Haywood County, NC is a Foodies Paradise
There are numerous great restaurants in Haywood County, and we did our best to sample as many as we could. We ate our way through some of the best restaurants in Waynesville, Maggie Valley, and Canton, and more, and still have many more to try. Haywood County is truly a Foodie’s Paradise.
The Sweet Onion Restaurant in Waynesville
Sweet Onion in downtown Waynesville blends the flavors of the South with a modern twist, using the best of locally sourced ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting classics. The outstanding chefs at Sweet Onion display their culinary passion in each of their dishes they prepare, whether it’s a perfectly cooked steak, fresh seafood, or one of our signature house-made dishes.
I was excited to see an Almond Encrusted Sunburst Trout on the menu, and enjoyed every last bite. The lemon butter cream sauce and the garlic mashed potatoes were the perfect complement to the tasty fillet. Another table mate ordered the delicious looking Brasstown Beef Meatloaf, wrapped with Applewood bacon and topped with crispy fried onions and brown gravy and mashed potatoes. That will be my next meal at The Sweet Onion!
I finished with the excellent Crème Brulee, while others at my table had me drooling with their Caramel Apple Crisp served with a scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. All seven of us at our table left with a full tummy and a big smile on our faces.
Crown & Thistle Tea Room
Crown and Thistle Tea Room is a lovely tearoom in Waynesville owned and run by Rebecca Bradley, a former accountant. Rebecca and her husband have created a wonderful tearoom featuring a wide variety of international teas, tasty treats, and beautiful décor. We came in for the 3-tier Bridgerton-style lunch served with our choice of tea. This warm, comfortable tearoom is the perfect place to relax in a quiet, friendly atmosphere.
Evening in the Garden, Ruby Moon, Huckleberry Happiness, Lady Lavendar, and Great Smoky Mountains were among the many tempting flavors. I tried the special Psychocandy, a delightful Rooibos with dried pumpkin, apple, caramel, sweet blackberry leaf, Vanilla, natural flavors of vanilla and pumpkin. I loved the chicken salad on a flaky croissant, the ham and gouda puff, the chocolate Chai pudding, and other tasty treats served on the three tiers.
Frog Level Brewing in Waynesville
Frog Level Brewing is a fun micro-brewery in Waynesville featuring 21 taps and pub fare favorites like BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Cajun Chicken Sandwich, Smashburgers, tacos, salads, and more. Frog Level Brewing offers plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and brings in live music from Spring until Fall. They even offer a “4-LEGGED” (Dog) Snack Bowl, a warm bowl of peas, carrots and diced chicken in this pet friendly venue.
We sampled the Nacho Plate, the giant Soft Pretzel, and stuffed tater tots along with our Frogger Lager, a clean, crisp, refreshing American Lager with a slight hop aroma and flavor for balance. I would love to return to this fun local favorite for a few beers, tasty pub food, and live music.
Southern Porch in Canton
Southern Porch serves southern-style dinner in the former Imperial Hotel, a beautiful brick building in Canton. Owners Michaela and Nathan Lowe have created a wonderful, homey, comfortable, and welcoming restaurant that has become a local favorite and a social hub for the town.
We started with the Lowe Down Deviled Egg, deviled eggs perfectly blended with homemade Low Down pimento cheese, topped with peppered and candied bacon and a bread and butter pickle wedge and the Fried Bread and Butter Pickles, southern fried to a golden crisp served with ranch.
For our entrees, two of us enjoyed our Not Your Ma’s Meatloaf, a delicious blend of shaved prime rib and seasoned ground beef with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms, topped with melted pepper jack cheese, served with mashed taters and a choice of one side. Another diner in our group ordered the popular Prime Rib French Dip with shaved prime rib, grilled onions, melted provolone, and horsie sauce drizzle, on a hoagie bun. Southern Porch delivers with fantastic comfort food and friendly service in a cool setting.
The Red Fox in Waynesville, Best New Restaurant for 2025
The Red Fox is a new mountain tavern inspired by National Parks that was voted Best New Restaurant for 2025. With an emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients and scratch-made preparation, The Red Fox has quickly become a favorite in downtown Waynesville. As the live music played in the background, we loved ending our busy day in this warm, friendly mountain tavern.
