Highlands is a place where natural beauty and great food come together. There's something special about enjoying a meal outside, with the fresh mountain air and beautiful views all around you. Whether you're a local or just passing through, outdoor dining here is a must. From casual to upscale restaurants, Highlands has plenty of spots where you can enjoy delicious food in a beautiful setting.
CASUAL SPOTS
4118 KITCHEN + BAR
64 HIGHLANDS PLAZA
828-526-5002
LUNCH & DINNER
Enjoy your meal on the quaint patio at 4118 Kitchen + Bar. It's perfect for both lunch and dinner, this outdoor space offers a relaxed atmosphere. The small outdoor dining space can make your dining experience feel like you have the spot all to yourself.
THE BLUE BIKE
423 N. 5TH STREET
828-526-9922
BREAKFAST & LUNCH
Start your day with breakfast or enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Blue Bike’s outdoor seating area. Located on N. 5th Street, this spot is ideal for savoring a meal in the fresh mountain air while watching the world go by.
DON LEON’S
462 DILLARD ROAD
828-482-1513
LUNCH
Take in the peaceful surroundings of Dillard Road while dining on the patio at Don Leon’s. This cozy lunch spot offers a serene escape, making it a great place to enjoy a midday meal outdoors.
FOUR65 WOODFIRE BISTRO + BAR AT OLD EDWARDS INN
465 MAIN STREET
828-787-2990
LUNCH & DINNER
Four65’s elegant outdoor dining area offers a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort. Nestled right on Main Street, this wood-fired bistro invites you to dine al fresco while enjoying their artisan pizzas and gourmet dishes for both lunch and dinner.
FRESSERS COURTYARD CAFE' & CATERING
470 OAK STREET
828-526-8847
LUNCH, DINNER & CATERING
Relax in Fressers' charming courtyard, a hidden gem behind Kelsey-Hutchinson Park. Ideal for lunch or dinner, this outdoor space is perfect for enjoying fresh food in a unique little spot.
HIGHLANDS BURRITO
226 S. 4TH STREET
828-526-9313
LUNCH
Grab a quick, delicious bite on the outdoor patio at Highlands Burrito. Located on S. 4th Street, this casual spot is perfect for enjoying a flavorful burrito while taking in the lively Highlands atmosphere.
HIGHLANDS SMOKEHOUSE
595 FRANKLIN ROAD
828-526-3554
LUNCH, DINNER & CATERING
Highlands Smokehouse offers a large outdoor dining area where you can enjoy their delicious barbecue. With ample seating and a laid-back vibe, it’s the perfect place for lunch or dinner with family and friends.
LOS VAQUEROS MEXICAN RESTAURANT
30 DILLARD ROAD
828-482-7040
LUNCH & DINNER
Enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine in the outdoor seating area at Los Vaqueros. Located on Dillard Road, this vibrant spot is ideal for a lively lunch or dinner experience.
MOUNTAIN FRESH GROCERY
521 E. MAIN STREET
828-526-2400
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER & PREPARED FOOD
Mountain Fresh Grocery’s outdoor dining area offers plenty of picnic tables to enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a leisurely meal, this Main Street location is perfect for casual, everyday dining.
THE TERRACE AT OLD EDWARDS INN
445 MAIN STREET
LUNCH & LIGHT FARE
The Rooftop Terrace at Old Edwards Inn and Spa offers stunning views, an open bar, and cozy seating in a sheltered, open-air setting, with live music every Friday from 6-8 pm.
THE SECRET GARDEN
208 N. 5TH STREET
828-305-7509
LUNCH, BEVERAGES & CATERING
Tucked away in the courtyard behind Kelsey-Hutchinson Park, The Secret Garden’s outdoor space lives up to its name, offering a tranquil setting to enjoy lunch and beverages. It’s a peaceful hideaway in the midst of Highlands.
THE UGLY DOG PUBLIC HOUSE
294 S. 4TH STREET
828-526-8364
LUNCH DINNER & OCCASIONAL LATE NIGHT
Kick back and relax on the outdoor patio at The Ugly Dog Public House. With a lively atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for a casual lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack.
UPSCALE SPOTS
LAKESIDE RESTAURANT
531 SMALLWOOD AVENUE
828-526-9419
DINNER
Dine by the water at Lakeside Restaurant, where the serene outdoor setting enhances the fine dining experience. Enjoy dinner as you take in the picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
OAK STEAKHOUSE AT SKYLINE LODGE
470 SKYLINE LODGE ROAD
828-526-4008
SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH, DINNER
Oak Steakhouse offers an elevated dining experience with its scenic outdoor terrace at Skyline Lodge. Whether for a weekend brunch or an elegant dinner, this outdoor space provides a setting with panoramic mountain views.
ON THE VERANDAH
1536 FRANKLIN ROAD
828-526-2338
DINNER
On the Verandah lives up to its name with a stunning outdoor dining space that overlooks Lake Sequoyah. Enjoy dinner in this serene environment, where fine cuisine meets the beauty of nature.
PRIME HIGHLANDS STEAKHOUSE
310 MAIN STREET
828-526-3555
LUNCH & DINNER
Prime Highlands Steakhouse’s outdoor dining area offers a comfortable setting right on Main Street. Ideal for both lunch and dinner, this patio provides a perfect spot for enjoying a steak while people-watching in the busy downtown area.
THE RUFFED GROUSE TAVERN AT HIGHLANDER MOUNTAIN HOUSE
270 MAIN STREET
828-526-2590
SUNDAY BRUNCH, LUNCH & DINNER
The Ruffed Grouse Tavern offers an outdoor space that’s perfect for Sunday brunch, lunch, or dinner. Nestled on Main Street, its perfect for enjoying views of town and dining in a picturesque setting.
THE STUBBORN BULL
445 N. 4TH STREET
828-200-0813
LUNCH & DINNER
The Stubborn Bull’s outdoor seating area is a welcoming spot for lunch or dinner, offering a laid-back yet refined atmosphere. Located on N. 4th Street, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family next to the peaceful Mill Creek.
THE WINE GARDEN AT OLD EDWARDS INN
445 MAIN STREET
828-787-2525
LUNCH & DINNER
Dine in the scenic Wine Garden, surrounded by lush greenery, a patio-side waterfall, and a bar offering craft cocktails, premium wines, and Southern classics.
WILD THYME GOURMET
343-D MAIN STREET
828-526-4035
LUNCH & DINNER
Wild Thyme Gourmet, is located in Town Square, truly in the heart of Highlands. It's the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or intimate dinner while enjoying the hustle and bustle of Main Street.
WOLFGANG'S RESTAURANT & WINE BISTRO
474 MAIN STREET
828-526-3807
DINNER
Wolfgang’s outdoor patio provides an elegant setting for a fine dining experience. Located on Main Street, it is ideal for a romantic dinner or a special night out in a garden-like setting.
Outdoor dining is seasonal and may be unavailable during the winter months.