When it comes to great food, Marion, NC, is full of some wonderful hidden gems. We're not surprised though, as many small mountain towns have some really amazing restaurants.
As Western North Carolina locals who have spent years exploring the best eats in mountain towns, we’ve dined at every restaurant on this list—sampling everything from hearty Southern comfort food to top-notch barbecue and mouthwatering gourmet dishes.
Whether you’re craving a cozy and quiet breakfast spot, a bbq joint, or an elegant dinner in a historic old home, we’ve got you covered.
This isn’t just another generic roundup—these are real recommendations from us based on our firsthand experience. So, if you want to eat like a local and enjoy the best flavors Marion has to offer, keep reading. Your next favorite meal might just be waiting for you!
McDowell Local
If you enjoy a restaurant that serves fresh, locally sourced ingredients, McDowell Local needs to be on your short list. Located in downtown Marion, this charming locally owned restaurant uses high-quality local ingredients to create some really delicious and fresh tasting food.
We stopped by during our visit to Marion to grab some lunch. McDowell Local came highly recommended by the visitors' center and other locals we spoke with.
The interior has a casual and rustic vibe that feels very open and welcoming. The rustic decor is simple, but effective. Where they really shine, though, is the food.
The menu has all of lunch items you would expect: soups and salads, a variety of wraps and sandwiches, and combinations with both soup and a sandwich. Do you like liver mush? They even have a liver mush sandwich.
Be sure to check the chalkboard when you come in as well, for daily specials.
We try to eat pretty healthy, and went with the turkey wrap and Italian wrap, both with side salads.
Every bite was packed with flavor, and honestly some of the freshest ingredients we've had anywhere. We were honestly taken aback at how colorful and delicious the food was.
The wraps were huge as well, as they didn't skimp on the meat or veggies. The salads were ice cold, and topped with pickled onions, a nice touch that added some extra flavor.
While what we ate was nothing out of the ordinary as far as lunch goes, it's just proof that simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference.
Whether you’re craving a sandwich, a fresh salad, or something unique from their rotating specials, you can count on McDowell Local to serve up delicious, thoughtfully prepared food that supports local farmers and producers.
McDowell Local is a true gem in Marion that you won’t want to miss!
J Hartman's Restaurant
J Hartman's Building - Photo courtesy of Destination McDowell
Hurricane Helene Impact - J Hartman's was completely flooded just days after we ate there by Hurricane Helene. The entire restaurant had to be gutted and rebuilt. They recently re-opened. Please visit and help support them!
If you’re looking for a restaurant in Marion that offers delicious food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sense of community, J. Hartman’s is the place. This family-owned and operated gem has built a loyal following thanks to its warm hospitality and dedication to serving high-quality meals in their local community.
We visited for dinner one evening while staying in nearby Old Fort, NC. We sat at the bar and met John Hartman, and enjoyed talking to his daughter who was bartending - We love a family-owned business!
The menu is packed with both classic favorites and creative dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for a perfectly cooked steak, a hearty sandwich, or a flavorful salad, J. Hartman’s delivers on taste, quality and atmosphere.
Here are just a few of the items from the menu, including their prime rib, which they are well known for:
We start started with some drinks from the bar and the hot crab dip as an appetizer. The crab dip was really good and not fishy tasting.
For our entrees, we chose their blue cheese wedge salad and crab cakes and salmon with steamed broccoli. The wedge salad was huge, and a meal by itself!
Everything came out hot and prepared correctly. The food was delicious, as were our drinks. We really enjoyed the food and casual and friendly vibe of the restaurant. We'll definitely be back.
With its family-run charm, excellent food, and inviting bar area, J. Hartman’s is the kind of place where you instantly feel at home. Whether you’re a local looking for your new favorite spot or a visitor wanting an authentic Marion dining experience, this is one restaurant you won’t want to miss!
Blanton House
If you enjoy a more elegant dining experience, The Blanton House in down Marion is your standout choice.
Located in a beautifully restored historic home, this elegant restaurant blends historic southern charm with a modern culinary excellence.
We enjoyed a really nice dinner on one of the outdoor decks once evening after exploring downtown Marion.
The restaurant does not have dedicated parking, so you'll need to park on the street or in one of the business parking areas across the street if they are closed. Do not park at the postal service next door, as you may be towed.
