One of the biggest reasons to explore McDowell County is to follow your stomach. Marion in particular has abundant and locally-owned restaurants to explore, all within a short walk or drive from each other. It’s also the best spot for the state’s three B’s: brisket, biscuits, and beer. If you’re planning on visiting breweries and distilleries, establish a designated driver.
Here are the best places in town to enjoy a bit of each at any time of year.
Brisket
North Carolina is known worldwide for its barbecue, so you’ll find great restaurants serving it throughout McDowell County. Smoke a ‘Lil Smoke in downtown Marion is family-run and focuses on all things smoked meat. Voted best barbecue in the county by The McDowell News, enjoy sliced brisket plus smoked wings and Southern sides.
Open since 2005, Smokey Que's is a great spot for an al fresco meal next to the gun-shaped smoker. The brisket here is shredded, but you can also enjoy blackened fish and fall-off-the-bone ribs. Pair with stone ground grits, queso macaroni and cheese, and garlic mashed potatoes. The restaurant also has a kid’s menu and an all-you-can-eat salad bar.
Countryside BBQ is another local favorite, open since 1990 with daily specials. The chopped barbecue and Texas-style smoked beef brisket are the top menu items, but you can also get a livermush and cheese sandwich, an ode to the regional delicacy.
Biscuits
What’s more Southern than biscuits? That famous seafood chain may be known for its Cheddar Bay biscuit, but local restaurant Crabby Abby's is here to take the crown. The seafood restaurant is recognized for its premium steaks and sustainable seafood like crab cakes and seared salmon. Don’t miss an order of the biscuits to start your meal!
You’ll also find plenty of Southern breakfast spots with biscuits and gravy to start your day like Bessie's Diner. The Country Diner also has fluffy biscuits to enjoy with eggs and bacon.
Set in the historic home of a prominent local family, Blanton House Restaurant is open for brunch where you can enjoy an upscale version of biscuits and gravy, paired with black pepper bacon and eggs. The restaurant is also open for dinner and special events.
Beer
You don’t have to go far to enjoy a drink. Downtown Marion’s “social district” allows for to-go drinks from licensed restaurants and breweries to wander the streets between Burgin and Garden streets, as long as they are in marked drinkware.
The district includes three downtown breweries and taprooms. Taylors Brewing Company has its house brews like the IPA and kölsch plus rotating taps. Stop by for the frequent cornhole tournaments and food trucks.
Also with a taproom in downtown Marion and Nebo, Mica Town Brewing Company takes its name from the region’s mining tradition. The pet-friendly taproom is the best place to enjoy the brand’s house-made beer and cider selections including the English-style Stumptown Stout and Pearsecco Cider. Trivia and live music are also part of the offerings.
Sip on brews from around the state at Refinery 13 Taproom, a beer-focused bar and restaurant. Families and friends can enjoy shared bites like the pretzel bites and beer cheese. The kid-friendly atmosphere includes game nights.
Marion is also part of the county’s High Spirits Trail, which includes the aforementioned breweries and several other stops. Recently featured in Our State Magazine's Holiday issue, Copper Creek Distillery crafts (legal) moonshine from recipes passed down by previous generations of moonshiners. The distillery has traditional and flavored versions like apple, grape, and even oatmeal cookie flavored. Keeper's Cut Meadery, a modern addition to downtown Marion, crafts seasonal meads sourcing honey and fresh ingredients from local farmers. Sip on flavored versions on the patio with charcuterie boards and chocolate.
