The food is always wonderful, the Tartare specifically is to die for. Having been here several times, our experience tonight was the best so far due to the exceptional service provided by Mila (hopefully I spelled this correctly). She was personable, provided excellent recommendations and was just a very enjoyable person and we wanted to shout her out! read more

Celebrated a birthday here. Great southern American ambiance. Service was friendly and generally attentive. Our food came out with great pacing. Bread, 2 small plates, and 2 larger plates were more than enough for 3. Everything was tasty. Focaccia was fresh, toasty, and buttery. Plump mussels, tender monkfish. Duck slightly dry. Small surprising flavors in all the dishes (including curry, coconut, rosemary, saffron). Chocolate cake (complimentary) was fine, I just prefer a softer warm cake to a cooled harder cake. On par with other upper scale/casual NC spots. read more

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Wandering Black Mountain - ended up here for lunch. Didn't want heavy, just something light to tide my friend and I over until dinner. There was a little wait but we took the opportunity to wander more shops until we got the text message that our table was ready. It's a repurposed gas station which is pretty cool. Both indoor and out door seating - we chose indoors of course. Us Californian's aren't used to the cold. We sat in the what looks to be the bar dining area. I say that with some confusion as I don't know if this is a bar that serves food or if it's cafe with a bar. Anyway, service was friendly but missing. Our server, I noticed was everywhere but our table. I flagged down other team members who were assigned to other tables because we just couldn't seem to find our server. Refills. I had to ask someone else. To go container. Had to ask someone else. The bill .... get the pattern? And when service is lacking, explained why my soup was warm. Maybe it's not supposed to be piping hot, but had it been any colder, I would have sent it back. But when you're starving, like I was - anything is better than waiting. I wanted some condiments for my club. Gave up as I couldn't find the server and again - was hungry. So, it lacked a bit of the kick I wanted but otherwise, decent portions (ingredients) and tasted decent. I would have probably enjoyed the fries had they were hotter, but again - any colder and I would have sent them back. Still cleared the table as I was hungry. I was visiting from out of state so it's doubtful that there will be a return visit so I'll just say that hopefully if you go - you'll experience more attentive service that my friend and I did. It'll probably make your experience an enjoyable one. read more

I visited here in a group of 8 after we finished hiking nearby. We sat outside. We ordered around 2:25pm. I got the steak and eggs and my son got the French toast. I also ordered the lavender lemon drop. Everything was amazing with no complaints. Someone ordered Brussels sprouts as an app which came at 2:40pm. It was tasty. We all enjoyed the meal and the drinks. Staff were hospitable and we had an enjoyable experience. We came closer to closing time and they had extra biscuits, which they gave us for free. They were SO GOOD and huge!! We were able to split the bill equally and even pay online, which was so convenient! I'm sure we would return again next time we're in the area! read more

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Everything about our dining experience was wonderful. Sam, our server, was helpful and attentive The food was so flavorful. I would highly recommend. read more

The Pure and Proper is an amazing restaurant in Black Mountain. It has taken over an 80-year-old building that was a service station. They took over the Pure Oil Service Station and renovated it into the restaurant. I didn't realize how popular this restaurant was but I scored a seat at the bar. It was a nice area to dine. I went with the Eggs Benny as how could I pass up my favorite brunch dish. It was prepared the usual way but it was anything but the normal eggs Benedict. It was outstanding but I'm not sure what made it so much better than others. Was it the ham used, the hollandaise sauce, the English muffin? I'm not sure but I loved every bite. I saw that they had desserts so I knew I had to try one of those too! I was debating with the carrot cake and the chocolate torte. The Chocolate torte won out and I loved that too but I couldn't finish it. I will have reservations when I return in September as I will want to eat a few meals here. I want to try more dishes on the menu although I'm not sure I could pass up the Eggs Benny. read more

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Came here with two other GenX brunettes and we had such a great time with fabulous food and drink. Spendy for the area, but very reasonable compared to prices on the coast. Lovely ambience, too. read more

