25 Delicious Restaurants in Boone NC (Best Places to Eat!)

Published by Christina. Last Updated on August 8, 2024.

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After years of visiting and eating at the many excellent restaurants in Boone NC, we’ve learned that this mountain town offers more than standard Freshman fare.

With a heavy emphasis on “as local as possible,” the chefs of this college town know how to feed folks with all sorts of tastes.

You can chow down on expertly crafted sushi, eat game meat not usually found in restaurants, and taste real Appalachia. And after many foodie visits, we want to share our favorite must-eat Boone restaurants with you.

We’ve organized this Boone NC restaurants guide to include:

Breakfast Restaurants in Boone
Casual Boone Restaurants
Boone Date Night Spots

Whether you’re a new resident, a frequent visitor, or a local, we’re leaving no detail behind. If you live in the Boone area and are wondering, “Where is the best food near me?” we think this NC travel guide will help you out!

Best Places to Eat in Boone NC (Map)

Boone NC Map of Attractions Created with Google Maps by NC Tripping

Visually plan your foodie adventures with our Western North Carolina Map and our North Carolina Travel Map. Before that, you’re welcome to keep reading about the best restaurants in Boone NC.

If you’re seeking a place to stay in the area, check out these Airbnbs in Boone and nearby towns!

Breakfast Restaurants in Boone NC

From gluten-free donuts to classic diners, there are some great breakfast restaurants in Boone! Here are some of our favorites.

Note: Each section is listed in ABC particular order.

Hatchet Coffee

Address: 150A Den Mac Dr, Boone, NC
Website

If there is one place you go in Boone for coffee, it has to be Hatchet. Hatchet has been a fixture in the community, with their coffee served all over the mountain. Community-driven and roasted next door, we always stop by Hatchet for a cup of coffee.

Whether we’re catching up on emails, hitting the trails, or catching up with friends- Hatchet feels like home. And not just for us! You’ll see the tables fill up quickly with smiles and cups of hot brews.

Hatchet partners with Stick Boy Bakery, as the owner started his coffee roasting company while working as the head baker. Enjoy (in my opinion) one of the best avocado toasts alongside a specialty coffee at Hatchet while you’re in Boone!

Juice Boone

Address: 240 Shadowline Dr. Suite AA8, Boone, NC
Website

Cold-pressed juice is one of the best ways to start your day! But we can also argue that juice isn’t just for breakfast and can be enjoyed any time of the day with incredible benefits.

Juice Boone is the only cold-pressed organic juicery in Boone and the entire team has a great wealth of education on juice benefits. Owner Paula Medley is a Certified Juice Therapist and Holistic Practitioner and loves to share the benefits of raw foods.

Enjoy a fresh juice, smoothie bowl, or vegan bowl and I bet you’ll feel so much better after eating! We picked up a couple of their bottled juices and enjoyed the Pink Power (coconut water, orange, pineapple, pitaya, and B12) as well as the Green Light (kale, lemon, orange, pineapple, red apple). We heard the chia pudding made with their hand-made organic nut mylks are incredible too!

Local Lion

Address: 791 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC
Website

Local Lion has donuts that I dream about. Soft, fluffy, and scratch-made. Not only is the donut’s sweet, sticky smell intoxicating, but if you are lucky, the coffee is roasting in the background, too. You’re guaranteed a fresh cup of Joe using single original and Fair Trade and Organic beans.

But back to the donuts… Every morning Local Lion proofs these donuts using a 1930s potato-based recipe. They also have sour-cream buttermilk cake doughnuts, and they serve gluten-free offerings on Fridays.

Melanie’s Food Fantasy

Address: 664 W King St, Boone, NC
Website

Owned under the Stick Boy Bakery umbrella, Melanie’s Food Fantasy has been a Boone restaurant favorite since 1991. If you were looking for a word to describe this place, try “eclectic.” That’s because they have an exciting menu, colorful cloth napkins, thrift store-curated coffee mugs, and genre-spanning art adorning the walls.

This place is also pet- and kid-friendly, making this the perfect place to bring friends and family and show off the amazing Boone food scene!

We really enjoyed their bacon avocado benedict and local burger. We always look forward to returning to this Boone restaurant for more made-to-order yumminess.

Stick Boy

Bakery Address: 345 Hardin St, Boone, NC
Kitchen Address: 211 Boone Heights Dr, Boone, NC
Website

If you’ve been out to eat in Boone, you’ve likely seen Stick Boy Bakery appear on the menu. That’s because of their incredible bread, pastries, and baked goods being used by restaurants throughout Boone.

