We pulled into Saluda, NC on a Friday afternoon, checked into the Orchard Inn, and—like we always do when we land in a new mountain town—immediately started talking about food. Where should we eat dinner? What’s the best breakfast spot in town? Is there good BBQ nearby? For a town this small, we weren’t expecting a long list. But by Sunday, we were pleasantly proven wrong.
The real challenge wasn’t finding a place to eat—it was choosing between several really solid options. Whether you’re after a fine dining experience with mountain views, a pulled pork sandwich and a cold beer, or a strong cup of locally roasted coffee to start the day, Saluda’s got you covered.
We spent the weekend eating our way around town—fine dining at Newman’s, live music and dinner at The Purple Onion, lunch at Green River BBQ, and a cozy breakfast at Wakey Monkey. And now we’ve pulled together everything we learned into this guide so you can skip the guesswork and head straight to the good stuff.
Here’s where to eat in Saluda, NC—what we tried, what we loved, and why we think this little mountain town punches way above its weight when it comes to food.
Newman’s Restaurant at the Orchard Inn
Dining at Newman’s isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience, and one of the highlights of our weekend in Saluda. Located inside the Orchard Inn, this fine-dining spot offers a seasonal, four-course menu that’s as thoughtful as it is flavorful. The setting doesn’t hurt either: we enjoyed our dinner on the covered deck, surrounded by the quiet hush of the mountains and long-range views of the Blue Ridge rolling off into the distance.
We arrived a few minutes before our reservations. I wore slacks, a button-down shirt, nice shoes and a sports jacket. Jenn wore a casual dress and shoes.
Our patio table with a view!
The evening began with some drinks from their full-service bar. They also have a great selection of red and white wines as well.
We began our meal with a Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad—simple but beautifully done, with just the right balance of char and crunch. For the second course, we split two appetizers: the Baked Eggplant Lesbos and a dish of pan-seared shrimp over fried green tomatoes. Both appetizers were packed with flavor, but the shrimp stole the show—crispy, creamy, and perfectly seasoned.
For our main course, we chose the filet and the salmon. The filet was tender and rich, cooked just right, while the salmon was flaky and fresh with a delicate sauce that didn’t overpower. And somehow, we still had room for dessert.
The Viennese Apple Strudel was warm and spiced, wrapped in a flaky crust, while the strawberry shortcake offered a cool, sweet finish with fresh berries and whipped cream.
You place your full order at the beginning, so the courses come out at a relaxed, steady pace, giving you time to really enjoy the food—and the view. Service was excellent from start to finish: attentive, friendly, and perfectly timed. If you're celebrating something special, or just want a quiet night of incredible food in a beautiful mountain setting, Newman’s should be at the top of your list.
The next morning, we returned for breakfast on the covered deck, coffee in hand and a view that made us slow down and savor the moment. We started with one of their fresh-baked scones and a bowl of house-made granola with fresh fruit—simple, fresh, and delicious. For the main course, we had two eggs with bacon and a thick slice of fresh bread. It was the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger a little longer, sip a second cup of coffee, and just enjoy the calm.
Whether you’re booking a special dinner or staying overnight and waking up to mountain air and a full breakfast, Newman’s is the kind of place that elevates your time in Saluda. Refined but never stuffy, peaceful yet deeply flavorful—it’s a true gem tucked right into the Orchard Inn.
Green River BBQ
We stopped at Green River BBQ for lunch during the 20th Annual Saluda Arts Festival, and it hit the spot. The place was busy—no surprise with the festival in full swing—but the covered seating area had plenty of space.
Green River BBQ was closed for a while after Hurricane Helene, due to a significant mudslide that occurred behind the restaurant building, but they’ve since reopened and are back to serving up great food in a laid-back, casual, and welcoming atmosphere.
We grabbed a seat at one of the big picnic tables and looked over the menu. They offer a wide range of BBQ favorites, including pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and smoked chicken, along with classic Southern sides like baked beans, mac and cheese, collard greens, and hush puppies. They also have a solid selection of sandwiches, salads, and local craft beers. Whether you're craving something heavy and smoky or something lighter, there's lots of options.
We started with their fried green tomatoes, which our waitress recommended. They were crispy, tangy, delicious, and a great warm-up for our entrees.
For our entrees, we went with the classic pulled pork sandwich plate and the brisket plate. Both came piled high with tender, smoky meat and classic sides. The pulled pork had just the right amount of smoke and didn’t need much sauce, though they’ve got plenty to choose from if you like to mix it up. The brisket was rich and flavorful with a nice crust on the outside—exactly what you want when you’re craving solid Southern barbecue. They will even trim the fat off for you.
