By Robert Shumway
Tucked away in the heart of Lake Lure, Grey Hawk Bar and Gardens offers a one-of-a-kind retreat where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and natural beauty come together. Created by owner George Carter, Grey Hawk is more than a restaurant—it’s a thoughtfully curated oasis that invites you to unwind, connect, and indulge.
Like much of Lake Lure, Grey Hawk is steeped in local history. The property was once a campground, where decades of cleared underbrush allowed towering oak trees to thrive. Today, those same trees form a shaded canopy over Grey Hawk’s lush garden, creating a welcoming, open-air environment that’s been 50 years in the making. It’s a space where guests dine under the trees, enjoy live music, and let their children play freely.
After a life-changing hurricane, George, like many in the area, reassessed his path. “Was I living the right life?” he asked himself. Since Grey Hawk’s opening in August 2023, George had been juggling many different commitments, including a full-time real estate business and landscaping gigs, but the packed schedule didn’t leave enough time for the passion he had for hospitality. This year, he’s decided to more fully focus in on his vision for a place of community and connection, with support from the Grey Hawk team and co-owner Adam Polaski. They want Grey Hawk to be a space that feels like a true getaway—without leaving Lake Lure.
The food and drink offerings perfectly reflect this vision of casual elegance. Every dish is crafted with quality ingredients and an eye for taste, color, and presentation. Portions are generous, and every bite is memorable.
On a recent visit, we started with the colossal shrimp cocktail—no exaggeration here. These shrimp were fresh, crisp, and paired with a perfectly zesty cocktail sauce. Grey Hawk’s signature charcuterie boards are another standout, featuring artisanal cheeses like drunken goat, smoked gouda, and blue cheese, along with premium meats from Hickory Nut Gap, including prosciutto, salami, capocollo, and calabrese. Served with fresh baguette, crackers, and honey, these boards are both satisfying and shareable.
For dinner, we tried the Chimi Chimi Chicken—grilled to perfection and served over mashed potatoes with a vibrant chimichurri sauce and a side of broccoli. The dish was both hearty and fresh, with bright flavors from parsley, garlic, and oregano. Other crowd favorites include the French Dip and the aptly named Shrimp Rich Boy, which also features those giant shrimp.
Grey Hawk also caters to guests with dietary restrictions, especially those with celiac disease. Many dishes have gluten-free options, and the kitchen takes great care to ensure a safe and delicious experience for everyone. One thing you won’t find here? A deep fryer.
The bar program is just as impressive. There’s no well liquor at Grey Hawk—only premium spirits go into their oversized, fruit-garnished cocktails. You also won’t find any artificial syrups; instead, every drink is made with fresh ingredients and bold flavor. A rotating selection of craft beers is available both on tap and in bottles, and the wine list rivals that of fine dining establishments.
Service is quick, attentive, and genuinely warm—adding to the relaxed, welcoming vibe.
For the 2025 season, Grey Hawk has expanded with a large covered area and additional seating. It’s a family-friendly spot too, with lawn games like cornhole, ladder ball, and soccer available to keep kids entertained.
Live music adds to the ambiance, with performances every Friday and Saturday at 5:30 PM and Sundays at 11 AM. Regular acts include local favorites like Christina Chandler, Bruised Rhino, and Owen Walsh.
This spring and summer, Grey Hawk will also host a series of themed festivals. The festivities begin on Mother’s Day with “Mother May Hawk,” a seasonal celebration featuring crafts, local vendors, food stations, and even a children’s book. Events will continue throughout the summer, culminating in the Burning May Festival—a unique end-of-season celebration where the symbolic May Hawk is set ablaze.
A final nod to Lake Lure’s rich history: Grey Hawk’s sign was originally created for a resort that was never completed. After decades in storage, it found its rightful home thanks to a generous donation—and so, the Grey Hawk Bar and Gardens got its name.
From the enchanting setting to the thoughtfully prepared food and drinks, Grey Hawk offers a truly special experience. It’s the only place in Lake Lure where you can enjoy world-class dining in a setting that feels like a serene escape into nature.
Grey Hawk Bar & Gardens
(828)-222-3181
111 Resort Lane • Lake Lure, NC 28746
Fridays, 12-9pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays 10am-4pm