Location: Dillsboro
Top Restaurants in Dillsboro
Top Things to do in Dillsboro
Dillsboro Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Dillsboro
Dillsboro is a town in Jackson County, North Carolina, United States. The town is a popular tourist location, at which visitors tend to stop on their way into the Great Smoky Mountains. The town of Sylva is located just one mile (1.6 km) east of Dillsboro and is the county seat. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad begins in Dillsboro and follows the historic "Murphy Branch" constructed in the 1880s. The population was 232 at the 2010 census.
Things to do in Dillsboro
1. Jack the Dipper Ice Cream
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Plenty of room inside and out for parties and fun with friends. Old fashioned ice cream parlor with NO TVs, just conversation and ice cream over a puzzle or a game of checkers. Family friendly and fun!
Reviewed By Micah P - Greeneville, Tennessee
We visited Jack the Dipper after being told that they have the best ice cream in the area. So, we finally tried them. We tried 3 flavors Butter Pecan, Key Lime, and Cappuccino Caramel. The butter pecan was below average due to its lack of flavor compared to other butter pecans. The key lime flavor had the right idea but once again, it too lacked flavor and was exceptionally creamy. Finally, the cappuccino caramel flavor was good but not great. It needed a more intense coffee flavor. Overall, this place is okay but not great. It is well overrated by the locals due to it being the only ice cream store in the area.
2. Haywood Smokehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Haywood Smokehouse knows barbecue! We are proud to serve the best Texas-style barbecue outside of Texas. Not a boast, just the truth! Our premium specialty meats; fresh, house-made sausages, house-made sauces and fall-off-the-bone ribs and smoked brisket will have you coming back again and again. Or enjoy our melt-in-your-mouth smoked pork or Turkey breast. Our family-friendly place features daily lunch and dinner specials and a Sunday Brunch that will knock your socks off. Too busy? We have take-out and catering too. So grab an ice cold Shiner, sit outside on the deck and enjoy the best of Texas right here in Western North Carolina. Haywood Smokehouse is the Place to Meat!
Reviewed By SnFlwr25
Rarely does my husband, who ran the BBQ circuit in years past learning the ropes from his father, not find fault in the techniques and flavor of our road trip BBQ finds which typically evoke a disapproving shrug from him. Today was a rare occasion on which we found a place that received a nod of approval. Flavor filled brisket is what we enjoyed accompanied in a sweet red sauce that was surprisingly subtle so as not to take away from the bold brisket. The side items we selected were the brisket baked beans and Nana’s sweet slaw. Both received two thumbs up from me and a sweet smile from my man. Kudos, Haywood Smokehouse! We will be back to try the remaining cleverly captioned items on your menu.
3. Innovation Brewing
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 167 reviews
Reviewed By Jay H - Cullowhee, North Carolina
The beer is good and plentiful, the food truck is amazing, the service is great and friendly. The space is currently too small but I think they are expanding. It’s also a very popular place so it’s often crowded. If you like that kind of thing then this is your place!
I would appreciate some pints that were a little cheaper or some specials. $5+ pints add up!
4. Dillsboro Chocolate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By WillWrite2Travel - Cullowhee, North Carolina
Get your chocolate fix here. Great espresso and coffee, this is a locals favorite. They have a friendly staff and like serving travelers. They have a nice section of brochures about local activities and places to stay. Locally owned and operated, which is always a plus for me.
5. Sylva Convenient Market and General Store
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Proudly brewing Signature Brew Coffee and lattes. Bagels, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls. Serving local beers on tap, bottles and six packs. Window seating to watch traffic plus secluded seating in the rooms in the back. No, it is not an "adult establishment" with rooms in the back.
