Small towns can offer some of the best dining around. That’s certainly true in Burnsville, NC, where delicious meal options are available at every peak and hollow. On warm mountain days, many customers prefer to dine al fresco—partly thanks to the wonderful temperate weather, but also because the area has some of the best views around!
Whether you’re dining out to enjoy nature or authentic Appalachian cuisine, Burnsville has just what you seek! Here are just a few of the best spots for outdoor dining in Burnsville, NC.
Appalachian Java
Don’t be fooled by the name—Appalachian Java offers much more than your standard coffee shop. In addition to the finest organic, fresh-brewed coffee, Appalachian Java serves amazing beverages; specialty breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and fresh-baked pastries. Our favorite—any time of the day—is their homemade chocolate lovers cupcakes. We also recommend the fresh salad options. Enjoy the beautiful WNC weather and scenery at their sidewalk dining tables, located across from Burnsville Town Hall.
8 W Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 682-0120 | appalachianjavaburnsville.com
Bubba’s Good Eats
Welcome to the home of the world’s greatest recipe: good food, family, and friends! Bubba’s serves pub grub that’s perfect for game day, including touch down steaks and BBQ. Enjoy lunch or dinner, and save money by paying cash! But if you’re not going for the game, duck outside to enjoy fresh air on their porch seating. Best of all, their outdoor dining area is dog friendly, meaning you can bring your best friend with you.
394 E Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 678-3388 | bubbasgoodeats.com
Carriage House Sundries
Built in 1925, the Carriage House was originally part of the NuWray Hotel. In its 100 years, the building has been home to a variety of businesses, including the Burnsville Fire Department, a painting school, car garage, ice cream shop and deli, art gallery, and a health food store. Today, joined once again with the NuWray, the main floor of the Carriage House is a cafe and bakery by day. Stop by for coffee, pastries, grab-and-go lunch, and more to enjoy at their outdoor seating. In the evening, the cafe becomes a wine, whiskey, and beer lounge with a pub menu of small plates, and a cigar shop.
7 S Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 678-7071 | carriagehousesundries.com
Garden Deli & Snap Dragon
Established in 1987, Garden Deli Restaurant is a year-round foodie favorite with a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads made from only the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Dinner (Thursday–Saturday) also includes hearty baskets like the Smoked Baby Back Ribs or Crispy Fried Shrimp. Looking for something a little different? Snap Dragon Bar & Kitchen is a great place to meet friends for drinks and food after work or a late night out. Both spots offer great indoor or outdoor seating.
107 Town Square, Burnsville | (828) 682-3946 | garden-deli.com
Homeplace Beer Co.
It’s not outdoor dining without a great drink! One of our favorite spots for an outdoor beverage is Homeplace Beer Company, serving farm-to-pint beers using local ingredients from Yancey County and nearby. Their green space has plenty of outdoor seating, a dog-friendly area, and a large fire pit (pictured at top) with a chimney preserved from the Historic Hensley House that used to be on the property. As our agents say, “Homeplace is a truly fitting name for this brewery, as everyone is treated like family.”
321 W Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 536-9068 | homeplacebeer.com
Pig & Grits
If you’re looking for the spot where Southern cuisine meets Southern hospitality, this is the right place for you. From their Southern Fried Eggs Benny to the Slow Smoked Hickory BBQ (smoked in house daily), Pig & Grits delivers that “down home” barbecue experience. Slow-smoked meats include pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken, turkey, and more. Don’t wait to visit. The barbecue goes fast, and when it’s out, it’s out! Regulars enjoy dining on the dog-friendly covered patio.
620 W Main Street, Burnsville | (828) 536-0010 | pigandgrits.com
Town Square
Burnsville’s picturesque town square, lined with shops and municipal buildings, has been a community gathering place since 1833. Visitors can see people doing anything from painting watercolors to reading or throwing Frisbees in the village common. Join them for lunch! Stop at one of the town’s great food trucks, and dine on the square. If you spot them, we recommend Carolina Empanada Company. In addition to Cuban coffee, the food truck offers delicious, traditional Colombian empanadas in a variety of options (pork, chicken, beef, and veggie).
While you’re on the town square, don’t forget to do some local shopping! Radiating out from the square in each cardinal direction are the many 100% independent shops, restaurants, art galleries, and services of Main Street, Burnsville.
Live where you love in Burnsville, NC!
Burnsville is located among some of the highest mountains to be found in the eastern U.S. The town offers living situations and outdoor experiences that go above and beyond the norm. In addition to being a great town for outdoor dining, Burnsville is also known for its extraordinarily rich artistic output. Yancey County is home to more than 400 full-time and 200 part-time working artists, including basket makers, glassblowers, metalsmiths, and more.
Does that sound like the perfect lifestyle for you? Find your dream home in Burnsville now!
