Boone is a food lover’s paradise, boasting a diverse culinary scene with a mix of beloved local eateries and upscale dining options. Whether you’re seeking a cozy diner with a long-standing reputation or a fancy spot for a special evening out, Boone has something for everyone.
The pleasant weather in Boone and cooler summer temperatures makes outdoor dining a must-do experience. Enjoying a meal in the fresh mountain air adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience. From brunch to lunch to dinner, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks for outdoor dining in Boone. So grab a seat outside and savor the delicious food and beautiful weather that Boone has to offer!
Coyote Kitchen & Lost Province Taproom
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
200 Southgate Dr., Boone
Voted as the Best Vegetarian option in Boone, Coyote Kitchen & Lost Province Taproom is a family owned, local favorite that serves Southwest and Caribbean soul food with its own taproom. If you’re always thinking about what’s for dessert, its bakery offers mouthwatering desserts like cookie dough brownies, sweet tea lemonade cake, and many more sweet treats. The restaurant is proud of its gluten-free and allergy-friendly options, as well as its vegan and vegetarian dishes. Coyote Kitchen’s screened-in patio is also dog-friendly, making this restaurant ‘paw-tastic’ in every way! Don’t forget to show your Graystone Lodge key card because this restaurant is part of our local discount program!
Wild Craft Eatery
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
506 West King St., Boone
If fresh, locally sourced, healthy and sustainable are important food factors, Wild Craft Eatery is known for this. This “only in Boone” restaurant features creative culinary items that satiate everyone’s tastes. From the avocado tempeh melt and a spicy San Juan burger to global dishes like the sweet potato enchilada and garam masala yellow curry, its menu will take your tastebuds on a worldwide tour.
The restaurant sources nearly all its ingredients, produce and meats from NC, but the flavors expand well beyond local!
The Local
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
179 Howard St., Boone
Photo credit: Explore Boone
The Local is a cozy spot in Boone created by a local family with a passion for bringing people together. They are all about supporting the community by using local ingredients and serving up North Carolina brews. Their walls are adorned with artwork from talented local artists and photographers, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. Come in and enjoy a delicious meal made with fresh ingredients, perfectly complemented by a handcrafted cocktail or a refreshing local beer. Let’s cheers to good times and good company at The Local!
The Cardinal
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
1711 Highway 105, Boone
If classic American road food is your love language, The Cardinal is the place for you! Featuring an eclectic array of burgers from vegan to wild game, hand-crafted cocktails and unique culinary creations including hot damn ham dip, jalapeno cheddar hushpuppies and a wagyu patty dip, The Cardinal makes the list of our most crave-worthy spots in Boone! As a bonus, they have a monstrous patio – great for groups!
Red Onion Café
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
227 Hardin Street, Boone
Photo credit: Red Onion Café
For almost 40 years, the Red Onion Café has been serving fare to please the entire family such as fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, pizza, pasta, and steaks. Though regulars continuously come back for the artichoke dip and Horace cookies (blonde brownies with pecans served warm and topped vanilla ice cream – simply irresistible). Known for making the community better, they’ve received accolades for becoming a green business by the Watauga Green Business Plan. This includes community involvement, environmentally and socially responsible purchasing, water conservation and protection and promotion of natural and cultural resources. Located near downtown Boone, it’s ideal for lunch or dinner while exploring local shops and App State.
Eleven80 Eatery
Serves: Lunch and Dinner
1180 Blowing Rock Road, Boone
Photo credit: Eleven80 Eatery
Eleven80 Eatery is known for its Modern American cuisine with eclectic twists and fresh, innovative dishes. With small plates, fresh salads, mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches and flatbreads, the menu also has a Smokehouse section with all things barbecue, from pulled pork egg rolls to a Sauce Squatch “Brisket” Sandwich. Its relaxing lounge and bar feature signature cocktails like the Mountaineer Martini and Ol’ Smoky, local drafts, and a robust wine list with a wide variety of reserves. Plus, if you’re looking for a place for a private event, book a room or patio with a view!
Melanie’s Food Fantasy
Serves: Brunch and Lunch
664 West King Street, Boone
Photo credit: Melanie’s Food Fantasy
Since 1991, Melanie’s Food Fantasy is known for its unique menu creations and fresh fruits, farm-raised eggs, local produce, organic coffee, made to order juice, and more. Items such as pimento cheese grits, bacon avocado benedict, and stuffed French toast are just a few dishes that put this eatery in a top brunch spot that’s great for outdoor dining with your favorite people.
Looking for things to do in Boone for couples? Make a romantic night out at a delicious restaurant a top priority! These restaurants are our favorite places to dine for a date night that also offer an outdoor patio.
PS – Don’t forget about the many local breweries with outdoor dining space and delicious food as well!
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Located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Graystone Lodge is near downtown Boone and Appalachian State University. We offer spacious accommodations for families, couples, and friends, including adjoining rooms, a family bunk bed suite, a king suite with a peloton, and more.
Plan your ‘foodie getaway’ now in Boone! Book your room or suite at Graystone Lodge!