This was not what I was expecting -- in the best way possible. I came here with a friend who had visited the previous location before they moved, and I can confidently say this experience delivered exactly what I needed. First, let's address the only downside: my burger was slightly overcooked. The server was very kind and attentive, but by the time she came back around to check on us, it felt a little late to send it back. I decided to remove the meat and enjoy the rest of the burger -- and surprisingly, it was still very good. My only hope for next time is that everything comes out cooked exactly as intended. Now for the positives -- because there are plenty. The wait time was excellent. We didn't have to wait for a table, and the food came out in a timely manner. That level of efficiency definitely adds to the overall experience. This restaurant is clearly operating at a high level. The location is great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and everything feels well-managed. You can tell there's pride behind what they're doing. We ordered The Goat Burger with Crispy Buttered Taters and started with the Fried Deviled Eggs. The fried deviled eggs were a standout. They had a salty base with a slight kick of heat, and the pickled onions brought in a sweet, tangy balance that elevated the dish. The salty-sweet combination worked beautifully together. A strong appetizer choice. As for The Goat Burger -- aside from being slightly overcooked -- the flavor was impressive. The patty was well seasoned, and the fried goat cheese paired with bacon created a rich, savory profile that complemented the crispy buttered taters perfectly. Everything worked cohesively on the plate. Even after removing the meat, the toppings and structure still delivered strong flavor. The food was absolutely worth the money. I left feeling full and satisfied without feeling overly heavy, which is always a plus. This is a place I will go back to again and again. I would confidently recommend it to others -- great location, good food, good people, and solid service. They also offer wine and beer for those who want to enjoy a drink with their meal. Overall, a very strong experience. I'm looking forward to coming back -- and next time, I'm hoping everything comes out cooked perfectly. read more

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Came to town for my older daughter's college tour at WCU and looked up foragers on a previous visit and looked up the reviews so decided to bring the whole family +1 and give it a try. The layout of the restaurant is very homey with the Green velvet love seat by the door in the waiting area. It seems very casual with mostly family's and a few couples at the bar. When we arrived there was a short wait so we walked out to admire the Jackson County Courthouse on the hill across the street. After our brief walk our table was ready. We had my wife, son 2 daughters and the oldest one's boyfriend who goes to WCU. We started with the fried deviled egg and cheesy prosciutto croquettes for an appetizer. Big fan of the tomato jam and croquettes so much that I saved the remaining portion for my Gouda grits. They have a wide variety on the menu so everyone found a meal they would enjoy. My wife got the motherclucker chicken sammich with a salad, my youngest daughter got pasta Alfredo, my son got the Rueben, I ordered the fish tacos with Gouda grits and Karlea and Tristan got a basic burger and fries. Other than being messy, my fish tacos were tasty with the slaw and blueberry composite. My wife liked her chicken sammich even though it was at the edge of her threshold for spicy. Brody enjoyed his Rueben but the seasoned veggies were a bit bland. Forager seems like a Sylva staple that will stay on my shortlist. Cheers! read more

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Shrimp and grits were traditional and spot on. We also got the prosciutto and cheese croquettes. They were very disappointing. What I assume was prosciutto but could've been ham....hard to tell as it was tiny little pieces of pink dots and the cheese wasn't an ooey gooey type, which would have been good. it was more like someone got the ingredients and made a tight ball, deep fried it and made a weird solid interior. That said, shrimp and grits were very good and waitstaff was also. I better experiences with their food at the old location, so I'm not sure what changed. read more

Goat burger and red snapper sandwich were DELICIOUS!! Great atmosphere, friendly staff, will be back

This place is very clean, has great staff and a great mountain vibe. I ordered the Blacksmith Salad with Steak. And it might be THE BEST SALAD I've ever had. I ordered with both Green Goddess dressing and Raspberry Vinaigrette to try both. Both dressing worked well. Steal was tender and well seasoned. Goat Cheese was smooth. And all the greens and tomatoes were fresh. read more

Foragers Canteen - Blacksmith Salad with Steak - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

They opened this location just two days before we visited. We came around 5:30 and they had plenty of seating. By the time we left the place was packed and had people waiting. Apparently, the locals were excited to come! They had a large selection of beers on tap (unfortunately, nothing from Innovation Brewing). My bride ordered the Blueberry Pecan Trout ($24) and absolutely loved it! I went with the Shrimp & Grits ($19) and it was tasty. Salty Sweet Potato Tots were pretty good. Service from Stephanie was very hospitable! read more

