Mars Hill may be a small mountain town, but dining here can drain your wallet faster than a downhill ski run. Fortunately, tucked among these Blue Ridge slopes are gems where $15 buys a plate so hearty and flavorful, you’ll forget all about those tourist-trap prices.
Tommy’s Restaurant
$ | (828) 658-3221 | WEBSITE
For all of Mars Hill’s quiet mountain charm and rustic simplicity, there are still unbelievably satisfying meals to be had for a modest price. Take this Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo from Tommy’s Restaurant, just off the main road. The American comfort-food spot is straightforward in every way apart from flavor. The Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo—which is under fifteen dollars—is sensational.
The pasta is creamy to the point of the sauce clinging to each strand with gentle fork pressure, while being rich with garlic and parmesan. The lively atmosphere hums with celebration energy, making every bite feel like part of a special occasion, yet the friendly servers keep things welcoming even during the busiest times. It’s the kind of hearty, generous portion that makes you forget you’re just passing through and instead feel like you’ve found a local favorite.
Meadowsweet Creamery
$ | (828) 680-0085 | WEBSITE
Our go-to order at this small, charming ice cream spot in Mars Hill is a double scoop in a waffle cone, which usually features something like the spicy Mexican hot chocolate alongside the mango sticky rice, plus a scoop of the vegan vanilla. Which by the way is far more than just plain vanilla—it’s rich, creamy, and absolutely to die for. It’s the kind of ice cream you’d expect from a fancy artisanal shop in a big city.
It’s a little over eight bucks if you get the double scoop, so we like to grab our cones and wander through the attached art gallery.
Jimmys Munch Box
$ | (828) 680-1163 | WEBSITE
This cozy fast-food joint in Mars Hill is a local favorite for reasons that quickly become obvious. You can see the staff preparing fresh batches of Barn pizza in the back, trays of crispy fries and tater tots come out like clockwork, and generous portions of burgers or fried bologna sandwiches are brought to you in a basket for just under $12 if you decide to eat in.
The retro vibe and super nice service make it a great spot for a quick bite or take-out, with ample parking adding to the convenience.
D & D Restaurant
$ | (828) 626-2998 | WEBSITE
The cash-only country food store in Barnardsville has a classic 1960s feel to it, with locals and families eager to pile in for hot breakfast plates and hearty sandwiches. A satisfying breakfast plate—made up of two eggs cooked over-medium, crispy bacon, creamy grits, buttered toast, and fresh coffee—is a generous, nourishing meal for anyone, all at a wallet-friendly price that keeps regulars coming back.
Blue Mountain Pizza
$ | (828) 658-8778 | WEBSITE
There’s much to love about this little pizza spot in Mars Hill, from the warm smiles of its friendly staff to the irresistible aroma of its garlic knots. A hearty meal here (which translates to a plate piled high) will cost around fifteen dollars. The marinara sauce is rich with a hint of sweetness and on its best days, the cheese sticks combine the gooeyness of mozzarella with a serious hit of garlic.
The brownie for dessert is a must-try, fudgy and decadent, while the basil pesto blackened chicken calzone offers a satisfying crunch. The lively ambiance, enhanced by live music, creates that small-town feel everyone enjoys, and the outdoor seating is perfect for bringing your dog along. Even when crowded, service remains quick and efficient, with staff always ready to help with quick appetizers or accommodate allergies. It’s the kind of place where you leave already planning your next visit.
High Ridge Adventures, Outfitting & Barbecue
$ | (855) 962-4843 | WEBSITE
High Ridge Adventures makes some of Marshall’s finest barbecue. This family-owned spot in Mars Hill generously serves its pork BBQ with a combination of sweet and smokey sauce and crisp slaw, a satisfying—and wholly delicious—mix of potato salad and baked beans, plus French fries, a corn muffin, and, of course, good ice in their fountain cheer wine. The brisket in its variety of meats is hearty: tender chunks that will undoubtedly hit the spot before being transferred deftly into your mouth.
Glass Onion
$$ | (828) 645-8866 | WEBSITE
Garlic rolls. Parmesan trout. Buffalo mozzarella. Three of our favourite words in the English language. Glass Onion’s version of them is unsurprisingly excellent. The Mars Hill restaurant prides itself on faultless, high-quality plates of American comfort food and seasonal classics. Plates of food and baked chicken that make you wistful for home cooking, with the occasional seasonal vegetable thrown in.
As far as garlic rolls, parmesan trout, and buffalo mozzarella go, this one is almost faultless. Thick, crusty rolls of the delicious rather than dry variety; superlative trout all crisp and flaky, begging to be paired with lemon; and fresh mozzarella, texture positively creamy.
Zuma Coffee
$ | (828) 649-1617 | WEBSITE
A local’s favourite in Marshall, the coffee shop-cum-café feels like a home away from home, rain or shine. Its breakfast bagels—where a single egg and bacon sandwich stands like a proud monument—are a must. You can choose from three hot or cold dishes, from the veggie Reuben to the classic BLT, and it comes with fresh coffee straight from the espresso machine.
Leveller Brewing Co.
With a twenty in your wallet and a thirst for something local, the answer is almost always found in Mars Hill’s most welcoming and beloved brewery. There’s a wealth of choice with a single $20 bill at Leveller but it’s the farmhouse IPA we tend to turn to. This isn’t the most intensely hopped IPA and nor are the seasonal ales as complex as barrel-aged establishments.
But the Czech-inspired lagers are crisp and refreshing, the addition of fresh bread and darë vegan cheese is essential, and with a view of the steel fermentation tanks and mash tub, you have one of North Carolina’s great relaxing spots.
