Old Fort, North Carolina, is a charming small mountain town right off I-40. Old Fort that might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a foodie destination. Yet, our September 2024 trip revealed Old Fort boasts many fantastic restaurants.
We've had the pleasure of dining at countless restaurants in many small towns and cities in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Old Fort’s restaurants surprised us a little with their quality and welcoming atmosphere.
During our visit, we made it a point to personally dine at each of the establishments featured in this guide. Our goal was to provide you with firsthand experience and a comprehensive look at the best restaurant options Old Fort offers.
Get ready to be pleasantly surprised by the dining options this real hidden gem of a town offers. Let’s dig in!
27 Main
Located in the hear of downtown Old Fort, right off of main street, 27 Main offers great food and service at a reasonable price.
27 Main offers a fantastic mix of specials, sandwiches and pizza.
The restaurant delivers a cool vibe, with a rustic yet contemporary décor, with exposed brick walls, wooden tables, and soft lighting creating a relaxed and casual atmosphere. The friendly staff adds to the experience, making you feel like you're visiting an old friend’s home rather than just another restaurant.
During our recent visit to Old Fort, NC, we stopped in to grab a quick lunch. Jenn ordered the Italian sub with chips, and I (Larry) ordered the Cold Cut sandwich, also with chips. The couple next to us were munching away on the cheese sticks, so we ordered those as well.
Our food came out quickly and was great. The Italian sandwich wasn't what you would normally expect though, as it only came with ham and not the more traditional meats we expected. The cheese sticks/bread were hot and delicious with plenty of cheese and served with marinara sauce on the side.
Some other customers in the restaurant ordered pizza, which smelled and looked delicious. We're definitely trying it next time we visit. We heard great reviews about it from locals we spoke to.
For those more familiar with Old Fort NC, you might know 27 Main better as Whistle Stop Pizza and Subs. They sold to new owners, rebranded and remodelled earlier in 2024. While the look is more modern and different, the food remains delicious.
27 Main is a great spot for lunch or dinner, especially if you're exploring the various shops and galleries in downtown Old Fort.
Black Beary's Cafe
Unfortunately, we didn't have time to eat at Black Beary's Cafe like we had planned, but we heard some excellent feedback from several locals who enjoy eating there, especially their ice cream.
Located in the heart of Old Fort, NC, Black Beary's Cafe is a favorite spot for lunch and dinner, offering a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere and a menu packed with classic Southern comfort food.
Per locals we spoke with, Black Beary's Cafe is a cozy and down-to-earth spot known for its delicious, home-style cooking and ice-cream
The Chicken Fried Steak is a local favorite, tender and crispy, served with two sides and bread for a more hearty meal.
They also offer a variety of sandwiches and hamburgers, including the BLT and Roast Beef Sandwich, Bacon Swiss Burger, Pimento Cheese burger, and many others.
You can follow up your meal up with a delicious dessert, with ice cream in a variety of flavors being a local favorite. They also have sundaes, banana splits, shakes, and floats.
With its friendly atmosphere and tasty, no-frills fare, Black Beary’s Cafe is a must-visit when you're in Old Fort. We look forward to trying them on our next visit!
Davis Country Store & Cafe
For a real local experience, and some fantastic home cooking, grab breakfast or lunch at the Davis Country Store and Cafe.
One morning during our visit, we stopped by for breakfast as they opened. The friendly staff and the wonderful aromas of fresh, home-cooked breakfast items immediately greeted us.
Walking into the restaurant feels like stepping back in time. The rustic charm of the store and cafe, with its vintage decor and shelves stocked with local goods, really sets the tone. The restaurant and store are in a charming old home that just screams southern hospitality and goodness.
The breakfast menu features standard breakfast fare and many types of homemade biscuit sandwiches.
We enjoyed their biscuits and gravy and a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit. The food doesn’t disappoint.
The food is served, even when dining in, in to go containers, but don't let that fool you, the food is excellent. As southerns, we know biscuits, and these were not only hot and fresh, but on point, and cooked to perfection.
The hot and made to order lattes were also good, hot, and with lots of creamy froth.
We both really enjoyed the food and talking with the owners who are native to the area. Their family goes back for generations.
If you’re exploring Old Fort, be sure to stop by Davis Country Store & Cafe. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a quick snack, this charming spot delivers a genuine taste of Old Fort’s hospitality and heritage with a smile.
Gogos Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee
One of our top spots in Old Fort was Gogos Cinnamon Rolls and Coffee. As soon as you step through the door, the enticing aroma of freshly baked cinnamon rolls draws you in, making it nearly impossible to resist.