This was the perfect location for a post-graduation lunch. The interior was bright and nicely decorated which added to the dining experience. Our waitress was sweet and the service was up to par. There was a set lunch menu and it didn't have that many options so this might not be the best place for people with lots of food allergies. I ordered the crispy chicken sandwich (without bacon and sauce) and it was fine, pretty standard but nothing special. The mustard that I asked for on the side was the spiciest mustard I've ever had in my life which was a very painful and unpleasant surprise to my tastebuds. Overall, I loved the vibe of this restaraunt, I'm not sure if they rotate menus but if so, I would come again to try out a different one! Just beware the mustard. read more

The Pure and Proper - Chicken sandwich - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Loved it! Really enjoyed the creative small plates. Tartar, pork belly, Brussels and fried chicken were all delicious and different from what most places do with those dishes. Service was great, and the re-purposed space looked fantastic. Definitely worth a stop in western NC. read more

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Came for Sunday Brunch and was NOT disappointed. Actually pleasantly surprised. As you enter, its warm and inviting. The staff was super friendly and walked us to our table downstairs. Large, wide staircase to a small basement with just a few tables made it intimate and quiet. There is outsoor seating as well. The coffee was hot and tasted great not bitter. The waitress was super nice and asked us the question we haven't been asked- are there any food allergies I need yo know about- that was a small thing but meaningful amd stayed with us. The biscuit and gravy was phenomenal! I always ask for salt and pepper but this didn't need it. The biscuit was huge and perfectly fluffy not heavy or greasy. Eggs over easy were perfect too. The steak and eggs were almost too pretty to eat but I assure you, I may just have to come back to get this dish again. Steak perfectly cooked amd so full of flavor- awesome dish!! The crab cakes though, they were NOT full of fillers like bread crumbs or eggs. They were full of crab meat and flavor- not fishy either. Just amazing. The peaches eggs were cooked perfectly and the hollandaise sauce was the perfect topping . We ate slow because we didn't want the brunch to end. They even finish keeping with the car theme and served the bill in an old warranty booklet. Please go and keep them in business as I will tell ALL of my friends! Coming back for dinner, soon! read more

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Today we celebrated my daughter's birthday and she chose The Pure and Proper, in Black Mountain!!! it was an absolutely delicious and wonderful experience. It was a bit crowded when we arrived and we decided to wait for a table. We waited a very short period of time and it was so worth it. As it was my daughter's birthday and we were waiting, the staff prepared her a birthday mimosa and me an unsweetened iced tea as we waited. We were seated very quickly and in a lovely area ( there are several) so that we could look and see all around us. The menu was fantastic. I have pictures of the menu for you to check out. Our waiter was fantastic. He answered every question gave us suggestions on items that he really enjoyed and just couldn't have been more charming, he really added to the experience at the restaurant. The food tasted exquisite.. I chose a Mexican inspired dish, my only complaint was there was no sour cream to go with my crunchy Dancheros dish. However, the chef did put sliced avocado on top of my dish, which I enjoyed immensely. The flavors were popping like little bombs in my mouth! It was a very unique take on a Mexican inspired dish with a Novell twist. My daughter chose the Shrimp and Grits and raved about it. Both of us adored our meals. There wasn't an ounce left!! I chose the Tres Leches cake another Mexican inspired, but completely unique Tres Leches cake. It was definitely the best Tres Leches cake I have ever tasted and I've eaten a few!! My daughter's cake was based on red velvet cake and was not on the menu but something created for Sunday Brunch. Both desserts were beautifully presented. as you can see from the pictures. Both were light and delicate yet bursting with flavor. My daughter and I enjoyed every minute in this restaurant. The service was wonderful, our waiter was delightful. We interacted with both the owner and several other employees who all were fun and gracious making our first time meal even more pleasant. This is a unique and lovely little place that you must try. Perfect for a Sunday brunch a date night or even bring the children on the patio if it's not too hot outside. It's a bit expensive but I say it's worth every penny. Sir, if you're looking to impress the first time date, this is the place. You will definitely get lucky with the food LOL. The food, the ambience and the service were all worth the cost and then some. Please go up to Black Mountain and try The Pure and Proper. You will not be disappointed. read more

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Oh my. Best meal of 2025 by far. We ate every bite of every dish placed in front of us. I've ever been so satisfied after leaving a restaurant. Our server, Sara, was great. I wish we didn't live 7 hours away. We will be talking about this meal for a long time. The roasted mushroom dish was the most surprising. It was so savory and creamy. All mushrooms and carrots are ruined after it. My favorite of all was the duck confit. UGH. Perfection! read more

