Who doesn't crave for an amazing breakfast? Well, we've got the lowdown on the best spots in town. From cozy nooks to mountain gems, we're spilling the beans on where to grab the tastiest morning bites in McDowell County. Get ready for a real treat – we're talking breakfast heaven in the Appalachians, my friend!
Gogo's
With thirteen flavors of the best cinnamon rolls that will ever touch your mouth, Gogo’s in Old Fort will ruin you for any others. Beginning with high-quality bread flour and other essential ingredients, they lovingly mix their dough by hand. Then, through a lengthy process of proofing, rolling, filling and cutting, the rolls are finally ready for the oven. Their homemade goodness pays homage to the original Gogo, owner Wendy Lewis’s grandmother, whose simple and honest home-cooking inspired the cinnamon rolls we’ve quickly come to crave.
The Original tender and chewy roll is anything but basic with its light, made-from-scratch cream cheese icing. The Maple Bacon, on the other hand, has an indulgent maple-infused cream cheese icing, sprinkled with baked bacon and drizzled with maple syrup. Not to be outdone, the Caramel Pecan boasts bourbon salted-caramel sauce topped with caramel-infused cream cheese icing. The pièce de resistance is the sprinkle of southern pecans and extra drizzle of decadent caramel sauce.
Not everything at Gogo’s is a sweet breakfast treat. Wendy’s Pizza Rolls are made from the same chewy dough slathered with butter and filled with classic ingredients like pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni before being heaped with mozzarella and garlic butter.
The sweet and savory rolls aren’t the only things homey at Gogo’s. Go on inside and enjoy a cup of locally-roasted coffee by the fire with some friendly conversation, just like the generations before you did.
Headwaters Kitchen
At Old Fort’s Headwaters Kitchen, don’t let the no-frills atmosphere fool you. Serving breakfast all day and lunch, this local favorite has an extensive menu filled with truly elevated comfort food and a great selection of vegetarian options.
Their Smoky Shrimp and Grits features creamy stone-ground grits with South Carolina Creole Sauce, a garnish of Italian Parsley, and a side of toasted homemade bread. The Biscuits N’ Gravy are literally the size of a cat’s head and loaded with sausage gravy. Vegetarians will rejoice over their version with shitake-mushroom gravy!
It wouldn’t be the south without the ubiquitous Buttermilk Chicken and Waffles, and the Shakshuka Middle Eastern Breakfast Stew is a welcome surprise (and vegetarian). An uninspired Catfish Sandwich at any other restaurant is dressed to impress at Headwaters Kitchen, with its chipotle lime slaw and Cajun remoulade.
Elevate Breakfast Company
The neighboring town of Marion is home to the quirky Elevate Breakfast Company, a UFO-themed breakfast spot on Main Street. The Out of This World Croissant will fill you up with two eggs, local country ham, and sharp cheddar on a homemade croissant with a side of hash browns. For the bigger appetite, try the Unidentified Pancake Platter with two eggs, two pancakes, local country ham, and a biscuit.
A local favorite is the hearty Close Encounter Omelet with three eggs, three meats, cheddar cheese, peppers, onions, avocado and fresh baby spinach. And not just vegetarians will dig the Veggie Omelet with no meats and extra veggies.
Livermush is a regional cuisine, served as a common breakfast or lunch meat in Western North Carolina. It’s made out of pig liver, parts of pig heads, cornmeal, and spices. If you consider yourself to be an intrepid foodie, try Elevate Breakfast Company’s version of the Livermush and Egg Biscuit for only $5! Hours of operation are from 6 am to 2 pm, Monday through Saturday.
The Chalet
Experience a truly elevated breakfast experience - both literally and figuratively - at The Chalet at the Switzerland Inn in Little Switzerland, NC. From your table in the clouds overlooking a sweeping panoramic view of deep valleys and distant ranges, you’ll understand why the town was named for its resemblance to the foothills of the Swiss Alps.
The Chalet is renowned for its Eggs Benedict three ways. The Classic Eggs Benedict features poached eggs and Canadian bacon on an English muffin, smothered in a divine Hollandaise sauce with a side of home fries. Eat like a local when you order the Country Benedict Biscuit with poached eggs, country ham, and peppered gravy on a biscuit served with grits. For a fresh take, try the Florentine Benedict with poached eggs, bacon, tomato, and spinach on an English muffin covered in a rich Hollandaise sauce, served with your choice of home fries or grits.
We’d also be remiss not to highly recommend The Chalet’s Arugula and Goat Cheese Avocado Toast with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It’s worth the climb!
Keep in mind that the Chalet is opened seasonally and is typically open from mid-April through November. You should call to make sure they're open if you're traveling early in the spring or late in the fall.
Davis Country Store
Looking for a quick bite or cup of Joe while in Old Fort, The Davis Country Store has a cafe with a seasonal menu. It features local produce, meat, and dairy when possible. They're serving up everything from biscuits and gravy to Belgian waffles to breakfast sandwiches. And if you're the type that loves a little extra zing with your morning coffee, they've got espresso and lattes in addition to their drip coffee.
Mama's Country Kitchen Nebo
Crafty breakfast creations come to life at Mama's Country Kitchen in Nebo, NC. Stop in for their Peach Cobbler Stuffed French Toast, or try their Broccoli & Cheddar Loaded Potato for brunch with a soup side. Check their Facebook page for daily and weekly specials!