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I've eaten here a few times now and I can't say nice enough things. The servers/management etc are always extremely friendly. The food is delicious. The drink selection is also great and reasonably priced. I make it a point to eat here a couple times each time I visit the area. read more

Foragers Canteen - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

We dropped in for an early dinner on a Thursday afternoon. We were seated on the deck overlooking the river. Peaceful and pleasant. Ordered Fish and chips and a bowl of shrimp and grits. Both were delicious. We each enjoyed a refreshing drink as well. The slaw was delicious with its sweet tangy bits of Apple. Service was superb and we will be back. read more

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The food here is really tasty and the vibes are really cool. The inside is spacious and there is also an outdoor seating area. The servers are friendly and quick. The price here is slightly on the higher side. Most things on the menu will range from $15.99-$20 read more

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We had been to the old location in Dillsboro a few years ago and enjoyed it so we decided to stop in here today on the way to drop the kiddo off at WCU and so glad we did! Between the wood finish on the walls,the gorgeous greens painted throughout and the decor you almost feel like you are in a forest! The menu is good too with plenty of variety offering everything from salads,burgers and fish as well as full bar, beer and wine options. Our server was friendly and competent, making sure we had everything we needed and orders were accurate. The appetizer of the day was Fried pimento cheese and corn bread hush puppies and they were mouth watering perfection! We had the Foragers chicken, depot burger and smokehouse burger. Everything was cooked to our requests, food was all fresh and delicious. Parking is a little weird as they don't really have a parking lot but there is plenty of parking around the area. The location is beautiful, set right on the river.We will absolutely be back again when it's not raining so we can sit out and enjoy the view! read more

From the outside this place looks like a nondescript building along the Tuckasegee River next to Bridge Park in historic downtown Sylva, NC. But inside the interior is casual, warm and welcoming, as are the staff. We had lunch outside on the deck overlooking the river. They had the heaters on even though it was a warm enough December day we didn't really need them. The wait staff were friendly and efficient. They took our beer and food order, with the beers coming out quickly and the food coming out in about the time you'd want to enjoy the beers, the river and conversation before eating. We had the PBCB Toaster sandwich and Sweet Fire BLT Tacos. The sandwich had ample portions of both corned beef brisket and pork belly, complemented well by the wilted spinach, horseradish sauce and gruyere cheese, and served on pressed sourdough. It was excellent! The tacos were also good-sized, with lots of their signature sweet tea chicken, greens, tomatoes and a great chipotle ranch sauce. The chicken was very tender. The way it was cooked and the taste reminded me of my grandmother's fried chicken, which was fried, but then finished in the oven to make it more moist and seal in the flavors. The tacos were very good. But the star of the show was the (upgraded chef sides of) crispy, not-too-smashed, skin-on fingerling potatoes with herbed butter and parmesan cheese. The outside was smashed just enough to make them perfect for getting nice and crispy and holding the herbed butter and cheese. The crispy outside skin tasted amazing. The soft inside was also very tasty. These potatoes are a must-have if you go here. One of the best ways to prepare potatoes that I've had in a restaurant, especially as a sandwich side offering. If you're looking for a great place to eat in Sylva with great food, service and comfortable ambiance, this place definitely should be on your short list. read more

Foragers Canteen - Sweet fire BLT tacos (front) and PBCB (pork belly corned beef) toaster sandwich (back), both served with crispy smashed fingerling potatoes - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Stopped in at Forager's on our way to Asheville and was surprised to find this place busy at 3pm on a Monday. The restaurant had a great outdoor seating area and nice decor inside. But the food is what really shined. The goat burger and Brussels sprouts was delicious and the rest of our meals were amazing as well. read more

Foragers Canteen - Goat Burger with Brussels sprouts - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Sometimes you just happen upon a place in small town Western North Carolina that is a true gem. Parking is a bit tricky but once inside everything is fancy and new. The hostess seemed a bit overwhelmed but once we were seated our waitress Stephanie was 5 stars. The spectacular sprouts appetizer is as advertised. Brussel sprouts sautéed in a maple glaze were delicious. The pecan crusted chicken was delicious. The reuben was delicious but I would add a touch more sauerkraut and dressing. The decor is unique and there is a really cool map of the area on the wall. read more

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This was the best food we've had in a very long time and the service was amazing. We will definitely be back.

