A Local’s Guide to Brunch In Boone
You’ve heard it time and time again: “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” Well, we’d like to respectfully make the case that brunch is the most important (and anticipated) meal of your entire week. Visit any, or all, of the following spots and you’ll know exactly what we mean.
Keep in mind that some of these restaurants have brunch-specific menus and some do not. Either way, each of these dining options has a mix of breakfast & lunch options for your weekend foodie adventures, and that’s brunch enough for us!
Rooted on King
Sunday, 10 am - 1:30 pm*
After a lively Saturday night in downtown Boone or your mountain cabin, some serious self-care may be in order. And who says brunch has to be unhealthy, after all? At Rooted, you'll find a menu filled with nourishing, organic ingredients that are as soothing for the soul as your stomach. The cozy café opened in partnership with Neighborhood Yoga in 2023, with the common goal of emphasizing a balanced lifestyle. Experience top-tier weekend wellness by starting your Sunday morning with a bhakti asana yoga flow at the adjacent studio and treating yourself to brunch at Rooted afterward. By the way, don't skip the chai!
Lily's Snack Bar
Saturday and Sunday, 12 pm - 4 pm*
From the team that brought some of the best burgers to Boone, Lily's Snack Bar should be your first stop if you're looking to have "A Real Cool Time" in a laid-back and inclusive environment. This quirky dive bar likes to have fun with its specialty cocktails, vegan-friendly entrees, and general tiki-bar-meets-adult-summer-camp vibe. For fans of reimagined brunch classics, try their McLily's Muffin (pictured above). If you aren't afraid to get adventurous, the delicious Brunch Corndogs will leave you thinking, "Why haven't I thought of that?" And the cocktails! YUM. Ultimately, it would be a crime to leave without ordering their famous potato wedges and taking a selfie in front of that iconic neon sign.
Sunrise Grill
Monday - Friday 7 am - 1 pm, Saturday & Sunday 7 am - 2 pm*
Get there early, order a latte from their coffee counter & prepare for a wait – this local favorite fills up faster than Kidd Brewer Stadium on game day. Once you take that first delectable bite into their specialty “High Country Hash,” you’ll realize what all the fuss is about. Fan favorites include any of their top-rated Benedicts (named the best eggs Benedict in the whole state, by the way), seasonal homemade corned beef hash, and the “Crunch and Munch”, which is their spin on a certain worldwide taco franchises’ trademarked supreme wrap with crunch. Point is, Sunrise Grill is consistently ranked as one of the best family-owned and operated brunch spots in the High Country for a reason.
The Local
Sunday, 11 am - 3:30 pm*
For those looking to enjoy an upscale brunch, The Local is a fantastic downtown option. Teleport to the low country with creamy shrimp and grits, finishing with beignets featuring a Carolina twist. Share a pitcher of mimosas with the crew while you pop locally-made cheese curds and people-watch from the porch. Above all else, don’t forget to start with the pulled pork nachos–no sharing necessary.
Everybody's Bruncheon Club
Daily, 8:30 am - 3 pm*
A favorite amongst college students, Everybody's Bruncheon Club is the brick-and-mortar venture from the cheese biscuit-obsessed minds that created Everybody's Loaded Biscuits. Delightfully retro and welcoming, this fast, casual brunch joint pairs the groovy vibes of the 70s with the modern conveniences of the 21st century. Enjoy house-made biscuits and gravy, a range of biscuit sandwiches (gluten free/vegan biscuits available!), breakfast tacos & burritos for a little southwest flair, and, of course, the beloved brunch cocktails we all know and love.
Canteen
Saturday and Sunday, 7 am - 2 pm*
Located in the recently-restored Rhode's Motor Lodge, the Canteen is serving up Appalachian-influenced brunch classics, like smoked trout on a local Stick Boy bagel. Whether you're staying at the lodge or not, this under-the-radar dining gem is worth a stop.
Melanie's
Daily, Breakfast 8 am - 2 pm, Lunch 11 am - 2 pm*
If you’re staying downtown, you’ll want to get brunch at Melanie’s. Even if you’re not staying downtown, you’ll want to get brunch at Melanie’s. The homemade apple butter is downright habit-forming. Multiple vegan and vegetarian options promise a delicious plate no matter the preference. On one of Boone’s beautiful bluebird days, snag a seat on their pet-friendly patio, fresh-squeezed Melanie’s Mimosa in hand. Sadly, they don’t take reservations, so get there early if you can. If not, shop around on King St. or take a walk through the Jones House while you wait. Trust us, this one’s worth it.
Vidalia
Saturday, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm & Sunday, 10:30 am - 2 pm* | Reservations recommended.
Arguably the best chicken and waffles in Boone, Vidalia features mouthwatering southern classics with a touch of sophistication. Enjoy the casual, yet upscale atmosphere while supporting North Carolina agriculture with their farm-fresh brunch offerings. (Click here to browse their updated menu.) And don’t skip out on the brunch beverages! The wall of wines may be tempting, but drinks like the Bloody Martin and the trendy Negroni Sbagliato will leave you satisfied and smiling. For our teetotallers, Vidalia boasts an extensive list of mocktails and other NA offerings sure to please.
Troy's 105 Diner
Friday & Saturday 7 am - 9 pm, Sunday - Tuesday 7 am - 3 pm, Wednesday & Thursday 7 am - 8:30 pm*
At this retro 50s-style diner, brunch is an everyday thing. Dine like an icon of the Golden Age with the “Patsy Cline Patty Melt,” or stick with familiar country breakfast options like Troy’s version of steak & eggs, the “Razzle Dazzle.” Troy’s has been serving up an expansive selection of down-home favorites for almost two decades; snag a barstool next to a regular and you may be lucky enough to catch an endearing oral history. One thing is certain: if you don’t order one of their mouthwatering milkshakes or bountiful banana splits before you leave, you didn’t get the full Troy’s 105 Diner experience.
*Restaurant hours are subject to change.
