Coming up to Boone on Thursday through Rutherfordton and are looking to eat lunch there. Does anyone have a suggestion for a place to eat? BBQ, burgers, diner, sandwiches, anything goes. Thanks!

I'm not gonna say it's the best due to my lack of knowledge in dining experiences, but Scoggin steakhouse is owned and operated by my extended family. My dad and Grandpa are buried in Rutherford county.

Olive tree on Central st is a Greek/American restaurant but has fantastic burgers, wraps, etc. There is also Rutherford Thai adjacent to the courthouse if you're into that. It's some of the best Thai food I've ever had. If you're really looking for BBQ then you have to drive into Forest City to Moe's. But Moe's is no comparison to Pedalin Pig in Boone!

.... As great as Scoggins is, they're not open for lunch.

I’m not sure that Scoggins is open for lunch. Mi Pueblito is Mexican, or you can head over to Spindale to Barleys or Fat Tracy’s (pizza or bbq). Barleys is owned by an App Grad.

The Olive Tree is primarily Mediterranean, but also has a great selection of burgers, Phillys and such... Gregory's is our independent version of Applebys / Ruby Tuesday's, etc., just tons better. Either is a good choice, and not far at all off your path (Hwy 221, I assume). 221 is "Rullfton's" Main St.

Too bad Hickory Log BBQ in neighboring Forest City is gone. Back in its day they served quality pork with a genuine smoked flavor. A bite of their red slaw with it was marriage made in heaven. I always ordered the Que with no sauce. Oops, I realize this post does nobody else any good, but it helped me work through some separation anxiety issues

Mimi's Dairy-O! Heard good things about the Olive Tree. Suprisingly good bottle shop/bar across the alleyway from the Olive Tree. If you are coming up through Linville area, I'd drive an hour or so further past Rutherfordton and go to Hampton Grist Mill instead, which is in Linville, about 5-10 miles past Linville Falls.

Thanks. That's too far for lunch. We're going to stop off at the Defiant distillery so we want to eat around Rutherfordton.

Don't know if you're planning to do Defiant before or after lunch, but from there, you might want to consider Hwy 64 to Morganton, then toward Boone. Defiant is in the Sunshine / Golden Valley area, a ways from Rutherfordton. In fact, you would be better off time wise lunching in Forest City (or even Morganton). Not trying to complicate things... just two cents from a native!

Big Al's. Just a s small road side stop with simple staples but the prices can't be beat. Its been around for forever.

Thanks Booneboy. We won't be in too big a hurry and don't mind driving around a bit. What about Fat Tracy's in Spindale?

Our employees (and myself) do takeout there a lot. BBQ's their mainstay, and it's good... but the Pimento Cheeseburger is off the charts! As a plus, $1 PBR's, Natty's and Rolling Rocks (if you're interested)! You won't go wrong there.

Moe’s in Forest City is great for lunch. About 4 miles off 221. Quick service, reasonable price. GREAT wings.