Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Reid's Cafe

    4.1 (110 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Reid's Cafe Photos

    REID'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Reid's Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Holly K.

    Our favorite restaurant in Banner Elk!!!! Small town, with few restaurants, we weren't expecting to find great quality food. But we did. We ended up coming to eat dinner here twice, in two days (vacation was over after that). The name should probably say "bistro", instead of cafe and catering, to give the correct description of this restaurant. The ambiance inside (and the food) gives you a "bistro feel"- but we sat outside at a picnic table both nights because we brought our dog with us! The staff both nights was very friendly, with the entire team pitching in to bring you drinks and food, and checking on you. The cocktails at this place were unique, and well-constructed; my favorite was similar to a tart pisco sour!! They also have a wine and beer selection. For dinner, one night I ordered the steak of the day, which was ribeye, served with asparagus and potatoes. The steak was cooked perfectly, and was both juicy and tender. The second night I ordered the pasta of the day, which was casarecce pasta served with clams. The pasta was 10/10- the noodles were cooked al dente, the sauce was thick and flavorful, and nestled into each noodle really well. We also tried the snow crab and the NC oysters off the seafood menu, and the chocolate banana milkshake and the strawberry cloud/meringue off the dessert menu. All of those items were delicious (the strawberry dessert was my absolute favorite and I got it both nights). Really nothing but compliments to say about this restaurant! Every dish is flavorful, well-seasoned, and cooked nicely. Highly recommend and would definitely go again if I am ever back in Banner Elk!!

    Oysters with homemade seeded crackers

    Phenomenal experience from start to finish. Great selection of oysters with amazing homemade seeded crackers. Our bartender Eddie was fantastic just as on one of our previous visits. Cocktails were perfect. Main course of tuna schnitzel, yes schnitzel was outstanding. Cooked to perfection. My wife had halibut with broccolirabe and grits. The fish was tender and the sauce outstanding. We finished off the evening with homemade peach cobbler with blueberry ice cream. We frequently come here to get oysters and a couple of drinks and always end up staying for dinner. Menu changes about every three months with focus on local ingredients.

    If you are ever looking for anywhere in the High Country to dine make sure to check out Reid's Cafe. A hidden gem that provides high-quality, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients -- as well as fresh seafood, oysters, and daily specials. The drinks range from local beers to stunning cocktails, my recent favorite being the Chai Espresso Martini! The elegant unique ambience of the restaurant makes the meal even better and of course the staff always goes above and beyond! On the food menu we had the opportunity to try the Crab of the Day, the Buttermilk Biscuits, and the Tomato & Stracciatella. Definitely don't miss out on this new spring menu! If you love this place check out their sister restaurant the Beacon & other amazing locations including Betty's Biscuits & Pearl's Kitchen!

    Butternut squash soup
    Ashley B.

    Was having a beer at the Banner Elk Tap Room and the bartender said this was one of his favorite spots but their hours and days open vary so call. I'm a big Yelp person so when I was scoping out the reviews I was a bit hesitant based on the negative ones. Mainly this is a small town and a lot of things shut down in off season. I like good food and I travel frequently so I was hoping it didn't disappoint. IT DID NOT. It was a bit sleepy, but I also came in on a Thursday around 2. Sat at the bar. Didn't get the bartenders name but she was lovely. The soup of the day and the lunch entree I got were both PHENOMENAL. Perfect for a windy, chilly day. I won't hesitate to go back. Also, people complaining about pricing, I'm actually shocked. Unless they adjusted pricing. For the quality of food you're getting I actually found it affordable!

    Fish of the day  beautifully seared tuna, arugula salad and  andouille with risotto.
    Laurie A.

    Our new favorite restaurant!! Delightful staff, and amazing food and drinks! Great assortment of high-end bourbons! Great music! We started with the crudo of the day and one of the selection of oyster apps. Both were outstanding. The crudo started with fresh tuna, a bit of blood orange with some crispy bacon and a bright sauce. The entrees which were the daily specials were incredible. See the photos for descriptions. Foodie paradise! We don't know why we haven't been here before. We will be back over and over!

