The Purple Onion

Name: The Purple Onion
Address: 16 Main St, Saluda, NC, United States, 28773-7700
Telephone: (828) 749-1179
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.8

4.8

372 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

16 Dec 2024

7:00 pm

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighbourhood gem
Charming
Great for live music

**To purchase tickets, reserve one of our experiences, please see the options listed below.** Established in 1998 by Susan and her husband Stoney Lamar, The Purple Onion was conceived as a 'third place' in Saluda, a neutral spot for friends and family to enjoy great food, engaging conversation, and live music. This vision flourished with a dedicated staff and supportive community. In 2020 the legacy was passed to Chambli Stuber and Emily Lamar, who continue to honor its tradition and role in the community, celebrating over two decades of service. Situated in historic Saluda, The Purple Onion boasts outdoor dining and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthy cuisine. We offer a selection of pizzas, pastas, seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes. Specialties include locally sourced trout and organic produce, along with antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of Operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Mon 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(828) 749-1179
Website
http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
16 Main St, Saluda, NC 28773-7700
Area
Flat Rock
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

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Experiences

Cowboy Judy Christmas Extravaganza
USD 16.00 per person
Prepaid
15 Dec 2024 only
A return performance quickly becoming a tradition at the Purple Onion, this energetic group of ladies is an event you don’t want to miss. Cowboy Judy always brings the show to, well, every show they perform. Couple their infectious stage presence, melodic songs, and penchant for grooving tunes you can’t sit still to? Exhilarating. Throw in some holiday cheer and festive motifs? Pure Magic. Female fronted super group, Cowboy Judy (formally Sweet Claudette,) is the bringing together of worlds, in the best of ways. Singing an upbeat hybrid of country and motown, you would be hard pressed to find another group as gifted with their harmonies and charisma as you have here.
West End String Band
USD 10.00 per person
Prepaid
21 Dec 2024 only
Dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music and old country songs with modern appeal, the West End String Band has been walking the perfect balance between nostalgia and a thumping good time. Don’t let the name fool you. The West End String Band is refreshing and invigorating, while holding true to the roots that formed this unique tradition of music. Formed back in 2008, the West End String Band blends the gritty and energetic vocals of lead Charlie McDaniel with harmonies from Kathy McDaniel and the driving banjo of Jim Rollins. Rounded out with the rich baritone and unique mandolin of Matt Purinton, this group is weaving together americana, bluegrass, and country in the best of ways.
Michael Reno Harrell
USD 10.00 per person
Prepaid
26 Dec 2024 only
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South. One could compare Michael's performances to his granddaddy's pocket knife: well worn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp, and with a point. His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Between the approachable, feel-good nature of his music, and vivid story-telling that leaves you smiling, Michael creates an auditory experience that has to be witnessed in person.

Popular dishes

Ciabatta BaguetteUSD 5.00
garlic herb dipping mix, extra virgin olive oil
Soup of the DayUSD 5.00
Smoked Trout with Tzatziki BoardUSD 12.00
capers, lemon, pickled onion, cucumber, seeded cracker
Aged Gouda and Local HoneyUSD 13.00
6 month aged beemster, today's chutney, almonds, artisan crackers
Bowl of Marinated OlivesUSD 8.00
mediterranean blend of pitted mixed olives
Baked Goat Cheese & Wild MushroomsUSD 15.00
blend of exotic and domestic mushrooms, rosemary goat cheese, puff pastry, artisan crackers; baked to order, allow 15 minutes
Southern Caviar**USD 9.00
ny white and sharp cheddar blended with pickle brine pimento cheese, sweety drop peppers, pickles, mustard, crostini
Hummus and PitaUSD 7.00
garbanzo bean hummus, cucumber, tomato, toasted pita

