While on a camping expedition up the blue ridge parkway, we were searching for a nice warm breakfast after an especially chilly night in a tent.  After scouring the area map, we came upon the River Dog.  First of all, the decor is fantastic and sets the perfect ambiance for a coffee drinking experience in a mountain valley.  The prices seemed a little high at first, but ended up being well worth the dollars  spent.  The mocha latte was absolutely delish and the cafe au lait with black widow coffee was superb, despite not being made with espresso as expected.  For food, the pecan waffle and sausage/egg/cheese casserole were both delectable treats for breakfast.  Excellent service to top it off made me wish this place was closer to home.  Come here, you will not regret it!
Review Source:On the search for good coffee in the area while on vacation, my wife and I decided to try The River Dog for breakfast. Â I had the bacon, egg and cheese panini and fruit with coffee, and she had bacon, eggs and fruit and a soy latte. Â The food, service and coffee were excellent.
Both of the owners were working, and we enjoyed talking to one of the employees. Â I highly recommend stopping by if you want a great cup of coffee or espresso drink.
We came here for lunch. Â
Decor: Very nice..very clean... well-decorated. Â Single Bathroom which was very clean. Â Good Start.
Dining room was very small and would not have accomodated our 3 children, but luckily weather was nice and outdoor  seating was available.  Chairs were very comfortable.
Drinks: Â I suspect my Chai Latte was from a commonly available mix, but then so are most. Â I doubt anyone is making their own.
My wife's diet coke was from a bottle... so I doubt free refills
Food: Lunch Menu limited. Mostly sandwiches and salads.
My club was ok-- deli meat, cheese bacon veggies.. Not the best.. not the worst. Â My wife's reuben was mediocre. Â Kids were limited to PB+J and grilled cheese. Â 5 yr old like the grilled cheese. Â 3 yo liked her bagel with cream cheese.... not hard to please. Â Overall.. Food was ok.
Desert. Â Key Lime pie was tasty. Â Kids liked the cookies.
Portions moderate.
Service was good.... there was  lot a business and I didn't feel ignored, but he wasn't all over us.
Overall... would eat here again.. but might just as well try another place.
What a fabulous little roadside gem! Friendly staff, delicious coffee and great selection of beverages. Â Clean, cozy, great decor. Â Outdoor seating. Prices slightly less than other major coffeeshops.
River Dog is a perfect place to sit and write or read. Â We were thrilled to find such a great coffee shop in a rather sparse region. Â Excellent establishment - the highest recommendation!
What a great find in the North Carolina mountains! Â A cute little cafe and coffee house that had seating outside so we could enjoy a coffee break with our pooch! Â Hamlet the Dog gives that 4 Paws Up!
I enjoyed a Black Widow drip (their bold blend) and hubby had a great Americano. Â We shared an amazing peanut butter cookie and a slightly dry but tasty chocolate chip cookie. Â
They also serve sandwiches for lunch and I think some breakfast offerings but we only had a snack. Â
If you are driving around in the Boone or Blowing Rock areas be sure and make this a stop. Â It's nice and cozy inside if the weather is cold. We'll be back in the fall when we go gem hunting!