    Fried fingerling potatoes with aioli, pepper relish, and cilantro
    Ashley S.

    We stopped in for lunch on a Saturday and were offered seats at the bar because all their reservations had been booked. We decided to try the fried fingerling potatoes for an appetizer. My fiancé ordered the Little Fatty cocktail and the chipotle fried chicken sandwich. I had the gimlet with lime, grapefruit, and rosemary (don't remember the fancy name), and the tuna burger. Everything was fantastic! We were surprised at the homemade chips we received with our sandwiches. We wish we could return and try more dishes but unfortunately we are leaving on Monday before they reopen. Get reservations and go! We loved everything about this place!

    Maddie K.

    Went here this past weekend while in town with my family. Such a cute little gem of a restaurant! The cocktails were amazing- but they did take a little while to come out. Our service was great and the food was fantastic. Make sure you order their focaccia bread (not on menu- but a must order!) I got the special of the day which was a pasta dish- it was ok, but I tried my sisters pork chop which was TO DIE FOR! Definitely order that! I look forward to being back next time in the area. Also highly recommend making a reservation, because there is a dinner rush and it gets crowded!

    See all

    6 days ago

    food was delivered quickly, and it was delicious. Staff was very polite and courteous.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jo M.
    0
    32
    10

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chase K.
    160
    34
    8

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam C.
    0
    11
    0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Charming environment with nice people serving, unfortunately they are stuck with a chef who has more ego than talent. Inedible!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Peyton M.
    32
    55
    69

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allan S.
    160
    101
    4

    3 years ago

    Rude hostess. Plus, we are pretty sure she lied about wait time to get rid of us. She basically kicked us out. Very strange experience.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Iam A.
    0
    123
    54

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa W.
    9
    40
    81

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Great food. Great service. Def worth the stop on the way to the mountain! Highly recommend and will be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sara S.
    132
    46
    47

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Christine C.
    92
    340
    599

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Delightfully delicious. Interesting menu items and friendly staff. All in an adorable atmosphere.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Reid's Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Reid's Cafe

    Daniel & The Dog

    Daniel & The Dog

    4.0(4 reviews)
    10.9 mi

    We stopped by for a nightcap and dessert after a date night. The space is on the smaller side, and…read moretables close together, which gives it a very intimate and cozy feel. Note, however, that if you're looking for private secluded spaces, this may not be the spot. We were able to be seated immediately upon arrival, and our server was promptly by the table to go over the menu with us. We each ordered a cocktail and the skillet chocolate chip cookie. The skillet chocolate chip cookie arrived a bit before both of our drinks, which was a bit odd considering we had waited probably 15 minutes without drinks. As far as the cocktails, we ordered the Cynar Old Fashioned and the Buffalo Heard. The old fashioned was good, though I didn't notice the flavor of the Cynar at all. It was very dry, which I like, but may not be for you if you like a sweeter old fashioned. The Buffalo Heard was light and refreshing, with a nice bit of the bourbon shining through. Overall, the cocktails were quite good. It's a unique spot, and has a lot of potential. It appears they are still ironing out a few kitchen/bar/service kinks, but I think these are all small things. Look forward to visiting again soon.

    I think this place is great if you know what to expect. I ate at Daniel & The Dog at the wrong…read moretime! I had just ran a half marathon and was famished. So, the finger food options did not satisfy my appetite. However, that's not to say the food was casually good, and the vibe of the restaurant was classy and cool!

    Photos
    Daniel & The Dog
    Daniel & The Dog - Flat bread with birria meat.

    Flat bread with birria meat.

