Sylva NC to Bryson City, NC

Hi friends! We’ve compiled a quick guide to some of our favorite Bryson City / Sylva spots for a weekend in town. We’ve hosted a ton of friends and family since moving, so this is an ever-growing list! We also share these experiences and more about life here on our Youtube Channel The Greene Home 🙂

**Due to Covid-19, please call ahead to confirm hours, seating capacity, etc.**

THINGS TO DO IN BRYSON CITY & SURROUNDING WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AREA

COFFEE

There’s nothing more hygge than sharing a sweet cup of java. As remote workers and an author, trust us, we’ve been to all the coffee shops in town and nearby. Here are our favorites:

– IN TOWN –

Dolce Vita – A+ for ambiance, specialty coffee and lunch. Great for people watching all the downtown traffic with its big windows and small patio 😉

Mountain Perks – Amazing coffee and every bagel you can imagine. Also right in downtown, making it the perfect spot to watch the train or grab some java to go.

– NEARBY –

Cardinal Coffee – Your fastest on-the-go coffee option for sure! Conveniently located 5 minutes out of town right off the highway on the way to most hikes… and the coffee is so good!

The Farmhouse Mercantile & Coffee Bar – Dog friendly, locally-owned and a shop right next door, what else do you want? We love hanging out in this instagrammable coffee shop in Sylva.

White Moon – Great coffee right in Downtown Sylva. Locally owned by a sweet couple who’s always trying new styles and approaches to familiar flavors. Must try!

City Lights Cafe – All the good coffee and sweets here! Plus, they also serve wine and beer, and have a dog-friendly patio. Like books? There’s a bookshop here too! 📚

BREAKFAST

– IN TOWN –

Everett Street Diner – Southern breakfast at its finest. This family-owned restaurant is right in town and you’ll leave with a belly full of warm comfort food and a smile on your face.

Mountain Perks, Dolce Vita + City Lights (nearby) also serve yummy breakfast!

LUNCH + DINNER

– IN TOWN –

High Test Deli – The best sandwich you’ll ever have is served here! Pick it up to-go and picnic on The Blue Ridge, NOC or a trail! 🥪

The Bistro at the Everett Hotel – We recommend this spot if you’re in the mood for a fancy romantic dinner or night out with the family. Totally worth it. 🍷

Anthony’s – Located right across from the train, this is a great people-watching spot. Known for pizza and pasta! 🍕

La Poblana – Authentic Mexican food right in town! The tacos are out of this world, people. 🌮

Pasqualino’s – Great place to get pasta with the family right in town. Bon appétit! 🍝

Bryson city Outdoors (BCO) – Though this is a taproom, BCO typically has a delicious food truck parked right out front for some great casual dining. Call ahead to see which truck is pulling in for the day! 🍻🚛

Mountain Layers Brewery – The Rice Wagon food truck is permanently stationed at Mountain Layers! This amazing Hawaiian fusion is mouth wateringly yummy and can be enjoyed at the brewery or to-go! 🍻🚛

Nantahala Brewing’s Taproom & Burger Bar – Dog friendly patio with a big field, which is great for your kiddos and fur babies alike. 🍔

– NEARBY –

Big Wesser Riverside Pub at the NOC – Located at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, this casual spot is awesome for some lunch and brews facing the beauty of the Nantahala River! 🍻🌊

Osaka Sushi Bar and Asian Cuisine – This is our absolute favorite takeout option! The sushi is always freshly imported and we LOVE it. 🍣

Mad Batter Kitchen at Lazy Hiker – Located inside of an awesome brewery nearby, Mad Batter’s pizza is out of hand and they have a ton of other amazing bar food. 🍕

Dark Moon – White Moon’s day time coffee shop converts into a speakeasy-like cocktail bar with delicious bites by night! The ambiance alone is worth going. Great date night spot! 🌚

The Wine Bar & Cellar – Great ambiance, curated-wine selection (many of which are organic) and delicious bites. A must-visit for our fellow wine lovers. 🍷

Cosmic Burger at Innovation Brewing – Located in Downtown Sylva, this permanent food truck has been providing the best brewery in town with the best burgers (yes, even their veggie burger is seriously good!). Go have a pint and a burger. 🍻🍔

Pie Times – Also located next to Innovation in Downtown Sylva, this pizza is another awesome option to have with your brews! 🍻🍕

Dalaya – This is an authentic, hole-in-the-wall Thai food spot! This teeny restaurant sits only a few, so spots are limited. Call ahead! Great takeout option as well. 🍜

Lulu’s on Main – A great dinner spot when you want something delicious. Out-of-the-ordinary eclectic fare, great service in an edgy, retro atmosphere. ✌🏽

Lucy in the rye – Besides the amazing name, this is a terrific breakfast and lunch spot. Their comfort food as delicious as their fresher options. 🥗🥯

ILDA – AMAZING homemade pasta and epic wine selection. The atmosphere is definitely for a fancier night out and well worth the splurge. We highly recommend to treat yourself here! 🍝🍷

