Welcome To TOWN
Rodgers Brothers is a fast casual, sports themed restaurant. It is the perfect venue to dine with the family or take in a game with friends. We provide dine-in, drive-thru,takeout and delivery service for your convenience. We serve All-American favorites including breakfast items, burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, pizza, fries, onion rings, shakes, cones, beer, wine and soft drinks. At Rodgers Bros, the quality of our food is a great source of pride.
2968 Old Cullowhee Rd Cullowhee NC
(828) 293-4426
www.rodgersbros.com
CREEKSIDE OYSTER HOUSE
Locally owned and operatedserving lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. We offer an array of seafood options, as well as non-seafood items. Whether you are looking for a burger or oysters on the half shell, crab legs or a steak dinner- there is something for everyone. We offer daily specialsThursday night is Prime Rib! Enjoy a craft beer in our casual bar area, provided with TV’s, or sip on one of our signature cocktails on our outdoor patio by the creek. Located on Main Street, Sylva with ample parking.
www.creeksideoysterhouse.com
LAZY HIKER BREWING SYLVA TAPROOM
Created in Franklin in 2015 and expanded to Sylva in 2019, the Lazy Hiker Brewing Company provides fresh craft brews, a family/pet-friendly taproom, and weekly events including live music. Partnered with Mad Batter Kitchen for food – you won’t be disappointed. Open daily at 11:30 a.m.
617 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. (828) 349-2337 www.lazyhikerbrewing.com
MAD BATTER KITCHEN
Visit our family & dog friendly venue located in historic & beautiful downtown Sylva. Our unique menu features grass-fed local burgers, hand-tossed pizza, wings, rice bowls, house-made breads, weekend brunch, vegetarian, vegan & gluten-free options. Enjoy Lazy Hiker craft beer, live music & our large outdoor patio.
617 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. 828-586-3555
www.madbatterkitchen.net
We believe that truly great meals are started on farms, finished in kitchens, and best enjoyed outside (preferably near a creek), so we created Foragers Canteen. Enjoy hot, fresh burgers with all the fixins, mouth-watering seasonal entrees, tantalizing twists on traditional tacos and salads, a full bar and rotating taps of local craft beers, and so much more. Seasonal hours vary. Need a caterer for your event? Whether you’re hosting a banquet or a ball, a wedding or a work-thing, adding Foragers Canteen to the guest list is as easy as calling or visiting our website and requesting a quote.
INNOVATION BREWING- SYLVA
Innovation Brewing is a family-friendly brewery and taproom offering an ever-rotating seasonal selection of beers, in addition to our tried-and-true mainstays. We also provide wine, cider, non-alcoholic drinks, and homemade ginger ale. Our pub sits beside Scott’s Creek, boasting a serene atmosphere. Enjoy weekly events like trivia, live music, and open mic nights, on our pet-friendly, covered patio or indoors.
Innovation Brewing
414 W. Main St., Sylva, N.C.
828-586-9678
www.innovation-brewing.com
INNOVATION STATION- DILLSBORO
Our second location, Innovation Station, is another scenic place to enjoy our rotating beer list while sitting creekside. It’s also great for hosting your next event—wedding receptions, birthday parties, and more. Here, you can enjoy a large, naturally-lit brewpub as well as a climate-controlled, pet-friendly, screened-in patio. We also have rotating food trucks that come by every day!
Innovation Station
40 Depot St., Dillsboro, N.C.
828-226-0262
www.innovation-brewing.com
We are located right in the center of all the Cherokee hub. Not far from downtown, shopping, and outdoor activities. We are the home of the 16-inch pizza, delicious burgers, phenomenal hot wings, pasta, sandwiches, chicken and more. We bring you nothing but the best and freshest ingredients. We are known for our high-quality food, guest service, and a comfortable atmosphere. We also offer dependable catering options. We opened Wize Guyz Express at 4732 US 74 in Whittier in 2024. 68 Big Cove Rd.
N.C. (828) 497-2838
www.wizeguyzgrille.com
HOTEL CASHIERS KITCHEN & BAR
Experience the perfect blend of upscale dining and casual charm at The Hotel Cashiers Kitchen & Bar! Savor a seasonal farm-to-table menu crafted from fresh, local ingredients, paired with signature craft cocktails and a curated wine list. Join us for unforgettable flavors and warm ambiance—perfect for any occasion!
7 Slab Town Rd., Cashiers, N.C. (828) 743-7706 www.hotelcashiers.com
THE WELL HOUSE DELI
Wonderful little sandwich shop hidden in the heart of Dillsboro. Soup, salads, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, and prime rib dinner Thursday & Friday. Open year-round Monday through Wednesday & Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursdays and Fridays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dine in or take out.
