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    The Pure and Proper

    4.7 (160 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Steak and eggs
    Zay M.

    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!

    Rebecca M.

    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.

    Chicken sandwich
    Shanelle Y.

    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.

    Brussels
    Eric L.

    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.

    Crab cake
    Wendy R.

    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!

    The little kitchen opening where these wonderful meals come from.
    Constance A.

    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.

    Pork belly
    Elizabeth N.

    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!

    Trout! Amazing! Could have licked the plate.
    Kelli F.

    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.

    Meredith S.

    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.

    Historic building
    Cheryl M.

    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!

    Basement seating
    Susan G.

    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.

    Crispy chicken
    Chris T.

    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!

    Front of the restaurant
    Rachel K.

    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!!

    The muscles were in a creamy flavorful sauce. Some of the best we've ever had.

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    3 months ago

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

    Business owner information

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    7 months ago

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

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - The Pure and Proper

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    We've been to Hell or High Water a few times now, and honestly--it still feels like one of Black…read moreMountain's best-kept secrets. Every time we go, I'm kind of shocked it's not absolutely packed. This is part of the Foothills Meats family, and if you know their spots (the butcher shop, the food truck, The Grange, etc.), you already know--they don't miss. So we went in the first time pretty confident, and they absolutely delivered. The space itself is great, but the rooftop is the real standout--easily one of the best views in Black Mountain. It's such a good spot to sit, have a drink, and hang out. Speaking of drinks--the bar is excellent. The bartenders have always been great, super easy to sit at the bar and enjoy yourself. They've got a strong liquor selection and fun, well-balanced cocktails. Now the food. Everything we've had has been consistently good, but our last visit really stood out. We shared the pork katsu sandwich, the sweet potato biscuits, and the poutine. The pork katsu was done really well--crispy on the outside, tender inside, with that classic crunch from the cabbage and a slightly sweet, tangy katsu-style sauce. I also really liked that the sauce was on the side so you could control each bite. The sweet potato biscuits surprised us--in the best way. Those are easy to mess up, and these were not. Soft, flavorful, slightly sweet with that savory balance, paired with ham, sorghum butter, smoked cheddar, and red eye gravy--it's a really thoughtful combination that just works. And the poutine... so good. Crispy fries, rich mushroom gravy, and cheese curds that actually hold their texture. It's hearty without being heavy, and every bite felt balanced. For the level of quality they're putting out, the prices are very reasonable--which makes it even more surprising that it's not more crowded. It's right in downtown Black Mountain, but we actually drive all the way from Flat Rock to come here--and it's absolutely worth it every time. Overall, this place just nails it. Great drinks, really solid food, beautiful setting--and somehow still flying a bit under the radar. Definitely worth checking out.

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