I was there on a Friday and sat at the bar. They have a $3 PBR cans special on Fridays so I had some a couple of those. I ordered the pickle brined chicken sandwich. It normally comes with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and special sauce. I didn't want a mayonnaise based sauce....trying to cut some calories since I'm already having a deep fried sandwich! I instead got a smear of buffalo hot sauce which was a really good substitute. The sandwich was super crisp and spicy. Very good! My only gripe is that when I get a sandwich at a restaurant, I expect some type of side dish. It could be a small amount of fries or some potato chips but something. R&R has lots of good sides so they could offer some free fries but then encourage up charge sides for one of their delicious options like their truffle fries. Ive eaten there a few times and each time, very consistent, good food!! Bartender Chynna was very nice. Bar was getting busy but she handled everyone efficiently and friendly. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Pickle brined chicken sandwich - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Stopped in for lunch and we were seated promptly and greeted by our waitress. We had iced tea and our waitress suggested several favorites for lunch. I had the burger and fries and my wife had the Korean Steak Bowl. Everything was delicious and we enjoyed the meal. The crowd was minimal and the restaurant was fairly quiet everything was clean and we will go back in the future. read more

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I have been to this restaurant a few times, once for dinner and once for lunch both times I enjoyed my experience! This most recent visit I ordered the Brie and Turkey sandwich lunch special and it was absolutely delicious! There was a berry jam on it that provided so much flavor and it was on sourdough bread that had a perfect crispy crust! It was seriously such a good sandwich! Our server was very nice and friendly, she checked in on us multiple times and made sure our drinks were refilled. Speaking of drinks I had the drink special as well which was a raspberry lemon drop, it too was delicious and I would highly recommend! Mike got a biscuit and gravy dish, it was huge and the bite I had was very tasty. We will absolutely be back! Two quick tips: 1. They mentioned they do get pretty busy when the train comes in town so maybe check the train schedule but the day we were there the train did not come until 2:20 pm. 2. They have arcade games in a back area, while we were there several kids seemed to be enjoying that space so if you are a parent that would like a bit of a break while waiting for food to arrive at the table I would suggest bringing quarters. read more

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Service was a little slow but very friendly. We had the loaded baked potato soup to start and it was delicious.i had the burger and fries(additional charge) and hubby had the roast beef dip . The burger was fresh, a little greasy but good. My husband liked his beef sandwich as well. The staff is friendly and accommodating. I would recommend coming here for a meal. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Loaded baked potato soap was delicious - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

I came here recently and the food was not that great quality. I got a grilled chicken salad and the salad was not fresh. There were brown spots on the salad and some black goop on part of the lettuce. In our group, someone ordered chicken tenders and they were very hard. So food wise, this was not that great of an experience. However, the waitress was very patient and friendly to us. She took the tenders off of our bill because they were not enjoyable. So they are at least willing to work on, and admit their flaws. The inside is nice and clean. read more

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This was the best meal I had near Cherokee/Sylva/Dillsboro. I got the Carnitas Tacos and the Carne Asada Taco. The carnitas taco was so flavorful and juicy. Our waitress really nice. It's a chill atmosphere and honestly really great after a hike or even just walking around downtown. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Pretzel - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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Didn't expect much but was proved wrong very quickly. Our server, Sarah, was extremely nice and very attentive. Actually every employee was welcoming. We started with the jalapeño hush puppies that came with a hot honey dipping sauce. Delicious!!! That hot honey sauce is on point. Think that sauce with the Pickle brined fried chicken sandwich would be an amazing combination of flavors. I ordered the Saturday special, Shrimp and Grits. Perfectly sautéed shrimp with a light sauce that included bacon, onions, poblano peppers and roasted red peppers. Not a fan of poblano's, but found I like roasted red peppers. On top was a crispy grit cake. Just fantastic!! My husband got the fish and chips. Not greasy as some are and fish was fresh and flaky...haddock. Overall would definitely go back when we come through town again. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Jalapeño hush puppies with hot honey dipping sauce - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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Wow we loved everything!!! Steak bites were on point! Breakfast & the fried fish was amazing!! But the start of the show was the key lime martini, probably the best drink I've ever had in my life!! (And I've had a lottt of drinks) lol read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Key lime martini - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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Everything was great! Loved our bartender/server Erica and the food was amazing! We had the steak bite appetizer and the pickle brine chicken sandwich did not disappoint. I highly recommend! read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Steak appetizer deliciousness - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Ate here in August and were very underwhelmed. Service was mediocre and the food lacked flavor and presentation. It was difficult to tell where to find someone to seat you when you enter because there isn't a sign telling you what door to go in. Seems like it might be more of a local place to go? There were pool tables and a couple of bar areas. Maybe it just wasn't our vibe, but it was not worth the money, in my opinion. read more

Stopped in here for lunch on Halloween. Comfortable interior. We were greeted warmly, and service was very good throughout our visit. I had the pickle brined fried chicken sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. Both were quite tasty and hit the spot! read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Pickle brined fried chicken sandwich with side of sweet potato fries. - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Hostess who took my to go order was very nice and helpful. Complaint is with the burger. Ordered Medium Well and it was raw. All pink except the outside. Never again read more