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What an amazing little restaurant! We did the Chef's table and enjoyed talking with the chef. Food was to die for. Can't wait to go back. read more

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This was our favorite lunch spot in the greater Asheville area! We stopped by after a long hike in the Black Mountains en route back to Asheville and we're glad we did. The ambiance was wonderful as was the location, easy walk to other shops, and the food was delicious! We got the Avocado Toast, which was the best Avocado Toast I've ever had, and the Double Burger. They also have some great mocktail choices as well-the Grey Gardens hit the spot. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Highly recommend The Pure and Proper. read more

The Pure and Proper - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

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Wow! Where do I start? The food was top notch, the wait staff are very attentive, and the ambiance is lovely. If you're up for a fancy meal, look no further. read more

Went in on Friday for lunch at 11, got seated outside right away. Ordered the steak sandwich, duck confit grilled cheese, and a side of fries. The steak sandwich was huge and wonderful! Which it had a bit more horseradish cream. The duck confit grilled cheese was to die for. Hubby could not stop talking about it all day! Fries were steak fries, and upon looking at them I was disappointed. However they were delicious! Crispy in the outside and creamy inside, as well as perfectly seasoned! Service was great, and loved how you could pay with a QR code, super fast! read more

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OMG! SOOOOO GOOD! My husband and I were in town for the Fourth of July and this restaurant was so good we came back again before we left. The food was unique,fresh and outstanding. We also enjoyed the margaritas. The staff was friendly and professional. read more

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Sometimes I feel bad because I think I rate businesses too harshly, like maybe I just expect too much. Then I come to places like this and I see what a 5-star rating restaurant truly looks like. Everything was amazing. Our server was on top of things, continually filling our waters and we never ran low. Our food was delivered quick and fully correct. I ordered the crispy chicken, and, while I'm not a fan of collards (my wife loved them), it was one of the best meals I've had. The presentation was incredible and truly a 5-star dining experience. They don't have a kids menu, but since we really wanted to come here, we called ahead and they graciously said they can make something work. Our girls ordered chicken tenders and fries and they said it was the best (direct quote) chicken tenders they've ever gotten! I can't give this place higher praise than that. Richard, the owner, stopped by our table at the end of our meal and we had a great conversation about their story, their travels, and what led them to open this place that used to be a run-down gas station. This place is the definition of 'excellence' that so many restaurants promise but fail to live up to. I can't wait to come here again! read more

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This review is based on 2 visits. Food here is outstanding....many small plate options- Brussels sprouts! Arugula salad! Pimento cheese croquettes! Lovely craft cocktails: "Let me be clear", and also full size options, hello pork chop! in a beautifully renovated garage make for a total dining experience. Please go check them out...I hope you'll be glad you did!! read more

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What an amazing restaurant. Fresh and flavorful food. Excellent service. Interesting and cool atmosphere. We felt well taken care of, and we're so impressed by the food and our wonderful waitress. We will return again and again. read more

The Pure and Proper - The muscles were in a creamy flavorful sauce. Some of the best we've ever had. - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

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Probably the best meal I've ever had. The gnudi was outstanding and probably was the best thing I've ever eaten. The shrimp appetizer was also good but only had 4 shrimp, however the dish overall was very unique and tasty so I have no regrets. The steak tartare was really good (I've never had it before) but I'd guess there was nothing unique about it besides the quality of the meat. The drink I got was called something with "green" in the title, and again was probably one of the best drinks I've ever had. You definitely get what you pay for here but you wont regret it. Also got the chocolate torte which was amazing and unlike any chocolate torte I've had. Eating on the outside patio was very peaceful and the downstairs seating also looked very vibey. Perfect for a date night or if you want an experience. Loved this place! read more

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Julie was an impeccable and professional server. Her smile lit up our evening. We were there to celebrate a big anniversary and the owners made sure everything was satisfying read more

The Pure and Proper - Flat iron wagyu beef with scallops!!! - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Excellent ambiance and delicious food! We got both salads (arugula and caesar) and the sweet potato coconut soup. Friendly and helpful waitress. They were unfortunately out of the Tres Leches cake for the evening, so we will have to return to try! read more

The Pure and Proper - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Good small plates. Had a reservation but was sat 30 minutes after said time, as they were running late.

