Bryson City’s Restaurants Offer a Variety of Choices
For a small town, Bryson City has quite a variety of restaurant choices — from southern home cooking, hickory-smoked barbecue, piled-high deli sandwiches, and juicy hamburgers — to farm-to-table offerings, Italian or Mexican cuisine and a variety of food trucks..
There are Nantahala Gorge restaurants where you can watch whitewater rafting riverside, or have a quick lunch before spending an afternoon on the water.
Look for the 
for pet friendly outside seating.
Click on thumbnails in listings to enlarge.
Breweries, brew pubs and wineries.
Looking for a place to picnic? Check out our map of picnic areas.
IN OUR BLOG…
Where to Drink Beer with Your Dog in Bryson City
Find a favorite spot to share with your special doggo.
Bryson City Brewing
Bryson City Brewing offers locally sourced burgers, specialty sandwiches, barbecue, chicken wings, and chicken tenders, nachos, and multiple salad options - not to mention a full bar featuring over 20 beers on tap, including our own! We are family and pet friendly with outdoor seating and a large green space for everyone to enjoy. Watch all your sports here on one of our 16 TVs at the outdoor/indoor bar or enjoy your meal in the air-conditioned dining room. Onsite parking available. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.The Backwoods Bakery
The Backwoods Bakery is a small batch artisan bakery deep in the backwoods of Western NC which uses only the finest and most natural products available; our flour is sourced from North Carolina mills and all from certified organic grain. You'll find our "storefront" at your local farmers markets in both Swain and Jackson counties and our products can be found at several local restaurants and retail outlets. Our wood-fired pizza food truck can also be found at regional and local events.
High Test Deli & Sweet Shop
Fresh made to order sandwiches, salads, soups and homemade desserts, and outstanding customer service make High Test Deli & Sweet Shop your first choice for quality dining in Bryson City. Tuesday - Saturday, 11am-3pm. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Boxcar Cafè & Cones
Conveniently located across the square from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Depot in Bryson City, Boxcar Cafè & Cones offers a varied menu including burgers, wraps, wings, and more. Order online at website and schedule your delivery or pick up. In the mood for something sweet? We have 16 flavors of hand-dipped ice cream available in cones, cups or shakes. Open daily 11 am - 7 pm. Pet friendly outdoor seating.
Pet friendly outdoor seating.
Fryemont Inn Restaurant & Bar
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Fryemont Inn has been a tradition in mountain hospitality since 1923. Enjoy fireside dining and your favorite wines and cocktails. We serve a full country breakfast from 8-10am; and a delicious four-course dinner from 6-8pm Sunday-Thursday and 6-9pm Friday-Saturday. Prime rib, lamb shanks and pecan crusted trout are just a few of the tasty offerings. Take a virtual tour. Open mid-April through Thanksgiving. Reservations, please.
Subway
Subs, wraps and salads, protein bowls, breakfast sandwiches. Kid mini-meals. Open all year seven days a week.
Unplugged Pub
Bryson City's newest night spot offers a relaxed, upscale atmosphere, large outdoor deck, and live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Enjoy dinner from the food truck on site or take out from one of our local downtown restaurants. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.Bar-B-Que Wagon
Open Tuesday through Saturday 11am-8 pm. April 1 through November 1. Open extra days during July and color season. Hickory smoked pit BBQ made on the premises, and great hamburgers. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Carolina Bound Adventures Craft Brews Tours
Choose from three tour options complete with a designated driver; our Breweries Tour which visits 3 mountain towns and 5 breweries and our Waterfalls and Breweries Tour: 4 waterfalls, and 5 breweries, and our Fly Fishing and Breweries Tour which offers a morning of guided fly fishing and an afternoon of 4 breweries. We pick you up at your Bryson City stay location and drop you back off after the tour. We drive… you have all the fun! Tours accommodate up to 7 guests. See the beauty of Western Carolina, enjoy our great local breweries, and consider us your “Brew-bur Driver”!
