If your stomach starts rumbling at the mere mention of ‘restaurant’ like a hiker’s compass pointing north, you’ll understand the thrill of discovering Whittier’s culinary landscape. Here, mountain air mingles with the scent of smoked brisket and simmering sauces—a testament to the kitchens that fuel our adventures and comfort our evenings. Whether you’re craving post-hike sustenance or a destination-worthy meal, these spots deliver.
Foragers Canteen
$ | (828) 631-4114 | WEBSITE
We first discovered Foragers Canteen when it was just a small riverside spot with a limited menu that would always have a line out the door. Now, instead of waiting for a table by the water, all we have to do is head to their peaceful outdoor seating area by the creek to find a welcoming space filled with family-friendly comfort food.
The menu stays fairly consistent, but there are always options for those with dietary restrictions, standout dishes like fried deviled eggs and blackened shrimp and grits, and juicy burgers. Order the Monstrosity burger—it’s hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly well-balanced despite its size—then make sure to try the homemade ranch and the new butcher bowl special.
What’s the Scoop?
What’s the Scoop? serves up amazing ice cream and milkshakes with cute monthly themes like key lime ice cream and Harry Potter snacks, which means that in addition to a wide variety of flavors, cones, and sundaes, you’ll also find sugar-free options that are worth the visit alone.
Come for a treat after outdoor adventures like white water rafting or motorcycle rides and you can combine all of What’s the Scoop?’s strengths into a cool and tasty experience—or just show up on a late night and order a creative sundae creation, a classic milkshake, and some key lime ice cream for dessert. Either way, grab a few cones for the road the next morning.
Haywood Smokehouse
$ | (828) 631-9797 | WEBSITE
Haywood Smokehouse serves, well, amazing BBQ. And sometimes the brisket is so tender you don’t even need a knife—it just falls apart with rich flavor. These are the best ribs in Western NC (and burnt ends, if you want to be that person)—the meat is falling-off-the-bone perfect, and the portions are pretty generous. Try the pulled pork for something a little more classic, or get the Sloppy Chicken sandwich with tangy red sauce (it’s basically an artisanal BBQ masterpiece).
Then finish with the strawberry chipotle sauce or the baked beans for the full experience—though the beans can be a little too sweet for some. Inside can get a little busy with hungry customers during peak hours, but the friendly servers deliver meals quickly, and the atmosphere is great for enjoying your meal with a little Southern comfort.
Waffle House
$ | (828) 497-6226 | WEBSITE
You can technically order a full dinner at this spot near Whittier, but where’s the fun in that? The classic waffles are the real draw here, and most importantly, they’re delicious. Expect options like the standard golden-brown waffle, pecan waffle, and chocolate chip waffle. Most come with butter and syrup, and all of them taste like they came off the griddle four minutes before you sat down.
Waffle House also has a couple of hearty savory options that make a good meal—we like the ribeye dinner with all the fixings. The coffee is excellent, the staff is friendly even when it’s busy, and parking is easy. Sure, the place could use a deep clean in some corners, but with those prices and that hospitality, it’s hard to complain. Whether you’re local or just passing through, it’s a satisfying go-to spot.
Taco Bell
$ | (828) 497-1440 | WEBSITE
Equal parts drive-thru and dine-in, Taco Bell is a good idea at any time of the day. In the morning we’re grabbing breakfast tacos and coffee through the speedy drive-thru. At lunch, even more tacos, plus Mexican Pizzas and Chalupa Boxes from the friendly counter staff. And in the evenings, we’re bringing home an entire order to graze on while watching a movie.
Taco Bell has consistent service across locations, with the same menu and format—there’s a quick dine-in side and an efficient drive-thru lane where you can quickly get your order with a smile. It’s usually well-stocked, but visit during off-peak hours to ensure you don’t miss out on any popular items.
Osaka Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine
$ | (828) 554-1888 | WEBSITE
Osaka Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine’s Kani pockets are what usually gets us through the door, but we’ve never left without at least three pieces of sushi, most of which get eaten at one of the many dining tables or in the car before we make it home. Start with the hot plate teriyaki chicken and (at least) one Kani pocket, then grab whatever else looks good.
Their sushi has a lot of fresh fish in it, which means it should (theoretically) last a while in your fridge, so it doesn’t hurt to grab a little extra for later.
Arby’s
$ | (828) 497-9613 | WEBSITE
Arby’s is a popular fast-food spot known for its friendly staff and clean dining area. But instead of fancy sit-down meals, it’s all about quick sandwiches, crispy sides, and casual, snack-friendly bites enjoyed at a restaurant that’s conveniently located right near the road. On your way to the counter, take a look at the menu board that includes the Beef & Cheddar sandwich, chicken slider sandwiches, and other fast-food classics.
But don’t be too surprised if your usual order doesn’t hit the spot every time—the options are straightforward and reliable. Treat it as an opportunity to keep coming back until you can find that perfect pairing of roast beef sandwich and curly fries again.
McDonald’s
$ | (828) 497-3535 | WEBSITE
Even if you’ve never pulled into this McDonald’s, you’ve probably tried their fries. Half of Whittier grabs them on the go, and for good reason—they add that distinct crispy crunch to any meal. But stop by the restaurant itself, and you’ll see that it’s more than just golden fries. Inside, you’ll find breakfast biscuits, sausage gravy, chicken nuggets, and a large menu of fast food classics, mostly built around some form of convenience.
It’s also a drive-thru spot, so you can grab a couple of meals to go with your morning of quick service and friendly staff.
Angry Elk Brewing Co
$$ | (828) 507-2795 | WEBSITE
Angry Elk Brewing Co is the kind of laid-back brewery you’d expect to find tucked away in a mountain town, where people happily gather for the chance to see how hoppy an IPA can get. Inside, it’s cool and welcoming, with a friendly owner who learns customers’ names and preferences—usually offering 10-12 beer options, though sometimes just four during quieter visits.
Don’t miss their delicious Copperhead IPA, and be sure to try the wings and loaded fries from the food truck, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on the pup-friendly outdoor patio. There’s sometimes a resident dog jumping around this Whittier spot, but it adds to the relaxed vibe. Grab a beer and more snacks than you need—your mountain retreat will be better for it.
Huddle House
$ | (828) 586-3663 | WEBSITE
Huddle House has been serving up breakfast in some form or another for decades, so they’ve had plenty of time to get their pancakes, eggs, and hash browns just right. This isn’t the fancy brunch you’ll see plastered on social media—it’s more homestyle and probably cooked with an unreasonable amount of butter. It’s also a simple space—you’re here to grab your meal and enjoy it at the counter or in one of the cozy booths with that old-school diner feel.
We like the classic breakfast platter and the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, but they also make a solid bacon-egg-cheese biscuit if you’re in the mood for something hearty.
Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant
$ | (828) 497-0343 | WEBSITE
When you want plentiful Mexican food that also tastes good, head to Rancho Viejo Mexican Restaurant near Whittier. You’ll find fajitas for two that sizzle on the skillet and burritos that are good and big enough. The entire experience is kid-friendly and wheelchair-accessible. We like the salsa and chips here—they’re perfect and spicy—but if flavor is your primary factor, you’ll want the chori pollo with its different chorizo.
There’s ample parking, and the polite wait staff make it a great stop for a quick meal after a day of hiking. The food comes fast, hot, and flavorful, exactly what you need when passing through the area.