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  3. Asheville / Western North Carolina
  4. Boone / Banner Elk
  5. Boone

Red Onion Cafe

4.4
4.4
464 Reviews
$30 and under
Contemporary American
A Boone Restaurant Offering Food to Feel Good About. One of the classic restaurants in Boone NC, the Red Onion Café opens daily at 11am and serves continuously into the evening. Across from Appalachian State University on Highway 321 near downtown Boone, the restaurant offers convenient dining for Appalachian football and basketball games and other campus events. The Red Onion Café is unique among Boone restaurants, offering a menu stocked with one-of-a-kind items such as the Artichoke Dip appetizer, our famous blond brownie - the Horace Cookie, weekly dinner specials, vegetarian meals, lunch specials, pasta, pizza, salads, a large children's menu and homemade desserts.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Hours of operation

    Daily: 11:00am - 10:00pm

  • Phone number

    (828) 264-5470

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Neighborhood

    Boone

  • Parking details

    Appalcart (local bus, free of charge)<br />Boone Taxi (828-266-3860

  • Additional

    Takeout

Popular dishes

What 464 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.1Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Good for business meals

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Great for outdoor dining

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  1. Alivia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice and quiet. Service was amazing. The food was so so good!
  2. AnnW

    Charlotte

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Greeted by hostess, seated immediately and server stopped by the table to get our drink orders. Returned with our drinks, took our order and our food arrived 15-20 minutes later. I ordered the Oriental Chicken Salad and hubby ordered a turkey burger with fruit. Food was well prepared and very tasty. Server checked on us several times. No complaints! We will return!
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Appetizer/ pimento cheese platter was really good. The chicken pastel pizza was burnt. Florentine lasagna was just okay. Brandon was a phenomenal server.
  4. JeanieH

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a good meal and friendly service. Thank you!
  5. PamelaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful wine and meal, with a great server! We enjoyed date night here and will be back!
  6. oflieth

    Dallas

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant. Unlike almost EVERY other restaurant, they did not change their menu and Jack up prices. Instead, they add 8% to the bill to help fight Biden’s inflation tax. This allows it to be temporary and not permanent like every other restaurant will be. This is the best way to go and allows the option to go back to normal some day.
  7. Jeff

    Raleigh

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Very good dinner for 4 of us. Everything was good, one pasta, two salads and one burger and not a complaint. Would visit again!
  8. PeteG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Food was ok and we liked what we ordered. I was not happy that I had t continue to tell the staff to clean the plates off the table between courses. We ask ordered coffee and desert and when the food came out, out tale was littered with dirty dishes with very little space to drop the food. they were actually going to move the dirty dishes around on the table rather than removing them. The food in my opinion is just half the story. If the service is weak the entire experience suffers.
  9. fhejjfc

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the food and service was really good. not too expensive.
  10. Jack

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience2
    Service was excellent. Food was very good. It had been ten years since I had eaten here. Just as I remember it, unfortunately. Inside is tired and drab, but clean. If this place was to get a little love on a remodel it could go from good to great.
  11. CharlesS

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    4 stars as the food ordered did not have all of the required eingredients. We were informed of this after the order and given a chance to change it. Ordered the Cajun chicken pasta and it was really good. Disappointed that the entree did not come with bread. Great service.
  12. ShirleyG

    Western NC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. Beautiful presentation of food.
  13. JulieP

    Las Vegas

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The hostess was awesome, warm smile, knowledgeable and thoughtful. We had a cake and presents as we were celebrating our ASU daughter's birthday. She sat us on out of the way and sight of most diners. Our server may have not felt well as she was wearing a mask. She did her job effectively but did not refill our drinks when our glasses were empty. My daughter flagged down the hostess, who got us some more water. When it was time for the cake, the hostess brought us plates for the cake. The staff is excellent. We've eaten here before so this is not a harsh review of the waitress as she got extra sauces when our food came out. We just did not see her again until the she put the check on the table. I just wanted to point out the awesome job the hostess was doing cleaning tables and helping out. The food was delicious. Our time opening presents, singing "Happy Birthday" and enjoying family time was special. Better than the dorm room for sure. We highly recommend eating at The Red Onion.
  14. ASUNCSU

    Raleigh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience2
    Service was excellent. Ambience: sticky floors and dirty windows. Menu: Out of many items on menu. Our friends had to reorder different options twice because kitchen reported they were out of salmon and then the spinach lasagna. Tried to order 2 filets but told they only had 1 left. Pricing:added 8% extra charge to menu prices. Never have experienced this before. Food: Veggie pizza average. Not much flavor. Mexican salad was bad. Would not recommend that at all. Friends ordered pasta with shrimp. 5 shrimp and very few mushrooms Mostly a bowls of pasta covered with pesto. Overall:The service salvaged what was a very poor dining experience. Been going to Red Onion for years. Very sad to see this happen.
  15. FLSnowbrd

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 3, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience2
    Cheap Diner food at best. Food was very average and somewhat disappointing after reading all the good reviews. I ate the salmon and it was just ok, however the sides were terrible. Brócoli was old and potatoes were tasteless. On top of that, they added 8% more to the bill because of inflation. The only positive was the service (waitress was very kind). Comparatively speaking Cracker Barrel is 10 times better and reasonably priced.
  16. ChristiW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food! Tons of options! Friendly staff!! Would definitely dine again!
  17. JohnC

