Best Brews and Restaurants in Waynesville NC

For those of us who love North Carolina mountain towns for their stunning natural beauty, you are certainly not alone. The Blue Ridge Mountains are renowned for their spectacular mountain scenery. However, did you know that some North Carolina mountain towns are famous for their food, like country steaks, shrimp and grits, and southern barbecue? One of the most delicious little mountain towns is Waynesville North Carolina with dozens of small restaurants and local eateries.

When looking at homes in the North Carolina mountain towns, be sure to check out Waynesville NC real estate developments too, and have a taste of Waynesville's many delicacies while you're there. For some tips on where to eat, here are 10 of the best restaurants in Waynesville, NC:

1. Bourbon Barrel Beef and Ale

If you're a meat lover, Bourbon Beef and Ale specializes in hand-cut, all natural steaks from local farms, incredible burgers, and other classic American comfort foods. This local favorite has won multiple awards for Best Steak, Beast Seafood, Best Salad, and Best Wait Staff. They also feature a great selection of microbrews and ales from local artisan brewers, and of course an extensive selection of small batch bourbons and whiskey.

2. Boojum Brewing Company Taproom

Boojum Brewing Co. brews seasonal, year-round, and special release beers right from the freshwater mountain streams of beautiful Waynesville. In the breweries Taproom, located in the downtown area, you can enjoy fresh beers such as Mûr Raspberry Saison, Jalapeño Wheat IPA, and Dark Zone Milk Stout. For food, they serve soups, salads, home made chili, burgers and sandwiches, as well as gouda chicken, pan seared salmon, and low country shrimp and grits. For dessert. there's blueberry velvet cake, which some say is what makes this place one of the best restaurants in Waynesville, NC.

3. Maggie's Galley Oyster Bar

For seafood in Waynesville, many people make their way over to Maggie's Galley, where they use the freshest seafood you can get in the mountains of North Carolina. Fans here rave about the crab cakes, crab legs, shrimp and fish & chips, as well as their interesting low country dishes, like frogs legs, po-boys, spicy gumbo, and blackened gator tail. Open 7 days a week, there is plenty of fresh seafood to choose from the lunch or dinner menu.

4. Chef's Table

In this small restaurant on a side street in downtown Waynesville, the food has earned a reputation as the very best. Some call it a must if you find yourself in Waynesville. Diners rave about the pasta dishes, homemade bread and fried green tomatoes, as well as the steaks and seafood, and the creamy creme brulee. With the kitchen set right in the middle of the room, and the warm and friendly staff, this may be the perfect place to bring a special date.

5. Haywood Smokehouse

At Haywood Smokehouse, one of the best restaurants in Waynesville, NC, they claim to serve the best Texas-style barbecue outside of Texas State. This family-friendly place serves lunch and dinner specials, and a Sunday Brunch they say is bound to "knock your socks off". Their premium specialty meats include fresh, home-made sausages, home-made sauces, fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoked brisket. They also serve "melt-in-your-mouth" smoked pork and turkey breast.

6. The Sweet Onion

Nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown Waynesville, The Sweet Onion Restaurant offers regional cuisine with contemporary flair. From traditional favorites like southern fried chicken to signature pastas, fresh mountain trout and scrumptious house-made desserts, they offer something for everyone in the family. You can also enjoy local draught beers, and a wide selection of wines by the glass or by the bottle.

7. Pisgah Inn Restaurant

If you like scenic views, hit the The Pisgah Inn to enjoy the observation deck and to dine in their restaurant. Windows surround the main dining room for magnificent glimpses of the local scenery. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, seven days per week, with dishes including filet mignon, twin herb marinated quail, Carolina pork scaloppini and country ham steak. Seating for the dining room is on a strictly “first come, first seated basis,” as they do not take reservations.

8. Bogart's Restaurant & Tavern

Bogart’s Restaurant, located in downtown Waynesville, has long been known for great steaks, soups, and salads. They provide a casual family atmosphere in a rustic old time setting and have a menu known for great value. Thursday nights they host live Bluegrass/String Band music. The restaurant is within walking distance of Waynesville’s unique shops and within one mile of Waynesville Country Club.

9. Frogs Leap Public House

If you are looking for a unique Farm to Fork Experience, check out Frogs Leap Public House at 44 Church Street, Waynesville. Serving "innovative southern food with a local backbone & home grown libations", Frog's Leap was voted #1 “Fit For Foodies” restaurant in Asheville. Specials here include dishes like seared sea scallops w/ cauliflower, butternut & house smoked bacon hash, truffle cauliflower puree, baby arugula & a hot bacon vinaigrette. The restaurant is open Tuesday - Saturday, and reservations are strongly recommended in season, on weekends, holidays and late night.

10. Angelo's Family Pizza

If you are in the mood for Italian, Angelo's Family Pizza is known as the place to go. Here you'll find pizza, pasta, sandwiches and calzones, all at affordable prices. The place is quaint, the service is friendly, and the local beer is cold. In this part of North Carolina, Angelo's Family is Waynesville's favorite mountain town pizzeria.

One of the most charming North Carolina mountain towns, Waynesville is a great place live, raise a family, or retire. Residents enjoy the lush, surrounding mountain scenery, with great hiking, fishing, rafting, and plenty of other outdoor activities. In downtown Wayneseville, fine shops, art galleries, cafés & restaurants are all within walking distance of Main Street's tree lined sidewalks. Historic buildings, relaxing benches, public art & welcoming folks make Waynesville a thoroughly enjoyable place to live & visit. And Waynesville is only 30 minutes from Asheville.

There are a number of Waynesville, NC real estate developements in the area. One of the coziest, with 300 private acres nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is Sunset Falls at Bald Creek. Located just 35 minutes west of downtown Asheville and 20 minutes northeast of Main Street Waynesville, Sunset Falls at Bald Creek is known for spectacular mountain views and beautiful country estates. The gated community features breathtaking topography, lots of green acreage, creeks, streams, flora, granite outcroppings, and proximity to mountain trails. And this Waynesville, NC real estate development, property owners are not burdened with expensive membership fees or club dues. 

Nearby recreational opportunities include kayaking and canoeing, fly-fishing, hiking and mountain-biking, skiing, snowboarding, hot-air ballooning, hunting, skeet-shooting, equestrian facilities, golf and tennis, all conveniently located within minutes of Sunset Falls at Bald Creek.

With home sites ranging from 1-7 acres, there is plenty of space to put down roots and build the home of your dreams. Phase I of construction in the community includes 51 home sites nestled throughout 150 acres of mountainside topography, with elevations ranging from a low of 3,200 feet to a high of 4,200 feet above sea level. Current homesite pricing ranges from $69,900 to $219,900.

Fall and winter are wonderful times of year to explore Waynesville. It's perfect for hiking in the mountains, enjoying the beautiful views, and kicking back by a fireplace to cuddle with someone you love. When you make your way there, be sure to check out the restaurants, and enjoy the wonderful southern food that Waynesville has to offer.