Green River BBQ is a casual, come-as-you-are kind of place—ideal for lunch during a festival, after a hike, or when you’re just passing through town. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and an excellent stop if you’re hungry and want something hearty and local.
The Purple Onion
The Purple Onion is one of those restaurants that feels like the heartbeat of a town—and when we walked in, it was easy to see why it’s so well-loved. The place was buzzing on the night we visited, with nearly every table full, live music drifting through the air, and the kind of lively, laid-back energy that makes you want to hang out and stay a while. Definitely our kind of restaurant and one we would frequent if we lived in the area.
The Purple Onion offers both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a full bar with its own seating area. We lucked out with a spot near the live music and settled in for a relaxed, unhurried dinner that ended up being one of our favorites of the trip.
We started with the crab dip—rich, creamy, and served warm with toasted bread. From there, we split the Pink Lady & Gorgonzola Salad, which was crisp, fresh, and perfectly balanced.
For our entrée, we couldn’t resist the halibut special, and it didn’t disappoint. Cooked beautifully, with a light, flavorful sauce, it was one of those dishes you wish you could recreate at home.
We wrapped things up with dessert—Tiramisu and bread pudding—and honestly, we’d go back just for that bread pudding alone.
Everything about The Purple Onion just clicked for us—the food, the atmosphere, the service. It’s lively without being too loud, nice but not too upscale, and exactly the kind of place we seek out when we’re exploring a small town. The live music that evening was excellent as well and really complimented the great food and atmosphere.
If you’re spending a night in Saluda and only have time for one dinner, this should be it.
The Wakey Monkey
We started one of our mornings in Saluda with breakfast at Wakey Monkey, and it was exactly the kind of local coffee shop we love to find while traveling. Tucked right in the heart of downtown, it’s warm, welcoming, and clearly a favorite among both locals and visitors. The vibe is relaxed, the coffee’s top-notch, and the staff—including the owners—were genuinely super friendly and great to chat with.
We each ordered a vanilla latte, and they were excellent—smooth, not overly sweet, and made with care. For breakfast, we grabbed two sandwiches: one on a toasted bagel with sausage and egg, and the other on a buttery croissant with bacon and egg. Both were fresh, hot, and just what we needed before a day of exploring.
Wakey Monkey also has a nice selection of baked goods and other breakfast items if you’re in the mood for something lighter. Whether you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go coffee or a spot to sit and ease into your morning, this place checks all the boxes. Definitely worth a stop while you're in town.
K’s NY Pizza
Before heading out for our zip lining adventure at The Gorge, we stopped at K’s NY Pizza for a quick and casual lunch—and it hit the spot.
It’s the newest restaurant in town, perched just above Main Street, and offers some really nice views overlooking downtown Saluda. They’ve got covered outdoor seating, which made for a great place to relax before diving into a more adrenaline-packed part of the day.
We ordered the Italian sub and a Margherita pizza to split. The sandwich was stacked and flavorful, with that classic deli-style tang, and the pizza had a crisp crust, fresh tomato, and plenty of basil—simple and satisfying. We also couldn’t pass up the cannoli for dessert, which was creamy and just sweet enough to wrap things up.
K’s is a solid stop if you're looking for something quick, filling, and low-key. Whether you’re grabbing lunch on the go or want a laid-back spot with a view, it’s a nice new addition to the Saluda food scene.
Ward's Grill
Although we didn’t get a chance to eat at Ward’s Grill on this trip (our weekend was packed, and we ran out of time), it’s a spot that kept coming up in conversations with locals—and that’s always a good sign. Tucked right next to and connected with Thompson’s Store, Ward’s Grill is a classic Southern-style diner that’s been a longtime staple in Saluda.
They serve up traditional breakfast and lunch fare—think eggs, grits, biscuits, pancakes, burgers, sandwiches, and daily plate specials. The vibe is simple, unpretentious, and all about good food at a good price. Locals stop in for their morning coffee and a hearty breakfast, and it’s just as popular for a quick bite at lunch.
If you're looking for a casual, no-fuss meal with a bit of small-town history and charm, Ward’s Grill should definitely be on your radar. We’re already planning to make time for it on our next visit. Oh, and browse Thompson's store, next door while you're there. It's the oldest operating grocery store in North Carolina.
