Location: Cullowhee
Top Restaurants in Cullowhee
Top Things to do in Cullowhee
Where to Eat in Cullowhee: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Cullowhee /ˈkʌləhwiː/ is a census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 9,428 as of the 2010 census. The area known as Cullowhee has Western Carolina University, part of the UNC System, and the village/town of Forest Hills within its area. The Jackson County Recreation Department and the Jackson County Airport are also located in the Cullowhee area. The name of the town was long thought to mean "Valley of the Lillies," but is actually derived from part of the Cherokee phrase "joolth-cullah-wee" which translates as "Judacullah's Place." Judacullah, a giant warrior and hunter who the Cherokee believe lived in the area, is an important figure in their religion and culture.
Things to do in Cullowhee
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. Tuck's Tap and Grill
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By JensNC - Central Florida
Used to have decent pizza, okay menu and great salads. So inconsistent now, we had to stop going there. Out of "pinot grigio" (b/c they only buy wine in little cheap bottles) so they knowingly served me Moscato. I about spit. Guess they only want the college beer crowd and don't care about local families anyore.
4. Starbucks
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By ManateeFriends - Cullowhee, North Carolina
In the center of WCU campus, this Starbucks does a brisk business. It's pretty well managed and you can get in and out pretty quickly. Nothing special about this place - just a great location for students and faculty. We actually prefer the Einstein's Bagel for coffee, but hey, to each his/her own.
5. 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!
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. Cullowhee Cafe
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By WCUcody - Asheville, North Carolina
My wife and I are alums of WCU and back on campus for an event. Made our way to Cullowhee Cafe for breakfast. Each ordered pancakes which were very good. We reminisced about our our visits to the Cullowhee Cafe while we were students. Different location but fond memories.
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!
