Visit NC Restaurant Write-ups

1. The Coffee Shop

Summary: This landmark opened in 1926 and hasn’t changed much since. The nostalgic diner transports
you to a simpler time and the true down-home cooking is just one reason guests have returned for
decades.

Description: This local landmark has been an NC staple ever since opening its doors in 1926. Get a dose
of nostalgia and mingle with locals, some who have dined here every morning since moving to town,
while enjoying your morning cup of joe. The menu has had little reason to change since it was created
more than 90 years ago, and no one is complaining. The entire menu is under $10. Not only does The
Coffee Shop serve amazing home-cooked meals, but it also serves as a glimpse into the past with vintage
signs, photos, and an old jukebox lining the walls. As the smell of bacon and butter permeate the air,
you might find it difficult to choose a dish. Some suggestions? Try the gypsy omelet, or a good ole
hamburger and save room for one of their famous homemade pies.

2. City Lights Café

Summary: A favorite spot for locals and stars alike, this was the go-to spot of the award-winning “Three
Billboards” cast for coffee and locally-sourced, organically-produced food.

Description: The café, whose name gives a nod to the adjacent landmark bookstore, has a rich history in
town. Grab a book from upstairs and settle in to enjoy this local gem that celebrities like Woody
Harrelson, Frances McDormand and Peter Dinklage all discovered while in town. The cafe provides many
menu items that are locally sourced and organically produced and has a variety of gluten-free, vegan
and vegetarian options. Be sure to try one of their infamous savory or sweet crepes, such as the Chicken
Crepedilla, a menu favorite. The restaurant has a 22-seat, dog-friendly outdoor patio, and serves as the
place for artists and writers to gather. The Café hosts several rotating events, such as an Open Mic night,
live music, rotating art shows, literary events and even Yappy Hours with pets on the patio.

3. High Hampton Resort

Summary: For 96 seasons, High Hampton has hosted guests looking to reconnect with nature and
friends. The Resort’s rustic dining room features impressive buffets filled with Southern favorites.

Description: Guests to the restaurant will enjoy feasting in this rustic mountain lodge that takes diners
back to a simpler time when the tradition of dressing up for dinner was all part of the experience. For
nearly a century, High Hampton Resort’s dining room has served as a gathering spot for locals and
guests of the resort alike. Here the emphasis is on scrumptious Southern favorites like country spiced
fried chicken, fresh rainbow trout and roasted prime rib accompanied by seasonal, locally-grown, farm-
fresh fruits and vegetables, along with homemade breads and desserts. The spacious dining room offers
plenty of elbow room making mealtime convivial.

4. The Orchard Restaurant & Guest Cottage

Summary: Set in a 100-year-old refurbished farmhouse that overlooks apple orchards and gardens, this
Southern-inspired menu offers delectable dishes that include local trout and nightly specials.
Description: From weddings and receptions, to birthday parties or family reunions, The Orchard
Restaurant, events barn and guest cottage offers visitors a chance to escape from the hustle and bustle
of their every day and relax while enjoying exceptional dishes prepared with fresh, locally-sourced
mountain ingredients. Historical artifacts decorate the walls of the renovated 1900s farmhouse that
serves as the main dining hall. In warmer seasons, guests are invited to enjoy The Orchard’s famous
Venison Carpaccio, Appalachian Trout Almondine or the 107 South Bacon-Wrapped Filet outdoors on
the patio while overlooking the bountiful apple orchard. Any menu item can be paired with a bottle of
wine from the cellar, which features over 60 choices of fine wines with a focus on the New World and
California wine regions.

5. Cornucopia Restaurant

Summary: Known as Cashiers favorite porch, this open-air dining staple will celebrate its 40th season in
2018. The menu features bountiful and delicious dishes for lunch, dinner and a fantastic Sunday brunch.

Description: Considered a local favorite, Cornucopia is consistently named as one of the best porches in
Cashiers. A casual spot for lunch, dinner or the popular Sunday brunch, Cornucopia, like the name
suggests, features a variety of dishes tempting to any palate. Locals can’t get enough of the Arabian
club, black bean burger, or their most famous and oldest dish, "Wade Hampton's Downfall." At dinner,
try an entrée that incorporates local flair, like smoked trout from Sunburst Farms or Southern-Fried
Farms Chicken. The building, which was originally purchased in 1892 for $27 has a long history of serving
locals as a general store, school, post office and tack shop. Cornucopia is open from March to November
and will celebrate its 40th season in 2018.
6. Soul Infusion Tea House & Bistro

Summary: With more than 30 organic teas on the menu, this one-of-a-kind tea house’s mission is simple
- to infuse souls with love. Guests will enjoy a welcoming environment, exciting energy and filling foods.

