Best Restaurants in Boone, NC: Top Local Places to Eat

Stick Boy Bread Co Kitchen | Boone, NC

The Stick Boy Bread Co is located in Boone, NC. YOU MUST add this to your bucket place for delicious breads, pastries, bagels, sandwiches, and breakfast. The Stick Boy Bread Co uses only quality ingredients for all of their made from scratch food items. Everything is homemade down to the ketchup for the fries. If you are on a diet, go ahead and have a cheat day. Everything is worth the calories. Seating is limited and a long line to order is likely. Go ahead and wait in the line. This local favorite is worth the wait.

A few suggestions (however everything is DELICIOUS) include: sausage egg and cheese on a cheddar biscuit, pastrami bagel, cinnamon roll, sticky bun, magic cookie, bagels, and fried potato. We didn't have an opportunity to try the lunch menu, but that will be another reason to go back!

Address: 211 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC 28607

The Beacon | Boone, NC

Looking for somewhere nice with AMAZING cocktails and delicious, fresh, creative handmade food? Then you have to try The Beacon in Boone, NC.

The Beacon's dinner menu is focused around quality cured meats and cheeses, rustic pizzas, grilled whole fish, farm to table entrees, and handmade pasta.

Their ingredients are sourced locally. Their meats are locally butchered.

Dinner is plated beautifully and you will not go home hungry.Their craft cocktails are also specially made with fresh ingredients.

Dinner and drink menu changes seasonally, but if the cast iron cornbread is on the menu-order it! That bread is ridiculously delicious. The smoked chicken is also a favorite that is typically featured.

The Beacon Market offers hand-cut meats, house-cured bacon, marinated olives, imported cheeses, hand-baked bread and a small selection of gourmet items such as mustards, hot sauces, vinegar and oil for you to purchase to enjoy at home.

They offer indoor and outdoor dining.

Address: 125 Graduate Lane, NC-105 S, Boone, NC 28607

Melanie's Food Fantasy | Boone, NC

Melanie's Food Fantasy is a hot spot for a fantastic lunch or breakfast in the heart of downtown Boone, NC.  They pride themselves in using  local ingredients, fresh produce, and local farm raised eggs for their dishes. The whimsical menu features dishes such as Eggs DaVinci: Two poached eggs, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts on a bed of fresh spinach finished with scratch-made hollandaise and homemade toast; and Trucker Breakfast: Homemade split biscuit covered with mushroom gravy, then topped with two eggs your way, cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

If you have a sweet tooth, you might want to try the banana nut waffle or the stuffed French toast that is layered with raspberry cream cheese spread, topped with bananas, strawberries, raspberry coulis, and whipped cream!

Address: 664 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Come Back Shack | Boone, NC

I finally understand why there is a line stopping traffic to get into the place, and yes...it is worth the wait to get in.

The Comeback Shack is located in the heart of Boone, NC.

Love the burgers. They are juicy and perfectly seasoned. You can have them topped the way you like.

Love the Nathan's hot dog. It is cooked crispy and topped with several toppings to choose from. I added almost everything.

The hand cut French fries are cooked perfect. Some are then and crunchy, some are thick and soft in the middle. All are nicely seasoned.

They also have chicken, fish, and salad on the menu.

The milkshakes are thick and creamy.

I can't wait to "Come Back!"

Address: 1521 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607

The Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant | Boone, NC

The Dan'l Boone Inn Restaurant is nestled in the heart of downtown Boone, NC. It resides in a beautiful historic building that was once a hospital, then later renovated into a rooming house for students at Appalachian State Teachers University. In 1959, it was converted to a family style restaurant. They serve breakfast or lunch, and there is usually a long line out the door to wait for seating. The wait is worth it. When my children were small, this was one of their favorite places.

Breakfast includes an array of handmade biscuits, stewed apples, bacon, country ham, preserves, eggs, sausage, grits, pancakes, and many more. Dinner includes fried chicken, country style steak, country ham biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, biscuits, and other sides. Save room for dessert because it is always fantastic. Wear pants with a little elastic and give. You will leave happy and full for sure!

Address: 130 Hardin St, Boone, NC 28607

Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar | Boone, NC

Gamekeeper Restaurant and Bar| Boone, NC

Gamekeeper Restaurant is one of the most unique dining experiences in the Boone area and a great choice for a special occasion. Tucked away in a beautiful mountain cottage, the restaurant is known for creative dishes featuring game meats such as elk, bison, venison, boar, duck, and other seasonal selections. Ingredients are locally sourced and organic whenever possible, and every dish is beautifully presented.