Entrees

Painted Hills Farm Ribeye* **USD 0.00
red wine steak glace, mashed roots, seasonal vegetable; Au Chevre and grilled onion - add $6
- MPUSD 0.00
Sunburst Mountain TroutUSD 29.00
roasted anson mills grit cake, wilted greens, brown butter pecan meunière sauce
Buttermilk Brined Bone-In Pork ChopUSD 30.00
salt and vinegar smashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, mustard dill cream
The Po Smash Burger* **USD 16.00
half pound burger with two 4 oz beef patties topped, with ny sharp white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickled purple onion, toasted brioche bun, tortilla chips and house pickle
Joyce Farms Roasted Airline ChickenUSD 27.00
stuffed with roasted garlic burro, broccoli, linguini pasta, white wine "alfredo" parmesan cream
Broccoli PastaUSD 16.00
Scottish SalmonUSD 0.00
Explore our chef's daily dish, inspired by global, flavors and paired with seasonal vegetables. Your server will tell you about today's unique creation
- MPUSD 0.00
Our Daily BraiseUSD 0.00
slow-cooked and full of depth, today's braise highlights the tenderness in hearty proteins, boldness in vibrant sauces, and the comforting flavors that come with it
- MPUSD 0.00

Pizza

8" Gluten Free Crusts (cauliflower) add $3

ClassicoUSD 10.00
uncured pepperoni, italian sausage, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, parmesan, mozzarella, tomato sauce
- 7"USD 10.00
- 12"USD 19.00
MediterraneanUSD 9.00
spinach, feta, banana pepper, olives, fresh tomato, pickled purple onion, mozzarella, parmesan
- 7"USD 9.00
- 12"USD 17.00
Wild Mushroom & ArugulaUSD 10.00
sautéed shiitake, portobello, & seasonal mushrooms, chevre, mozzarella, arugula, parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette
- 7"USD 10.00
- 12"USD 19.00
Wild VeganUSD 9.00
our roasted wild mushroom blend over garbanzo bean hummus base, topped with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette
- 7"USD 9.00
Chicken CaesarUSD 10.00
lemon chicken, mozzarella, parmesan, baked; caesar dressed lettuce, parmesan & fresh tomatoes
- 7"USD 10.00
- 12"USD 19.00
PepperoniUSD 8.50
mozzarella & parm on tomato sauce, uncured pepperoni
- 7"USD 8.50
- 12"USD 15.50
CheeseUSD 7.00
mozzarella & parm on choice of tomato sauce or EVOO & garlic
- 7"USD 7.00
- 12"USD 12.00

Pizza Toppings

Pizza Toppings #1USD 0.75
mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, jalapeños, garlic, spinach, pineapple, fresh tomato, cheddar, banana peppers, pickled purple onions, mozzarella, parmesan
- 7"USD 0.75
- 12"USD 1.75
Pizza Toppings #2USD 1.50
kalamata olives, uncured pepperoni, italian sausage, feta
- 7"USD 1.50
- 12"USD 3.50
Pizza Toppings #3USD 2.00
chicken, chèvre, wild mushroom
- 7"USD 2.00
- 12"USD 4.50

Beverages

Coke, Diet Coke, SpriteUSD 2.00
Root Beer & Ginger AleUSD 2.50
Iced TeaUSD 2.50
Mexican CokeUSD 3.00
IzzeUSD 2.50
MilkUSD 2.00
San Pellegrino Sparkling WaterUSD 2.50
Fresh Squeezed LemonadeUSD 2.50
Juice BoxUSD 1.00

Signature Cocktails

$13

Smoky Mountain
maker's mark whiskey bourbon, blackberry, lemon
S&L Margarita
el jimador reposado, patron citronge' chili honey, lime

House Cocktails

House Cocktails
please see our cocktail list for complete libation offerings

Wine Flights

Wine FlightsUSD 12.00
- Three by the Glass WinesUSD 12.00
- Five by the Glass WinesUSD 19.00

