I have never written a bad review before but I feel so strongly about our experience I just had the share. We had lunch/brunch today with several friends. It had to be one of the Worst meals I've had in a long time. Out of the 10 meals, only 3 people enjoyed theirs. One of the couples in our group had eaten here several times and they said they have never had a bad experience until today. The biggest complaint was with the roasted vegetables. They were not just roasted they were incinerated and apparently the chef tried to mask that with salt! Doesn't sound like a big deal but 3 of us had a meal that was centered around the vegetables. Holy smokes every meal except the shrimp and grits was brining with salt. Another concern was that we arrived with reservations at 12:00. It was 2:30 when we left. The restaurant was not busy. I have No intention of returning. read more

Excellent!! We were here for our family tradition Thanksgiving and it did not disappoint! Great service, food is amazing!! Highly recommend!

We had one of the most memorable meals here! Every dish was a standout, starting with the creative hand pies stuffed with rib meat, paired with a sweet and savory dipping sauce that made them impossible to stop eating. We moved on to buttermilk-brined, tallow fried chicken--perfectly seasoned with a crispy golden crust and juicy, tender meat. The pork chop was hands-down the most tender we've ever had, cooked to perfection. The sides were just as impressive: buttery mac and cheese that was rich without being heavy, tallow fries that we completely finished off; and the savory tomato pie with its flaky biscuit crust was pure Southern comfort, balanced and flavorful. Dessert was equally divine: a warm, chewy chocolate chip cookie served with artisanal ice cream--comforting, indulgent, and beautifully executed. Everything was complemented by fresh, bright Palomas that tied the whole meal together. Even though we arrived later in the evening, our server set up a table for us on the porch, and we had the most spectacular view as we dined. From start to finish, the flavors were thoughtful, balanced, and absolutely delicious. Our service was great, ambiance to die for, and I can't wait to come back and enjoy it all over again! read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

We made Valentine's Day reservations four months in advance, noting that one of us was vegetarian. Less than 24 hours before our scheduled reservation, we received a text from the restaurant that they would not accommodate vegetarians. This left us scrambling to make alternative dinner plans on one of the busiest nights of the year, which was not how we intended to spend the holiday. Blanton House's lack of flexibility, empathy, and remorse was shocking, and we will not attempt to go back. read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Reservation cancelled 13 Feb 2026 - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

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Underrated foodie restaurant in the heart of town. Excellent service, charming, quaint, elegant historic home which creates a very inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Food was very good - tried bread, crab cakes and pork rolls. All were prepared and plated beautifully- we all felt could have used a sprinkle or two of salt but this isn't a complaint. Also had the beef bourguignon and fried chicken - excellent prep and presentation and would have again. read more

The waitstaff and bartender are great. I hate saying this because I want to help the local restaurants. This was by far one of the worst food experiences I've ever had. We were celebrating 60 anniversary of my wife's parents. Shrimp and grits were soggy. Pork chop was way over cooked. Chicken was burned. They gave us 50percent off the entrees. Which was fair, but we will never eat here again. Sad because we really enjoyed it. My guess is this place will be closed within 6 months. Terrible food! Terrible! read more

One of the worst meals I have had in a long time! The ambiance is nice enough but it doesn't make up for the bad food and rough service! Part of our food was practically burn and the other half was soggy and all of it was to salty. Definitely not worth it. read more