The folks at Stick Boy have fed people in the High Country since 2001, starting with a bakery (oh, the cinnamon bun!) and eventually expanding to a second location—Stick Boy Kitchen.

Here, you’ll find more seating and specialty sandwiches. At the kitchen, grab a Salty Hog or a Son of a Gouda and don’t you dare miss the Shut the French Door Toast!

Everything is made from scratch daily with the highest quality of ingredients and traditional baking methods that just make you melt like butter on warm toast.

Sunrise Grill

Address: 1675 Highway 105 S, Boone, NC
Website

Sunrise Grill is Boone’s answer for those seeking the most amazing local breakfast at affordable prices.

If you’re feeling special, go for the Flankenstein Benedict and you’ll be treated to house-made bread, goat cheese, spinach, Vidalia Peach hot sauce, and flank steak.

And don’t forget about their Chicken and Waffle Sandwich, either. Honestly, Sunrise Grill is everything I ever would have wanted as a college student!

Troy’s 105 Diner

Address: 1286 NC-105, Boone, NC
Website

traditional American Breakfast with biscuits, sausage, bacon, and eggs.

When you are looking for a solid classic American breakfast in Boone, Troy’s 105 Diner hits the spot. The 1950s-style eatery offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both booth and counter-seating.

While breakfast is served all day, this Boone restaurant also features homemade soups, burgers, and daily weekday specials. Play a song on the jukebox while sipping on a milkshake, and enjoy the vintage memorabilia on the walls.

Casual Restaurants in Boone NC

Whether you’re looking for burgers, barbecues, or beer- check out some of these amazing casual restaurants in Boone, NC!

Basil’s

Address: 246 Wilson Dr, Boone, NC
Website

spaghetti with meatballs from a bird's eye view

Where else do you go for craft beer and fresh pasta!? Basil’s, of course! What started as the tasting room for Booneshine, Basil’s, started with a commitment to quality, fresh, and made from scratch.

With a fine selection of pasta and sandwiches, the vibe is easygoing. Don’t forget to take home some of their pasta by the pound!

Booneshine Brewing Company

Address: 465 Industrial Park Dr, Boone, NC
Website

small plates of food, from a chicken sandwich, pizza, and a soft pretzel with cheese

Booneshine Brewing Company is where you want to go if you want quality food with a laid-back brewery atmosphere.

As one of the best breweries in Boone, Boonshine truly has that community vibe with wide-open seating, an outdoor beer garden, and unpretentious food.

flatbread pizza with pepperoni and cheese

Collaborating with Stick Boy Bakery, Booneshine has some of the best pretzels and beer cheese in Western North Carolina! Booneshine is also incredibly pet and kid-friendly, which is always a plus when you’re traveling and looking for somewhere for the whole family.

The Cardinal

Address: 1711 Highway 105, Boone, NC
Website

Have you ever eaten emu? How about antelope? Visit The Cardinal, and you’ll likely find both on the menu. Committed to providing fresh, local food, you’ll find things at this Boone restaurant that you’re used to but with a bit of added flair.

Try their rotating Wild Game burger for something new and exciting.

And on the other end of the spectrum, non-meat-eaters can chow down on the most delicious beet burger in town! Oh, and don’t forget their cocktails. The owners have a strong bartending background, and each glass that comes out looks scrumptious!

Coyote Kitchen

Address: 200 Southgate Dr, Boone, NC
Facebook Page

At Coyote Kitchen, this family-run restaurant is serving up unique flavors not found any other place to eat in Boone. A recommended must-try is the Taos Boat.

That is made with layers of cornbread, black beans, hormone-free rosemary chicken, sweet potatoes, corn, fried plantains, tomatoes, and jack cheese.

And all of that is topped with their famous chipotle cream cheese. Our waiter at another Boone restaurant told us that it’s so delicious that he orders extra chipotle cream cheese and chips to take home.

Dan’l Boone Inn

Address: 130 Harden St, Boone, NC
Website

Dan’l Boone Inn is one of the most talked-about classic restaurants in North Carolina, not just Boone.

But above all, it’s because of the traditional homecooked meals they’ve been serving for over 50 years. Here, diners enjoy family-style dishes that will leave you stuffed and reminiscing about Sunday dinners at Grandma’s house.