Whites

Cava, Proa, Brut [SP] NVUSD 8.00
Riesling, Twisted River, Mosel [GER] 2021USD 9.00
Pinot Grigio, Stemmari, Sicily, [IT] 2021USD 9.00
Sauvignon Blanc, La Galope, Gascogne [FR] 2021USD 9.00
Chardonnay, Bourgogne Blanc, Vignerons de Buxy [FR] 2021USD 11.00
Chardonnay, Harken, Tri County [CA] 2018USD 10.00

Rosé

Barbara, Day Owl Rosé [CA] 2020USD 9.00

Reds

Pinot Noir, Campet Ste. Marie, Limoux [FR] 2021USD 10.00
Sangiovese, Grignano, Chianti Rufina [IT] 2021USD 12.00
Malbec Barbera Tempranillo Cab, Wente "Diablo" Red Blend [CA] 2021USD 10.00
Zinfandel, Peirano Heritage Estate, Lodi [CA] 2019USD 10.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Newton Skyside, Napa Valley [CA] 2019USD 10.00

Bottled Beer

Miller Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud LightUSD 4.00
Corona, Stella Artois, Rotating Hard SeltzerUSD 5.00
Rotating Gluten Free Beer or Craft NA BeerUSD 5.50

On Tap

Rotating Craft Beers & CidersUSD 0.00
- MPUSD 0.00
Flight of Three Beers on TapUSD 8.00

What 372 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Asheville / Western North Carolina
Best Value
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Healthy
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Hot spot
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Neighbourhood gem
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Great for outdoor dining
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Lively
Asheville / Western North Carolina
American
Flat Rock / Hendersonville
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC, is a true "gem" with "amazing farm to table food" and an "eclectic and delicious" menu catering to all dietary needs. Guests rave about the "wonderful music venue," "exceptional service," and "incredible ambience." Whether enjoying the patio or live music, it's a must-visit!

372 Reviews

L
Laura
Atlanta Metro
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing crab appetizer! Delicious salmon special and Caesar salad. Just a great night with all the holiday festivities.
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C
Christin
Charlotte
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and ambiance. The food was fresh and the flavors had a lot of depth. The pork chop was phenomenal! And we recommend trying several desserts, if you save room for something sweet.
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E
Elizabeth
Western NC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent as always. The Moroccan spiced salmon was so delicious.
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T
Tom
Western NC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 7 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our recent Saturday night dinner at the Purple Onion was another outstanding reminder why this space is our favorite! My friend and I shared the bolognese and the salmon special, a great bottle of wine, and fought over a blackberry crumble topped with fresh ice cream. My foodie friend declared that the "salmon is the best I've ever tasted!" The two clinchers on why we love The PO: We were greeted by my friend Chambli Stuber at the front door whose welcome smile made all the difference. Even with a great meal, we were moved by the energy of Underhill Rose - a talented group from AVL whose bright lyrics and blend of tunes made us want to forget where we parked. We chatted up singers Eleanor Underhill before the gig, and Molly Rose Reed afterwards, and found both to be enchanting and clearly professional musicians. They were backed by newbie drummer Mike and upright bassist Gary, both of whom guaranteed all the songs went of without a hitch in tempo. Clearly an exceptional evening at the PO! And - "So Saluda!"
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J
Jon
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 6 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good whiskey, delicious pizza, great music from Newfound Gap!
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C
Chuck
Pittsburgh
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on 1 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience, food and music. The server was excellent and all in all this is one of the best restaurants in WNC
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R
Richard
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 28 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was great, service even better. One pizza was good, just not quite what we wanted. They took it off the bill without us even asking. Will be back.
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M
Mike
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We ate there and enjoyed a concert. Food was great and we had a great time
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D
Dirk
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had business partners visiting from out of town, and we had a great experience. Thank you!
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a
ashley
Western NC
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always wonderful. I had the braised pork special followed by my favorite crème brûlée
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FAQs

The Purple Onion offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (828) 749-1179.

The Purple Onion is rated 4.8 stars by 372 OpenTable diners.