken was amazing! Tons of flavor and two breasts - a great portion! Then we got the baked cookie dessert at Sarah's recommendation and we LOVED it! Gooey, hot chocolate chip cookie w/marshmallows (actually would leave those out as it was sweet enough and would leave off the caramel sauce too), vanilla ice cream and chocolate and caramel swirls. Super yummy though a little too sweet. So glad we got it and will definitely go back but will make a reservation the next time! This chef knows what he/she is doing, unlike...

Five starts for the flawlessly executed Pecan Crusted Trout and outstanding service from Luke, but a single star for Atmosphere and Manager, three stars overall. Upon arriving we noticed it was uncomfortably hot in the restaurant and noticed the thermostat marked 75°. We asked our server to ask management if the temperature could be turned down. A while later, a manager came by and told us that the building was old, and the AC could not be turned down any lower. I expressed my disappointment and said I would not be able to enjoy my meal as much due to the heat, to which she said that I had been the “only one to complain” about it that evening. I told her that, unfortunately, I would have to leave a review to this effect, and she said “you have to do what you have to do”. Seriously Ms. Manager???

I get that the building is old, however, knowing the limitations of the current air conditioning system, you would think that a nice restaurant like the general ledger would proactively address this issue to make sure all dining patrons are comfortable by adding a new AC system, an additional AC unit, or Ceiling fans throughout, instead of hoping for a patrons not to “complain about the heat”. So here I am “doing what I have to do” in hopes that the issue of the temperature in the dining room is addressed. I also hope that the kitchen has an adequate air conditioning system, and that the employees, especially the folks in the back of the house, are not sweating to death as they work.

You can do better...