Ambiance was excellent. We ate in the basement amongst the wine bottles. Service was A+, our server, Addie (sp?), was amazing. She even taught us a new trick on removing the seal on a wine bottle. We had a team of at least 4 who were all real good. Now the food, OMG. Out of this world, everything. We had scallop ceviche, wedge salad, knudi, roasted mushrooms (my favorite), curry sweet potato soup, shrimp, lamb and duck. All the apps were 5/5. Lamb and duck were cooked perfectly and the food came out relatively fast, like a gourmet parade of the best food ever. I hate sweet potatoes and I even loved that soup! WTG Pure & Proper. Will always eat there when in town. read more

The Pure and Proper - Scallop ceviche. - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Wow...after a number of visits to Black Mountain we finally tried Pure and Proper. Excellent in every way. From the moment we walked through the door everyone was so nice. Julie, our server, was awesome. We tried a few cocktails and the Old Fashioned (they call it something clever that I forget) was great. The other drinks were creative and strong, so I'm unable to remember what they were lol. Wife had the scallops and I had the bolognese. 11/10. Smallish but sufficient portions, so an app or two might be advised. The star of the show was the flourless chocolate torte. It had some espresso and maybe some caramel (?) going on along with pomegranate seeds and fresh whipped cream. Huge slice. Spectacular. Probably our new favorite spot in BM, out of at least a half dozen contenders. read more

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I take it all back. Go. Go now. Get the roasted root veggies, or the arugula salad, or anything.

Pure and Proper in Black Mountain serves the best $11 margarita and $8 bread and butter service I've ever had. Okay, so that doesn't alone make it an award-winning top-notch restaurant, but and it was a nice way to start the evening. The margarita was stiff and spicy and served, surprisingly, in a kind of a squat double old-fashioned glass with a kosher salted rim. The toasted bread, drenched in butter but crisp, came with a buttery sauce with what I think were Thai crisps. We had dinner here, on the front patio, last night, and enjoyed every minute of it. The Flat Iron Steak with crispy potatoes (a bargain at $18) was a great idea but mine was served barely warm, so it lost some of its meaty, starchy charm. But the leak asparagus soup I had has an appetizer (maybe $8, not sure) was terrific. The seared scallops ($23) were fine with a tumeric sauce. My wife also enjoyed the Brussel sprouts appetizer, combining crispy well-done and soft. Mains run $14 to $37 (but most are under $20!), appetizers $8 to $14 and most craft cocktails $11 to $16. Overall, prices are lower than you'd pay for comparable quality such as Chestnut or Limones in Downtown Asheville. I gave it five stars, but if I had the choice I'd say it is just four and a half. It's off to a very good start but likely will get better. There's some confusion about the size of the plates. One waitress called them somewhat like tapas, but our waiter said they were pretty large. I would go with the latter. Share an appetizer and have a main, and you'll probably be full. This is NOT a tapas, small plate place. You've read about the renovation of the old Pure service station, so I won't discuss that, but Pure and Proper is a great addition to Black Mountain's restaurant scene. It's busy, it's popular and it's fun. In fact, even if you live in Asheville or Hendersonville you should drive here and try it. I think you'll enjoy it. Our dinner for two, with two entrées, two appetizers, bread service, one cocktail, one Pisgah draft beer and a non-alcoholic beer came to under $100 with tax but before tip. Well worth it. There's handy parking next door and on the street and behind the restaurant. read more

The Pure and Proper - The Flat Iron Steak with Crispy Potatoes ($18) at Pure and Proper restaurant in Black Mountain, NC. - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Everything about our experience was excellent. We didn't think to make a reservation because we hadn't heard about it until right before we came, and they were fully booked. However, the hosts up front took our info to get us seated at the bar when it opened up and we ate dinner there. The bartenders were awesome! Super friendly and helpful even though they were very busy. Drinks: Plane Crash: nicely made. Black licorice was a great aspect of the drink and not overpowering. Well balanced. Golden Hour: dangerous cocktail because it was pretty sweet! Delicious. Appetizer: Arugula Caesar Salad: if you're a fan of arugula, we recommend this one! The anchovies were not overpowering and the corn added extra freshness to it. Entrees: Flat Iron Steak: perfectly cooked at medium-rare. Tender! The chimichurri sauce was well balanced and earthy, paired perfectly with the potato and brought the whole plate together. Seared Shrimp: the shrimp was a beautifully cooked portion and delicious, but the ginger scallion noodles actually stole the show with this dish. So satisfying!! Dessert: Tres Leches Cake: everything you expect and hope from tres leches, but the chocolate ganache on top added something extra! Fig Panna Cotta: beautifully plated, fresh figs, light and creamy. We loved this one. Overall we had a great evening and can't wait to visit the next time we're in the area. The ambiance of the restaurant was quaint but warm and welcoming with knowledgeable staff. read more