Reems Creek Grill
$ | (828) 645-7952 | WEBSITE
There are many things to like about Reems Creek Grill’s location at the golf course, like its relaxing atmosphere, and back porch that demands admiration. Of course our favourite thing about it is their Cuban sandwich: fresh and well-prepared, it’s delicious inside, steaming with savory fillings and flavors, all of which cry out for the combination of crisp bread, punchy mustard, and cooling pickles that lines their soft buns.
That will always be the #1 appeal, closely followed by their fantastic black bean burger.
Highland Station Coffee Shop
$ | (828) 658-5045 | WEBSITE
There is no morning commute that a coffee and empanada from Highland Station Coffee Shop, a locally owned spot in Mars Hill, won’t improve. Walk up to their counter to see what’s fresh but, if in doubt, go for the veggie empanada. It’s a flaky pastry filled with seasoned vegetables, a generous amount of cheese, and almost as much flavor as a home-cooked meal.
The Maple-Bourbon Bar that comes with it is delightful too, tasting like pecan pie dialed up to eleven, as is everything about this comfortable, welcoming coffee shop.
Subway
$ | (828) 680-1700 | WEBSITE
There are few things more satisfying than Subway’s consistently fresh sandwiches. These are customizable creations of the most classic variety. The delicious combinations range from turkey and avocado, to Italian B.M.T. piled high with meats and cheese, to veggie delight loaded with crisp vegetables, and more. All layered between the Mars Hill spot’s soft yet perfectly sturdy and fresh bread. A six-inch will probably satisfy you but a footlong may well see you skip your next meal.
Zebulon Artisan Ales
$ | WEBSITE
The weekend-only brewery in Mars Hill is a favourite among locals seeking stellar beer and, on special occasions, historic brews with a curated selection that’s been tended to like a moving library of fermentation. Midweek, it’s all about the alleyway seating though. Cozy and inviting, it’s the atmosphere of the ground at calmer Asheville spots past and the ginger taste is ludicrously potent.
Combined with a hint of smokiness from the porter and poured into a small batch glass, it’s a delicious and almost industrial-chic experience. Made for sipping and conversing.
Wagon Wheel
$ | (828) 689-4755 | WEBSITE
Win, loss, or draw—you’ll find some locals looking for satisfaction around Wagon Wheel’s rustic tables. The country restaurant at the heart of Mars Hill makes some of western North Carolina’s heartiest comfort food and it’s an excellent meal pre or post errands, or any day of the week for that matter.
The meatloaf special with homemade mac and cheese, turnip greens, corn bread, and tea is always a nourishing plate to get into and, if you’re lucky, you might be able to grab one of the seats by the window. More often than not they’re for regulars though—so you might want to put some hours in first.
Yellow Mug Coffee Lounge
$ | (828) 484-8844 | WEBSITE
Yellow Mug Coffee Lounge’s inviting space on the corner of Asheville is almost always full of relaxed shoulders and contented smiles. The cozy cafe serves espresso shakers, bakery items, bagel sandwiches, chilaquiles, and more—but most often we find ourselves sipping exceptional coffee drinks with seasonal menu items, with peach muffins on the side for good measure.
Mad Co. Brew House
$ | (828) 649-8600 | WEBSITE
This riverside brew house sits along the French Broad River near Mars Hill, but nothing about this lively spot is particularly quiet. The staff are friendly and appreciative, there are scenic views from the back porch and an open kitchen where you can watch the pizza being made, and the local beer is something to shout about. Yes, the pie with vegan cheese and gluten-free crust is crisp and flavorful and all the things you want a pizza to be.
But sometimes you just can’t beat gooey, expertly crafted, blink and it’s gone, classic margherita.
Stackhouse Restaurant
$ | (828) 680-1213 | WEBSITE
Open from lunch through dinner, Stackhouse Restaurant in downtown Mars Hill is a place for the people. The people being, everyone. The burger joint isn’t somewhere you stay for a long time but it always guarantees a satisfying meal. Juicy patties are paired with house-made Palmetto Cheese, fried mushrooms, homemade cherry coke and more. A burger can be as big or small as you want it to be with their create-your-own stack option, but here your cash is always guaranteed to go far.
Little Creek Cafe
$ | (828) 380-5995 | WEBSITE
It’s impossible to argue with expertly made biscuits and gravy and this welcoming Mars Hill cafe does just that. The biscuits are fluffy and tender, the gravy both rich and comforting, and the home fries have that all-important perfect crispiness. A breakfast plate at Little Creek will set you back about twelve dollars and it’s worth every cent.
Mars Theatre Brewing Co.
$$ | (828) 680-1284 | WEBSITE
Of all Mars Theatre Brewing Co.’s delightful offerings, the one that sends us into perfect content silence—and convinces us that it’s not the end of the world if the beer cheese drips on our jeans—is the pretzel with beer cheese. Arriving on a wooden board piled high with a warm, soft pretzel, topped with a generous bowl of thick, creamy beer cheese, and fully accompanied by a side of crispy potato wedges, this snack is wholesome and comforting.
Dipped into the rich, savory cheese makes for perfect bites. The homely brewery spot in Mars Hill is a regular go-to.
Hunt Brothers Pizza
$ | (828) 680-9700 | WEBSITE
Hunt Brothers Pizza is a very good spot for an in-and-out lunch or dinner that doesn’t break the bank. There are all manner of classic options on the menu (breakfast pizza, for example) but it’s the simple pepperoni or, even better, the breakfast pizza that we devour most. Crispy, flavorful, but with that rich and satisfying taste of quality ingredients. Top it with no extra charge for toppings, and you’ve got a dream combination.