I live 30 minutes from here, and the breakfast is great. We went for dinner and had fried chicken, which is supposed to be a restaurant specialty. It was extremely dry and although it was the special, it tasted as though it had been sitting around for awhile. The reason that I didn't give it a higher rating was the service. The server kept coming over and taking our plates before we finished our meal. We never got a refill on drinks and she got upset because my elderly Mom didn't want to use her salad bar plate to get salad until her meal arrived. I can understand the rush if it was very busy, however, there were only two other parties in the entire restaurant. The waitress was not a people person and it was quite obvious. I would not recommend this restaurant for dinner. read more

We love this restaurant, it is a family owned business with really good food. We eat there often it is is always consistent with really good veggies. read more

Great place for breakfast and lunch. Try the Spanish omelet - it's awesome! The country ham is very flavorful. My wife and I eat here frequently when traveling north to NC. Service is friendly and very professional. We see the same ladies working every time we visit which reflects employee loyalty. Serving size for most entrees is perfect for an NFL linebacker although they have lighter fare and a salad bar. The extensive menu offers many country cooking favorites along with the traditional American fare.. Sorry no TVs to distract you while you enjoy a pleasant meal with family and friends. One of the best southern style cafes we have found. read more

This restaurant was a waste of time. We waited way too long for poor service and terrible food. I ordered the trout with collard greens and black eyed peas...I don't think my food was seasoned at all...it was tasteless. Even the cornbread had no taste...Our waitress was rude to top off the evening. I am being generous giving this place one star.... read more

Well what happened Cupboard Cafe? It's Friday 12/22 and we were traveling from Georgia back to N.C. and ordered the fried chicken for lunch. It was dry and luke warm. Not at all what we expected. Our server was courteous and efficient . Expect good things the next time? read more

Living in the South you have a lot of great country cooking type restaurants. The meat-and-two-veg, veggie plate, blue plate places are numerous but sadly most of them are mediocre. Canned vegetables or two-day old dishes are common... BUT NOT HERE! We were in Dillard to meet up with family for 24 hours and we ate at Cupboard Cafe twice! First, their fried chicken is likely the best I've ever had in my life. So good that I had it at both meals (once as the fried chicken plate and once as the boneless breast). It is outstanding. Second, let's talk about sides. I had celery stuffing and gravy and it was so fresh, it tasted like we'd just pulled a roasted chicken out of the oven. The gravy was homemade and delicious. The macaroni and cheese was also fresh - no curdled cheese sauce from being steamed all day, noodles not mush. Then I had their butternut squash souffle. I love butternut squash but I assumed it would be canned squash with topping - I was wrong. Fresh, baked butternut squash, mashed, and then topped with some delicious nut topping. So good. So, so, so good. At dinner we had a slice of peanut butter cream pie. Fresh baked, creamy, just incredible. At lunch, we had a big group and got a few desserts - banana pudding, coconut pie, and coconut cake. All delicious. The pie was so light. The service was awesome, the portion sizes are awesome, the little shop up front is adorable. They have plenty of room for large parties. Skip Dillard House and go straight here. You will not be sorry. Cupboard Cafe, I live 2.5 hours away but you will see me again - SOON! read more

NiceBad bad....orders wings and fries, wings came no fries, 20 minutes went by, waitress said they coming, another 20 minutes went by, same answer...we stood up wanted our ticket,,she said you didn't get your fries, we said no, owell they come with the meal anyway....on the way out, I told the manager, the meal was bad, and we didn't get the fries...she said owell.....memo read more

The cheddar cheese Biscuit is excellent. The three of us were divided into two burgers and on spaghetti. All were well prepared. Service was excellent and staff were attentive. We all enjoyed the meal amd plan on coming back. read more

The cheese biscuits were great! The service was good and portions adequate. I got the stir fry chicken and it was more sweet than spicy. Probably not the best choice on the menu. Pecan crusted catfish was good. read more

We stopped here while on vacation. Great food, there was 6 of us and we all ordered something different. Everything from liver and onions to a philly cheesesteak. Everyone really enjoyed their meal. Our server was very friendly, everything she suggested was spot on. we will definitely stop here again on our next trip to the mountains. read more

Decent food but high prices for what you get. Cute gift shop. Very friendly waitress. I live locally and try to take out-of-town visitors to special places but this one won't be repeated as my guests were disappointed. read more

We ate here for lunch today for our first visit and it was a pleasant surprise overall. It was a 35 minute wait (10 minutes over what we were told) around lunchtime on Sunday and I guess in an area like Dillard that would be expected. I had the Blueridge Chicken and liked it, except I ended up scraping most of the cheese off, it seemed like way too much. The chicken was cooked well, moist with mushrooms and bacon. Had mashed potatoes and okra, they weren't the best I've ever had but good. The cheddar biscuits are yummy, they give you one when you're seated. Didn't try any desserts but a sweet lady waiting with me said they're delicious (banana pudding would have been my choice on her recommendation but I was stuffed). Our server was friendly and attentive. We'll probably choose this over the Dillard House the next time we're driving through, the price is much better and I like all the choices. Very cute atmosphere as well. read more

Love this place. Chicken pot pie absolutely wonderful. Full of chicken and veggies. Coconut cake, heavenly.

