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

The Purple Onion

4.8
4.8
381 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 10 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Neighborhood gem
  • Good for special occasions
**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

  • Lillie Syracuse

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jan 23, 2025 only
    In a velvet stream of joy, grief, and love, Lillie Syracuse’s voice and music pours deep from the heart of the in-between. Just as her heart was woven from tree, waterfall, birdsong, and red mountain clay, so was her song writing. Lillie’s hope, in song-craft, is to foster shifts towards a deeper connection with nature, community, authenticity, creativity, and magic in the lives of those who hear her music. Described as a sound worker and poet, alongside her talents as a singer and songwriter, Syracuse is a talent truly sculpted by the roots of these mountains.
    Lillie Syracuse Photo
  • Darby Wilcox

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jan 25, 2025 only
    Darby Wilcox is a stage presence not likely to be found anywhere else. Hardly surprising, given that her bio begins with her being brought up by wolves. With a booming voice, wonderfully quirky stage persona, and lyrics that speak of truth, she is an all encompassing show. Starting at a young age, Darby taught herself how to play the guitar, ukulele, harmonica, and even the kazoo. That driving passion still remains with her today and is present in all of her music. Pulling her own truth through the listener’s mind, Darby Wilcox’s music is an ethereal escapade influenced by the likes of Radiohead, Elliot Smith, The Beatles, and Bjork.
    Darby Wilcox Photo
  • Holler Choir

    $22.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jan 19, 2025 only
    Led by the lyrical craftsmanship of singer, guitarist, and songwriter Clint Roberts, the distinctly Appalachian, old-time sound of Asheville’s Holler Choir combines haunting harmonies, stirring string compositions, and heart-wrenching ballads, yet hardly conforms to a stereotypical genre. Call it a confluence of old-time, Americana, and bluegrass, but, by its own exceptional design, the sound and atmosphere of Holler Choir are singular. Robert’s wordcraft and explosive vocal range is met with the dulcet clawhammer banjo plucking of long-time collaborator Helena Rose, the gutsy timekeeping of upright bassist Joey Brown, and the cracking leads of fiddle player Nat Copeland. Together they create playful songs which explore deep places.
    Holler Choir Photo

What 381 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
  • 4.9Food
  • 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

    Hot spot

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Neighborhood gem

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Purple Onion in Saluda offers a delightful dining experience with "exceptional food" and "great service." Guests rave about the "amazing" live music and "perfect" ambiance. The menu features standout dishes like the pork chop, salmon, and unique specials, complemented by exquisite desserts. A charming venue for a memorable meal and entertainment.

381 Reviews
  1. Jenna

    West Palm Beach

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and great service for New years eve dinner.

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  2. Kimberly

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant!! Friendly hostess staff! Our waitress, Lana, was superb! Great recommendations from the menu! Our meal was exquisite!! I had the pork chop and WOW!!!! Best ever! The desserts were out of this world! I highly recommend this perfect restaurant in the small town of Saluda.

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  3. Robert

    Western NC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent, which combined flavors in original ways. We were happy with the trout and the braised pork, which was the braise of the day, was great. Our server was friendly and helpful with food and wine choices. We were seated on the patio, which was fine even on a cold evening. We definitely plan to go back and will look for a night with music.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Mark

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 26, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the food, the service, the atmosphere...and the performance by Michael Reno Harrell. A wonderful evening at The Purple Onion.

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  5. Lura

    Charlotte

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 26, 2024

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Dinner was excellent- service not as good as in previous visits.

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  6. Lisa

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We love everything about the Purple Onion! The food is exceptional as well as the entertainment and ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Michael

    Western NC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 19, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have been to the Purple Onion multiple times and the food is always good. The live music a couple times a week is a bonus.

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  8. Laura

    VIP

    Atlanta Metro

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fun holiday night of music with Cowboy Judy ! Sold out show !

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  9. Kathy

    VIP

    Western NC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 16, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Another fabulous Sunday concert at the Purple Onion. Cowboy Judy provided an energetic and uplifting show with beautiful music and comedy! It was a full house and the food and service were superb, as always. What a good value; entertainment, great food, and smooth service. Thank you Purple Onion for a wonderful evening.

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  10. Laura

    VIP

    Atlanta Metro

    30 reviews

    5.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2024

    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.

    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 4.8 stars by 381 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 10 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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