Places to Eat Near Highlands, NC

Where to Eat & Drink

Highlands, NC

Blue Hound Barbecue

Blue Hound Barbecue is a fast and friendly restaurant in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, specializing in Southern-smoked meats and offering a limited breakfast.

  • Hours: Open at 11am-4pm Mon-Thurs, 11am-8m Fri-Sat, 12pm-4pm Sun or until sold out.
  • Phone: (828) 526-1663
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Highlands Smokehouse

Rustic Carolina barbecue restaurant with fantastic smoked ribs, brisket, and pulled pork, plus classic Southern sides.

  • Hours: Open at 11am Wed - Mon, closed Tuesdays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-3554
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The Ugly Dog Public House

Great tavern burgers and pub food, live music, and fun Sunday Brunch.

  • Hours: Open at 11:30am Tues - Sun, closed Mondays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-8364
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Blue Bike Cafe

Casual breakfast/brunch and lunch spot with delicious homemade fare.

  • Hours: 7am - 3pm Mon - Sat, closed Sundays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-9922
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Highlands Burritos

Longstanding Tex-Mex inspired local favorite specializing in huge burritos filled with fresh ingredients.

  • Hours: 11am - 3pm Mon-Sat, closed Sundays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-9313
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Los Vaqueros

New traditional Mexican fare with great tacos, flautas, and enchiladas.

  • Hours: 11am - 9pm Mon-Sat, 12pm - 8pm Sun
  • Phone: (828) 482-7040
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Wolfgang’s Restaurant and Wine Bistro

Chef-led cafe with an eclectic menu and a deep wine list.

  • Hours: 4pm - 9pm Wed-Sun, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-3807
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Kilwins Highlands

Old-fashioned confectionery specializing in ice cream, chocolates, and handmade sweets.

  • Hours: 10am - 10pm every day
  • Phone: (828) 526-3788
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Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

Handcrafted wood-fired pizzas, cast-iron sandwiches, and fresh salads using locally sourced produce.

  • Hours: 11am-10pm Thurs-Tues, 4pm-10pm on Wednesdays
  • Phone: (828) 787-2990
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The High Dive

A favorite local bar hangout with pool tables, dart boards, TVs, and regular DJ nights on the weekends.

  • Hours: Open at 12pm Wed-Mon, closed Tuesdays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-2200
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Calders Coffee Cafe

Fantastic coffee, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and treats.

  • Hours: 7am-5pm every day
  • Phone: (828) 200-9308
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4118 Kitchen + Bar

Southern-influenced seasonal menu of fancy sandwiches, smash burgers, hearty entrees, and a weekly Saturday brunch.

  • Hours: Open at 11:30am Tues-Sat, closed Sundays and Mondays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-5002
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Midpoint Highlands

Internationally-inspired menu with a rotating selection of creative, higher-end fare.

  • Hours: 12pm-9pm Thurs-Sun, 5pm-9pm Tues-Wed, closed Mondays.
  • Phone: (828) 526-2277
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Clayton, NC

Universal Joint

Neighborhood favorite with fun pub food and a full bar.

  • Hours: 11am-10pm every day
  • Phone: (706) 782-7116
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Fortify Kitchen and Bar

Comfortable contemporary bistro featuring elevated new American fare and craft cocktails.

  • Hours: 5pm-9pm Wed-Sun, Sunday brunch at 11:30am-2pm, closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
  • Phone: (706) 782-0050
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Fortify Pi

Artisan pizzas, sandwiches, salads, chicken wings, and local draft beers.

  • Hours: 11am-9pm Tues-Sun, closed Mondays.
  • Phone: (706) 782-0079
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Mama G’s Italian Restaurant

Family-owned Italian restaurant with comforting red-sauce fare, pizzas, and entrees. 

  • Hours: 11am-9pm Tues-Sat, closed Sundays and Mondays.
  • Phone: (706) 782-9565
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The Rusty Bike Cafe

Daytime folksy cafe serving all-day breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches.

  • Hours: 7am-3pm every day
  • Phone: (706) 212-2020
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Oinkers BBQ

Locally-owned authentic Southern barbecue joint.

  • Hours: 11am-8pm Thurs-Sat, closed Sun-Wed
  • Phone: (706) 782-7010
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Clayton Cafe and Market

Comfort food eatery serving Southern classics for breakfast and lunch.

  • Hours: 8am-3pm Mon-Tue, 8am-8pm Thurs-Sat, 11am-3pm on Sundays, closed Wednesdays.
  • Phone: (706) 960-9245
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Julep Farms

A la carte or prix fixe meals in a beautiful setting, featuring a deep wine list.

  • Hours: Call for reservations
  • Phone: (706) 960-9600
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Franklin, NC

Fat Buddies Ribs and BBQ

BBQ sandwiches, and rustic Southern classics.

  • Hours: 11am-9pm Mon-Sat, closed Sundays
  • Phone: (828) 349-4743
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Root and Barrel Kitchen and Bar

Contemporary Southern gastropub featuring new and classic cocktails.

  • Hours: Open at 11am Mon-Sat, closed Sundays.
  • Phone: (828) 369-3663
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Caffé Rel

Classic European-style bistro featuring sandwiches, pastas, and hearty entrees.

  • Hours: Lunch 11:30am-2:30pm, Dinner 3:30pm-8pm Wed-Sat, closed Sun-Tues
  • Phone: (828) 369-9446
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Haywood Smokehouse

Authentic Texas-style barbecue highlighting amazing smoked brisket and ribs.

  • Hours: 11am-8pm Tues-Sat, closed Sundays and Mondays
  • Phone: (828) 369-6666
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Sakura

Casual Japanese eatery with familiar kitchen and sushi items. 

  • Hours: Lunch and dinner every day except Wednesdays. Call for hours.
  • Phone: (828) 349-8917
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828 Cafe

Locally-owned, Latin-inspired cafe serving breakfast and lunch.

  • Hours: 7:30am-2pm Tues-Sat, closed Sundays and Mondays. 
  • Phone: (828) 634-7702
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Las Barricas

Authentic interior Mexican cuisine with fantastic classics like flautas, enchiladas, and a lot more.

  • Hours: Open at 11am every day.
  • Phone: (828) 349-4484
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Mulligan’s Irish Pub & Grill

Local sports bar with well-prepared bar fare like burgers and chicken wings.

  • Hours: 5pm-12am Tues-Fri, 12pm-12am Sat & Sun, closed Mondays. 
  • Phone: (828) 349-3183
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