I ordered the Onion Creek Pasta with Blackened Shrimp, a delicious dish of Fettuccine tossed in a creamy garlic, onion and Alfredo sauce with Parmesan and Swiss cheeses, mushrooms and crispy fried onions, served with fresh grilled bread. A friend ordered the amazing Sunburst Rainbow Trout, pan-seared local trout served with roasted potatoes, spinach & mushrooms in a white wine lemon-herb butter sauce. With an extensive menu and a full list of cocktails, wines, and beers, The Red Fox truly has something for everyone.
The Scotsman Public House
Located in a resplendent building that was originally the home of Masonic Lodge members, The Scotsman Public House is a popular pub and gathering place where locals and visitors can soak in the Scottish traditions, décor, music, food, drink, and true Celtic spirit. I had a delicious Bison Burger, while others ordered the traditional Bangers & Mash and the Scotsman Original Certified Angus Smash Burger. Scotsman Public House also has an extensive list of libations, including international beers, wines, whiskeys, and more. At the suggestion of our excellent server, I paired the Gaffel Kilsch German Blonde with my bison burger.
For dessert, we shared the delicious Crème Brulee Cheesecake, full of fluffy and creamy sweet goodness, and the tasty bread pudding served with whiskey toffee sauce. We all agreed the desserts were a perfect ending to our fun evening at the Scotsman Public House.
Joey’s Pancake House in Maggie Valley
Joey’s Pancake House is an extremely popular breakfast restaurant in Maggie Valley. Just a few of the accolades awarded Joey’s are: #1 Pancake in North Carolina, #1 Breakfast Restaurant in Western NC, and rated #6 out of 100 RESTAURANTS in both Carolinas! We came in with big expectations and big appetites, and were not disappointed. All of our group loved their pancakes, and the friendly service and atmosphere was outstanding.
With so many great options on the menu, I finally decided on the Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes with delicious blueberries. Others chose the seasonal Pumpkin Pancakes with cream cheese topping, and Orange Blackberry Ricotta, orange zested pancakes topped with warm blackberry compote and a dollop of ricotta. Unanimous verdict – Joey’s Pancakes are crazy delicious!
Main Street Diner in Waynesville
We had our final meal at the popular Main Street Diner on … well, on Main Street in Waynesville. Main Street Diner is housed in an historic building built in 1923. Diners can choose from the breakfast menu all day or from the extensive lunch and dinner menus.
Three of our group ordered the Breakfast Bowl, a tasty mix of two eggs, your way, bacon or sausage, cheddar cheese, atop a biscuit, smothered in sausage gravy. I ordered the bowl with scrambled eggs and bacon, and enjoyed the blend of flavors in this hearty dish. Another diner ordered the Irishman Breakfast, consisting of house-pulled corned beef hash, two eggs your way, and toast.
The food was very good, and I would love to return to try some of the other tempting dishes on the menu. Main Street Diner is also known for their excellent bakery, where you can choose from fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, cakes, pies, and cookies.
Local Bars in Waynesville and Canton
In addition to excellent bars in restaurants and breweries, the area has nice options for bars to relax and grab a drink. Two special bars we enjoyed were the Bevel Bar in Waynesville and The Mailroom in Canton. The Bevel Bar is a private cocktail bar located in the back of Axe and Awl Leatherworks. According to its website, “designed with an intimate, classic feel, Bevel Bar reflects the same values that guide our leatherwork — intention, hospitality, and attention to detail.” This private bar is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sundays for a patio brunch from 11 am to 3 pm with rotating live music.
The Mailroom is housed in downtown Canton in the Old Post Office. It is upstairs from a library and next to Southern Porch restaurant. With a travel theme featuring numerous maps, and wide variety of artwork and furniture throughout the large sitting areas. Patrons can grab a gameboard, read a book, help put the community puzzle together, or just relax as they sip their drinks from the bar. The Mailroom also hosts several events during the month, including Silent Book Club, Funday Trivia, Plant Bingo, and live musical guests.
So Many Great Restaurant Options in Haywood, NC
In addition to the restaurants, breweries, and bars listed above, we also ate at several other fantastic eateries in Haywood County. Barbecue at Cataloochee Ranch, Pizza at Ten Acre Garden, a fabulous buffet at Waynesville Golf Course, and a wonderful lunch on the outdoor patio at Springdale Golf Club’s Rocky Face Tavern. When you visit Haywood County in beautiful western North Carolina, be sure to pack your appetite!