Description: Looking to go off the beaten path, not only for hikes, but also for bites? Soul Infusion Tea
House & Bistro is a unique tea house nestled within the Appalachian Mountains of Sylva that serves
tasty soups, salads, wraps and sandwiches. All dishes are prepared to order, allowing you to personalize
your food however you wish. A local favorite is the Chicken Casserole Wrap, made of rice, broccoli, red
onions, mushrooms, cheese, white sauce and chicken. The tea house offers the largest range of tea in
Jackson County with more than 30 types of organic teas, including hot or cold herbal, blacks and greens.
If you come on the right day, you may also enjoy some great live music from some of the best local rock,
folk and even jazz bands. Indoor and outdoor seating is available and both seating areas are pet-friendly.
There is eve a yard and playground for little ones to enjoy.

7. Canyon Kitchen

Summary: Voted “Most Romantic Restaurant in NC” by Food & Wine, Canyon Kitchen stays true to its
agrarian roots with an open-air feel, widespread county views and an award-winning, farm-to-table
menu.
Description: Canyon Kitchen is a must-visit as far as fine dining in North Carolina is concerned. True to
its history and agrarian roots, Lonesome Valley’s Canyon Kitchen offers a humble, yet extraordinary
connection to food, where ingredients are sourced from local and regional farms. The new Executive
Chef Ken Naron is at the helm of this award-winning restaurant. The diverse prix fixe menu at Canyon
Kitchen changes weekly based on seasonal ingredients, but you can always expect a rich combination of
garden goodness and innovative nouveau-southern tradition. Snag a reservation here from May through
October and admire the incredible views of Cow Rock and Laurel Knob at Lonesome Valley, known as
the largest box canyon east of the Rockies.

8. Guadalupe Café

Summary: This farm-to-table, tropical fusion restaurant is a must-try for foodies visiting NC. Guests will
enjoy an eclectic ambiance and an innovative menu filled with internationally-infused dishes.

Description: Located in an old restored 1920s drugstore and soda fountain shop, the creativity at this
restaurant does not stop at its eclectic appearance. Rated by Gourmet magazine as one of "America's
Best Farm to Table Restaurants," Guadalupe is a fusion restaurant that will have diners traveling through
a world of flavors with Spanish, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and even Southern influences. A must-try for
foodies visiting NC, this menu is full of flavorful delights and features locally-grown and organic
ingredients whenever possible. Mouth-watering menu items are endless and choices include: Red Curry
Shrimp, Blackened Plantains, Peanut Chicken and Mango Pork Tacos. Guadalupe also serves a diverse
selection of wines, from Spain and Latin-America, as well as brews from across the nation to right down
the street.

9. Winslow's Hideaway

Summary: American-inspired cuisine such as fresh crab legs, prime rib and homemade desserts are
prepared and served in a cozy mountain setting that has turned Winslow’s into a fine-dining favorite.

Description: Going the extra mile is not an unfamiliar concept to the family that owns and operates
Winslow’s Hideaway. Having maintained multiple restaurants since the 1970’s, Chef Winslow
understands the importance of serving fresh food, which is why the restaurant prides itself on the
exceptional quality of all ingredients used to create the extensive and diverse menu. This American fine-
dining experience features gourmet steak and seafood dishes that pair perfectly with the vast cocktail
and wine list. The “at home” and communal vibes present in the restaurant are unmatched. Paintings
created by family members decorate the walls and hang alongside newspaper clippings and other
memorabilia, contributing to the rich family heritage of Winslow’s. Impeccable service, well-prepared
meals and amazing memories await you at Winslow’s Hideaway!

10. Haywood Smokehouse

Summary: Looking for some local NC BBQ? Well, we have the place for you! A favorite amongst locals,
Haywood Smokehouse is known for the best brisket, ribs and other specialty meats in the area.
Description: Their smoking process is long and tedious, but the time and effort put into their melt-in-
your-mouth meats sets them apart from the rest. On Saturdays come for the Baby Back Ribs served with
a Honey Chipotle sauce, or every other day of the week for the St. Louis-Style Ribs. Their southern sides
and homemade pies will definitely give you something to write home about. Diners can even take a
bottle of one Haywood’s nine uniquely-flavored homemade sauces back with them to savor the flavors
of the fall-off-the-bone ribs a little longer. A crowd favorite is the classic Sweet Ketchup sauce, and for
those feeling adventurous try the Strawberry Chipotle. Many of Haywood’s recipes are greatly
influenced by traditional Southern flavors while a few items on the menu allude to Cajun, Tex-Mex and
other regional cuisine flavors. Haywood really is the place to “meat!”

11. The Well House

Summary: This hidden gem, which was built around an early 1880s well, supplies more than just water
to the guests who stumble upon this local favorite.

Description: Located in the heart of Dillsboro, The Well House is a quaint sandwich shop and local
favorite hidden gem. Located beneath Oaks Gallery on Craft Circle, The Well House has been serving up
mouthwatering gourmet soups, salads and sandwiches since 1977. The 50-foot well from which the
restaurant gets its name was hand dug in the early 1880s to supply water for Dillsboro’s first home, and
the bucket riggings and bricks are still the original ones that were used. Locals recommend grabbing a
Triple Threat Sandwich, the Reuben, or their most popular dish, the Cashew Chicken Salad. Thursday
and Friday evenings are prime rib nights - also a local favorite.

