Restaurants & Places to Eat in Morganton, NC

Exploring restaurants in Morganton, NC offers a delightful mix of local and familiar flavors, perfect for every taste. From casual places to eat like Abeles Family Restaurant and Boulevard Barbeque to nicer, sit down spots like Root and Vine and Treat, Morganton has something for everyone. If you are looking for vegan or vegetarian options, check out Reptile Cantina, Moondog Pizza or Ono Poké Bowl who feature a wide variety of ingredients customizable to any dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you're craving traditional Southern fare or international flavors, Morganton’s dining scene ensures every meal is memorable, showcasing the best of food in Western North Carolina.

Savor Local Flavors in Morganton, NC

Morganton, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of Burke County, offers a vibrant culinary landscape filled with flavors to suit every taste. Here, you’ll find everything from cozy coffee shops and burger spots to refined dining experiences that showcase local ingredients. Known for its stunning mountain views and welcoming communities, Morganton invites you to explore its unique and diverse restaurant scene.

Whether you're enjoying an adventure-filled weekend at Lake James, exploring historic Downtown Morganton, or planning a relaxing mountain getaway, this area provides countless options for dining and refreshment.

Downtown Morganton Eateries

The heart of Burke County, Downtown Morganton, offers an eclectic range of restaurants and cafes. Walkable and inviting, downtown is a great place to enjoy farm-to-table dining and explore seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients.

Treat: Known for its inviting atmosphere and commitment to fresh, local produce, Treat delivers seasonal menus featuring a delightful mix of comfort food and creative dishes. You’ll find options like wham pow shrimp and pasta to well-balanced vegetarian entrees and crafted cocktails.

Kin 2 Kin: Located in the original movie theater, Kin 2 Kin has a unique environment that is reminiscent of times past. Their Japanese menu features specialty sushi as well as house rolls that you know and love. If sushi isn’t for you, we recommend their fantastic hibachi or teriyaki entrees. This downtown eatery is open 7 days a week for dinner and Fridays for lunch.

Thornwell Books & Cafe: This cozy independent bookstore is a great place to get work done or socialize with friends and family. Not only do they sell books, they also have a delightful cafe, featuring lattes named after famous authors like Hemingway, Austen and Wolfe. The cafe also carries pastries from the Ugly Duckling Bakery like cheddar bacon scones and cream cheese brownies, making it a must-visit for book lovers and foodies alike!

Breweries & Distilleries in Burke County

Morganton and the surrounding Burke County communities have become known for their booming craft beverage scene. Breweries, wineries, and distilleries bring local flavor and creativity to life, often using ingredients grown in the region. Perfect for those seeking a taste of North Carolina, these spots provide an ideal setting to relax and unwind.

Fonta Flora Brewery: This popular brewery sources unique ingredients from the local region, from wild berries to forest-foraged roots. With a taproom in Downtown Morganton and a farmhouse brewery near Lake James, Fonta Flora is a great place to explore new flavors and innovative brewing techniques.

Silver Fork Winery: Just outside of Morganton towards Lake James, Silver Fork Winery offers handcrafted wines with a beautiful view of the South Mountains. Come on a weekend and listen to live music or watch a movie on their lawn while enjoying their fantastic wines, many of which are estate grown.

South Mountain Distillery: Starting with an old family moonshining recipe, now labeled as Sinister Whiskey, Don Smith opened South Mountain Distillery in 2017 to educate people about the history of moonshining in the southern Appalachias. They now sell 17 different liquors ranging from 103 proof JB Rader’s Moonshine and classic Cherry Bounce Moonshine to sweeter options like Triple Chocolate Cold Brew Coffee Moonshine and Pecan Pie Moonshine. Pick up some of these great tasting beverages that are sure to be a great talking point at any get together or act as a yummy mixer in any of your favorite drinks at their Distillery in Rutherford College. You might even get to meet Don Smith and take a tour.

Lake James & Scenic Dining Spots

When it comes to dining near Lake James, a picturesque spot known for its beautiful mountain views and hiking trails, you’ll find several welcoming restaurants perfect for a post-adventure meal.

Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery: Bones Jones is the perfect spot for a delicious lunch or dinner after a day at Lake James. Known for their mouthwatering burgers made from freshly ground beef, they also offer a variety of hearty sandwiches, juicy steaks, and locally sourced meats. Pair your meal with one of their craft beers or refreshing cocktails, and enjoy the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're craving a classic burger or a more adventurous dish, Bones Jones provides a memorable dining experience for all visitors to the area.

Blueberry Bistro at Perry’s Berry’s: Nestled at Perry’s Berry Vineyard, the Blueberry Bistro offers a charming dining experience with stunning views of the blueberry farm. Perfect for lunch before or after a hike, the bistro features a variety of delicious, farm-to-table dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients and their signature blueberries. Enjoy their seasonal salads, wraps, or sandwiches, paired with a glass of wine from the vineyard. We also highly recommend saving room for one of their seasonal sweet crepes. Blueberry Bistro provides a cozy atmosphere to savor every moment while exploring the flavors of Burke County.

Fun Finds in Valdese

In Valdese, the second largest town in Burke County and a short drive from Morganton, you’ll find fun restaurants worth the stop including those that highlight the unique Waldensian culture the town was formed around.

100 Main: 100 Main offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for a casual lunch or a special dinner. Known for its creative American fare, the menu features everything from fresh seafood and delicious pasta dishes to creative sandwiches and seasonal specials. Pair your meal with a craft beer or mixed drink from their well stockied bar. Whether you're enjoying a meal with friends or a romantic dinner for two, 100 Main provides a memorable dining experience that captures the charm of the town.

Highlands Butchery: Highlands Butchery is a must-visit for those who appreciate quality meats and artisanal offerings. This local butcher shop and deli specializes in expertly crafted cuts of beef, pork, and poultry, as well as house-made sausages and prepared spreads. Whether you’re picking up fresh ingredients for dinner or enjoying a delicious burger made with premium meats in the restaurant, Highlands Butchery delivers on taste and quality. With a focus on locally sourced products, it's the perfect spot for meat lovers looking for something truly special in the heart of Burke County.

Family-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes

Traveling with the family? Morganton has a variety of dining options to satisfy both adults and kids. From casual dining to more refined spots with children’s menus, there’s something for everyone.

Town Tavern Morganton: Located along the river, this family-friendly American restaurant serves up a large variety of food, perfect for your picky eaters. Kids love the outdoor seating and nearby green spaces, perfect for running around after a hearty meal.

Las Salsas: A lively Mexican restaurant with a colorful atmosphere, Las Salsas offers a diverse menu that includes kid-friendly options. Adults will love the margaritas, while kids can enjoy smaller portions of the same delicious food.

Places to Eat Across Burke County: A Quick Guide

For an easy reference, here are some can’t-miss spots for dining across Burke County:

• Downtown Morganton: Treat, Kin 2 Kin and Thornwell Books
• Lake James Area: Bones Jones Burgers and Butchery and The Bistro at Perry’s Berry’s
• Valdese: 100 Main and Highlands Butchery
• Family-Friendly: Town Tavern and Las Salsas

Frequently Asked Questions