TL;DR: Best Restaurants in Burnsville, NC

• Appalachian Java – Cozy café with great coffee and breakfast/lunch options
• The Garden Deli – Classic American eatery with great sandwiches and a scenic patio
• Homeplace Beer Company – Gastropub with wood-fired pizza and amazing wings
• Carriage House Sundries – Nostalgic café with great sandwiches and homemade desserts
• Pig & Grits – Southern BBQ joint with amazing brisket and homemade sauces
• Snap Dragon – Lively bar and grill with burgers, seafood, and pub fare
• The Ambered Jack – Great seafood and steakhouse option in Burnsville

Our Delicious Adventure at Carriage House Sundries in Burnsville, NC

Burnsville, NC, is one of our favorite small mountain towns, and it never fails to impress with its blend of history, charm, and fantastic food. In August 2024, after an exclusive tour of the newly restored NuWray Hotel, Debra and I found ourselves wandering down Main Street, hungry and ready for a bite. We stumbled upon Carriage House Sundries, a spot that had been on our radar for a while, and we’re so glad we finally got to check it out!

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A Cozy Lunch at Carriage House Sundries

Walking into Carriage House Sundries feels like stepping into a time capsule of Burnsville’s past. With its old-school counter, walls lined with historic memorabilia, and a menu filled with simple yet satisfying options, we instantly felt at home.

Debra ordered the House Salad—a delightful mix of Carriage House salad blend, sweety drop peppers, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and goat cheese crumbles, but opted to have it without the chicken. I went for the Veggie Hoagie Roll sandwich, which featured house mozzarella, sundried tomato pesto, aioli, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, hummus, and balsamic reduction. Both meals were fresh, flavorful, and made with care—the way small-town diners do best.

Neither of us does dessert, but if you do, don’t pass up their BRB a la mode, a warm Blue Ribbon Brownie with buttermilk ice cream, praline, and a chocolate shell.

If you’re looking for a post-dinner drink, be sure to check out Roland’s Bar on the Deck out back, open from May to October. It’s the perfect spot to unwind with a local craft beer or cocktail while soaking in the mountain views.

The Best Restaurants in Burnsville, NC

While Carriage House Sundries gave us an amazing lunch, there are plenty of other fantastic places to eat in Burnsville. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a cozy dinner, this town has some seriously delicious spots. Here are our top picks!

1. The Garden Deli (Best for Lunch & Outdoor Dining)

📍 107 Town Square | ⏰ Mon-Sat 11AM-2PM; Dinner Thu-Sat 5PM-8PM Website
For fresh sandwiches, soups, and a killer outdoor patio, The Garden Deli is the go-to spot. Try their Crispy Fried Jumbo Shrimp Basket or NC Mountain Trout, and don’t forget a side of their delicious homemade coleslaw.

2. Homeplace Beer Company (Best for Gastropub Vibes & Pizza)

📍 321 West Main St | ⏰ Mon 4PM-7PM, Tue-Sat 11:30AM-11PM, Sun 2PM-8PM Website
Homeplace Beer Co. is more than just a brewery—it’s a whole experience. With a lively outdoor space, fire pits, and live music, it’s a great spot to relax with friends. Their Hog Hollow Wood-Fired Pizza and massive chicken wings are legendary.

3. Appalachian Java (Best for Coffee & Breakfast)

📍 8 West Main St | ⏰ Mon-Sat 7AM-6PM, Sun 8AM-3PM Website
If you need a morning pick-me-up, Appalachian Java is the place to go. Their locally roasted coffee, homemade pastries, and hearty breakfast sandwiches make this a must-visit. Pro tip: Grab a bagel sandwich and take it to-go for a scenic breakfast at Mount Mitchell State Park!

4. Pig & Grits (Best for BBQ & Southern Comfort Food)

📍 620 West Main St | ⏰ Tue-Fri 7AM-8PM, Sat 7AM-2PM, Closed Sun & Mon Website
Every mountain town needs a solid BBQ joint, and Pig & Grits does not disappoint. Their hickory-smoked brisket, pulled pork, and Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce are worth every bite. Don’t skip the Meat-A-Tarian Platter if you want to try a little bit of everything.

5. The Ambered Jack (Best for Seafood & Steaks)

📍 447 East Hwy 19E Burnsville, NC Website
If you’re craving fresh seafood and perfectly cooked steaks, The Ambered Jack is a top choice. Their upscale atmosphere and top-notch dishes make this a fantastic dinner spot.

6. Carriage House Sundries (Best for Nostalgic Diner Vibes)

📍 7 S Main St | Website
This charming, old-school café serves hearty sandwiches, homemade soups, and delicious desserts like BRB a la mode. A must-visit for a relaxed, small-town dining experience!

7. Snap Dragon (Best for Burgers & Pub Fare)

📍 107 Town Square | ⏰ Mon-Thu 3PM-9PM, Fri-Sat 3PM-11PM, Closed Sundays Website
This nautically themed gastropub is named after the ship of Captain Otway Burns, Burnsville’s namesake. Their burgers, seasonal seafood specials, and craft cocktails make it the perfect spot for a casual but satisfying night out.

Eat and Sleep in Burnsville, NC

Great Burnsville Restaurants

Burnsville might be a small town, but it’s packed with great local restaurants, charming cafés, and unforgettable flavors. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick meal or planning a foodie adventure, these spots are sure to leave you satisfied.

Burnsville Events and Festivals

And if you’re visiting soon, make sure to swing by Carriage House Sundries for a taste of Burnsville’s small-town charm, and after dinner, visit Roland’s Bar on the Deck out back for a drink—open between May and October!