65 Craft Circle Riverwood Shops
Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 586-8588
THE CUT COCKTAIL LOUNGE
The cut cocktail lounge offers an ambience that’s unique and original. Our specialty handcrafted cocktails and mocktails are made with locally sourced ingredients, our kitchen offers a delicious late night selection, and we have an assortment of affordable domestic and craft beers, wines, and rotating specials! Come relax with us!
486 West Main Street Sylva, N.C. (828) 631-4795
HAYWOOD SMOKEHOUSE
Haywood Smokehouse has been voted the best Smokehouse Restaurant in N.C., and rated in the top 25 nationwide. We do BBQ right, the hard way, cooked low and slow on our custom built smoker. All of our championship rubs and sauces are made in house so that you get the highest quality possible. Sides are made from scratch daily with the finest ingredients and our tempting desserts are Southern style and irresistible! Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wed.,& Thur., and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 403 Haywood Rd., Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 631-9797
www.haywoodsmokehouse.com
BLUE RIDGE BOOTLEG COFFEE
(Pages 16-17)
Inspired by our region’s moonshining history and sounds of Nashville, Blue Ridge Bootleg is Sylva’s home for bold coffee and good vibes. We roast our beans fresh every day, specializing in coffees that are single-origin, organic, and produced under fair trade guidelines. Visit us on Main Street for your favorite espresso, delicious pastries, and live music from Matt King.
582 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. 828-307-2016 www.blueridgebootleg.com
Balsam Falls Brewing Co offers 36 taps of handcrafted beverages, from a variety of beer styles to ciders, perrys, meads, and seltzers. We also have an extensive wine list, offer monthly wine tastings, and make craft cocktails. If quenching your thirst is not enough, Balsam Falls Brewing has a full kitchen offering delicious upscale pub fare to satisfy your hunger! Come and see us. 506 West Main St. Sylva, N.C. 828-631-1987
www.BalsamFallsBrewing.com
If you are like most people, when it comes time to take a trip, one of the first things to consider is “can we take our pets?”
Many of our restaurants are pet friendly, allowing dogs on a leash to accompany their owners while you enjoy a cool beverage or warm meal. Often, they may make a friend or two as well.
Visit www.mountainlovers. com/restaurants-breweries for a list of outdoor dining venues and pet friendly restaurants and breweries. We have pet friendly brochures in our visitor center as well.
All pet friendly restaurants have pet symbols in this directory and on all ads as well.
Children’s chocolate classes a sweet treat
Baxley’s Chocolates in downtown Sylva celebrated its ninth anniversary in 2024. But it was also a year which saw the busines begin offering chocolate-themed classes to children. These private children’s classes were limited to 5-8 children per session. Each class lasted about 30-45 minutes and a responsible adult was required to accompany the child.
Baxley’s covers where chocolate comes from and allows the children to color or read while their chocolate creatios are setting up.
Classes included making pretzel rods, heart lollipops, bunny lollipops, cat and dog Oreos, chocolate bars, and much more.
For more information about classes in 2025, call Baxley’s Chocolates at 828631-3379, visit their Facebook page or their website at www.baxleyschocolates.com.
Celebrating over 30 Years in Sylva voted the Region’s Best Dinner Restaurant
(Pages 20-21)
Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
LULU’S ON MAIN
(Pages 20-21)
Just down the street from the courthouse is another Sylva landmark. Lulu’s has been at the heart of the hustle and bustle that makes Sylva buzz. Known for everything from hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, vegetarian stir-fry, to scrumptuous entree salads, and one-of-akind sandwiches, Lulu’s provides an outof-the-ordinary “award-winning” eclectic experience that will have you coming back again and again. We welcome you with appropriately spaced tables and covered outdoor dining.
678 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C.
828-586-8989 www.lulusonmain.com
Fireworks in Sylva FRIDAY
July 4 2025
Fireworks visible in Downtown at Dark Food TRucks
6:30-9:30 p.m. Bridge Park
Sylva keeps on rockin’
For the 16th year in a row, the Town of Sylva, Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department and Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will team up in 2025 to produce the Concerts on the Creek summer music series.
These events are held at the Bridge Park gazebo in Sylva every Friday from 7-9 p.m.
The 16th annual season will start on Friday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend) and end on Friday, Aug. 30 (Labor Day weekend). That will be 15 Fridays of Concerts on the Creek.