The Inn was once Boone’s first hospital and remained one of the oldest and most history-filled buildings in town. Come hungry as you start out with a salad (in the summer) or soup (in the winter).

Three types of meat and five vegetables follow that. Try to leave room for dessert because Dan’l Boone Inn gives incredible value for its family meals.

Note: Dan’l Boone Inn is cash or checks only! Let us know if this changes, though, so we can keep things up to date!

F.A.R.M Cafe

Address: 617 W King St, Boone, NC
Facebook Page

Eat with a purpose at F.A.R.M. Cafe because this non-profit pay-what-you-can community kitchen serves everyone regardless of their means. With a drive to eliminate hunger, F.A.R.M. strives to provide high-quality and locally sourced meals prepared by volunteers.

Diners can make a suggested but not required donation for each meal. The donation amount covers the cost of the meal. However, if you are financially able, it is encouraged to pay that amount or a little more.

No one will be turned away, but if you are not able to pay for your meal, you can also volunteer time as an exchange. Meals change daily and usually include a soup, entrée, two sides, salad, dessert, and a drink.

If you love this Boone restaurant as much as we do, you’ll enjoy Executive Chef Renee Boughman’s recipes in this F.A.R.M. Cookbook!

Fizz Ed

Address: 260 Howard St, Boone, NC
Website

Fizz Ed is the newest restaurant in Boone and offers elevated bar food with a focus on delightful bubbly drinks! Long time Boone residents, Amy and Mike Forrester opened Fizz Ed in 2023 on Howard Street to invite families to enjoy good food in a great atmosphere.

We loved how inclusive the space is for the community. From families to college students, there is something for everyone. There are games, an art vending machine, and lots of gluten-free and vegan options. Fizzy drinks are this Boone restaurant’s speciality with plenty of artfully crafted non-alcoholic and alcoholic concoctions on the menu!

We are rooting for this to become your new favorite Boone restaurant- so check it out the next time you’re hungry in Mountaineer Country!

Lost Province Brewing Co

Address: 130 N Depot St, Boone, NC
Website

Lost Province Brewing’s name honors the time when northwestern North Carolina’s three counties were once known by that moniker because they were so difficult to reach.

But just like the olden days, Lost Province Brewing Co’s inventive beers and savory dishes make this a place worth searching for. This is THE downtown brewery and gastropub in Boone, and it is always packed.

On the food side, they’re known for amazing wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza. If you walk in midday on a Saturday, you will most definitely have a wait. Check their board to see all the local farms they’re partnering with to bring you the freshest ingredients!

Over Yonder

Address: 3608 Highway 194, Valle Crucis, NC
Website

I know we’re talking about restaurants in Boone, but Over Yonder in Valle Crucis (Sugar Grove) is where you’ll find one of the most delicious Appalachian kitchens. Everything here is made from scratch, or as they say, “done the hard and stupid way.”

peach cobbler and ice cream from Over Yonder

Nothing says Appalachia to me more than a ham flight or cornmeal fried frog legs, and that’s just the beginning at this place. Go for their house-smoked rainbow trout spread, followed by a stewed tomato cobbler.

And please leave room for a slice of peach cobbler served with buttermilk ice cream. You won’t regret making a trek out of downtown Boone for this meal!

The Pedalin’ Pig

Boone Location Address: 2968 NC-105, Boone, NC
Banner Elk Location Address: 4235 Hwy 105 South, Banner Elk, NC
Website

Pedalin Pig famous brisket with collard Greens and macaroni

There aren’t enough words to describe the deliciousness that is The Pedalin’ Pig! From using locally sourced ingredients and huge dining areas, this is where you go if you want good food and vibes.

With three locations, each of The Pedalin’ Pigs has its own environment. The original location in Banner Elk is more family-friendly- complete with a pond, waterwheel, and ducks that love to come to say “Hello!” on the patio. Meanwhile, the Boone location has a lively bar to complement their delicious fall-off-the-bone meats.

Pepper’s Restaurant and Bar

Address: 240 Shadowline Dr, Boone, NC
Website

Pepper’s serves up fresh and delicious sandwiches and pub food, making it one of our favorite Boone restaurants for a casual bite.

From using local produce for their vegetables and even offering curly fries, there’s nothing on this menu that isn’t delicious. Ask if they have their famous mud pie, and you’ll thank us later!