We really enjoy the family style meal on Sundays. Both times the mashed potatoes have been perfectly wonderful! It's so hard to find a good mash these days. Most places use instant potatoes and dusty pepper, but not the Blanton House! I didn't even have to add salt to them! They are creamy, fluffy, and have real potato skins mixed in. Easily on my top 10 fave mashed potatoes of all time! I also really, really enjoyed the Mac and cheese. I'm personally a fan of white sauce Mac which was what was served the first Sunday we went. They used penne noodles and it had the best sauce!!! The noodles were perfect! Not mushy or soggy! Just outstanding!!! The most recent Sunday we went they had a regular orange cheddar Mac. It was still a good Mac, I can't complain at all. I think it was baked, or at least had a layer of cheese melted on the top with cheese mixed throughout of course. Both Mac's were easily the best Mac and cheese in McDowell county! I just enjoyed the white sauce Mac a bit more. I also enjoy when a Mac and cheese has a "fun" noodle vs the standard elbow. Elbows are great and a classic but something just hits different when a "fun" noodle is used. The Corn Pudding was good. My partner really enjoyed it. Probably his favorite side! It was like a doughy cornbread in a way. Almost like a tamale, not quite but almost. It had corn, pimentos (I think) and a green pepper that had just a mild kick to it. It was pretty unique to me. I can be pretty skeptical of new textures/new things but I enjoyed what I ate of it. My partner got the Fried Chicken and I got the Meatloaf for the proteins. Both were good. I think the meatloaf won though! This was the second time we had ordered the fried chicken. Next time we might explore more of the protein options just to see how the other stuff is. My one critique would be that the menus were a bit confusing for the Sunday Meal. They give you a standard menu and let you know what they have available. It's nice to know what they offer throughout the week but it was a bit confusing when you are looking at a full menu and less than half is what is available. It would be nice if they had special menus just for Sunday, but I understand that might be an issue since I believe they change the Sunday menu from week to week. For two people I think it came out to like $60. It's $25 per person, then once you add tax and drinks on, it bumps that price up a bit. We did leave a tip but I didn't include that into the price stated above (A tip is sort of personal I think). The proteins are only one serving but the 3 sides are refillable! We refilled the Mashed Potatoes and Mac one time each. For two people that was all we needed but if you had more in your party I could see using the limitless refills more. We will absolutely be back! The price is still a bit "pricey" but considering there aren't a lot of restaurants around that offer more than just diner foods/fast foods/frozen foods (esp on Sundays!) it's a nice option to have! Plus, the fact you are getting real fresh foods prepared by a chef, I think it's totally worth it. Will we eat here every Sunday? No, but it's a lovely treat to go once a month. It's a nice break from the ol' routine and a stunning atmosphere to enjoy a meal in! I highly recommend going!!! read more

The restaurant has only been open since June. It is a hige lovely southern home remodeled into a restaurant and wedding or dinner event venue. We ate on the beautiful balcony. The quaint, small, but full service bar is located on the bottom floor. There are many wonderfully decorated and themed dinning rooms, and a large exterior patio with outdoor fireplace, and pretty side patio for small weddings. We had the crab cakes for the appetizer. My wife had shrimp and grits, and I had the low Country boil. Everything was delicious, and the service was excellent. Pricy, but worth every penny. read more

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This is a wonderful place. Elegant! Enjoyed a fantastic brunch. Highly recommend. Thank you.

What an amazing place for a date night! I've been twice since the opening and both times were on point. The servers were friendly and helpful. The owners made their rounds to greet us, that was nice. The first time I tried the shrimp and grits. I've been to both Charleston and New Orleans, these shrimp and grits will not disappoint. My second visit I went with the filet. It was cooked perfectly medium rare as order.A great cut of steak seasoned well coupled with a potato casserole of some sort. That side was amazing! Not sure what to call it nor have I ever had anything like it. This will be a hot spot for my date nights with the wife! read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

One of Marion's best restaurants. Really like the setting, they have an excellent cocktail menu, and the food is good. The menu is pretty varied, so there is something for everyone. I've been there three times and never been disappointed. The fried chicken is unbeatable. The staff is very attentive and friendly. read more

Another celebration ruined by Blanton House. Took our friend to brunch to celebrate her Birthday. When reserving the software asks about special occasions...we thought so the restaurant could acknowledge them. First problem: After being seated, our server asked if we would like a beverage to start. My husband and I ordered a Bloody Mary, only to be told they did not have any Bloody Mary Mix. Really?? Sunday comes at the same time each week, but this week it "snuck up" on you? Someone ran to a local store and returned with the necessary ingredients 20 minutes later. Second issue: After ordering our breakfast entrees, we ordered a Mimosa flight to share. The waitress brought the metal rack carrying four mimosas, moved aside the candle holder and partially spilled the drinks on the table. After that she left the room. We waited several minutes before flagging down another server and asked if she could ask for someone to wipe up the mess on the table. Another server cleaned up the spill. That was the last time we saw our server. Third issue: When our entrees were ready, a young man in a baseball hat, t-shirt, jeans and sneakers served our food. No one ever checked on us during Brunch and the same young man brought the check. We concluded our birthday celebration sitting at the table still littered with our Brunch dishes as my husband paid the check. It is obvious that the staff has never personally experienced fine dining. A professional server takes pride in their work and would never abandon their station. It takes more than a white shirt and black slacks to properly serve in a fine dining establishment. In fairness to the Chef, the food was enjoyable, however it does not compare to the photos on their website. The Eggs Benedict looked lonely sitting on the plate without the home fried potatoes or roasted tomatoes as pictured on their website. read more