Good food and a variety of options on the menu. It offers vegan options too if you would like. There is an amazing riverside view if your sat outside. read more

I came in for lunch and honestly, their menu was more intricate that I was expecting, which isn't bad at all! I was just looking for something light. I got an appetizer instead. I got the Elote Scallops. It was good, but definitely still on the heavy side. This spot would be perfect for a dinner/date night rather than an afternoon spot. Service was great. read more

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TLDR: Dog friendly and fried deviled eggs! We sat outside with our dogs which was great. The service was slow but I think that may have been due to us, at the time, being the only group outside. The hamburger was good. The sprouts were entirely too sweet for me. The deviled eggs though...I could have just eaten a couple dozen of them. If for no other reason come here for those! read more

Foragers Canteen - Fried deviled eggs! Er.mer.gerd! Amazing! - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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Four of us went here for brunch on a Sunday morning. We were seated immediately which was a nice surprise. Good sized brunch menu had something for all of us. Vegetarian daughter ordered the Forager Fix. They let her substitute two sides instead of a side and a protein. I ordered the Green Goat omelette and husband the carnivore omelette. Daughter's boyfriend ordered one of the bowls. Service was a bit slow but the place was busy and we were not in a hurry. Portions were generous. My eggs and daughter's eggs were way too salty. Crispy potatoes were very good-- cooked perfectly. I would definitely try this place again for lunch or dinner. read more

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I love love love this restaurant but I am soooo disappointed they are only open until 8 pm. I am generally visiting for a reason such as seeing a show at Western Carolina, which means I almost never can get there before they close now, I swear I used to eat there before and it was a later closing time. I do remember awesome brussels sprouts and some kind of a grilled cheese to die for read more

We went because of the reviews and left looking forward to our next visit to this fantastic restaurant. We were able to get riverside dining which the staff were very accommodating with a specific table we requested. Ordered the trout the waitress suggested and hubby ordered the shrimp and grits (he's extremely particular). We both absolutely love our dishes and look forward to our next visit! The back deck ambiance was perfect to end a long day with the sound of the water to relax us. read more

Foragers Canteen - Beautiful flowers in front of their courthouse! I forgot to get pics of the food! - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

When we went this time, it was their summer menu. They are about to switch to their fall menu. Will definitely be back to try the new items and drinks. read more

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We had dinner on 19JUN2025. We were seated immediately and then greeted by our waitress Hayden. Since I travel for work, I have had both good and bad wait staff. Hayden was wonderful and not only was she good at her job, it was obvious she enjoyed her job. She suggested food options for us that were good choices. My mom had fish and chips. The fish was crispy outside and tender inside and not greasy at all. The fries were crispy. My wife had the pasta with seafood, which was very good. I had the bad motherclucker with sweet potato tots. The tots were good, but the chicken sandwich was the star. The chicken breast was huge, crispy, and tasty. Many thanks to Hayden and Foragers for a great meal! read more

Make sure you're seated on the deck alongside the creek! Such a peaceful atmosphere with a beautiful mountain stream. The food is excellent, highly recommend the sweet potato tots as a side (w/ cinnamon/sugar). Food came out fast. Interior is beautifully decorated and a welcoming atmosphere. read more

Foragers Canteen - Creek seating view - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

This is our go to favorite place in Sylva. Every time we go it's a 5 star experience. We are hoping our visit on Friday was from growing pains of moving to a new space. It took an hour for our food to be served. Some of it was cold when it arrived. The waitress was super sweet, but inattentive and didn't seem concerned about our wait time. The food was ok. Hoping to change this review with another visit sometime this summer. read more

Ordered the steak burritos and were some of the best burritos I have had. Got the tater tots with cinnamon which were also great. Food came out at an average pace, no lines and constant water refills. Place felt nice just a little cold. read more

Foragers Canteen - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Farm to table fare with salads, tacos and sandwiches. They also have brunch specials on the weekend. Outdoor patio as well as indoor seating. Everything was fresh and delicious! read more

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I would highly recommend stopping in. Our service was excellent, very attentive and pleasant. The menu has many options. Our vegan person got mushroom tacos and was pleased with the meal. Everything was plated nicely, refills before you need to ask etc. The grits are not grocery store variety, they are thick, smooth, yellow and flavorful. read more

