My wife an I are heading into Boone tonight and staying at the Horton. I'd made reservations as The Artisinal in Banner Elk, but my wife doesn't want to drive that far. Any recommendations for dinner on the higher end in Boone? I'd seen Joy Bistro, wasn't sure if that was good or not. I'd like to avoid dining alongside college kids if possible.

and we love Gamekeeper, but have decided against going there this time.

Joy Bistro is actually very good. Also, Bistro Roca in Blowing Rock isn't as far as BAnner Elk.

Vidalia is a short walk from The Horton on King St and not typically a student hangout.

most college kids are gone right now. shouldn't be too much of a concern.
probably further than you want to go, but Suba's in Mtn. City is probably the best nicer (food wise anyway) place around. Probably not much more than 20-25 minutes from king street. Great steaks, pasta, some seafood, and amazing desserts. If not this time, give it a try soon.

The local on howard street is a decent place too, and I agree with the Vidalia suggestion

We love Peddler, but that's mostly because my wife loves ribeyes.

If you want walking distance, Cobo (really good Sushi) or Vidalia's.

Joy is very good.

If you're thinking Artisinal level dining, I would think the Gamekeeper and Bistro Roca are the only remotely close recommendations. Joy is nice, but is in a strip mall sort of. Subas is fantastic food, but not the atmosphere of Artisinal if that's what you're after. If you're just looking for quality food, any place named so far will not disappoint, though Vidalia isn't my favorite.

NattyBumppo'sRevenge wrote: ↑

Tue May 14, 2019 11:02 am

My wife an I are heading into Boone tonight and staying at the Horton. I'd made reservations as The Artisinal in Banner Elk, but my wife doesn't want to drive that far. Any recommendations for dinner on the higher end in Boone? I'd seen Joy Bistro, wasn't sure if that was good or not. I'd like to avoid dining alongside college kids if possible.

Ditto on Vidalia and Bistro Roca. Can't go wrong with either.

If you go to Roca and the hair on the back of your neck stands up and a cold chill runs down your spine--it's because those old "Antlers" walls hold lots of secrets from times gone by--both before and after alcohol sales were legal in B.Rock and Watauga Co.

http://www.bistroroca.com/antlers-bar/

Casa Rustica on 105 is good. Pretty nice Italian place.

Don’t worry about Joy being in a strip center. Look at the menu.

Rekdiver wrote: ↑

Tue May 14, 2019 7:21 pm

Don’t worry about Joy being in a strip center. Look at the menu.

Joy over Vidalia every time. Artisnal is an Elite restaurant, Joy comes close on the food but not the overall atmosphere and appeal.

asu2000 wrote: ↑

Tue May 14, 2019 8:00 pm

Rekdiver wrote: ↑

Tue May 14, 2019 7:21 pm

Don’t worry about Joy being in a strip center. Look at the menu.

Joy over Vidalia every time. Artisnal is an Elite restaurant, Joy comes close on the food but not the overall atmosphere and appeal.

True about Artisnal....but you can’t cook atmosphere! If I was staying at the Horton I’ll take the short drive for excellent food.

appfanjj wrote: ↑

Tue May 14, 2019 5:32 pm

Casa Rustica on 105 is good. Pretty nice Italian place.

Totally agree, appfan. Only drawback is that last time I went, seating was minimal. Pricey but good Italian cuisine..

Has anyone stayed at the Horton or gone to the rooftop bar? Heading up this weekend for a fishing trip and tossing around the idea of some rooftop bourbon one night.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Taqueria El Paso along 105 - THE best authentic Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. Very small, but the food is nothing but pure Mexican food

Makoto's Japanese - Excellent Japanese food & the sushi bar is to die for

Also, stop by Boone Saloon or Portofino if you're looking for a relaxed bar with great music.

yosef13 wrote: ↑

Wed May 15, 2019 7:24 am

Has anyone stayed at the Horton or gone to the rooftop bar? Heading up this weekend for a fishing trip and tossing around the idea of some rooftop bourbon one night.

The rooftop bar at The Horton is awesome. I can tell ya in 1973-74 when it was just a roof a lot of nefarious evets occurred......It's been christened.

Should have kept those Artisanal reservations, it is the best in the area.

Gideon Ridge, Bistro Roca and the Gamekeeper are all great but are a tier below. Joy looks great but I've never been so I can't give a personal recommendation.

Honestly the higher end food choices are better in Blowing Rock than Boone. Bistro Rocca, Storie Street and The Best Cellar are all quite good.