12. Balsam Mountain Inn

Summary: Perched at 3,500 ft. elevation, this stunning Inn, which originally operated as a boarding
house in the early 1900s, made a name for itself by serving wonderful food and continues to do so
today.

Description: Though Balsam Mountain Inn originally opened in 1908, this historic hotel remains popular
today due to its 100-foot porches, spectacular views and hearty, abundant cuisine. Known as the “Grand
Old Lady of Balsam,” the Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the few
buildings of its kind left in North Carolina. A popular location for breakfast and dinner, along with
Sunday lunches, dining at Balsam Mountain Inn is truly an experience that will take you back in time. For
an authentic experience, grab a seat in their beautifully bright sunroom and order menu favorites such
as the Trout Roulade, which includes Sunburst Trout with house crab stuffing and Hollandaise sauce,
rack of lamb or duck. The well-rounded menus emphasize hearty regional cuisine.

13. Slab Town Pizza

Summary: Family-owned and operated, their self-proclaimed, “obsessive devotion” to studying the best
techniques and freshest high-quality ingredients all contribute to this local pizzeria’s popularity.
Description: Enjoy artisan, hand-tossed pizzas at Slab Town Pizza. Cashiers’ small pizzeria first opened its
doors in 2014 and has maintained the same quaint, friendly and inviting environment since the
beginning. The handmade desserts, dough and the option to create your own pizza masterpiece have
kept Slab Town as a town favorite. The owner, Timmy, highly recommends the Schrute Farms Beet
Salad- inspired by The Office- while a crowd favorite is The Duke Pizza, which comes in the standard 8
slices topped with Italian sausage, pepperoni, bacon, ricotta, grandé mozzarella and red sauce. The
menu offers a wide range of pizzas, salads and specialty items. During the cooler months, grab a seat
outside on the covered patio and enjoy the roaring fireplace with friends and family.

14. Adair Brothers Smokehouse

Summary: Hand rubbed with a signature dry rub and smoked to perfection for 8-12 hours, the team at
Adair Brother’s takes the art of BBQ to the next level to serve up some of Western NC’s most tender
meat.

Description: Known as the new kid on the block, but quickly rising in the ranks of local favorites, Adair
Brothers Smokehouse is a not-to-be missed BBQ joint serving up modern Southern BBQ with a twist.
Diners here will enjoy dishes such as Smoked BBQ Fries, the Smokehouse Ripper Dawg and the rib plate,
all for a reasonable price. The pitmaster, Travis Potts, has a true love and passion for the art of BBQ.
Each morning at 1 a.m., you can find Travis firing up Big Maude, their wood fired pit, and closely
monitoring it for the next 8-12 hours to ensure guests are enjoying the most tender meat. Besides
mouthwatering BBQ, the restaurant also offers a wide range of locally crafted beers and wines, local
musicians and a laid-back atmosphere for all to enjoy.

15. Randevu

Summary: Popular for their mouthwatering dishes, welcoming environment, friendly service, and
beautiful setting, this Cashiers hotspot has guests returning year after year.

Description: Located in a quaint, barn-like setting with large windows that overlook the pond and grassy
field outside, Randevu is known as “the place to meet in Cashiers.” Its bright red exterior welcomes you
into the casual and relaxed space. Coming from a long line of bakers and chefs, Owner Chris McDonald
decided to use his 30-plus years of expertise to open Randevu. The bistro-type menu features omelets,
waffles, and eggs benedict for breakfast, burgers and sandwiches for lunch, and an array of specialty
dishes such as bone-in ribeye steaks, lobster tails, the Gulf red snapper, and chicken piccata for dinner.
Guests rave about the restaurant’s Wicked Fish Wrap, which has battered fried cod topped with pico de
gallo, lettuce, avocado, crushed tortilla, red onion, havarti cheese, cilantro cream and Thai chili. When it
is warm out, grab a seat on the patio to enjoy the fresh mountain air!

16. Lulu’s on Main

Summary: Southern Living’s “Favorite Restaurant in the Region,” Lulu’s on Main is known for its eclectic
flare that reflects the welcoming spirit of Sylva.
Description: Lulu’s on Main has an edgy, retro atmosphere tied together with paintings from many local
artists displayed on the wall. Chef Devin McCardle, who once served as honorary chef for Julia Child’s
foundation, The American Institute of Wine & Food, takes his expertise and French culinary training to
the kitchen to create a menu which features a range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items to suit
special diets. In addition, all menu items are certified hormone-free and humanely-raised, including
fresh North Carolina seafood. The salmon, Szechuan salad and peanut butter pie are local favorites.
Lulu’s menu features a wide variety of choices and the service is said to be unmatched! A martini bar
inside the restaurant offers mixed drinks, as well as beer and wine. If you have a chance, say “hi” to the
owner Mick McCradle for some good stories and history on the restaurant.