Local Restaurants

Cafés & Casual Eats

• Gazebo Creekside Café – Great for sandwiches and a relaxed pre-hike bite.

• Bent Willow Baking Co. – Delicious baked goods and coffee near town.

• Cupboard Café (Highlands) – A go-to stop for breakfast near Dry Falls.

• Rathskeller Coffee Haus & Pub – Coffee, snacks, and a cozy local vibe.

• Main Street Coffee & Yogurt – Great fuel stop before a scenic drive.

• Café Rel – Known for French-American cuisine, excellent lunch or dinner.

• Root + Barrel – Upscale casual dining with a seasonal menu.

• Franklin Bake Shop – A tasty stop while antique shopping.

Sit-Down Restaurants

• Motor Company Grill – Classic diner with burgers, shakes, and retro flair.

• The Boiler Room Steakhouse – Steaks, seafood, and hearty comfort food.

• Willy’s Bar-B-Que – Family-friendly, Southern BBQ great for groups.

• Mi Casa – Mexican food perfect for a casual family dinner.

• The Cupboard Café (Highlands) – Worth the drive for home-style meals.

• Hawg Wild Bar-B-Que (Hayesville) – A lakeside BBQ gem near Lake Chatuge.

• Lakes End Café & Grill – Right on Lake Nantahala with great water views.

Breweries & Taprooms

• Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. – A Franklin staple with local beer, live music, and a laid-back vibe.

• Currahee Brewing Co. – Scenic riverside spot with a wide selection of craft beer.

• (Both breweries often host food trucks on weekends and events.)