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Dinner for two at The Purple Onion - The Purple Onion, Saluda, NC

The Purple Onion

4.9
4.9
394 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Great for live music
  • Neighborhood gem
**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
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Flat Rock
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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Experiences

  • Highway 52

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 20, 2025 only
    Highway 52 is an acoustic Blues and Americana group that includes four seasoned, local musicians. Playing blues and Americana favorites, as well as some more eclectic covers and originals, the band knows how to get a room thumping and singing along. Band members are Bill Loftus on guitar/harmonica/vocals; Mike ‘Country’ Carver, guitar/vocals; Paul McIntire, electric violin; and Lauren Bandy, standup and electric bass.
    Highway 52 Photo
  • Reedy River String Band

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 22, 2025 only
    Reedy River String Band has taken the Southeast of the United States by storm the past few years with their fresh take on Appalachian roots music. Reedy River's sound is modern bluegrass with foot stompin' elements of jam and rock n' roll inspired by the various touring and recording experiences of its members. In any given show, Multi-instrumentalist Sterling Waite interchanges mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and harmonica to bring a range of textures to the band's live performances. With Rush Morgan on guitar and Mark Dye on upright bass, all three of the members are songwriters and lead singers, lending a depth and variety of original material beyond the band’s relatively short time together.
    Reedy River String Band Photo
  • Josie Toney

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 27, 2025 only
    Self-proclaimed “Fiddle slinger- Country singer,” Josie Toney is a versatile musician drawing from a deep familial background in traditional music. If you’ve been swept up by the Sierra Ferrell phenomenon over the last few years, then you probably don’t need an introduction to Josie Toney. When she sings, Toney evokes the ghosts of the classic country era by mixing old-school country with old-school blues indicative at times of Hank One. An accomplished fiddler in a variety of roots styles, she is also a compelling singer, songwriter, and guitarist, whose songs bring a taste of modernity to sounds that Americans have been enjoying for a century.
    Josie Toney Photo

What 394 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Value

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Kid-friendly

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Innovative

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Healthy

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Hot spot

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Neighborhood gem

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Lively

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Purple Onion in Saluda delights with "delicious food" and a lively atmosphere enhanced by "fantastic music." Known for its "exceptional" service and unique dishes, this charming spot offers an inviting mix of ambiance and entertainment. Don't miss the "salmon is the best I've ever tasted" and their delectable desserts.

394 Reviews
  1. Joan and Joel

    Naples

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is our favorite place to go. As a chef I am more than picky. The food is always a wonderful experience and it is service with a smile and great attention to detail.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Marsha

    Western NC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just wonderful and we will be back! Great food as always!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Melissa

    Charlotte

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Consistently great food. Wonderful waitress. I loved the trout wrap.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jon

    Nashville

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great show (Bayla Davis & Cary Fridley), and a great braised pork shoulder special!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Amanda

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a wonderful restaurant in the cutest small town. Food was delicious! Service was exceptional, we never had to ask for a single thing. Live band was also a great add to the ambiance. We will be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Sandy

    VIP

    Atlanta

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place for a late lunch! The med plate was delicious as usual!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Brooke

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 25, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible! Such unique dishes and desserts. Will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  8. Kathy

    VIP

    Western NC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a fabulous night of great food and fantastic music!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Doug

    VIP

    New York City

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 24, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience. The food and drinks are top notch. And we love the live music. Lillie Syracuse last night. She was excellent. Mature and sophisticated voice.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Scott

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    There are not many places that can touch the Purple Onion for food, ambiance and a good time. Live music there is always a favorite and I highly recommend. Even their limited menu offered during live music events is fantastic.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

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

The Purple Onion is rated 4.9 stars by 394 OpenTable diners.

The Purple Onion does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Purple Onion

16 Main St, Saluda, NC 28773-7700

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Flat Rock
  • 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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine
Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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