These 10 Fan Favorite Dishes are Why People Want to Take a Bite out of Jackson County Based on recent travel trends, when looking for your next vacation getaway, good dining options are often a big deciding factor. Here in the Western N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County, we are made up of small towns with lots of flavors! With locally owned restaurants in Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro and Sylva, you’ll find many area eateries use locally sourced ingredients, ensuring you get the best quality and most delicious local grub while you’re here. When planning your next adventure to the N.C. mountain towns of Jackson County, be sure to add these fan favorites to your foodie bucket list for a memorable culinary experience.
  1. Breakfast and a slice of homemade pie from The Coffee Shop
This Sylva landmark opened in 1926 and hasn’t changed much since. The nostalgic diner transports you to a simpler time with the true down-home comfort food. We recommend trying the gypsy omelet, but make sure to save room for a slice of one of their famous homemade pies if dining for lunch or dinner.
  1. A burger from Cosmic Carry Out
Located on the patio of Innovation Brewing, this popular food cart is the perfect place to grab a hearty treat to enjoy with your brew. Known for their mouthwatering and juicy handmade burgers, the Blastoff Burger is a resident favorite and a must-try!
  1. The Well House on Thursday and Friday evenings is a local favorite thanks to Prime Rib night
Serving no frill, but gourmet deli sandwiches since 1977, The Well House is the ultimate hidden gem. Lunch favorites include the Triple Threat Sandwich, the Reuben, or the Cashew Chicken Salad, but residents flock to the restaurant on Thursday and Friday evenings for their can’t miss Prime Rib special nights.
  1. Grab a slice or whole Pizza
Nothing tastes better than a fresh pie straight from the wood-fired oven, and Slabtown in Cashiers and Pie Times in Sylva both deliver. With locally sourced toppings and ingredients, options at these restaurants are endless. Not sure where to start? Our favorites are the Soppressata and the Roasted Root at Pie Times and the White and Vodka pizza from Slabtown.
  1. Coffee from Buck’s or a Lavender Latte from White Moon
A favorite stop at the start of the day, enjoy sipping your favorite espresso or mocha by the fireplace at Buck’s Coffee Café in Cashiers or grab a Lavender Latte and Brekky Bowl at Sylva’s, White Moon.
  1. Wet your whistle in Sylva 
For a tasty and creative libation, in lounges that imitate no other, stop by The Cut Cocktail Lounge for a handcrafted cocktail, or snag an Old Fashioned from the Paper Mill Lounge, a New Orleans-style craft cocktail bar.
  1. A dining experience with a view at Canyon Kitchen 
Named by “Food and Wine” as the most romantic restaurant in NC, this critically acclaimed, farm-to-table restaurant, located in Lonesome Valley, is an ideal spot for indulging in delicious seasonal menu items. Enjoy the view of a beautiful box canyon, rolling hills and gardens at this open-air dining experience.
  1. Get your fix for local N.C. BBQ at Haywood Smokehouse 
A local favorite for N.C. BBQ, crowds flock to this Dillsboro restaurant for their St. Louis-Style Ribs, southern sides and uniquely flavored homemade sauces including the sweet ketchup and strawberry chipotle sauce.
  1. Dig into an explosion of flavor at Guadalupe 
Located in an old restored 1920s drugstore and soda fountain shop, this Sylva restaurant takes a farm-to-table approach to tropical fusion, resulting in an eclectic menu with an extensive list of offerings for everyone. The Mango Pork Tacos and Masala Fries are a few suggestions to try off of this delicious menu!
  1. Lunch on the porch at Cornucopia
Dining al fresco is a must when in the mountains, and since Cornucopia is known for having one of the best porches in Cashiers, it is a great place to do just that. Make sure to try the Wade Hampton’s Downfall sandwich or their famous grilled chicken club. Remember that calories don’t count outside of your zip code, but if you want to burn them off, Jackson County is the perfect place to visit. Here, outdoor adventure and beauty abound, and you can spend your time outside and work off the calories you consumed during your culinary adventure. Book your getaway today and download our free visitor guide to see the rest of the tasty treats that await here in Jackson County.