What a beautiful place!! Worth the visit to experience however I don't see myself returning until they settle in a bit more. The service is excellent however the food was not. The duck was definitely over cooked and served with barely what you call a side. Very small portion for an overpriced dish. I am a food chaser and love a fancy restaurant but a little disappointed. read more

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This place is fixed up beautifully with a welcoming ambiance, and the service was good. My husband ordered the low country boil. The menu clearly said that it came with clams but when the small bowl of shrimp, potatoes, sausage and one half ear of corn was brought out it didn't have any. My husband asked our waitress about it. She informed him that the menu did not say it included clams, and walked away instead of trying to make it right or at least apologizing. He said the dish was ok but it wasn't that great for the price. I ordered the ribeye steak plate that came with broccoli and a square of potatoes dauphinois. The steak was very fatty and pretty bland. The sprigs of broccoli was ok if you like raw broccoli and the potatoes dauphinois were good. We ordered the egg rolls for an appetizer and what they came out with was 2 egg rolls cut in half. For $15 I was expecting at least 4 whole egg rolls. I know this is a fancy restaurant but with bland and underwhelming food it doesn't seem like they should be charging so much. They did have a jazz band which saved the experience. Hopefully, since it's a new place they will only get better with time. read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Low country boil - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

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My bourbon drink was served with egg white foam not indicated on the drink menu- gross. I really believe the bartender made it wrong and wouldn't own up on the mistake. The service was nice when they checked on us, we had to flag people down a couple of times. read more

An absolutely stunning venue!! So much thought has gone into every detail. We felt like we had stepped back in time as we walked through the door where we were met by a kind smiling host! Our server made us feel welcome and at home as well! She was both attentive and professional without hovering! Our anticipation grew with each dish that was served as they were not only elegant in appearance but also a symphony of flavor in each bite! Even the after dinner coffee was a treat, which most often sadly disappoints at other restaurants. The chef took a moment to come to our table so we could personally thank him for the taste sensation we had just experienced. He was both humble and charming! We will definitely be returning! It's a dinner date must if in Marion. read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

The Hawaiian girl bartending does a fantastic job at making the drinks and always has a smile that lights up my day.

Always a great time at Blanton House! Our favorite place for fine dining in the area. Great service, food and drinks. We love how they keep things interesting and there is always something new to try. read more

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Food, service & atmosphere were wonderful! Our server was so sweet and welcoming. we went for brunch celebrate our anniversary and I couldn't be happier with our experience. We will definitely be returning! Perfect for an anniversary outing, date, or girls brunch! read more

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Ordered the crab cakes and egg rolls as appetizers...absolutely delicious. The fried chicken entree is the best I've ever had. Jacobins the head chef and Ewan the soups-chef are top notch Great atmosphere and great service. Will definitely be back. Fantastic addition to Marion! read more

Amazing night at Blantons!! Waited in the bar for our reservations and had an incredible time enjoying the conversations in there as well as the expertise of master bartender James. Bar area is almost a work of art. Dinner came and we enjoyed the grilled oysters, linguini and mussels and the filet mignon. All were fantastic dishes and the ambience and service was all excellent!! read more

Really nice setting and fantastic staff. The bar tender and server were absolutely top notch. The food is so-so. Definitely not fine dining quality. I'd say, taste and quality, maybe on par with a chain like Longhorn or Carabas, but like I said, the excellent service and cool building made the very average food worth the visit. I may come back for a drink and app in the bar, but not for the entree's. read more