    Daniel & The Dog

    See all

    The Embers - Pork tenderloin

    The Embers

    4.2(31 reviews)
    8.8 mi

    I enjoyed our dinner here, but I wanted an upscale romantic restaurant, and while it came up in my…read moresearch, that's not how I would describe this space. The restaurant is right off the lobby of a hotel. There is a small bar, and it's a small, but open concept dining area and it is LOUD in there. I enjoyed the old fashioneds, I got one smoked and one not, they were both very good. We split fried goat balls, and then I got the southern style fried rice. I thought both had creative flavors but enjoyed the rice better. You have to be very committed to that type of cheese to eat more than one - they are intense. I think I'd rather eat on the patio than inside and enjoy the fresh air and music they had. Lastly, give yourself time to find parking, the lot was full and people were circling when we got there. We got really lucky with a spot after circling the block.

    Superb evening at this sleek and modern lounge and restaurant in the lobby area of The Embers…read moreHotel. We weren't expecting such a high level experience when we first booked a stay at this newly finished hotel. Classy cocktails, beers, plenty of wine variety, you name it. Went with the Old Smokey as a starter. An old fashioned kicked up a notch. The house smoked maple syrup and charred orange peal knocked his cocktail out of the park. I could smell that smoky flavor from the other end of the bar as it was being made. Bartender was super friendly and had some great mixology skills. We opted for apps all evening, but can't wait to come back and try some more of the menu. The homemade bread is a must. These puppies come out hot and steaming, with this amazing bacon butter to lather them in...outstanding! Our server also recommended the mushroom pate. Mushroom pate you say?! Yes, yes I do. One of the best pate's we've had in a long time. Super flavorful, creamy and smooth. And the homemade chips sticking out of it were the bomb! Then the goat cheese fritters...I had to battle my wife for these flavor bombs. This place is outstanding and not many people know about it...yet. Newly finished in 2024, this is going to be our go to when we want to be right in the heart of Blowing Rock.

    Photos
    The Embers - The Embers Restaurant opens both to the inner and outer serenity of Blowing Rock

    The Embers Restaurant opens both to the inner and outer serenity of Blowing Rock

    The Embers - Lemon roasted chicken

    Lemon roasted chicken

    The Embers - 2nd cozy fire in hotel lobby

    See all

    2nd cozy fire in hotel lobby

    The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop - Hickory Smoked Trout w/ Collard Greens & Mango Habanero BBQ Grilled Corn

    The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop

    4.3(517 reviews)
    8.9 mi
    $$

    I always love eating at The Speckled Trout when visiting Blowing Rock!…read more My family and I had a lovely lunch on the screened porch. We all ordered the trout, which was a perfect lunch portion. I appreciate that you can order trout in a variety of styles. The almond-crusted trout was superb! They also have a great beer selection, especially local brews to the NC mountains. Not only is their beer and food always great, but their service is always friendly. :)

    We spent the day exploring beautiful Blowing Rock and decided to stop by The Speckled Trout after…read morehearing so many great reviews. It absolutely lived up to the hype! We ordered the trout deviled eggs, the smoked trout Boursin, and split the cracked crusted trout lunch with Hoppin' John and smoked Gouda grits. Every part of the meal was delicious and perfectly prepared. The trout was fresh, flavorful, and the sides complemented it so well. The only thing I'd mention is that the smoked trout Boursin is incredibly rich. It's delicious, but if you're dining as a party of two it may be a bit much in flavor so you won't want to eat too many. We weren't able to finish it. Flavor was great but could have saved. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the service was excellent. I'd definitely recommend making a reservation, even for lunch, to avoid a long wait. We were lucky enough to sit outside on the patio on a beautiful day, and the atmosphere made the experience even better. We'll absolutely be back the next time we're in North Carolina!

    Photos
    The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop - Inside bar area

    Inside bar area

    The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop - Hickory Smoked Trout w/ Collard Greens & Fennel Potatoes

    Hickory Smoked Trout w/ Collard Greens & Fennel Potatoes

    The Speckled Trout Restaurant and Bottle Shop - Outside of the speckled trout

    See all

    Outside of the speckled trout

    Reid's Cafe - seafood - Updated September 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...