On our most recent visit, we started with the Salmon Cakes, made with rich salmon belly and lump crab and served with a punchy remoulade. The Burrata Salad was creamy and beautifully paired with colorful pickled beets, while the Bleu Salad had the perfect sweet and tangy combination of apples, spiced pecans, and buttermilk bleu cheese.

For dinner, the Elk Denver Leg was perfectly grilled with a wonderful smoky flavor, and the Bison Short Rib was melt-in-your-mouth tender. There wasn't a bite left on the plate- just a scraped-clean bison bone as proof of how much we enjoyed it!

Prices are definitely on the higher side, but the Gamekeeper is the kind of restaurant you visit for the entire experience. For a romantic dinner, anniversary, celebration, or simply an unforgettable meal while visiting Boone, it's well worth the splurge.

Address: 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC 28607

The Cardinal | Boone, NC

The Cardinal is a very popular local hangout for good burgers and tasty appetizers in Boone, NC. All of the food and cocktails are handcrafted. Try the hand dipped corndog served with a homemade mustard. Or you can't go wrong with the grass-fed beef burgers. They are flavorful and juicy. If you are feeling adventurous, select the Emu or Bison burger! Vegetarians and vegans are welcome also.

The Cardinal serves a variety of vegan dishes such as a Beet Burger, Tempeh Tender Sandwich, and a veggie dog. They have gluten-free options for those that have allergies. This place is kid friendly also with a ski-ball machine and pin-ball machine to keep them busy while them busy while they wait for their food.

You might also see their food truck at local events!

Address: 1711 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607

Vidalia | Boone, NC

Vidalia is located in Boone, NC. It is a contemporary restaurant, with a pretty atmosphere, featuring unique Southern inspired cuisine.  It is a perfect place for a special occasion or date night. The menu is incorporates local Carolina ingredients. The menu changes based on the availability of ingredients.

Some current highlights to the menu include crab cakes with Texas caviar; house pickled beets with goat cheese, spiced pecans, and Watauga country ham prosciutto; and chicken and waffles with Southern fried chicken breast, sawmill gravy, collard greens, sweet potato waffles, and hot honey. All of the dishes are plated beautifully. They are also open for brunch.

Address: 831 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Over Yonder | Boone, NC

Over Yonder is a special restaurant relocated from Valle Crucis to Boone at the Rhode's Motor Lodge. They feature Appalachian inspired cuisine handmade with fresh local ingredients. The Pork Fat Potato Chips tossed loaded with pimento cheese gravy, napa slaw, and candied bacon is worth the drive out of the way in itself. It sounds a little weird.... but the combination is AMAZING. They are famous for their shrimp and grits, but don't be afraid to order the crispy crusted pork and beef meatloaf. I haven't ordered the tomato cobbler, but that will be next on my list.

Their craft cocktails are fun and unusual incorporating some of  NC's liquor and bitters. The Shinerita is very tasty made with paw paw's moonshine, orange liqueur, meyer lemon and key lime sour, and pickled okra. They are open lunch or dinner. I recommend calling for a reservation. They have gluten- free options for those that have allergies.

Address: 1377 Blowing Rock Rd, Boone, NC 28607

The Local | Boone, NC

If you are looking for a casual place with a fun atmosphere, The Local is the perfect spot.

The staff is friendly, helpful, and hard working. It is a great place for good food.

Not pictured was the Banhmi -- I highly recommend! It was one of the best I had.

The truffle fries, Cesar salad, and Korean tacos are excellent. I was not impressed with the Mac and cheese.

Our friend ordered the burger and he said it was perfect.

The cocktails were fun and creative.

They do take reservations and can seat a larger party.

Address: 179 Howard St, Boone, NC 28607

Booneshine Brewing Co | Boone, NC

If you are a beer lover and enjoy a unique spin on bar food, you must try Booneshine Brewing Co hidden off of Industrial Park in Boone, NC. They have a nice variety of craft beer from Hefeweizen, Pilsners, IPAs, Pale Ales, to Red Ales and Porters. They also serve wine if you prefer. The beer is fantastic and you can find it on tap at several local restaurants in the Boone area.