Soda Pop’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor
Soda Pop's, established in 2000 as a family business, is Bryson City's only '40's and '50's old fashioned soda fountain located in the heart of downtown. Specializing in Coca-Cola memorabilia. Our setting will take you and your kids back in time! Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Wize Guyz Grille
Enjoy Bryson City's newest dining experience! Wize Guyz Grille features a full menu of wings, New York style pizza, Black Angus burgers, and more - all served with a smile. Check our Facebook page for our featured specials and if you're planning a meeting or event be sure to reach out to discuss catering.
Heavenly Fudge Depot & Shoppe
Located in downtown Bryson City, directly across from the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, the Heavenly Fudge Depot & Shoppe has everything you're looking for to satisfy that sweet tooth! Sixteen flavors of delicious hand-dipped Hershey's ice cream, handmade chocolates, award winning fudge, fresh brewed coffee and espresso drinks, as well as an assortment of other sweet treats and beverages. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Everett Street Diner
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A traditional style breakfast and lunch featuring daily specials as well as a variety of sandwiches, homemade soups, salads, and desserts. Hours of operation: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 7am - 2pm. Sunday, 7:30am - 11:30am, breakfast only. Closed Tuesday. Takeout and delivery.
Mountain Perks Espresso Bar & Cafe
Custom roasted coffee and espresso drinks, smoothies, freezes and master blended teas. Great selection of gourmet wraps, salads, quiche, vegetarian and gluten free dishes and soup. Also handmade bagels and tasty cream cheeses, muffins, baked goods and bagel or croissant sandwiches. Free Wi-Fi. Eat in, on the porch, or carry out. Delivery service available. Open 7 am - 3 pm. Closed Tuesday & Wednesday. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.Pasqualino’s Italian Restaurant
Enjoy classic Italian favorites served in a rustic yet refined atmosphere. Full lunch and dinner menus with daily evening specials. Full bar and extensive wine list. Catering available and larger groups are welcome with reservations required.
CJ’s Grille
Family friendly restaurant with full bar, pet friendly outdoor covered deck, and pool tables and games conveniently located just across from the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad in the heart of downtown Bryson City. Daily food and drink specials, weekend live entertainment, and NFL Ticket for those fall football weekends. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Bojangles Famous Chicken & Biscuits
Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for Cajun fried chicken, biscuits & signature sides. Serving breakfast all day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.Mountain Layers Brewing Company
Founded in 2017 and family owned and operated, Mountain Layers Brewing Company is a 7-barrel award winning craft microbrewery and taproom which produces a wide variety of beer styles with seasonal rotating beers and small batch favorites. We offer 17 taps, pouring our own ales and lagers, as well as a variety of wine hard ciders, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic beverages. The building features two levels with two climate-controlled bars with four large screen HD TV's, a dog friendly back patio, and a covered and uncovered rooftop terrace with a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding the town. Our permanent food truck, The Rice Wagon, is open every day serving up delicious Hawaiian food. Weekly events include a trivia contest, open mic night, and local live music. Pet friendly outside seating in patio area.
Pet friendly outside seating in patio area.
Nantahala Outdoor Center Restaurants
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When you visit the Nantahala Gorge, be sure to bring your appetite! NOC offers two riverside dining locations, River’s End and Big Wesser – with menus boasting a little bit of something for everyone! Menus and hours change seasonally, visit website for current information. Free Wi-Fi. At River's End whether you’re craving a juicy cheeseburger, a filling salad, or the staple Sherpa Rice dish, you can enjoy your meal where every seat has a view of the river. The menu at Big Wesser draws from NOC’s southern roots, bringing mouthwatering bites like burgers and chicken sandwiches to the Nantahala Gorge. Pet friendly outside seating at Big Wesser. (open in season).