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Fantastic tapas restaurant. Food was outstanding and the service matched the food. The beef tartar was the absolute I have ever had. Fantastic homemade focaccia bread as well read more

An elevated atmosphere perfect for a special occasion. The large plates were not a ton of food, but it was enough to satisfy and absolutely delicious and full of flavor. You'll likely have room for dessert and can't go wrong with any pick. Service was attentive and efficient. read more

This was a great find on the way back from Asheville. Fun atmosphere, great service and upscale but not expensive food. This will be a mainstay for us as we travel up and down I40. Thanks for a really unique and unexpected experience. read more

I chose this restaurant off of Yelp while driving from Asheville to Charlotte. It is nestled in the charming town of Black Mountain. Parking is free and directly beside of the building. There is outside and inside dining options. Upon entering, there are menus at the front, where you place your order. Employee was really helpful and polite. I was told this was an old service station. The menu offered great lunch options (as well as coffee and alcoholic beverages). I chose a cup of the corn and crab bisque. This was complimented by a delicious slide of bread and was full of crabmeat. It was scrumptious. I also had a small mixed salad which was dressed in a lovely vinegaraitte. I dined outside and it let friendly. Lovely place to people watch, too. Very glad that I close this local gem. read more

The Pure and Proper is AMAZING! Kristen is the best! And the food is honestly life changing! The flat iron steak and the gnudi will forever make any other food I eat be nothing in comparison. Justin (chef) is so amazing at what he does! Thank you all! read more

A girls night out at this adorable setting. So happy this historic building once again is back in use. The food was amazing and the service excellent! The owner checked on us several Times and what a treat when we got the check in an original owners manual! They really thought of everything! read more

The Pure and Proper - How original! The car manual that my bill came in. Classic! - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

Wonderful experience!! I hate to date myself, but I can remember when this was an operating gas station in Black Mountain!! The new owners sure did a great job on the upfit!! The Owner fit us in with a last minute reservation - thanks!!. We have heard a lot about this new spot from some neighbors, so we had to try it out - so glad we did. Started with the Brussel Sprouts - excellent, she had the mushrooms - delish!! I had the flat iron steak entree; she had the salmon - both were prepared superbly. Portions were just right. Finished the meal with the Affogato dessert - my, oh my!! Best addition to the Black Mountain restaurant list in a long time - we will definitely be back SOON!! read more

This restaurant was recommended by our Airbnb host. We were celebrating a special occasion as well as our first time in Asheville. The brussels sprouts were WOW! Whipped ricotta lightly spiced with tumeric bathed each bite, spatula please. The flat iron and pork flank steaks were tender and attractively presented. Adam our server was knowledgeable, personable and appropriately attentive. We will be back! read more

The Pure and Proper - New American Near Me - Black Mountain, North Carolina

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Always special, always a treat. I love the Pure and Proper. Unusual, elevated dishes, great vibe. Sophisticated and relaxed. Can't wait for next time! read more

The ambiance here is so amazing! Love the food and the drinks. Have been here several times and have always had the best service. Highly recommend!! read more

We picked The Pure and Proper because of its reviews but one in particular. Our son has multiple severe food allergies and to say eating out is challenging is an understatement. I read a review of this place by someone who was dining with nine food allergies, and the staff and kitchen were graciously accommodating. Not only was this our same experience, but we enjoyed everything else about this place too. The food was delicious, and the ambiance felt more like a beautiful cottage in the French countryside than a former garage. We travel to Black Mountain at least once a year, and hopefully Pure and Proper will be around for many many more! read more