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Foragers Canteen is one of my favorite restaurants in the Sylva area to eat at. They moved from the train depot in Dillsboro to downtown Sylva since we have visited last. The location on the river is lovely, however it was too cold to sit outside this evening. The food is always tasty and made fresh to order. I have had almost everything on the menu over time. Tonight our table had The Foragers Shrimp & Grit, Black Rock Beef Medallions and Alfredo ala Foragers. The shrimp and grits were creamy and nice a nice balance of cheese with andouille sausage and shrimp, however they forgot to bring the bread. The house made Alfredo had a nice herb taste and the amount of chicken compared to pasta was good. Everything about the Black Rock Beef Medallions was perfection. The beef was tender and the flavors were balanced nicely. That will be ordered again. From past visits, some of my favorite are; the cranberry vinaigrette dressing, Steam Engine Steak, Sweet Fire BLT, The Bluegrass Chicken and the Piggy Planks. The service tonight was a little slow, but the food never disappoints. read more

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We were seated quickly and kindly. We had two excellently crafted burgers with adventurous additions. The side of fingerling potatoes -- totally with the drive to Dillsboro! read more

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Ambiance was pleasant and enjoyable . We had burgers. They were tasty . Prices were average . Service was spot on!

Stopped by for lunch on the way to Asheville and was really pleased with our choice. On the way end we ran into a couple that was leaving with "to go" boxes and asked them what was good. The woman suggested the "Blacksmith Salad" with chicken declaring it was the biggest and yummiest salad ever, especially with the homemade green goddess dressing. The man said the "Street Corn Tacos". He said he ordered an extra taco but had to take it with him. The cafe is rustic with s very laid back atmosphere. They have a full bar. The cafe has seasonal menus and claims to be farm to table sourcing a lot of their ingredients locally. I took the man's advice and ordered the Street Corn tacos which had shrimp as a protein and mom went with the Steam Engine tacos which had beef tips as the protein. Both were very tasty but I'd give the edge to the shrimp tacos. My side of collards was fresh and tasty but mom didn't care for the sprouts. She did tell our server and wasn't charged. Since I still had several hours of driving, I ordered coffee which was good and hot even mid afternoon. Overall we really enjoyed our meal and would happily eat there again. read more

Foragers Canteen - Street Corn Tacos and Steam EngineTacos, sides collard greens and roasted Brussel sprouts - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

My cousin and I ate there last November. I had the fried deviled eggs they were simply delicious, she had a salad and shared my eggs with me. For dinner she had The lamb shank she said that it was cooked perfectly, just the way she liked it. I had really amazing shrimp and grits, they had smoked gouda cheese and spices. Our server was such a nice young man. He made sure our drinks stayed full, he took our empty plates when we finished with them. Inside the restaurant it was relaxing, we were able to sit up front so we could see the people walking by. We really enjoyed this restaurant. Shannon Goodson read more

This brunch was everything. I got Foragers omelet with grilled onions and it was delicious with potatoes and pancake. Server, Chandler, was excellent and very attentive. We sat at the window high seats to enjoy the view outside. Highly recommend and would definitely come back. read more

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The food was awesome - the trout was over the top - the butcher bowl was hearty and great - bartender friendly and helpful - their blond ale rivals any other - will be back again read more

Fabulous food and a memorable table next to a bubbling brook! This has to be one of the best restaurants in western North Carolina. Don't miss the fried devil eggs! read more

This restaurant is closed. Went by there last Thursday night and it was lights out. Sign on the door said closed March 1 2025.

We are visiting from out of town & stopped to eat lunch here. The staff was very friendly and prompt. I got the grilled chicken sandwich and it had great flavor! My daughter got a side salad and ate a good portion of it. My niece also the kids pancake and bacon and ate both of them! Everything was delicious & we will definitely come back when we're in town again. We also love that the restaurant was big on farm to table. read more

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I came back two days later and had another great meal. This time I started with the Black Pepper Shrimp & Crisps and had the Cajun Cobb salad as my entree. Both very good. read more

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One of the best burgers I've ever had. Greens were great as well. Definitely a must if in the area.

We have visited Forager's Canteen with family, or just the two of us, several times. This location can be very busy, especially when the train delivers a crowd. At other times, you can just walk right in and be seated. The decor is eclectic, the atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the food is good. read more

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