We stopped in for burgers and tacos. We hadn't eaten here before, so we were looking forward to the meal. The food was really good. The restaurant was clean, and the service was friendly. We will definitely visit again. read more

This was my first experience with Rivers and Rails Tavern. The food was absolutely delicious. My son got a burger with brie cheese that he loved with the parmesean truffle fries. My daughter-in-law had the candied steak bites with edemame and coleslaw, and I had the Cubano with the truffle fries. Our service was quick everything was ready when my son got there to pick it up. He said the atmosphere was very friendly, The patrons were nice and the employees were very friendly as well. We will definitely be returning customers. Thank you for the great meal and quality service! Shannon Goodson read more

Soooooo if I'm driving through Dillsborough, I always eat at Haywood's smokehouse. Well one day they were closed and I ate here at The Rivers and Rails Tavern... Oh my word!! This place is rocking . I ordered the pickle brined chicken sandwich and I'm super excited to say this was the BEST chicken sandwich I have ever eaten in all my life. I went from sad to glad very quickly. So happy that I found this place, now I have two great options! read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Best chicken sandwich ever. - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

Finally made it to River and Rails and I have been wanting to try this place for awhile. We walked in on a Saturday afternoon around 12:30PM. We did have to wait for a bit for someone to notice us and take us to be seated. We picked to sit outside and didn't have anyone to come to us in about 10 minutes plus we were getting a little cold so we came back inside to sit. Of course had to get some drinks. I went with the 120 House Margarita which was pretty good and at $10 not bad. The bar was backed up so did take a little for drinks but our waitress did give us a heads up. Would for sure some here to watch a game since they have a lot of drink options plus cheap drinks like $2 Busch Light and $3 PBR Tall Boys. I will say the menu is loaded with amazing sounding options. They had all day Brunch options that sounded great then bar and Southern food too. They had a soup of the day which I had to try which was Cajun Clam Chowder. It was great! Great flavor and spices, full of clams and was the perfect consistency . Not to thick like many chowders I have had. I took awhile to make a decision but I ended up going with the Country Catfish & Grits which I got Cajun Cornmeal Fried (Blackened is also an option) which is topped with Cajun Cream Sauce. Of course sign me up. Our food came out and it looked great. Large piece of fish, rich Cream Sauce, Cheesy Jalapeno Grits, and with my Greens on the side. This was great and I would for sure get it again. They even make there own hot sauce which I loved too. Everyone we were with also enjoyed there food since everything was delicious. The only reason for 4 and 5 five stars was due to the service which again wasn't bad just a little slow. We will for sure be back maybe for some drinks and great food. read more

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Great service, food, and bar. Has pool tables, a dart board, and a few arcade style games. Heat place to watch a sports game.

Unexpectedly wonderful! Went for lunch on a Monday. Server was great, very friendly. Food came quickly and was delicious. Steak bites appie, holy moly, I'm wanting to go back just for those! Served with edamamae, these crispy chip type things and the most wonderful sauce. Pickle brined chicken sandwich was humongous, truffle fries side didn't stand a chance. Chicken and steak tacos were messy but yummy. There's pool tables, a small bar....quaint local feel. Loved it! read more

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Great spot for a sandwich and a beer or 2. The RNR burger was phenomenal. Fries were great. Boyfriend ordered the Cuban sandwich and absolutely loved it. Fun atmosphere, great service. read more

I came to this restaurant for the first time close to closing time (or so I had thought cause Google says 9pm closing but the bar stays open till 11) and sat at the bar. Unbeknownst to me I had the pleasure of sitting next to and chatting with the owner who was Super friendly along with all the staff. Not to mention the food was 10/10 and THE SALSA IS THE BEST IVE EVER HAD. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Night Life - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

This place is AMAZING! We eat here at least once a week and I always get the sirloin dinner which is consistently fabulous. The steak is always perfectly cooked, the roasted veggies are hot and perfect and the garlic mashed potatoes are awesome. The customer service can't be beat. The staff is warm and friendly and extremely hard working. You won't be disappointed trying out this great place! read more

The 1st thing that caught my attention about this place is that it is farm to table. They make everything homemade. That is exactly what I need, me being someone who is having to adhere to annoying food limitations while breastfeeding. They know everything that is going into every dish and that is so comforting to know. Everything looked so delicious here. I got the farmhouse sandwich and it was very yum. If we come back through this area, I definitely would check this place out again. Also the wait staff was so helpful and very friendly. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Farmhouse sandwhich - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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I had the special "southern tomato sandwich" with local grown heirloom tomatoes and the kind server said I could make it a BLT. It was delicious! Soft bread and perfectly ripened and evenly sliced tomatoes! Everyone was so nice. I can't wait to go back again!! read more

Seemed like a great place. We were seated quickly however no one ever came to take out order, so after 20min of waiting, we left.

