Breakfast and Lunch
Highlands has plenty of great places to eat – from casual family-friendly places to laid-back fine dining and romantic settings. This list is a few of our favorites. Check ahead – many area restaurants close one or two days each week, or operate on seasonal schedules.
Blue Bike Cafe
423 N 4th StA local favorite diner for breakfast and brunch.
Espresso bar, baked goods, or you can order eggs and french toast from the griddle. After 11am they serve hot sandwiches, salads, pizza, and grill items.
95 locals recommend
Mountain Fresh Grocery
521 Main StEspresso bar, baked goods, or you can order eggs and french toast from the griddle. After 11am they serve hot sandwiches, salads, pizza, and grill items.
Great pickup spot for sandwiches or picnic lunches. If you’re staying, they have a great ice cream counter too!
Highlands Deli
115 South 4th StreetGreat pickup spot for sandwiches or picnic lunches. If you’re staying, they have a great ice cream counter too!
The Wine Garden here is a tranquil place to grab a nicer lunch. It's right on Main Street, but tucked away inside their garden next to a bubbling creek.
37 locals recommend
Old Edwards Inn and Spa
445 Main StThe Wine Garden here is a tranquil place to grab a nicer lunch. It's right on Main Street, but tucked away inside their garden next to a bubbling creek.
Casual Dining
Authentic pit barbecue, plus awesome sides. Their deck is great, but it’s also a good place for a pick-up dinner. Good kid-friendly option.
24 locals recommend
Highlands Smokehouse
595 Franklin RdAuthentic pit barbecue, plus awesome sides. Their deck is great, but it’s also a good place for a pick-up dinner. Good kid-friendly option.
Cozy joint for Mexican food right at the end of town. Don’t let the exterior fool you – the interior is a totally different experience. Easy pick-up also!
Los Vaqueros Mexican Restaurant
30 Dillard RoadCozy joint for Mexican food right at the end of town. Don’t let the exterior fool you – the interior is a totally different experience. Easy pick-up also!
Friendly neighborhood bar, with upscale burgers and other bar food. There's a location on 4th Street in Highlands too, but we're partial to the Cashiers location for its large outdoor area that’s better for kids. Both locations have free EV chargers (both J1772 and Tesla).
49 locals recommend
The Ugly Dog Pub-Cashiers
25 Frank Allen RdFriendly neighborhood bar, with upscale burgers and other bar food. There's a location on 4th Street in Highlands too, but we're partial to the Cashiers location for its large outdoor area that’s better for kids. Both locations have free EV chargers (both J1772 and Tesla).
Wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and charcuterie. Indoor seating with space for groups, or easy pick-up to take back home.
20 locals recommend
Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar
465 Main StWood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and charcuterie. Indoor seating with space for groups, or easy pick-up to take back home.
Elevated Dinners
Nicer place for dinner on Main Street. Fresh ingredients and exceptionally well-prepared.
60 locals recommend
Wild Thyme Gourmet
343-D Main StNicer place for dinner on Main Street. Fresh ingredients and exceptionally well-prepared.
Casual fine dining at the side of Harris Lake. Craft cocktails, extensive wine list, and fresh seafood.
20 locals recommend
Lakeside Restaurant
531 Smallwood AveCasual fine dining at the side of Harris Lake. Craft cocktails, extensive wine list, and fresh seafood.
White-tablecloth fine dining on the peaceful waterfront of Lake Sequoyah.
44 locals recommend
on the Verandah
1536 Franklin RdWhite-tablecloth fine dining on the peaceful waterfront of Lake Sequoyah.