This may surprise some of you, but we have some really great restaurants in Rutherford County, and most of them are unique to this area.

A western North Carolina (Asheville to be exact) original, Barley’s Taproom opened it’s fourth establishment right here, serving craft beers from several local breweries, and around the country, in addition to excellent pizza, calzones, and oven baked subs.

Great Italian food is available at Mario’s, delightful dishes prepared by a New York family that moved here a of couple years ago. Tuscany, another fine Italian restaurant, just opened and is already popular. Mexican and Chinese restaurants are well represented in Rutherford County as well, with Mi Pueblito and El Sureno for south of the border, and Dragon Palace and Red Dragon rounding out the Asian flavors.

Of course, you’ll find a couple of popular chains, like Fatz and Chili’s. But nowhere else will you find those great soups offered by Gregory’s, on Main Street in Rutherfordton, or the unique international menu from M², with a great selection of beers, outdoor dining and live music.

We have only scratched the surface of what is available. A couple more that must be mentioned though...there's fine dining at The Water Oak and Anna Rose, and visit the old-fashioned soda fountain at Smith Drugs in downtown Forest City. Be sure to ask for the homemade potato chips!