The charming town of Banner Elk, NC has become quite the culinary hot spot of the high country. Whether you’re in the mood for upscale, relaxed casual, feel-good food or quick bites, you’ll find just the meal you were hoping for in Banner Elk.
I’ve written about the amazing Artisanal restaurant, but there are several other Banner Elk restaurants, a winery and some breweries worth a mention too. Whether it’s ski season or summertime, Banner Elk has plenty of tasty opportunities, so get your appetite ready!
Banner Elk Bottles, Brews and Chews
Bottles
Banner Elk Winery
High Country’s first winery has a relaxed and welcoming tasting room, and their award-winning wines will keep you coming back. The winery is quite well known for the blueberry wines, an homage to the site’s historic blueberry farm. Tastings – $10, Tues-Sun. Website
Brews
Beech Mountain Brewery
In the midst of the Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort, you’ll find this rustic and cozy craft brewery. I suggest ordering a beer flight which includes the signature 5506′ Pale Ale along with other favorites like Beech Blonde, Powderbowl IPA, Patroller Porter and Wee Heavy Scotch.
Enjoy your beer in the rustic brewery itself, or ride the ski lift to the top of Beech Mountain and visit 5506′ Sky Bar. Even if you don’t drink a thing, you should head up there for the majestic mountain views. Oh, and if you haven’t guessed already, 5506′ represents the elevation. (If you want to spend a little time at Beech Mountain, here are some activity ideas.) (Website)
Flat Top Brewing Co.
Named for Flat Top Mountain where they source their spring water, the brewery is located on Main Street right next to the police station, an interesting irony and a fun quirk. Flat Top Brewing is also unique to the high country in that they offer their beer on tap and in cans.
I visited the tasting room for a flight, and their Hefeweizen (spring/summer seasonal) had a banana flavor to it, and I absolutely loved it. I rarely finish a beer when having a flight, but I drained that one! (Website)
Chews
Dunn’s Deli
While Dunn’s Deli is renowned for its amazing overstuffed sandwiches made from homemade breads, I visited for breakfast, and it was fantastic! Everything is made to order, and I highly recommend the incredibly delicious C-Dubs’s Barnyard Bowl with two scrambled eggs, sausage and bacon, and diced biscuits with gravy covered with grated cheddar cheese. So good! (Website)
Photo: Todd Bush
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro
If you love Southern Italian cuisine, you won’t want to miss out on the old family recipes of Sorrento’s. From the complimentary homemade rolls, to the beignets, spinach and artichoke melt and finally my Italian sub, I was enamored and look forward to returning for a pizza.
Also interesting, the artwork hung on the walls was made by local artists. I love community-driven decor! (Website)
Louisiana Purchase Food & Spirits
Dress a little nicer for this upscale restaurant which serves, you guessed it, Louisiana-style creole and cajun cuisine. Known for consistency and quality of food, the restaurant didn’t disappoint. I had a crazy good heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad, which I still talk about to this day.
Oh, and be sure to save room for dessert! (Website)
Banner Elk Cafe
This might be the most unusual of the Banner Elk restaurants in that it’s actually two indoor/outdoor restaurants with two separate kitchens and two separate menus. But you can order from either menu, no matter where you’re sitting. There’s also an ice cream parlor on site! One thing to note – if you do order from both menus, the meals may be served at different times since the kitchens work separately.
Tip: The restaurant’s patio is pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend along! (Website)
Need some ideas for activities between meals? Here are suggestions for things to do outdoors in Banner Elk NC. And for more information on the area itself, visit bannerelk.com
Have you visited any of these Banner Elk restaurants? The winery or breweries? Any other area suggestions?