Pet friendly outside seating at Big Wesser. (open in season).Guayabitos Mexican Restaurant
Authentic Mexican fare, full bar and lively atmosphere. Private rooms available for all your celebrations. Open daily all year for lunch and dinner.
Beef Jerky Experience
The Beef Jerky Experience story is really pretty simple; take the highest quality USDA approved jerky you can find, create over 100 varieties and sizes ranging from mild to wild, and build a store around it. Make it in small batches so it will always be fresh. Offer samples so everyone can find a favorite - or two! Finally, add even more variety by including gourmet popcorn, sauces, seasonings, marinades and more. Come in today or order online.
Anthony’s Restaurant and Derailed Bar & Lounge
Authentic hand-tossed pizza, burgers, homemade dinners, appetizers, subs, paninis, salads & desserts. Large selection of craft, imported and domestic beers; full bar and wine. Inside and covered outdoor dining; with relaxed lounge seating areas in Derailed Bar. Free WiFi. Across from train depot. Open Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am - 9 pm. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.
Jimmy Mac’s Restaurant
Offering both lunch and dinner in a casual and inviting atmosphere on Main Street, Jimmy Mac's features a full menu including soups, salads, appetizers, burgers, steaks, seafood and more.
The Chocolate Shoppe
Come inside and smell the chocolate! Hand-dipped chocolates and made-in-store fudges, caramel apples, brittles, specialty popcorn, pralines, and a selection of unique candies. Plus 24 flavors of creamy and delicious premium ice cream made especially for the Chocolate Shoppe including flavors for the diabetic and lactose intolerant. Takeout only. Take a virtual tour
The Snak Shak
Family owned and operated, The Snak Shak is a hidden gem located just blocks from the train and offers more than your average snacks. Our menu includes burgers, wings, sandwiches, salads, and more. Enjoy either indoor or outdoor seating or choose takeout or delivery options. Come in and enjoy or place your order online. Open for lunch on Tuesday - Saturday, until 6 pm. Pet friendly outside seating.
Pet friendly outside seating.Iron Wok
Iron Wok is a locally owned Asian fusion restaurant in downtown Bryson City featuring authentic dishes from China, Japan, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. All orders are made fresh with no MSG and gluten free options are available. Private room and gift certificates are available. Hosting a private event or party or looking for a caterer? Let the Iron Wok food truck do the work for you - call or email for pricing and menu!
Main photo courtesy The Fryemont Inn
Area Beverage Policies
Restaurants
The town of Bryson City permits the sale of alcoholic beverages within the city limits; and a number of Bryson City restaurants offer beer, wine and mixed drinks.
Outside of the city limits, only certain qualifying resort properties are permitted to serve alcohol by the drink as well as beer and wine. Restaurants at the Nantahala Outdoor Center are permitted to serve only beer and wine.
In Cherokee, beer & wine may be served at certain restaurants that are within one mile of the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance (north end of Cherokee). Beer, wine and mixed drinks are served in the Harrah’s Casino & Hotel restaurants and on the Casino floor. The remainder of the Cherokee Indian Reservation is dry.
Because of differing policies, restaurant patrons are advised to check with the restaurant ahead of time.
Bottle Sales
In Bryson City, liquors are sold at the ABC Store at 254 Veterans Boulevard (next to Arby’s) (9 to 9, Monday through Saturday). 828-488-6682.
Beer, wine and mixers are sold only at grocery stores, convenience stores and package stores within the city limits. Hours vary from store to store, but are allowed to be from 6 am to midnight, except on Sunday, when sales are permitted from 10 am – 2 am. The Wesser General Store in the Nantahala Gorge sells beer and wine (open seasonally).
Bryson City - Swain County
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 509
1191 Main Street
Bryson City, NC 28713
Hours 10am – 2pm
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
Ricky Sanford
Administrative Coordinator
828-488-3681
Order a free Visitor Guide featuring Bryson City and the North Carolina Smokies
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