In 2024, Concerts on the Creek finished No. 6 in the US Today’s Top 10 Best Outdoor Concert Series events for 2024. Here is the 2025 schedule: May 23: Shane Meade & The Sound; May 30: Natti Love Joys; June 6: The V8’s; June 13: The SophistiCats; June 20: Mission Accomplished; June 27: Darren Nicholson Band; July 4: Fireworks with Gotcha Groove; July 11: Stella Rising; July 18: Ska City; July 25: Suns of Stars; Aug. 1: PMA; Aug. 8: Arnold Hill Band; Aug. 15: Dashboard Blue; Aug. 22: Tuxedo Junction; Aug. 29: Boukou Groove. These events are free with donations encouraged. Dogs must be on a leash. No smoking, vaping, coolers or tents allowed. Bring a chair or blanket. Food and beverages are available. For more information, please contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155, visit our Facebook page, or visit us online at www.mountainlovers.com.
3312 US Hwy 441 N., Whittier, N.C.
(828) 497-1015 • www.facebook.com/angryelkbrewingco
B & Al’s Grill
1558 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. (828) 586-5686 • www.facebook.com/bandalslunch
Balsam Falls Brewing Co
506 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C.
Baxley’s Chocolates
546 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C.
wraps, ciders (828) 631-1987 www.balsamfallsbrewing.com
truffles,
candy, gelato, ice cream (828) 631-3379 www.baxleyschocolates.com
Blue Ridge Bootleg Coffee
and 582 West Main Street, Sylva, NC 28779
delicious pastries. (828) 307-2016 Coffee Roaster. www.blueridgebootleg.com
Bojangles of Sylva
64 Walmart Plaza, Sylva, NC 28779 (828) 586-6529
https://locations.bojangles.com/nc/sylva/64-walmart-plaza.html
Fried Chicken,
Name/Contact Info Meals Spirits Specialties
Breadheads Tiki Shak
Appetizers, salads, bowls, 606 W. Main St., Sylva, NC 28779 sandwiches, burgers, desserts (828) 307-2160 www.breadheadstikishak.com
Catamount Jaxe
114 Market St., Cullowhee, NC 28723
Axe throwing facility with a full bar
and occasional food trucks, snacks, (828) 820-8055 www.catamountjaxe.com
City Lights Cafe
Outside food welcome
Crepes, paninis, soups,
3 East Jackson Street, Sylva, N.C. salads, baked goods (828) 587-2233 www.citylightscafe.com
Creekside Oyster House & Grill
Seafood, fresh oysters,
219 W. Main St., Sylva, N.C. steaks, specialty sandwiches (828) 477-4203 www.facebook.com/creeksideoysterhouse
Dalaya Thai Cuisine
1084 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. 828-477-4945 www.dalaya-sylva.com
Dillsboro Chocolate Factory
28 Church Street, Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 631-0156 www.dillsborochocolate.com
El Patron Mexican Restaurant
86 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. (828) 586-8805 www.elpatronsylva.com
Name/Contact Info Meals Spirits Specialties
Enloe House Wine Bar
Wine, cheeses, meats, fruit 78 Front Street, Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 226-7322 www.facebook.com/enloewinebar
Fany’s Island Kitchen
Dominican Street Food 1791 US 441, Sylva, N.C. (828) 646-1001 www.fanysislandkitchen.square.site
Fonda Cactus
Mexican Restaurant/Take out
200 Marsh Lily Dr., Sylva, N.C. tacos, quesadillas, omelettes (828) 508-5235 www.fondacactus.com
Fontana Village Resort
Local vegetables and meats,
300 Woods Road, Fontana Dam, N.C. baked goods, desserts (828) 498-2211 www.fontanavillage.com
Foragers Canteen
Seasonal entrees, sandwiches, 42 Depot Street, Dillsboro, N.C. salads, fresh bowls, tacos (828) 631-4114 www.foragerscanteen.com
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort
Various restaurants: Brio Tuscan Grille, 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, N.C. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Selu Garden Cafe (828) 497-7777 www.harrahscherokee.com
Haywood Smokehouse
403 Haywood Road, Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 631-9797 www.haywoodsmokehouse.com
Name/Contact Info Meals Spirits Specialties
Ilda
inspired restaurant highlighting 462 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. Appalachian ingredients and homemade pasta. (828) 307-2036 www.ildainsylva.com
Innovation Brewing
truck, craft beer on tap, 414 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. cider, seltzer. (828) 586-9678 www.innovation-brewing.com
Innovation Station
food trucks, 40 Depot Street, Dillsboro, N.C. craft beer, cider, seltzer. (828) 226-0262 www.innovation-brewing.com
Jack the Dipper Ice Cream Parlor
dipped ice cream, shakes, 170 East Sylva Shopping Center, Sylva, N.C. sundaes, waffle cones (828) 586-9441 www.jackthedipper.com
Kostas Express Restaurant
Continental cuisine 489 Haywood Road, Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 631-0777 www.kostasdillsboro.com
Lazy Bear General Store
Fudge 104 Front St., Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 356-6198 www.thelazybeargeneralstore.com
Lazy Hiker Brewing Taproom & Mad Batter Kitchen
pizza, burgers, 617 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. LH- 828-349-2337 rice bowls. MB- 828-586-3555 www.lazyhikerbrewing.com
Name/Contact Info Meals Spirits Specialties
Lucy in the Rye
612 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C.