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Very Good, great value.
  18. TracyT

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I am hooked on the Low Country Salmon. I get it almost every time I go. Just an excellent dish!
  19. AnthonyM

    Atlanta Metro

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great Restaurant in a small town. The food was amazing and the service was on point. I can not want to eat their again.
  20. JoanneK

    Raleigh

    8 reviews

    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on December 28, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The Mediterranean Tilapia and the Low Country Salmon were delicious. Also enjoyed the artichoke dip & the Classic Reuben.
  21. LisaT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 27, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We came in for lunch on Sunday for the first time and were pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was very chill and cozy. I got the French dip sandwich which was delicious along with a tasty salad. The service was great, and we will definitely come back!
  22. RobZ

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great place when a reservation is needed! I recommend!
  23. Edward

    Exclusive

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The quality of food is always phenomenal. Food is always well prepared and I've never had a bad meal at the restaurant. The service was outstanding. Given these days of staff shortages and quality of servers, the Red Onion Cafe will not fail or disappoint you. I'll definitely eat there every time I visit Boone, NC.
  24. MarkC

    Charlotte

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Asking my friends that were from Boone and was suggested Red Onion. The recommendation was spot on as we all had great meals and great service. The pizza was more for two people so extra meal. Baked linguine and added meatballs caught the eye of table next to us and the Cajun Pasta also was delicious. Glad part of Open Table group. Will definitely come back when visiting our daughter at ASU.
  25. LisaS

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Our only problem was a table of 4 near us was extremely noisy. Not what you would expect from mature adults but not caused by the restaurant. We should have asked to move which I am sure that our server would have graciously done.
  26. McGrits

    Raleigh

    37 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Excellent, creative menu. Very good restaurant.
  27. JanS

    Greensboro

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on October 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We always eat here whenever we visit Boone. Food and service are excellent.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Attentive staff.
  29. DBDtraveler

    Charlotte

    238 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    238 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience2
    Had a family lunch here on Thursday. The staff was pleasant and accommodating. Food was good. Artichoke and spinach quesadilla was delicious and unique. The server was kind enough to allow us to stay at our table a little longer than we should have in order to visit with each other. I made sure to give an extra tip to help compensate her potential loss of business. Red Onion is nothing fancy but the food is good.
  30. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Was first time eating at Red Onion since college 30 years ago (no tables open when I had tried). Was a bit more casual than I remembered - very comfortable. Everything we got was very good; wait staff attentive & low stress atmosphere. Artichoke dip was memorable & filet steak was cooked perfectly (a lot on top of it, but all quite good). Good beer & wine selection. Good choice for our dinner event & worked well since they take reservations vs other Boone options that are first come first served.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on October 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was really great. The heaters in the patio could have been turned up a little higher since it was windy that day. The waiter we had was so good and attentive. I will definitely be back.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Came up for a weekend away and found this place on Yelp! The pimento cheese appetizer was really good. It comes with celery and carrots as well as bread slices. It’s enough to share for at least three people but more than that I say get too! The cheddar is rich and delicious. My date had the Coffee Rubbed Sirloin with baked potato and the veg of the day which was green beans with pepper and onion. It was extraordinary. The flavor from the rub really compliments the veg choice and the meat was prepared perfectly. I had the Low Country Salmon. The sauce on this is decadent and delicious! It’s so well done and seemed to be a house favorite. The salmon was perfectly seasoned and cooked. It’s served over a cheesy polenta cake. The polenta was crisp and creamy, and with the sauces sooooo good. If you’re a salmon lover like me you will really enjoy this dish. I can’t wait to come back and try more items from the menu!
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience2
    Delicious meal! Excellent service! Interior is bland and sort of sad looking.
  34. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service and great food. They sat us in a great spot for a business meal.
  35. JudithG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This is one of my favorite restaurants. I eat there at least two or three times a month.
  36. MaryW

    Charlotte

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined on September 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Mason provided excellent service. Each of our entrees were cooked perfectly and the portions were plentiful.
  37. Suzanne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the Orange Glazed Salmon and Greek tilapia entrees, which were great, both fish cooked to perfection, moist and flakey. Service was excellent, timely and friendly. We were seated on the patio, which was very pleasant even though it borders the parking lot. I'd definitely recommend and return.
  38. Tamtam

    Greensboro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good as usual! Red Onion never disappoints! Make sure to finish off with the Horace Cookie !
  39. BrandyB

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were a little early for our reservation and very hungry and tired but the staff was so accommodating. The service was excellent. They have a good wine and beer selection. We shared the pimiento cheese appetizer and each of us was pleased with our choices of french onion soup, baha fish tacos, baked linguini and pesto pasta. We then shared the peanut butter pie for dessert and it was heavenly. We will definitely be back!!
  40. Chocolate

    Greensboro

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great server! Delicious food, burgers, club sandwich.

FAQs

Red Onion Cafe offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (828) 264-5470.

Red Onion Cafe is rated 4.4 stars by 464 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 3 times today
Google Map for Red Onion Cafe

227 Hardin St., Boone, NC 28607

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood

    Boone

  • Hours of operation

    Daily: 11:00am - 10:00pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Appalcart (local bus, free of charge)<br />Boone Taxi (828-266-3860

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Takeout

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  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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