With an abundance of things to do in Banner Elk, from hiking and skiing to shopping and sightseeing, you’ll never be bored. And when it comes to dining, Banner Elk restaurants offer some of the best bites and brews in the high country.
In fact, one of the main draws of this charming mountain town is its thriving food and drink scene. With a variety of restaurants in Banner Elk, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining options, and a plethora of local breweries and wineries, visitors can indulge in some of the finest bites and sips the area has to offer.
So join me in exploring some of our favorite places to eat in Banner Elk, North Carolina!
Artisanal
1200 Dobbins Rd., Banner Elk, NC
I dedicated an entire post to this fabulous culinary gem (linked below). Still, to sum it up for this quick list of restaurants in Banner Elk, I’ll just say that it’s a PHENOMENAL farm-to-table fine dining experience.
Read More: Artisanal Banner Elk
Sorrento’s Italian Bistro
140 Azalea Circle SE, Banner Elk, NC
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 artichoke melt, and ultimately, my Italian sub sandwich, I was enamored with the authentic cuisine.
Also interesting, the artwork hung on the walls is by local artists. I love the community-driven decor!
Louisiana Purchase (LP) on Main
171 Main Street, Banner Elk, NC
This upscale restaurant in downtown Banner Elk serves, you guessed it, Louisiana-style creole and cajun cuisine. Known for consistency and quality of food, the restaurant did not disappoint. I had a crazy good heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad, which I still talk about today.
Oh, and be sure to save room for dessert! (Website)
Banner Elk Cafe
324 Shawneehaw Ave. South, Banner Elk, NC
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, both open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
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 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!
Banner Elk Winery
135 Deer Run Ln., Banner Elk, NC
High Country’s first winery has a relaxed and welcoming tasting room, and its award-winning wines will keep you coming back. The winery is well known for its blueberry wines, an homage to the site’s historic blueberry farm.
Kettell Beerworks
567 Main St. East, Banner Elk, NC
The brewery is located on Main Street right next to the police station, an interesting irony and a fun quirk.
I visited the tasting room for a flight, and their Hefeweizen (spring/summer seasonal) had a banana flavor, and I absolutely loved it. I rarely finish a beer when having a flight, but I drained that one!
Beech Mountain Brewery
1007 Beech Mountain Parkway, Beech Mountain, NC
Amid the Alpine Village at Beech Mountain Resort, you’ll find this rustic and cozy craft brewery.
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, you should head up for the majestic mountain views. Oh, and if you haven’t guessed already, 5506′ represents the elevation.
I suggest ordering a beer flight with the signature 5506′ Pale Ale and other favorites like Beech Blonde, Powderbowl IPA, Patroller Porter, and Wee Heavy Scotch.
The charming town of Banner Elk (near Grandfather Mountain and Sugar Mountain) has become quite the culinary hot spot of the high country. So 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 at any of these wonderful restaurants in Banner Elk, NC.
Comments & Reviews
Thank you for including photos of my artwork at Sorrento’s and Banner Elk Winery. Mine are the bear and parkway paintings.