Gogos is a cozy little cafe style place that specializes in creating what might just be the best cinnamon rolls we’ve ever tasted—and trust us, we've had some fantastic fresh baked cinnamon rolls over the years.
We went in expecting cinnamon rolls, as the name would imply. What we didn't expect was the variety! Gogos not only has your standard cinnamon roll, but lots of variations as well, including chocolate, maple bacon, caramel pecan, orange creamsicle, and more!
Even better? They also offer homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies and Fudge Rounds. Yes, the ones by Little Debbie, but these are made in-house from scratch, and absolutely fantastic.
After agonizing over which rolls to take with us, we ended up going with a chocolate cinnamon bun, a maple bacon cinnamon bun, a oatmeal cream pie, and a fudge round. To fully share our experience with you, we had to properly sample everything, right?
The cinnamon rolls at Gogos are a perfect blend of soft, fluffy dough and gooey, cinnamon-sugar filling, topped with just the right amount of icing. Everything was just beyond delicious.
We spent some time talking with the owners as well, who are super friendly folks. They are a pastor and wife of a local church. They were expecting a bus load of middle-schoolers soon, so we bailed out and enjoyed our fresh baked goodness on the road.
The welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff make Gogos the perfect place to start your day or enjoy a mid-morning treat. Be sure to arrive early, as these cinnamon rolls are popular and tend to sell out quickly.
When visiting Old Fort, Gogos Cinnamon Rolls is an absolute must-visit—your taste buds will thank you!
Hillman Beer
We'll be honest, we aren't generally impressed with the food at most breweries. The food is mainly just simple bar type food, prepared with little effort. We get it; the focus is on the drinks.
We have been seeing a recent trend, though, where breweries are stepping up their game regarding food offerings and quality. Hillman Beer is an exemplary example of this. Not only is the beer cold and tasty, but the food is fantastic. To be honest, something we would have expected to see at a nice restaurant, not a brewery.
Hillman Beer in downtown Old Fort, NC is a great spot to unwind with fantastic food, great beer, and honestly a super nice creek side atmosphere. They have a full menu of beer selections, and delicious food that pairs perfectly with their in-house brews.
As we mentioned, the food at Hillman Beer goes far beyond and above the typical pub/brewery fare. Most of the items on their menu use locally sourced ingredients and are made to order (i.e. not frozen).
When you arrive, you'll place your food and beverage order at the bar and your given a number. Someone will bring you your food.
We spent some time reviewing the menu, and we suggest you do the same. Just grab one, and step aside so you can fully look at everything they offer. The staff member working the bar was super helpful and made a few recommendations for us.
We ended up going with the Altbier and a glass of wine for drinks. For food, we ordered the soft pretzels, the Kale Salad and Roasted Turkey Salad wrap.
We're pretty healthy eaters, but they also offer many other options, including different burgers, sandwiches, and specials.
We picked the outdoor side of the bar, that was creek side. We enjoyed our beverages, and the food arrived within a few minutes. Very fresh, and tasty. The beer cheese served with the hot pretzels was excellent.
Besides the great food and beer, what really sets Hillman Beer apart is its inviting, open atmosphere. They have a done a fantastic job creating and open and modern atmosphere that really blends together the indoor and outdoor seating areas.
Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious meal in a chill setting, Hillman Beer is a must-visit. Their combination of exceptional food, excellent beer, and a charming atmosphere makes it a standout in Old Fort’s dining scene.
Seeker Coffee
We love a warm, inviting, comfy coffee shop that serves great coffee. Finding shops with this unique combination is rare for us on our mountain adventures. We found one in Old Fort, Seeker Coffee.
This charming coffee shop serves up some of the best brews we've had anywhere in the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect place to kick back, recharge and enjoy an amazing craft made coffee, expresso or latte.
Nathan, the owner, takes pride in sourcing high-quality and locally roasted beans, to create a variety of flavorful drinks. Whether you prefer a smooth cappuccino, a regular coffee, or an indulgent flavored latte, you’ll find the right cup for you. Their baristas are skilled and passionate, ensuring that every drink is crafted with care and for your enjoyment.
The vibe at Seeker Coffee offers "a chill" and inviting atmosphere that makes it easy to linger. They have comfortable seating, warm lighting, and a welcoming staff. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends, dive into a good book, enjoy some quiet time with your coffee, or pull out the laptop and get some work done.
They also offer some delicious baked pastries to complement your favorite beverage as well.
Whether you’re stopping by for your morning caffeine fix or spending a leisurely afternoon, Seeker Coffee is a great coffee shop in Old Fort, NC. One of our personal favorites!
