The Banner Elk Cafe & Lodge is the town hotspot. The food is good (especially breakfast) the service is great, the servers are friendly, and with two kitchens both with there own menu there is something for everyone. The cafe has the best outdoor eating area in town. They just opened the new bar they have been constructing since last fall, and its by far the best bar in the county.
I will also say they also have a trained Chef who puts out some great specials. Pretty much the best place in the world after getting off the mountains! It's a bit confusing as they have 2 menus (American- breakfast/lunch style & Italian- more dinner style and wine) and 2 sides of the restaurant. Best tip about this place: 1 cocoa/mocha is enough for 2 people - it's HUGE and loaded with marshmallows!
I will also say they also have a trained Chef who puts out some great specials. Pretty much the best place in the world after getting off the mountains! It's a bit confusing as they have 2 menus (American- breakfast/lunch style & Italian- more dinner style and wine) and 2 sides of the restaurant. Best tip about this place: 1 cocoa/mocha is enough for 2 people - it's HUGE and loaded with marshmallows!
Reviews (25)
John Y.
Feb 03, 2022
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Banner Elk Cafe seems popular with both locals and tourists. Friendly service. They have 2 different menus, an American and Italian and large selection of local beers on tap and liquor. I got the country fried steak special with mashed potatoes and collard greens and did not disappoint! The curly fry with cheese and chilli appetizer is a must try as well!
Stephanie S.
Jan 30, 2022
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Okay so heads up!!!!! Read their website for hours. We never did get to eat here. Apparently there's a lodge, a tavern, and a cafe. All different hours. We were trying to get breakfast. Yelp and google showed open on Wednesday. they're not. Came across maybe 10 or more people attempting to eat on Wednesday, they were closed. Went to get breakfast on Thursday but missed it because it was after 11. We walked in and there's no hostess, no signs... we wander around to find the lodge portion got dinner menus at 11:05 and left... Read fine print.
Erin I.
Jan 29, 2022
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HORRIBLE experience overall. If you have an allergy DO NOT go. I have a gluten allergy (celiac) and it did not accommodate at all for a place with gluten free items on their menu. I was brought a salad with crutons, and politely asked for it be made sure it was gluten free and my actual salad came and I could visibly see the crumbs that they just picked the crutons off. And then I was brought pasta that was NOT gluten free and it had bread on the side after I continuously asked for it to be made gluten free due to my allergy. Finally the waitress basically forced me into getting the cauliflower
Tori E.
Jan 25, 2022
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Excellent, excellent, excellent! Our server's name was Miguel, I think. He took our table of 11 and as he took our orders, he did not write them down. Then, delivered each plate to our table without any mistakes! He kept our drinks filled up and was a really nice, chill, laid back kind of dude. Very polite too!
The food was great! No one had any complaints. All of the kids loved their food, as did the adults. This time, I ordered the Reuben with a side of collard greens and it definitely hit the spot! The corned beef came out thickly sliced and my only hang up would be to add a little more
The food was great! No one had any complaints. All of the kids loved their food, as did the adults. This time, I ordered the Reuben with a side of collard greens and it definitely hit the spot! The corned beef came out thickly sliced and my only hang up would be to add a little more
Natalia Giancola
Jan 08, 2022
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Genesis M.
Jan 02, 2022
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Anne B.
Dec 30, 2021
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Morgan A.
Dec 28, 2021
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Anicore
Dec 13, 2021
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Great family place to dine! I ate here on New Years Eve and was still seated promtly and given quick service. I ordered the Combo BBQ Platter, the pulled pork was phenomenal and the ribs fell off the bone. The wait staff was very attentive, quick, and friendly. Overall would definitely reccomend and dine here again.
Dru Malone
Dec 13, 2021
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Charlotte M.
Dec 07, 2021
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Good food and pleasant atmosphere, affordable. Some of the chairs could be replaced. Generally really enjoyed going here for a great burger or Italian sub. However, they are now charging 3% to use your credit card. And last time we visited we had discount card purchased for Avery Football team for 10% off. Waiter rung up on second ticket but still charged us full price on card. When husband called manager, she was rude and sarcastic. Won't be returning
Michelle C.
Nov 27, 2021
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Nancy S.
Nov 20, 2021
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Elizabeth Fitz
Oct 31, 2021
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The service was bad. The food was worse. I waited 50 minutes to get a sandwich that I couldn’t even eat. We were there at 10:50 and was told that I would need to wait for the breakfast items and then my order would be made. At 11:20, I was still getting excuses. Then I noticed that other people had lunch items. Of course said the waitress, they ordered from the kitchen that opened at 11. What kitchen???????? The waitress responded that she didn’t think I would like it. I wanted lunch, not breakfast. Why would I not like the lunch menu?????? She also never brought creamer or coffee refills.
Tom S.
Oct 25, 2021
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An inland plague ship. My daughter and I dropped in two days ago for coffee at the coffee bar. Restaurant was packed. Not one staff member was wearing a mask. Not one. The hostess, the only person sure to interact with every patron, had a VERY obvious respiratory infection, as she was coughing uncontrollably and sniffling. Another girl at the hostess station was swabbing her nose with a tissue. I've eaten here before and the food is pretty good. The duo playing music with Band-in-a-Box was passable.