We had the special, Baja fish tocos. They were tasty and filling. Staff was friendly on a busy Friday night. Our waiter recommended a craft beer that was very good, nice since the selection was thin. We ate outside on a beautiful evening in the mountains. read more

I love this place ! Everytime I come here it the food and staff are very nice! the atmosphere is very chill , not too fancy but clean and nice! I actually eat here very often . Love the c4 ! Korean steak bites And the salad is really good! Gotta try the artichoke dip . And I always get the French onion soup when it's in season ! Highly recommend this place . If I ever have company from out of town I normally bring them here! Especially my meat lover people read more

Amazing food. Caring staff. What else can I say?? The owners take pride in everything they do. read more

We stopped in yesterday afternoon and Paige was our waitress. She was very pleasant and attentive. My hubby ordered the French dip sandwich and I ordered the tacos. I got one carnitas taco and one beef taco. The carnitas taco was very very good, the beef taco was so very dry that 2 bites was enough. I did not like or enjoy it. I had my hubby try it and he agreed. I would go back and have the carnitas tacos again. My hubby really liked his sandwich. read more

This felt like we were on an episode of candid camera. First we order a pretzel which never arrives. Then we order chicken and French fries to when we're then told they're out of both. So we pick out new things to order. Then our food takes 40 min to come out and we're told sorry, shift change. Then my son's hamburger comes out with cheese on it after it had been confirmed by us and server that we wanted no cheese. Then we were told, sorry I can't comp it. There was no way we were waiting around for a new burger. Then my daughter's food came out and we were told sorry, we're out of salad. I would never go back here. There was our family and another in the dining room. I'm not sure if the bar area was slammed but it felt like everything and everyone was out of sorts. Not worth trying again to see if it was just a bad night. read more

My family of 7 had dinner on October 20, 2022. We all enjoyed our choices! I wish my receipt had our server's name, since she was wonderful! The receipt has the server as Night S. When she dimmed the lights, I said, "there is something wrong with my eyes." She laughed and shared that she had a customer turn up the lights. She took great care of our large group and we all enjoyed our great food. read more

This place is amazing! We have yet to have a bad meal here, my favorites are the RnR Burger, & really any of the burgers - so good! Also big fans of the Carnitas Tacos. The service is so lovely here too!! read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Sausage Gravy Burger - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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I got the pickle brined fried chicken sandwich (hot w hot sauce and slaw). My mom had blue ridge burger. Really good food and the folks working are very nice read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

This restaurant is located across the rail road tracks, parking is available once you cross them. There are two entrances the first door on your left is where the hostess will sit you. This is something, I learned getting in from the second door. The restaurant was pretty busy and it felt like a place you can bring your family during the day. The menu is extensive with lots of meals to choose from. Today, we felt like eating hamburgers. We ordered the blue ridge burger and the classic takedown burger with sweet potato fries on the side. First, the sweet potato fries were the best, I have ever tried they were nice and crispy. The burgers we're good. My friend asked for the take down burger sauce on the side. I did like the sauce from the take down burger so, I kept dipping my hamburger and sweet potato fries in them. Overall, this place is all around American restaurant. It's a small town, nothing fancy, stores close earlier than expected (if you are coming from major metropolitan cities) and if want to bite to eat, I would recommend this place of your in the area. read more

The Rivers And Rails Tavern - Blue ridge burger - Tacos Near Me - Sylva, North Carolina

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CASUAL DINING WITH EXCELLENT FOOD!!!! We are at River and Rails tonight and this evening we started with the "Candied Steak Bites," which were off the charts, these are an appetizer, yet prefect for a small meal! Then we had the ,Poke 'em If You Got 'em", and "French Onion Soup" -- ALL delicious. The house Cabernet wine was good, Tito's dirty martinis are great, as well as the ice-cold-beer! Our server's name was RED, RED is fantastic -- I thought he was the manager. RED really cares about you having a complete, delicious, excellent and memorable experience -- and that you will come back to R&R to dine! Which you will when you come here. read more

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Food was unique and delicious. Staff was efficient during a super buy time. There are pool tables in the back and bar sitting as well.

I didn't have the highest expectations, but this place is great. I recommend the catfish and grits with Cajun cornmeal breading. Grits are tasty with a little bit of kick from some jalapeño in them. My kids both got R&R burgers which they liked and I was impressed to see that they actually cooked them as requested, not well done like a lot of places do. read more

One of our great local eateries! Fair prices, amazing food, great atmosphere and excellent service with small town friendliness. The perfect spot for a quick bite and drinks at the bar, or a longer meal while enjoying time with friends or family. read more

We had lunch here...the French Dip and Cubano was excellent as was the fries and coleslaw. The chicken tenders and sweet potato fries were also a hit. I would recommend The RnR Tavern... read more

Not sure how I've missed this gem - but now found, won't lose it. I am a French Onion Soup aficionado, and this one is in my Top 5. Beefy, oniony, cheesy =yummy. Hubs got (absolutely no surprise) the fish and chips, also excellent. He asked for a bun, graciously accommodated at no charge. Service was pleasant and professional, manager on site and spoke to all. Very nice bar. A great place to take a break in Downtown Dillsboro - check it out (by the railroad tracks!) read more

Great place to stop when you get off the train. Loved everything. Especially the little tuna tacos. read more

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