However, in addition to the great beer, Booneshine has a FANTASTIC food menu!! The menu offers everything from snacks and small plates to full-sized meals, flatbread pizzas, and desserts. The bacon barbecue popcorn is incredibly addicting. The flash fried cauliflower allows you to eat something healthy while feeling you are nibbling on something more indulging. The Blue Collar Charcuterie Board is plated beautiful with a Grilled Stick Boy baguette and an array of gourmet cheeses, meats, house made pickles, peach jam, and honey.

Have a bigger appetite? Try the burger or veggie burger if you are vegetarian. Caramelized onions and their homemade beer cheese are great on them! The handmade flatbreads are pretty amazing as well. Booneshine also serves local Stick Boy desserts such as the magic cookie on a skillet with vanilla ice cream.... YUM!

Address: 465 Industrial Park Dr, Boone, NC 28607

Blue Deer | Boone & Blowing Rock

Cookies and milk, cookie sandwiches, and ice cream.... What is not to love?

Blue Deer bakes fresh homemade cookies daily. You can have them with milk, coffee, espresso, lemonade, or ice cream! The ice cream is sourced from Homeland Creamery in NC.

You can pair any of their homemade cookies with your favorite choice of ice cream for a customized ice cream sandwich.

The affogato is AMAZING!! It is definitely a new favorite of mine.

Cookie choices include chocolate chip, snicker doodle, double chocolate, and peanut butter.

Blue Deer has three locations, one in Boone, and two in Blowing Rock.

Address: 352 W King St, Boone, NC 28607

Café Violette | Blowing Rock, NC

The Café Violette is located in Blowing Rock, NC. This French restaurant is quaint and charming creating an intimate, cozy atmosphere perfect for date nights and special occasions.

The menu focuses on seasonal ingredients from local farms and changes often. They are especially known for their handmade French breads and mussels; definitely add them to your starters.

The octopus is cooked to perfection with tons of flavor.

If you have never tried escargot, this is the place to try it! The escargot was perfectly cooked in a creamy, rich, garlic sauce topped with lovely little puffed pastries. The dish is excellent for sharing.

For small bites, they have a wonderful charcuterie selection.

They have a fantastic cocktail menu as well as a nice selection of beer and wine.

Address:  1132 Main St #102, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop | Blowing Rock, NC

I love, love , love Speckled Trout! Expect a wait, but be patient, it is worth it.

Located in Blowing Rock, this quaint, eclectic restaurant is fun and inviting.

The staff is exceptionally friendly, helpful, and informative.

You can order a craft cocktail while you wait. I haven't found one I don't like, but my favorite so far is the Bloody Mary and margarita.

The food comes out fresh, hot, beautifully plated, and in a timely manner.

Ingredients are locally sourced and the menu changes seasonally. Trout is their specialty, so try something with trout whether it is an appetizer, salad, or main dish.

Everything was incredible but the Wagyu burger was over the top, both flavorful and juicy.

Save room for dessert! I was blown away by the strawberry red velvet cake.

Space is limited, but do not be afraid of outdoor seating! They enclose it in the fall/winter months and turn on heated lamps.

Address: 922 Main St, Blowing Rock, NC 28605

The Best Cellar | Blowing Rock, NC

The Best Cellar Restaurant is located at the beautiful boutique hotel, The Inn at Ragged Gardens. The name derived from its original location which was the basement where it originally sold sandwiches, soups, and new and used books. It has since evolved into finer dining featuring dishes such as Alaskan Halibut Picatta and Veal Scaloppine.  

If you have the opportunity with your reservation request, I highly recommend seating in the cellar basement. The dark rock walls provide a romantic cave-like setting. Tables are lit with petite oil candles.  

The dinner menu has a nice variety of house-made specialties that will be sure to please any palate. The wine menu is extensive, and the craft cocktail menu is unique and creative.

The salad dressings are made from scratch.  The Caesar is made with traditional anchovy dressing. The Fried Oyster salad is served in a warm bacon dressing.  The Maine Lobster Bisque is rich and creamy.  

The Best Cellar offers a variety of fish dishes such as NC Mountain Trout topped with an olive tapenade or Tuna marinated in a lemon, soy, and ginger sauce then garnished with a cucumber ginger relish. 

You cannot go wrong with the New Zealand Lamb Chops grilled with a veal-Cabernet demi glaze or the Roasted Half Duckling with crispy skin and a sweet raspberry sauce.  

Save room for their delicious house made desserts. A personal favorite is the Granny Smith Apple Pie, however they are famous for the Banana Cream Pie. 

Address: 203 Sunset Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605