Murphy:
Julie’s Place: Just down the hill a few miles from the house !! And some of the best home cooking by two sisters, but you should call ahead or get there early. Closed Sun./Mon. now. Ask for gluten free foods and peanut butter pie. Menus may be on the piano. (828) 837-8881 at 30 NC Highway 141 and https://www.juliesplacerestaurant.com/menu
Downtown Pizza Co. : All you can eat buffet AND salad bar $10 or so; GF pizza available, custom made. Game / arcade room in the back for kids and party rooms for birthdays, etc. Ok, so it's not a fine eatery and the ambiance is pretty plain, BUT we appreciate the gluten free custom pizza, unlimited salads, and you can watch the main street through the plate glass window and it is a rare bargain these days.
Chevelle's & Main Street USA : Heard good things about Chevelle's 66 next door to Downtown Pizza and also over in Hayesville, and there are often crowds at Main Street USA restaurant (lunch) in bank-like building across the street. But Chevelle's is mostly sandwiches and probably not much gluten free. Ultra casual but great burgers, per one neighbor.
Shoebooties Cafe : Lunch & Dinner (great menu, pretty good food) on Peachtree St. in Murphy
Red Brick Deli : 11a-3p Tues. - Sat.
ChinaTown Buffet: We had good Chinese food there off the menu (requested gluten free) but they also have a buffet, which might be harder to determine what is GF. Some other friends were less complimentary, so...
So’s Good Kitchen : One local said "I’ve had some surprisingly good Asian food there”
The Crown : Located in Brasstown overlooking the valley on a bluff with nice outdoor and indoor seating; totally Gluten Free menu with desserts; portions not as large as the prices, but very good food.
Legends Steakhouse : In downtown Murphy, next to cinema; good American fare
Perrone's - now : Neighborhood Grill : A good place to eat, it’s on outskirts of Murphy towards cabin, but there can be wait times. May have dropped the Perrone's from the sign, last time we looked?
Monte Alban: Tex Mex was good and reasonably priced between $9 - $12 with Mango Margarita's in September 2024, 865 W. US Hwy 64, Murphy so now they compete with Anejo, below
Hayesville:
Anejo Grille : Mexican fare; it’s on Hwy 69 just 0.4 miles south of US 64. Located in a strip mall. We love this place.
Rib Country : BBQ style; just before Anejo Grille , (travelling south) on Hwy 69 but on right side of road. About 0.25 miles south of US 64. Pretty good franchise bbq.
The Copper Door : Upscale, very pricey but popular eatery; go left (north) on Hwy 69 into Hayesville to Business 64 (Main St.), north into downtown..
Brothers at Willow Ranch : VERY Popular restaurant, well-known for steaks but they serve a wide variety of foods, and at mid-price. Take Hwy 69 south to Hwy 76 , then go right (west) on Hwy 76 about 1.75 miles; Brothers is up on hill to right. Watch closely for it! Located near Young Harris. Beware, this place is nearly always busy and might do call-ahead for groups.
Epic Catering & Eatery : Referred by a neighbor who says “it is my all time favorite in the area”. Open 11-2pm every day but Saturday (closed) and dinner on Tues. 4-6p and brunch on Sunday 11-2pm;
Others: People like Mariolino’s, but I can’t vouch for it; and Angelo’s Pizza in the downtown is our (non-gluten free )favorite pizza in the area.
Hiawassee:
Probably the best tri-city area BBQ is a little shack called Happy Hawg on Lake Chatuge between Hayesville and Hiawassee but their hours are more limited so check first. Overlooks the lake, but expect paper plates, etc.
AMERICAN VARIETY: Sundance Grill has seafood etc. Serves 3 meals/day. Also Steve's Place.
Hiawassee Seafood is good according to one long time resident.
GROCERY
In this area of the country, it seems that Ingles rocks ! In Murphy, they are located at 2060 US 19 between downtown Murphy and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley casino. Walmart is practically next door, and Lowes is on the other side of the road towards town. There should be an Ingles discount card on the piano and you can use that to get lower prices and a discount on your gas there, after you make a purchase or two. A great salad bar is inside along with a pharmacy and wine/beer. Coffee bar as well. We especially like the brown tags that earmark Gluten Free items for some family members.