For now, though, I'd avoid this place like the plague, because you're likely to
For now, though, I'd avoid this place like the plague, because you're likely to
Noel A.
Sep 21, 2021
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Max A.
Sep 15, 2021
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This is our go to spot when in Banner Elk. Never disappoints. Just to forewarn you, the place does get a little busy during peak season. We usually find a spot at the bar, grab a fine local craft beer and unwind. Interesting that they have two menu's with lots of choices. My wife usually orders the pizza and I have had pretty much everything on the menu. This review is focused on their pizzas.
My wife ordered a small Hawaiian pizza. The combo of ham and pineapple is excellent. I went with the Balsamic Chicken Pizza, honestly it was okay, really needed more balsamic, due to there
My wife ordered a small Hawaiian pizza. The combo of ham and pineapple is excellent. I went with the Balsamic Chicken Pizza, honestly it was okay, really needed more balsamic, due to there
Jeff Holmes
Aug 15, 2021
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John H.
Aug 09, 2021
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I've had two meals here; both were pretty mediocre.
I ordered wings, they were very big and meaty, cooked all the way through, but COLD on the inside (I guess they precook them and then heat them up). I ordered a burger, requested rare, it was completely overdone and dry.
I came back for breakfast; coffee was flavorless, eggs were supposed to be over medium (came out completely hard), bacon was overcooked and dry, biscuit was dry, pancakes were dry.
The management needs to train the cooking staff a bit better. Especially for the price paid.
I ordered wings, they were very big and meaty, cooked all the way through, but COLD on the inside (I guess they precook them and then heat them up). I ordered a burger, requested rare, it was completely overdone and dry.
I came back for breakfast; coffee was flavorless, eggs were supposed to be over medium (came out completely hard), bacon was overcooked and dry, biscuit was dry, pancakes were dry.
The management needs to train the cooking staff a bit better. Especially for the price paid.
Julia R. Barela
Jul 19, 2021
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I had a great dinner! I had the pecan crusted trout with fried green beans and lobster risotto. It was really tasty! I enjoyed the patio. There was a water dish for dogs. My doggie was tired from spending the day hiking, but good to know the patio is dog friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant. My server was super friendly. Oh, my cappuccino was perfect! Thanks for a great dinner!!!
Melanee B.
Jul 13, 2021
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The Banner Elk Cafe made an excellent eggs Benedict. It was perfectly poached, just the right amount of hollandaise sauce, and crispy hash browns. I also ordered a chai tea from their coffee menu, very well done too. Our waitress Amanda was excellent! She hopped right on things, managed multiple tables so easily but also went a bit extra. Amanda told me a little bit about the history, what the place is like at different times of the day; for example, they have an Italian menu and the American menu for dinner. She even went as far as getting menus so I could look at them to see the difference. She
Carolina A.
Apr 08, 2021
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This is one of the spots we went to in Sugar Mountain. Not the best or flavorable. In my opinion it reminds me of a Denny's breakfast. Very basic breakfast, but good. The hash browns were crispy and held a very homemade touch (my mouth is watering). Place was very cozy and the service was fast. Friendly staff.
Melissa Berg
Mar 27, 2021
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Excellent food and experience right in the heart of Banner Elk. We went for lunch after hitting up the Apple Hill Farm and on our way to the Alpine Coaster. We both ordered the Toffee Coffee and it was amazing!!! Great for families with kids and they even had TWO menus and 2 kitchens to choose from. The pretzels with beer cheese were also excellent! Food came out hot and fast. Kids also gave it 5 stars! Highly recommend.
Gary S.
Jul 21, 2020
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Chalk it up to the Coronavirus disruptions, but my chicken dinner spent way too much time in the oven drying up. Dry and tough, sorry to say. The corn bread and onion rings were the highlights of the meal, and tamed my hunger somewhat.
The server seemed nonchalant when I complained, but was pleased when I said the corn bread and onion rings tasted good. She wasn't trained, apparently, to bring a concern to the manager. Perhaps, a server who is, at least, able to get to work during these trying times is admirable. But 45 minutes to be served is a bit much for overcooked chicken. Maybe the
The server seemed nonchalant when I complained, but was pleased when I said the corn bread and onion rings tasted good. She wasn't trained, apparently, to bring a concern to the manager. Perhaps, a server who is, at least, able to get to work during these trying times is admirable. But 45 minutes to be served is a bit much for overcooked chicken. Maybe the
Kerry H.
Jun 06, 2020
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This place was unexpectedly fantastic! Great staff, AMAZING food! We usually try to stick with 4+ rated locations, but we were pretty hungry & decided to give it a try. What a pleasant surprise!
The inside is interesting, and we loved the indoor/outdoor area seating, some completely covered (very nice) and another beautiful outdoor patio with umbrella-tables. The 'rhodies' were in bloom (1st week of June) and it made it more beautiful sitting outside in the glow of pink flowers all around.
The staff is young, so I can guess how some reviewers prolly had issues during the busy
The inside is interesting, and we loved the indoor/outdoor area seating, some completely covered (very nice) and another beautiful outdoor patio with umbrella-tables. The 'rhodies' were in bloom (1st week of June) and it made it more beautiful sitting outside in the glow of pink flowers all around.
The staff is young, so I can guess how some reviewers prolly had issues during the busy