Wild Craft Eatery

Address: 506 W King St, Boone, NC
Website

Located in the heart of downtown, Wild Craft Eatery is a delicious Boone restaurant with healthy and fresh dishes. I loved the abundance of gluten-free and vegan options at Wild Craft Eatery!

Open for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner, the outdoor patio is the perfect place to browse their culturally diverse menu. Find Latin and Asian flavors mixed with great burgers and the best salsa in the High Country at Wild Craft Eatery.

Date Night Restaurants in Boone NC

If you are looking for something more upscale to wow your partner, here are some of our suggestions on where to enjoy a meal out on the town.

CoBo Sushi

Address: 161 Howard St Suite B, Boone, NC
Website

You might not think amazing sushi can be found in the mountains, but that preconception is exactly what Appalachian State finance major Joseph Miller sought to change with CoBo.

He apprenticed in Steamboat Springs, Colorado for five years and brought CO (Colorado) to BO (Boone) with upscale and exciting Japanese delicacies.

His specialty rolls combine his roots with a sushi flare. From the Burning Man of seared tuna, spicy crab, cucumber, and tempura to the Yosef of tuna, Panko shrimp, crab, avocado, Nitzume, and spicy aioli, there is something for every palate.

Your experience can move beyond sushi at CoBo with amazing plated dishes. Try their delicious crispy honey duck or hibachi plates for any of your non-seafood-eating relatives.

The Gamekeeper

Address: 3005 Shulls Mill Rd, Boone, NC
Website

If the Cardinal is a casual spot that serves exotic meat, then the Gamekeeper is the fine dining must-eat spot for adventurous foodies. The restaurant is a rustic cabin nestled into the Blue Ridge Mountains between Boone and Blowing Rock.

The Gamekeeper accompanies only the freshest ingredients with its humanely farm-raised meats. They know the farmers and foragers and honor their produce by using everything from nose to tail.

Cut into moist Elk served with a shiitake jus and bleu mac or perfectly grilled Bison. While their meats are worth trying, Chefs Wendy and Ken Gordon care greatly about making beautiful and colorful vegetable dishes.

The Local

Address: 179 Howard St, Boone, NC
Website

The Local's Pork Loin dish in Boone NC — The Salmon…

The Local is definitely a spot meant for hanging out and enjoying time with friends. Many folks come for live music, a round of pool, or to watch a game, but you can’t pass up on any of the Local’s tasty dishes, either.

Sit down for a fork-and-knife meal or kick back in the lounge area with one of their expertly crafted cocktails. Dance the night away on Thursday nights and stop in on Mondays for 45-cent wings!

Proper

Address: 142 S Water St, Boone, NC
Website

The folks at Proper know their food is better than what you’ll find at home, but don’t worry. They won’t tell your momma. Just don’t let her catch you saying anything about your experience on Facebook!

Seriously, though, Proper is where you go for a seasonally curated meal that’s fit for everyone.

Whether you’re stopping in for some Tomato Pie or a bowl of Pintos and Rice, each and every bite is sourced from local farmers and businesses. Don’t overlook the weekday specials, and remember that no southern meal is complete without dessert!

Vidalia

Address: 831-835 W King St, Boone, NC
Facebook Page

If you want a nice night out in town or to impress a date, Vidalia is where you can do both! With an extensive wine and drink list, Vidalia is an upscale bistro that serves North Carolina’s best.

Heritage Farms and Joyce Farms are just a couple of places they source from, showing that they keep things local and delicious.

You’ll definitely write home about their chicken and waffles, with southern fried chicken breast, sawmill gravy, and turnip greens all topping sweet potato waffles. Reservations are definitely recommended because this place fills up, for a good reason.

Ready to Dig Into These Restaurants in Boone?

Whether you’re hankering for Southern classics or looking to try the best Caribbean soul food in all of North Carolina, these places have your back.

No matter which of these restaurants in Boone you visit, bring your palette what you know or stretch it out with something new.

If you’re familiar with this awesome food scene, we’d love to know which are your favorites. Also, do you have any to add?

Let us know in the comments section or by email. Don’t forget to share your adventures through these restaurants in Boone in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group!

More Things to Do (Beyond Restaurants in Boone)

There are plenty of things to do in Boone and nearby beyond these wonderful places to eat. Our North Carolina Travel Guides collection covers you from the mountains to the sea!

25 Delicious Restaurants in Boone and Nearby (Breakfast, Casual, and Date Night!)