Reviewed By Daniel S - Cherokee, North Carolina
This is the relocated Signature Brew location. It has snacks, and local made pastries. In addition to having it's own self roasted coffee on site. The owner is always happy to help the locals as well as tourists passing through with their needs. Be sure to stop in and get your picture with the Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri sign which is on site. ;)
6. Lulu's on Main
Overall Ratings
4 based on 293 reviews
From certified black angus handcut steaks, to fresh North Carolina seafood, to vegetarian tofu stir-fry, to pasta salad ala greque, Lulu's on Main is known for its out-of-the-ordinary eclectic fare, great service, and consistency, provided in an edgy, retro atmosphere. Embracing its place in the heart of the downtown Sylva, North Carolina since 1989, the restaurant reflects the local atmosphere and welcoming spirit that makes Sylva hum. Chef Devin McCardle was trained in the classic French style at the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont and has over 13 years of varied experience. He has moved all over the country learning different cuisines, and specializes in fresh seafood, farm-to-table items and hormone-free, humanely raised proteins. His attention to fresh, local and imaginative cuisine is inspired, and locals and visitors alike enjoy his take on lunch and dinner. A martini bar inside the restaurant offers mixed drinks as well as beer and wine. In addition to two large dining areas, the outdoor patio is a welcome spot to enjoy downtown Sylva during warmer weather. Learn more about Lulu's on Main.
Reviewed By Tupelo010835 - Denton, TX
Three of us had a wonderful meal here last week. Each of our meals (steak, tuna and ravioli) were superb. The service was spot on but not fussy. The place has a bit of a funky vibe that nicely complimented both the meal and the overall experience.
Will definitely return.
Highly Recommended
7. Kostas Family Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 596 reviews
Reviewed By GrannyOakley - Brasstown, North Carolina
Kostas is a *really* reliable place to eat so when I couldn't get into another place (I use a wheelchair and Kostas is fully accessible), I decided to go to Kostas and glad I did! They had Thai shrimp on the special and it was just delicious! I asked for rice rather than fries with it (having fries with Thai just seemed weird), and it was perfect!! The service was, as usual, outstanding. Julie was friendly and attentive without being intrusive and their sweet tea is wonderful. All in all an excellent experience, again! Efharisthow!
8. The Inside Scoop
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Tom F
We visited the Inside Scoop shortly after it opened, and if our experience was any indication, it will be a huge success. This is their second store, with the original being in Sylva, NC.
I was attracted to the store by the collection of antiques and collectibles, but we soon realized that the ice cream bar was going to be irresistible. As I looked around and picked up a couple of nice items to take home for the grand kids, the others in my party were ordering ice cream (double scoops in cups). But I couldn't resist the special brownie topped with ice cream, nuts, whipped cream and a cherry. It was a wonderful treat for a true chocolate lover.
The owner of the store was very friendly and helpful, and we truly enjoyed our visit, and I am sure you will enjoy yours!
9. Guadalupe Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 150 reviews
We ate here twice while on vacation in the mountains of NC, and both times our meals were wonderful. ... We were very impressed by the cooking and commitment to serving fresh, locally grown and organic food - and actually surprised to find such a place in a very small mountain town.
Reviewed By wrobin - NC
Right in the downtown "historic" district. Cute little organic mexican style menu. Not your typcial "Tex-Mex" all unique items with awesome flavor. Very freindly staff too! Small seating space - so perhaps call ahead.
10. Boots Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Step back in time with the laid-back, Old Western feel of Boots Steakhouse. We take pride in offering our guests the most fresh, highest quality food available on the Market. We invite you all to kick up your boots and relax while we create your dish from scratch. Enjoy the 19th Century atmosphere and sip on a hand crafted cocktail while your meal is being specially prepared. This is a place for exceptional food, fun, family, friends, entertainment, and gatherings. Please keep in mind that our food is made to order from scratch so our preparation is not equipped for a "quick bite" except for our delectable hors d'oeuvres. For an extremely pleasant dining experience, we implore you to come to Boots. You may come here as guests, but you will leave here as Family!
Reviewed By fatdad828 - Waynesville, North Carolina
Hands down! the best steak in WNC. We had heard a rumor of a good Steak House in Dillsboro, so we set out across the Mountain to see for ourselves. I was extremely pleased with the size, tenderness, and flavor of my ribeye. No Heinz...MoreThank you for your kind words! We work hard for every guest to have the same experience as you! Please do come join us again and enjoy our wonderfully crafted specials that Chef is so eager to share with our guests! Thanks again!