Creekside Oyster House & Grill – Oysters in a land locked town you say?! Yes… trust us, this seafood is fresh and delicious! It’s also right by the bay, which makes a beautiful scenic meal! 🦀🦪

Guadalupe – This quirky converted soda pop shop is now a small eatery with farm-to-table dishes! 🥑

Haywood Smoke House – Best. BBQ. In. Town. Go! 🍗

Speedy’s Pizza – Classic pizza without the pretentiousness. 🍕

BEER, WINE + COCKTAILS

– IN TOWN –

Bryson city Outdoors (BCO) – Beer and gear, that’s what this delightful locally-owned shop does best! You can sit on their amazing patio overlooking downtown or pick up your beer and wine to go. The rotating options are curated by locals who know their spirits! Plus, all the cool locals hang here. 😎🍻🍷

Mountain Layers Brewery – Brewed right here in town, this lovely locally-owned brewery has amazing views from their rooftop! There’s all kinds of great beers on tap constantly changing! 🍻🌄

The Bistro at the Everett Hotel – Cocktails and wine are specially crafted and curated here. A few great local brews available as well. 🍸🍷🍻

Unplugged – Here’s a non-pretentious lounge-style bar that’s perfect for a cozy cocktail and occasional live music. 🍸🎶

Deep Creek Winery – Locally-made wine with an amazing view! To be totally upfront, their wines are on the sweeter side (still tasty) and their hours are a bit strange so make sure to call ahead!

Derailed – All right folks, this is for anyone looking for a little dive bar and no nonsense cocktails (nothing fancy or hand crafted here). Good people-watching spot and you’re directly next to Anthony’s, so there’s another plus. 🍺

– NEARBY –

Innovation Brewing – Okay, this is hands down, the BEST beer we have in Western North Carolina (we would include every brewery in Asheville in this comparison). You’ve got two locations: Downtown Sylva (cozier location by downtown) and Dillsboro (a tad farther, also right by a river, much more spacious, great for dog owners and families). Do yourself a favor and go try their beer! 🍺

Lazy Hiker Brewery – Awesome atmosphere, great beer and pet friendly inside and outside! Live music and trivia nights too! 🍻🐕

Dark Moon – Speakeasy-like cocktail bar with delicious bites by night! Hand-crafted cocktails, great wine and a few brews available too. Amazing date night! 🌚

The Wine Bar & Cellar – Great ambiance, curated-wine selection (many of which are organic) and delicious bites. 🍷

The Cut Cocktail Lounge – This super swanky hipster spot has a cool ambiance and delicious hand-crafted cocktails. Their wine and beer selection is nice too. 🍹🤓

SWEETS

The Chocolate Shoppe – Taking a stroll through downtown? You must visit this adorable little chocolate shop. Everything is made locally. Pro tip: this is a great take-home gift… for people you REALLY like. 🍫😍

Soda Pop’s Ice Cream Parlor – This 1950’s style soda pop shop is the CUTEST place to grab sweets, take photos and spend time with the family. 🍦👨‍👨‍👦‍👦

SHOPPING

Local shopping is such a fun part of walking downtown! There are so many amazing locally-owned shops where you can pick up something to remember your time here by. 🛍

Bryson city Outdoors (BCO) – Need something for the outdoors? Or how about originally-designed apparel? Everyone we know has a BCO shirt. Go get one! 👕👚

One Twenty Main – How do we describe this shop? Run by local artist Ashley Hackshaw, this is her studio and a place she curates with interesting books, gifts and art pieces. Cris’ book Embrace That Girl is sold here and it’s where we do all our Christmas shopping!

Humanité Boutique – Locally owned. Great style. Shop hand selected, on-trend clothes, accessories and home decor here! 🧥

Southbound Marketplace – Clothing, jewelry and accessories! Also locally-owned 😉

OUTDOORS

Being outside and connecting to nature is the biggest attraction in Bryson City. Here are a few of our favorite places to be outside. From scenic spots, picnic areas to strolls and trails! Enjoy life outside. 🌲😎

– NEARBY –

Deep Creek – Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s known for its streams and waterfalls. Hikers can choose from several loop hikes leading to the waterfalls (ranging from challenging to very easy). Mountain bikers can take advantage of one of the few park trails where bicycles are permitted. Also, there’s picnic areas and camping! 🌲

The Road to Nowhere – How do we explain this?! Picture a scenic mountain highway that takes you six miles into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park… and ends at the mouth of a tunnel. Definitely worth seeing. 🌄🚧

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) – Great for outdoor adventures, like rafting, zip lining, tubing, paddling and more, or grabbing a beer and picnicking as you watch the white water rafters and AT hikers. This place is a must-visit. Sometimes there’s live music too! 🌊🚵🏽‍♂️

Darnell Farms – a true agritourism experience located in a beautiful mountain valley on the Tuckasegee River in town! This family-owned farm sells local produce and is open every day. Great place to walk around and there’s a picnic and park area for kiddos. 🍓👩🏽‍🌾

Lake Fontana – Often called “the best kept secret in the mountains,” Fontana Lake is gorgeous! Rent a boat, go paddling or kayaking and enjoy a lovely day in a lake surrounded by mountain views. 🚤🐠