I went to the Cupboard Cafe on 3-7-12 and it was WAY beyond my expectations! The staff was friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was really good. Things were neat and well organized. And when I perused the menu I found so many choices that I had a hard time deciding. I ended up ordering something that was slightly off the normal menu but they accommodated my request and boy was my meal tasty!! Highly recommended!! read more

Went here for lunch today with wife and her cousin. We've been here probably 6 times over the last few years. Dillard and Clayton have been my wife's family's home for at least 5 generations. It used to be that there would be a "groaning board" of food lovingly cooked for our visits back in the 60's. Nowadays, the few remaining relatives accompany us to a local eatery. Dillard House is too expensive for non-trenchermen, and too touristy for our crowd. Cupboard Cafe manages to keep a blend of hospitality, some basic country food, pleasant atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Wife had the day's special, Chicken Pot Pie, with green beans and squash casserole. I had Country Fried Steak with collards and blackeyed peas. Cousin had a Reuben sandwich (!). Everything was very good, except for the collards, but then no one cooks better collards than I do, so I'm probably being unfair here. Wife had banana pudding (above average) and Cuz had bread pudding with hard sauce (exceptional). Total came to $32.10, reasonable, especially since Dillard House charges over $60 for three. As we were leaving, I decided to make a bathroom detour, where I was reminded why I like the vibe of this place. Hanging above the ceramic wall relief fixture is a print of an American Indian wearing an old top hat, beads, and an old US Calvary coat, his face lit up by a huge snaggletoothed grin. A poem underneath says " Go easy my friend, hang free and loose. Gettin' rattlesnake mean just ain't no use. Take one step at a time and enjoy each day, and peace and joy will light your way." How much more inspired can a guy get while taking a leak? (That's a FIGURATIVE question, BTW) read more

Pricey - my spinach mushroom omelet was made with canned mushrooms and the cheese was just a slice of cheese thrown on top of the omelet - not even melted. Biscuits were very good. Service was dry. read more

Cupboard Cafe is a great place to eat, great food and cute restaurant and small giftshop. The staff is extremley attentive and very nice.

Horrible from start to finish. Waitress delivered cold and terrible looking food. I told her it wasn't edible and she left it at the table without saying a word. She never returned to fill our coffee, nor asked if we needed anything else. I ordered a bacon egg & cheese sandwich and she charged me $.99 cents for the egg because I asked for the egg to be on the side instead of on the sandwich. (Even though the sandwich is priced with the egg on it)!!! Really????? Must of been charged for the labor that it took for the cook to place the egg on a plate instead of on my sandwich. There was only two other tables filled in the place, so it being busy was not a possible excuse for the terrible food and even worse service. read more

I am SO glad we stopped in at this wonderful place! We were staying at the Dillard House and just couldn't fathom the thought of eating the giant (albeit delicious) breakfast two days in a row and wanted to find something on the lighter side. Everyone in the Cupboard Cafe greeted us with a smile and a cheerful "good morning" and we were seated immediately in a cozy booth. The coffee was hot, fresh and constantly replenished. My husband and I both opted for omelets - he got the "country"and I got "bacon and cheese". They were big, fluffy and delicious, as was the toast, strawberry jam and the BEST grits I have EVER eaten. As usual, I couldn't finish my meal! We will definitely be going back there the next time we visit Dillard. Maybe we will save room to try a slice of one of their dozens of homemade cakes or pies. Oh, and leave some time to browse through the gift shop, filled with more sweet treats, coffee-to-go and unique treasures! read more

Poor. Stopped here for lunch just passing thru and it was a mistake. Salad bar was acceptable but it went downhill from there. Grilled chicken was bad. Broccoli casserole didn't look edible. Service was below avg. read more

I visited the Cupboard Cafe at lunchtime and was very pleased. Great taste, great service, great selection, very clean, and the quantity was such that I had enough for leftovers, which made the price worth it. I would recommend to anyone. The best meat and vegetable dinner I have had in a while. read more

I ordered the sausage egg meal. When the server brought I received the bacon egg meal. When the waitress came back to the table she apologized and said she put the order in correctly as a sausage egg meal but the cook got it wrong. I said no worries I will just stick with the bacon and assured her it was fine. She then came back to the table and said she would need the rest of the bacon off my plate and then she could give me sausage. read more

Oh me! Oh my! This place has great fried chicken tenders, banana pudding and warm hot fudge cake with ice cream. Rocky Mountain chicken...out of this world. Had Lisa as a waitress and she was so far above any waitress I have had in a loooooong time. Everyone was friendly. The menu is is extensive and offers a variety of foods. Anyone can find something to eat! read more

Stopped for a late breakfast/early lunch on our way back from Highlands headed back to Jacksonville. A lot of menu choices and great food. We ordered breakfast and lunch items and everyone was great. Will stop here again when we come back through. read more

Wow. This place is a must. It has a local hometown feel and the menu is gigantic. Their food is all home made and is nothing short of amazing. We stopped in for breakfast and everyone's plate looked incredible. They also have desserts to die for. