25+ Amazing Restaurants in Morganton NC and Nearby! (+ Map)

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Looking for the best restaurants in Morganton, NC? Whether you’re planning a trip to Burke County for hiking, lake adventures, or simply passing through on I-40 near Asheville, Morganton is packed with local dining gems worth stopping for. From casual bites to upscale dining, this charming town offers something for every craving.

Over the years, we’ve explored and taste-tested our way through Morganton’s food scene to bring you a curated list of the top places to eat in Morganton and nearby towns. In this guide, you’ll find can’t-miss spots in Morganton as well as bonus picks in Connelly Springs, Valdese, and Linville Falls—so you’ll never run out of delicious places to eat in Burke County.

Hungry yet? Let’s dig into the best Morganton restaurants and discover why this small North Carolina town is becoming one of the region’s most exciting food destinations.

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List of Restaurants in Morganton and Nearby

We offer more details about these restaurants in Morganton and a few surrounding towns in Burke County.

Abele’s Family Restaurant
Apple Hill Orchard
Asian Fusion Kitchen
Blue 42’s Burger Bar
Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery
Boulevard Barbecue
Buck’s Pizza
El Portal Mexican Grill
The Grind Café
Ice Cream Sammies
Kin2kin Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
Limbertwig Cafe
Little Guatemala
Moondog Pizza
Mountain Burrito
Pho Lao
Root & Vine
Swede’s Café
The Madness
Treat
Toasted and Rolled Bakery & Ice Cream
Toner’s Irish Pub
The Town Tavern of Morganton
Uncle Eees Hamburgers

Connelly Springs

JD’s Smokehouse

Linville Falls

Famous Louise’s Rockhouse Restaurant

Valdese

100 Main Restaurant & Bar
Highlands Butchery
Mill Town Social House
Myra’s
Twin Brothers Pizza

You can visually plan your food in Morganton adventures with our Western North Carolina Map.

Abele’s Family Restaurant

Address: 2115 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Website

Abele’s Family Restaurant is open all day and serves delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert to all patrons. Their breakfast offerings include waffles, eggs, and a full breakfast bar.

Abele’s also offers a packed lunch and dinner menu, featuring weekend specials, salads, burgers, ribs, pasta, and a wide range of Southern dishes. What makes Abele’s really special, however, is their in-house ice cream shop.

You can’t leave Abele’s without topping off your meal with an old-fashioned sundae made with Hershey’s ice cream.

Apple Hill Orchard

Address: 2075 Pleasant Hill Ave, Morganton, NC
Website

Apple Hill Orchard is a unique pick among our favorite restaurants in Morganton, known for its apple picking. This local business is open from mid-August through Christmas, and during that time, a variety of delicious treats await inside.

The Farmhouse Bakery at Apple Hill Orchard is packed with delicious apple cider donuts, pies, and 22 varieties of bread to choose from! They also grow apples and peaches on-site and sell them during the season.

Asian Fusion Kitchen

Address: 402 W Fleming Dr B, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Asian Fusion Kitchen is a lovely Southeast Asian restaurant in Morganton, one of the best in the area. The eatery’s vibrant and colorful interior creates an electric atmosphere, making it the perfect introduction.

Have a seat and warm up your palette with a plate of dumplings followed by an entrée of egg rolls, Pad Thai noodles, or curry. We’re suckers for all of the above and think Asian Fusion Kitchen belongs on your “visit next” list.

Blue 42’s Burger Bar

Address: 831 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

What can be better than sports and burgers? Blue 42’s Burger Bar knows what it’s doing when it pairs these two wonderful things together.

Their menu is sports-inspired, with cleverly named burgers like “Carolina Blue” and “All American,” as well as Philly cheesesteaks, fries, sandwiches, and more.

A variety of games pairs perfectly with their delicious food, guaranteeing both sports and food lovers will enjoy a meal at Blue 42’s.

Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery

Address: 3221 NC-126, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

If you’re looking for food near Lake James, look no further than Bones Jones Burgers & Butchery. This place offers some of Morganton’s best food and craftiest adult beverages.

One thing we especially love is their support of local farmers. Not only is this great for the community, but food sourced nearby tastes better in our opinion.

Boulevard Barbeque

Address: 810 S College St, Morganton, NC
Website

Boulevard BBQ Best Morganton NC Restaurants

Boulevard Barbecue was founded in 2019 by two Mount Airy natives with a combined 17 years of experience in the restaurant industry. Since then, Boulevard BBQ has risen to claim the area’s “best barbecue” prize.

One thing that distinguishes Boulevard BBQ is that they slow cook their fresh pork for sixteen hours in Hickory wood. Additionally, all original sauces are made in-house by their own “smokeologist.”

You can also choose beyond barbecue from their expansive menu that includes mouthwatering wings, sandwiches, chicken tenders, and more.

Buck’s Pizza

Address: 305 East Union Street, Morganton, NC
Website

The very first Buck’s Pizza opened in 1994 in Dubois, Pennsylvania. From there, the company expanded into many franchises across the East Coast and into Texas. There are only two franchises in North Carolina, and one of them is located in Morganton.

Morganton’s Buck’s Pizza is a great place to stop by for a no-stress meal. One of their great selling points is their pizza sizes–everything from two slices to twelve!

Build your personal pizza, pick from a specialty pizza, or try their pasta, stromboli, or wings. Just make sure you finish the night with a dessert pizza!

El Portal Mexican Grill

Address: A136, Morganton Heights Blvd, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

There are some great Mexican restaurants in Morganton, and we may not cover them all, but El Portal Mexican Grill will not be overlooked. Open since 1997, this is the oldest Mexican restaurant in Burke County!

This place is excellent for lunch and dinner, offering some amazing huevos rancheros and huevos con chorizo for a late breakfast. You can also enjoy classics like burritos, enchiladas, tacos, and more at El Portal Mexican Grill.

The Grind Café

Address: 136 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

The Grind Cafe Coffee House Morganton NC Restaurants

Right in downtown Morganton, The Grind Café is a relaxing spot to start your day with coffee and breakfast from its extensive menu.

Along with breakfast, The Grind Café also has a lunch menu and a Saturday-only brunch menu.

Whether you’re stopping for just a drink or digging in for a burrito or a quiche, or you want to spend some time in this dynamic space, this café has something for everyone.

Ice Cream Sammies

Address: 130 N Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Facebook

What is more delightful than Blue Bell Ice Cream scooped between two freshly baked cookies?! How about if I told you that there’s also an adorably delightful doggie as the store mascot?!

Ice Cream Sammies is right in downtown Morganton and has an extensive menu of ice cream sandwich combinations. Choose your cookie and ice cream flavor, add toppings, or pick from their menu of expertly tested combinations!

Kin2kin Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant

Address: 103 S Green St. Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Adding to Morganton’s international cuisine scene is Kin2kin, a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar. In addition to an extensive sushi menu, Kin2kin also specializes in hibachi and teriyaki.

The restaurant is only open for dinner from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and every Sunday and Monday, they have a Sushi Happy Hour. You had us at “Sushi Happy Hour,” but there’s even more.

From 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, selected veggie rolls and traditional rolls are half-price, making this a perfect low-budget meal.

Limbertwig Cafe

Address: 104 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

We once stopped by Limbertwig for lunch and quickly fell in love with this locally-owned sandwich shop. Another great downtown Morganton restaurant, the menu includes tasty wraps, salads, and soups, all made fresh to order.

There are some great options to try, so be sure to come back and enjoy the entire menu. It’s a fun culinary adventure!

Little Guatemala

Address: 810 E Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

There’s a large Guatemalan population in the area, and Little Guatemala is one place that brings them together with the rest of the community. We don’t want to downplay the food here, but beyond the restaurant, you’ll find Guatemalan coffee, chocolate, crafts, and an indoor soccer field.

Of course, it all comes back to the food, and there’s plenty to enjoy here. Street food favorites include taquitos and tostadas, but you can also dig into breakfast, lunch (pupusas!), and sides at Little Guatemala.

The Madness

Address: 133 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

Get a taste of this popular Asheville restaurant right in downtown Morganton! The Madness is an Asian fusion concept that brings sushi and burgers together in one bento box.

The signature burger (The Madness) features a thick, made-to-order beef patty topped with cream cheese, spicy crab salad, crispy onion, sriracha aioli, and unagi sauce. Combine that excellent flavor combination with a signature sushi roll, and you might have the best of both worlds!

The Madness is also an allergen-friendly restaurant in Morganton. Any of their burgers can be served with a gluten-free bun, and they offer a large selection of appetizers, salads, and sushi rolls that cater to various dietary needs.

Moondog Pizza

Address: 304 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Moondog Pizza serves, as the name suggests, delicious pizza. Moondog uses only local and high-quality ingredients when preparing its signature pizzas, such as the Primo, a discounted 6-topping pizza, and the Moondoggery. This savory pizza melts in your mouth.

They offer more than pizza, and you can order a side of fries, garlic knots, a sandwich, and a drink, all for a meal perfect for the whole family.

Mountain Burrito

Morganton Location Address: 408 W Fleming Dr, Morganton, NC
Valdese Location Address: 149 Main St W, Valdese, NC
Website

Fulfill all your taco cravings at Mountain Burrito, one of the best fusion places to eat in town. Mountain Burrito offers a unique blend of Mexican cuisine with an Appalachian twist.

You can build your own burrito or taco with local ingredients, such as the hummus of the day. Bowls here are also delicious, so don’t overlook them! And if you’re in the mood for breakfast, both the Morganton and Valdese locations serve breakfast burritos (and more!).

No matter what you order, you’re guaranteed to have a great meal at this fabulous mountain restaurant.

Pho Lao

Address: 1239 Burkemont Ave, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Pho Lao is another excellent addition to the list of Southeast Asian restaurants in Morganton. This eatery offers a nice mix of Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao dishes.

A heaping bowl of Pho, with your choice of meat and a tasty broth, is one of many great options. Of course, you can’t go wrong with Pad See Ew (wide rice noodles with veggies and protein), the familiar Pad Thai, spring rolls, and Thai iced coffee at this restaurant.

Root & Vine

Address: 216E Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

A classy yet homey restaurant in downtown Morganton, Root & Vine was created with one word in mind: value. A little over ten years ago, Root & Vine opened, aiming to cook with high-quality ingredients and offer a refined atmosphere.

Chef Brian Miller has worked at some of the area’s finest spots. Chef Miller’s cooking draws inspiration from Southern cuisine, infusing it with French techniques for an unforgettable dining experience.

Sit down for wood-fired pizza, salmon, trout, and other upscale entrees.

Swede’s Café

Address: 116 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Located above the Morganton General Store, Swede’s Café has been serving the community breakfast and lunch for years. Stop by for a honey vanilla cortado, frozen chai, or just a good old cup of coffee.

The breakfast and lunch menus are also quite impressive, with French toast, a scrambled egg bowl, and sandwiches to start your day.

Be sure to ask about the scones made fresh daily!

Treat

Address: 100 W Union St, Morganton, NC
Website

If you are looking for a fabulous date night restaurant in Morganton, Treat would be my recommendation! Located right in the heart of downtown, the ambiance of twinkle lights and an artfully tucked-away table is begging for great conversations over delicious food.

The menu caters to all kinds of foodies- whether you’re looking for familiar mains like Chicken Parmesan or Fish and Chips, or you’re up for an adventure with a taste from the Chef’s menu. Choose from dishes like Mediterranean salmon with a lemon basil cream or a spicy green curry.

Treat also offers an impressive selection of cocktails. During my last visit, I ordered a lemon pie martini that was topped with toasted meringue, and it was the boozy dessert of my dreams!

Toasted and Rolled Bakery & Ice Cream

Address: 109 North Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Facebook Page

Toasted and Rolled Morganton NC Restaurants

Toasted and Rolled provided us with a fantastic experience the first time we visited to take photos of their unique ice cream delights. We keep coming back for them and the other yummy bakery items and desserts available.

Whether you’re seeking a beautiful and decadent milkshake, a similarly creative sundae, or something else, we highly recommend stopping by this shop.

Toner’s Irish Pub

Address: 306 S Green St, Morganton, NC
Facebook

Is this Morganton or Ireland?! Toner’s Irish Pub makes you wonder if you’ve been transported across the pond the moment that frothy Guinness hits your lips. The decor is fantastic and genuinely makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a pub in Killarney.

Choose from Irish classics like bangers and mash, fish and chips, or shepherd’s pie- but whatever you do, don’t skip a slice of chocolate Guinness pie! The atmosphere is lively, the food is delicious, and the staff are all friendly. Toner’s might be our new favorite place to eat in Morganton!

The Town Tavern of Morganton

Address: 315 Sanford Dr, Morganton, NC
Website

The Town Tavern of Morganton, situated along the Catawba River, is one of our favorite places to eat in Morganton. This sports bar and restaurant is open daily for lunch, dinner, and later hours.

Along with delicious food, they have a 45-inch flat-screen TV and the area’s largest outdoor dining area. It’s a great spot to visit before and after a walk along the river, too!

Uncle Eees Hamburgers

Address: 160 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC
Website

Uncle Eees Morganton North Carolina Restaurants

Nothing is better than a good meal of burgers, fries, and a milkshake, and that’s precisely what Uncle Eees offers! Uncle Eees is a well-loved Morganton establishment that has been a staple of the community for years.

The building was previously Jake’s Hamburgers until 2019, but the food is still as good as ever.

After exploring Morganton and its surroundings, swing by Uncle Eees for a hearty dinner that won’t disappoint.

Connelly Springs Restaurants

Burke County is pretty big, and these Connelly Springs restaurants near Morganton are a testament to the area’s incredible food scene!

JD’s Smokehouse

Address: 500 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC
Website

Try some of Burke County’s best BBQ at JD’s Smokehouse! We first discovered JD’s when heading home from Morganton and consider it one of the best barbecue spots in Western NC.

JD’s wood-smokes all their meat, including pulled pork, brisket, chicken, and ribs. Everything is so good here that we recommend bringing the whole family so you can try a little bit of everything!

Linville Falls Restaurants

Linville Falls is the perfect gateway to one of our favorite NC waterfalls (also named Linville Falls. The small community also offers one of our favorite restaurants in the Morganton area.

Famous Louise’s Rockhouse

Address: 23175 221 Linville Falls Highway, Newland, NC
Facebook Page

Famous Louises Linville Falls NC Restaurants

Famous Louise’s Rockhouse Restaurant is a unique establishment in many ways, but primarily because it spans three counties: Avery County, Burke County, and McDowell County.

No matter which side you sit on, the food is still delicious, but especially so if you’re on the Burke County side. We’ve enjoyed many great breakfasts and dinners here and hope you’ll stop by this iconic restaurant at some point, too!

Valdese Restaurants

We were sad to see Old World Bakery close down and hope their space is filled by someone as special as they were. Here are a few more Valdese restaurants that are worth visiting.

100 Main Restaurant & Bar

Address: 100 Main St E, Valdese, NC 
Facebook

100 Main serves fresh, comfort food in a friendly atmosphere, with a focus on high-quality dishes. Aside from their regular menu, 100 Main has an extensive brunch menu that changes regularly. Expect menu items like Texas Brisket Hash, Creole Shrimp & Grits, and some of the best house-made desserts in Burke County! Their weekly specials are definitely a highlight and worth planning your meal itinerary around!

Highlands Butchery

Address: 205 Rodoret St N, Valdese, NC
Website

It doesn’t get any fresher than straight from the farm! Highlands Butchery is a farm-to-table restaurant and butcher shop that sources its products directly from the family farm. Find beef, lamb, and pork all raised without growth hormones, free-range, and humanely processed. It’s a freshness that you can taste.

Pick up something to cook at home or enjoy a meal from the restaurant. Find delicious and fresh burgers, bratwurst, and Sunday brunch with farm-fresh sausage, chorizo, and eggs.

Mill Town Social House

Address: 118 Main St W, Valdese, NC 
Facebook

Newly opened in downtown Valdese, Mill Town Social House offers melt-in-your-mouth burgers, delicious craft brews, and a fantastic lineup of live music. Whether you’re looking for a bite to share with friends over a beer or a chill vibe to kick back and listen to some tunes, this Valdese restaurant is your spot!

Myra’s

Address: 212 Main St W, Valdese, NC 
Website

If you’ve followed NC Tripping for a while, you’d know that we have quite an obsession with finding some of the best and iconic classic burger spots in North Carolina. And Myra’s goes to the top of that list of places we won’t stop talking about.

Smashburgers and the freshest ice cream scoops, all inside a 1950s vintage vibe, are what you’ll find at Myra’s in Valdese. It’s nostalgic. It’s simple. But it’s precisely what food should be: a memory all baked into a bite.

Not only is the exterior a vibe, but the service and food are equally impressive. “Where vintage meets contemporary cravings” might as well be my motto for life too, Myra.

Twin Brothers Pizza

Address: 719 Main St E, Valdese, NC
Website

We conclude this guide by covering restaurants in Morganton and the surrounding area, including a locally owned pizza restaurant in the heart of Valdese. Twin brothers Danny and Darin Glenn (hence the name) dish out New York-style pizzas with local ingredients.

Beyond delectable pizzas, you can order calzones, wings, subs, and plenty of options for kids. There are even more food options to enjoy here, so you should probably just come and check it out for yourself.

You won’t be sorry!

What are Your Favorite Places to Eat in Morganton and Nearby?

We’ve enjoyed many of these restaurants in downtown Morganton and beyond during various weekend getaways and quick stops. Hopefully, you’ll get to know them, too.

If you’re familiar with the yummy food in Morganton and elsewhere in Burke County, we’d love to know about your favorite places to eat. Let us know in the comments or by email.

Don’t forget to share your adventures in our North Carolina Travel Facebook Group.

Beyond Morganton Restaurants (NC Travel Guides)

We’re hungry after writing this guide but wanted you to know that we’ve created many more NC Travel Guides beyond our favorite restaurants in Morganton and nearby!

Here are a few of them.

2 thoughts on “30+ Amazing Restaurants in Morganton, NC and Nearby!”

Helly Callahan

April 19, 2023 at 11:39 am

You guys totally missed the best restaurant in Valdese! 100 Main Restaurant and Bar serves up the best variety of southern inspired food around! The Shrimp n Grits are out of this world, Their variety of burgers (including a creative burger of the day usually) beats anybody around. Their homemade pimento cheese is gooey and delicious. They always have 2 soups that are impossible to choose between! Their desserts and drinks are 1st class!
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Lulu Ruiz

July 9, 2023 at 4:07 pm

This is such a wonderful highlight for the wonderful restaurants in Morganton in surrounding areas, but you guys missed one of the best restaurants in the heart of downtown Morganton. Treat restaurant at 100 W Union St. They believe a treat is different for everybody, so they serve cooked to order food that caters to everyone, even those with dietary restrictions. Their menus change seasonally and always includes the classics…Chicken Parmesan, Fish n Chips, Filet Mignon. Check them out the next time you are in town!
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