We had visited 2 weeks ago and the food was very good. We praised the filets and the dauphinois potatoes. We invited other members of our family to join us for dinner and to try out the things we really liked. Tonight the crab soup was very thick and cold, our plates were served and they did not have the potatoes we had ordered. They had substituted mashed potatoes without informing us beforehand. Two of the filets were actually strip steaks. We were very disappointed and will not return. read more

Blanton House Restaurant & Venue - Did not get the potatoes ordered. - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Marion, North Carolina

small portions for the money and the majority of the food is extremely southern. Limited menu.

A wonderful setting--beautiful house with a great large outdoor patio space. Service was good--we had a mishap where our food was delivered to the wrong table but otherwise our waitress was attentive. We had the egg rolls as an appetizer and they were excellent--maybe a little overpriced but tasted great! Both of our entrees were very good but were lacking. I had the salmon which was good and my husband has the scallops. He felt it needed to be served with risotto or some type of carb. Drinks were excellent. Dessert was good too but overall everything was just a little overpriced for the quality and quantity received. We would definitely return to sit on the patio and listen to the live music! read more

What a beautiful setting and restaurant. So happy to have this in Marion. Service was good. Food was good but as others have said. Portions aren't too big. I will return and look forward to try other items on the menu read more

Great bourbon cocktails and flavorful seasonal entrees. Favorites were beet salad and salmon risotto.

We enjoyed a perfect family dinner. We had a large party and the weather was beautiful, so we dined in the courtyard. We started with drinks from the bar that were tasty and original. The waitstaff were so helpful with suggestions and were very knowledgeable of the menu offerings. I also appreciated that they were attentive but not intrusive. We took our time and enjoyed the atmosphere without feeling rushed. This is an upscale place with a comfortable family vibe - that is a difficult balance, but they've done it. read more

Not worth the money. Pretty place but food is not good at all! We went on a Saturday night. The place was empty... plenty of reservations. Friendly staff read more

Amazing atmosphere and great service. Loved coming here for brunch. Crab cakes were 5/5! Chocolate/PB cake was really good. I would not recommend the courtyard burger. I was expecting a smash burger but the burger was very hard to eat and tastes like the inside of a grill (to each their own) but!!! I look forward to trying more things on the menu and would give another main course a shot. read more

Pretty place but the food was not good. The place is nice inside. Our food was cold and the dessert was terrible!

Ambiance was on par with other fine dining spaced. Thumbs up on that. Wait staff was excellent. But the food was terrible. Mixed drinks were terrible. The duck was way too pricey for what you got and was not properly cooked. Everything else we ordered was too greasy, too salty or too sweet. We were celebrating a wedding anniversary. What a waste of time. My kale salad was gritty. The food in general was under par. Not worth the few hundred dollars we spent for a night of fine dining. I would've rather taken the drive to Charlotte to get my money's worth. read more

This was bad, really bad. I wish I'd read the reviews before we went. While the ambiance is good, the service was mediocre and the food was horrible. The crab cakes were cold in the middle, only browned on one side, and were filled with celery and veggies. I couldn't find the crab and mentioned it to the waitress who said that's how "we make them in the south." Took two bites and stopped. And this is were it went downhill. I've been in the restaurant business and I know what to say to someone who has not eaten their food. She never asked if she could bring something else. Nor did she offer to take the undercooked, cold, crab-free-tasting cakes back to the kitchen to be cooked again. She simply walked away. The house salad came in a tiny bowl and it too was lacking. Small salad with huge carrots. The pumpkin soup was ok, but there wasn't much of it. Still hungry I ordered an apple tart that came out stone cold on a cold plate. Didn't eat that either because it tasted like the inside of an icebox. At $63 for my portion, I felt scammed. But this could have been saved with an adjustment on the bill, an offer of another evening, even an apology at minimum. Instead when I asked for the manager I got even greater resistance with the never-to-be-said-to-a-customer words: "We don't get complaints about the food," insinuating it was my fault-problem. Perhaps she should read these reviews more closely because clearly they do have a problem. We left furious and will never return. read more