Location: Sylva
Top Restaurants in Sylva
Top Things to do in Sylva
Countries
Most Popular Restaurants in Sylva
Sylva ("New Orleans of the Carolinas") is an incorporated town located in central Jackson County, in the Plott Balsam Mountains of Western North Carolina, United States of America. As of the 2010 census, the town had a total population of 2,588. It is the county seat, having taken over from nearby Webster in 1913.
Things to do in Sylva
1. 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!
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. 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.
4. 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
5. 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!
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Bogarts Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By filmmaker_jozef - North Carolina Mountains, North Carolina
One reviewer mentioned visiting this place in Cherokee... it's in Sylva almost 20 minutes drive from Cherokee, so who knows what he was reviewing?
I go here about twice a month. About a year ago this place got new owners. They started cutting corners to improve profits. Lower quality meats are obvious. Sometimes the cut is not what is ordered. Often food is overcooked. Many times deep fried foods taste as if the oil was old.
Generally way way too much breading on deep fried seafood. Service is impersonal unless you are one of their everyday pals.
Tables and seats usually not clean.
All in all, the place changed for the worse with the new owners.
9. The Well House Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Paladin28734 - Franklin, North Carolina
I've eaten here, off and on, for 15+ years. Tucked in among the craft shops, it's kind of hard to find (it's in the basement!), but that's OK. It just means fewer people waiting in line. And people DO wait in line every lunch because the food is that good. My favorites are the Rueben and the Triple Treat. She likes the chicken salad in the pita bread. I always get her pickle spear. Service is attentive and friendly. Prices are moderate but a good value for what you get. It's rumored to serve the best prime rib in western NC. I don't know, haven't had it yet, but we'll certainly be back to give it a try. I may have to re-review and give this place 5 green dots.
10. Speedy's Pizza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 128 reviews
Reviewed By wakecountyman - Raleigh, North Carolina
As a former "Road Warrior", with over 30 years of traveling for business, both domestically and internationally, I have eaten out probably over 10,000 times in 30 years.
I have eaten at dumps and dives, in third world countries, because that is all that was available, to 5 star restaurants.
OVERALL- Average at Best
Staff- 5/5
Good people working at this location, except for the male manager.
Food- 3/5
Nothing Special and Pizza isn't close to NY Style pizza, but probably good for up in the mountains
Restaurant- 2/5
Poor setup, nothing flows and is has 3 different areas.
Out Front- A canopy enclosed out front, in the parking lot, something you would see at an outdoor wedding, looks like a temporary tent.
Takes up probably 3-5 parking spots that they can't afford to lose.
Bar/Entrance Lobby
This is probably the worse set-up you can have in a restaurant. You enter front door and a small bar, with about 3-4 tables put in front of the register and ovens, so it is WARM, and the DIRTY window a/c unit NOT on, so I had to leave, couldn't take the heat.
Main Restaurant- Past the bar and down the stairs, like it belongs to another restaurant.
Internet- Big Fat ZERO!!!
They don't offer to customers, even though I found 2 systems in the restaurant. Ask waitress and she said he won't give out password because it slows the cc payment processing.
Parking- 2/5
NOT GOOD. A tight driveway, on way, to a small back lot, that is shared with the Dollar Store.
It is like the owner really didn't want you to have a comfortable or enjoyable experience. Well, he succeeded, I DID NOT ENOUGH MY EXPERIENCE AND WAS NOT AT ALL COMFORTABLE IN THE SAUNA HE CALLS A BAR AREA.
This is what you get when you DON'T have competition in the area, a sub par experience at best.
Don't waste your time, go down the street to Bogarts or if you want Italian, go over towards Bryson City, NC !!!