Lulu’s On Main
Original plates with local and organic (828) 586-4601 www.lucyintherye.com ingredients, made from scratch bakery.
Gourmet seafood, chicken, pastas, vegetarian
678 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. cuisine, hand-cut steaks, sandwiches. (828) 586-8989 www.lulusonmain.com
Martha’s Place
553 West Main Street, Sylva, N.C. (828) 500-4170
Pinnacle Relief- CBD Wellness Lounge
55 Grindstaff Cove Rd., Sylva, N.C. (828) 508-3018 www.facebook.com/pinnaclerelief
Quirky Birds Bistro & Front Street Takeout
150 Front Street, Dillsboro, N.C.
Daily specials, hand-crafted cocktails
Ice cream, chips, sodas
Bar Sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, vegan (828) 586-1717 www.frontstreettakeout.com
Rodgers Brothers Restaurant Burgers, wings, chicken tenders, milkshakes, 2968 Old Cullowhee Rd., Cullowhee, N.C.
dogs, sandwiches, salads & breakfast items (828) 293-4426 www.rodgersbros.com
The Cut Cocktail Lounge
Craft cocktails, cocktails, beer & wine, Food til 486 West Main St., Sylva, N.C. late. Fancy Southern Gothic Vibes (828) 631-4795
Name/Contact
The Greystone Inn
Bar Breakfast buffet, salads, burgers, sandwiches 220 Greystone Lane, Lake Toxaway, N.C. duck, lamb, steak, and trout entrees (828) 966-4700 www.greystoneinn.com
The Rivers and Rails Tavern
Bar Burgers, tacos, sandwiches, salads, chicken
2 Dills Street, Dillsboro, N.C. dishes 828-354-0480, www.rnrtavern.com
The Well House Deli
65 Craft Circle Riverwood Shops, Dillsboro, N.C. (828) 586-8588
Ultrastar Multi-tainment Center Harrah’s Cherokee
Sandwiches, soups, salads
Bar Burgers, salads, sandwiches, entrees 777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, N.C. (828) 497-4201 www.ultrastarNC.com
White Moon Cafe
Bar Beer, Lattes, cappuccinos, smoothies, 545 Mill Street, Sylva, N.C. sandwiches, soup, breakfast items, (828) 331-0111 www.whitemoonsylva.com snacks, cocktails, natural wines
Wize Guyz Express
hamburgers, chicken wings, 4732 US-74, Whittier, N.C. sandwiches, take-out (828) 370-2084
Wize Guyz Grille
Pizza, hamburgers, chicken wings,
68 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee, N.C. sandwiches, take-out (828) 497-2838
Friends Night Out is March 27
The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce will hold its fourth annual “Friends Night Out,” event from 12-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at participating Jackson County chamber member businesses.
The event is intended to create an economic impact on the area and encourage sales on an evening during a traditionally slower time of the year. “Friends” simply shop at any participating chamber member retailer or food and beverage provider between the hours of 12 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 27 and purchase $25 or more at that business or at multiple businesses total. Then, “friends” bring their receipt(s) by the
chamber at 773 West Main Street in Sylva and register. The more you spend, the more chances you have to win 1 of 25 cross body bags or a gift certificate worth over $300. For each $25 worth of receipts you turn in to the chamber, you get one entry. So $50 gets two chances, $75 gets three chances, etc.
There is no other cost to participate. Most stores will have special promotions, sales and perhaps even some surprise treats. Participating businesses will be listed online closer to the date of the event.
For more information, contact the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce at 828-586-2155 or email JacksonChamberTeam@gmail.com.
Find your flavor with 19 distinct dining experiences, highlighted by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Wicked Weed Brew Pub, the Gordon Ramsay Food Market, and Guy Fieri’s Cherokee Kitchen + Bar, plus many more!