After parking across the street, we walked up the walkway and literally felt transported back in time. The historic old home and ambiance sets the tone for the experience.
We entered through the front door. The home is full of stunning historic architecture, warm lighting, and refined décor which creates an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.
When making your reservations, you can enjoy your meal indoors or in one of the many outdoor seating options, including the patio.
We sat on a covered outdoor area on the second floor, and had the whole area to ourselves, along with a good view of the property.
The menu is just as impressive as the home and features expertly crafted southern themed dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The menu changes, so be sure to check their website for their current food offerings.
We ordered some speciality drinks and some friend green tomatoes with pimento cheese, which we really enjoyed and set the stage for our entrees.
We ordered the shrimp and grits and the salmon, and both were fantastic.
We really enjoyed our dinner at Blanton House. The food and service were excellent. We also enjoyed just exploring the old home and taking photos as well.
If you're wondering about the dress code like we were, it seems to resort casual based on other guests we saw there. I (Larry) wore tan slacks and a colored polo shirt, and Jenn wore slacks and a blouse. It's not super fancy, but a little more upscale than a typical family type restaurant.
The Blanton House is perfect for special occasions, date nights, or anyone looking to savor an upscale meal in a truly unique setting.
Smoke a 'Lil Smoke
You know, when a restaurant was formally a food truck; the food is going to be amazing.
Such is the case for Smoke a 'Lil Smoke, a fantastic BBQ restaurant, tucked away on a small street in Marion, Smoke a ‘Lil Smoke is a true hidden gem that BBQ lovers need to experience. This spot may be off the beaten path, but once you find it, you’ll quickly realize it’s one of the coolest places in town to grab a bite.
The first thing you’ll notice is the laid-back, welcoming and "cool" vibe—a mix of rustic charm and modern flair that makes it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some seriously good food.
Colorful drawings and BBQ graffiti decorate the walls, as well as the ceiling. We loved the partially exposed brick as well.
But of course, the real star here is the BBQ, and it's good, really good.
We stopped by for lunch and sat in the front near a window. You order at the counter, and they bring your food out to you. The menu deserves a mention, not only because it's simple and easy to read, but because it's fun.
For example, you can get chicken, cow or pig OR you can "get the whole farm".
They have all of your traditional BBQ favorites, including pulled pork and brisket. We really liked that they offered BBQ chicken. They also have some more unique items like loaded, where you choose the base and topping - For example, Mac and Cheese topped with pulled pork!
They also have smoked chicken wings as well. They even have a bologna sandwich!
We went with brisket and smoked chicken with some fries, beans, and coleslaw. The brisket was nice and smoky and very tender, as was the smoked chicken. No dry BBQ here. The fries were unique and really tasty, as were the beans. I like to try different coleslaw when we're out - This was good as well, although I don't prefer it chopped.
If you’re looking for amazing BBQ in a fun, hip and relaxed setting, Smoke a 'Lil Smoke is one of Marion’s best-kept secrets.
Ingenious Coffee Roasters
If you’re looking for the best coffee experience in Marion, Ingenious Coffee Roasters is it. We're big coffee fans and know an excellent coffee when we taste one.
We stopped in one morning for coffee and breakfast, and it was the perfect way to start the day (I mean, when is coffee not the perfect way to start a day?).
From the moment you walk in, the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans fills the air, letting you know you’re in for something special.
One of the standout things about Ingenious Coffee Roasters is that they roast their beans in-house, ensuring a fresh and flavorful cup. They have a large variety of flavors and offer up your standard coffee fair like regular coffee, Lattes, and expresso. You can choose your own flavor, or select one of their special coffees. We were there in September and enjoyed a fall themed flavor.
To go with our coffee, we couldn’t resist their selection of locally baked goods—perfect for a quick breakfast. During our visit, we tried the muffins and cinnamon rolls. All very good and complimented our coffees well.
Our only complaint is that the coffees come in one size. We prefer a 20 or 24 ounce size so we can sip on it while heading down the road. But that's a minor complaint, especially given how good the coffee is.
With its cozy atmosphere and in house roasted coffee, Ingenious Coffee Roasters is a must-visit for coffee lovers. This local favorite is a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring Marion!
