15 Best Restaurants and Bars in Boone, North Carolina
There’s something extra special about Boone, North Carolina—a little mountain town that just knows how to win you over. Whether you’re wandering through scenic trails, hunting for locally made crafts, or tasting your way around, Boone offers up that easygoing, small-town magic.
Plus, with breathtaking mountain views and super-welcoming locals, it’s no wonder people keep coming back for more. Soak up the seasonal festivals, pop in and out of unique shops, and get ready to eat well—Boone’s food scene is about to steal your heart.
Dan’l Boone Inn: A Taste of Southern Comfort
If you want classic Southern food served with a big helping of tradition, you’ve got to hit up the Dan’l Boone Inn. This place is legendary for its family-style meals—think never-ending plates of country-style steak, fried chicken, and good old ham biscuits.
Save room for dessert because their strawberry shortcake, chocolate cake, and peach cobbler are downright irresistible. It’s the kind of spot where you roll out the door completely satisfied and already planning your next visit.
Hot tip: it’s cash only, so remember to hit the ATM first!
Come Back Shack
Looking for laid-back vibes and seriously tasty eats? Come Back Shack is the move.
Their made-to-order burgers are local favorites, and if you like a little zing, don’t skip the Come Back Sauce! The Fried Green Tomato Burger and Sweet Potato Chips are a dynamic duo, and their shakes are just the right kind of sweet treat.
If you’re in a rush, the drive-thru’s got you covered. But if you’re ready to relax, grab a spot outside and enjoy the sunshine.
Melanie’s on Howard: Comfort Food with a Local Twist
Start your morning off right at Melanie’s—Boone’s go-to for breakfast and brunch. Cozy up with Eggs Benedict, fluffy stuffed French toast, or an order of grits for that southern hug-in-a-bowl feeling. Biscuits and gravy? Yes, please! Their apple butter is the finishing touch you never knew you needed. Outdoor seating means you can people-watch or just soak in the mountain air, and their veggie options (plus a mimosa or two) make it super easy to linger a little longer.
Lost Province Downtown Brewpub: Where Flavor Meets Fun
Lost Province is where good food and good times come together. Grab a table (outside if the weather’s nice!), and dig into wood-fired pizzas—folks rave about the Margherita. Kick things off with pimento cheese and a charcuterie board, then dive into mac n cheese or the pork chop sandwich if you’re extra hungry. There’s often live music that keeps the energy up, and a laid-back vibe that makes you want to stick around for “just one more” drink or appetizer.
The Pedalin’ Pig
Barbecue lovers, your happy place awaits. The Pedalin’ Pig serves up smoky, melt-in-your-mouth brisket, pulled pork, and those classic Southern sides that never get old (hello, mac and cheese and hush puppies!). Top it all off with a sampling of their housemade sauces and a side of sweet potato fries. Their outdoor seating fills up fast, so get there early if you want to snag a sunny spot.
Wild Craft Eatery
Wild Craft Eatery is Boone’s answer to “what’s for dinner?”—no matter your cravings (or dietary needs). They’re big on plant-based options (that tempeh is a hit!), but hearty meat dishes like venison burgers and enchiladas are just as popular. Sit outside and get comfy; the atmosphere here is easygoing and super welcoming. You’ll want to sample tomato gouda soup or mahi tacos, and don’t be shy about asking for vegan or gluten-free recs—they’ve got plenty.
The Cardinal
The Cardinal is everyone’s hangout, blending a little bit of comfort food with big flavor. You can’t go wrong with their hush puppies (try the jalapeño ones if you like a little kick), or go classic with the fried chicken sandwich. Adventurous folks should try the game burger, and even vegetarians have something to cheer about with the beet burger. Their sweet potato tots and ham dip make awesome sides, and their outdoor area is perfect for just kicking back and taking it all in.
The Local: Elevated Dining and Energetic Nightlife
Dinner at The Local can smoothly turn into a night on the town. Start with truffle fries or cheese curds (they’re shareable, but you might not want to), and work your way up to Southern staples like shrimp and grits or she-crab soup. Their goat cheese burger and plantains keep vegetarians happy, and finishing with fresh-made beignets is downright mandatory. Later, stick around for the DJ and fun nightlife scene if you’re feeling social!
Sabeing Boone King: Asian Cuisine with Authentic Flavors
Craving Asian flavors? Sabeing Boone King brings heat and comfort in every bite, from steaming bowls of pho to deliciously spicy drunken noodles and coconutty kow soi curry. Their sushi game is on point, with lots of fresh options and veggie rolls for everyone. The crab rangoons and crispy chicken are perfect for sharing, and if you love basil fried rice, you’re in for a treat. Sit outside and savor all the bold, colorful flavors.
Mint Indian Cuisine
For an Indian food fix, Mint has you covered with a menu packed full of classics and some creative spins. Creamy Coconut Chicken, Gobi Manchurian, and refreshing Mountain Views (plus mimosas!) are just the start. The Chicken Tikka Masala and Paneer Tikka practically guarantee you’ll leave happy. The staff go above and beyond, making you feel right at home—go ahead and order that extra side of naan.
Basil’s
Looking for craft brews and a menu that lets you mix and match? Basil’s is your spot. Their lively tasting room keeps things fun, with a rotating tap list and a ton of satisfying sandwiches, pasta, and sides. The meatball sub is a local fave, but you can try a new sandwich every day and still not run out of options. Eggplant fries, pasta rossa, and their roasted Brussels sprouts round out the menu perfectly. Outside seating makes it even better—cheers to that!
Los Arcoiris
Get your Mexican food fix at Los Arcoiris, where the queso is thick, cheesy, and totally addictive. Tacos are a steal (try the al pastor), and enchiladas come loaded just the way you want. Adventurous eaters should check out the chile relleno, and dessert fans—don’t sleep on those cakes! There are veggie options too, so everyone leaves happy. Wrap it up with a margarita and you’ll be ready for whatever Boone throws at you next.
Over Yonder Boone
Over Yonder is quintessential Boone: Southern classics, made from scratch and served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Think local trout, chicken fried chicken, pork burgers, and sides like crispy okra and pimento cheese that taste like home. Save room for dessert—chocolate chess pie and buttermilk ice cream are non-negotiable! Grab a seat out on the porch and soak up the laid-back vibe.
Mike’s Inland Seafood
Seafood fans, rejoice! Mike’s Inland Seafood has everything from fried fish sandwiches to hearty seafood platters (and some serious hush puppies to start things off). Scallops, shrimp, stuffed flounder—the works. If land-based fare is more your thing, their steaks and catfish hit the spot. The mountain setting gives your meal an extra dose of charm, and it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed lunch or dinner.
Gamekeeper Restaurant: Rustic Fine Dining at Its Best
Ready for a real culinary adventure? Gamekeeper is a Boone must—set in a vintage stone cottage, specializing in game meats like elk, bison, and venison, but also serving up fantastic veggie plates. Every dish feels like an event, and the sunsets here are pretty stunning too. The elk entrée gets rave reviews, but honestly, you can’t go wrong. Make it a special occasion and enjoy the personal touch from the staff—they even offer valet parking!
Boone is the kind of place that wraps you up in a warm welcome—with unforgettable meals, beautiful mountain views, and plenty of small moments that make big memories. Take your time, eat your heart out, and let Boone show you what mountain town magic really feels like.
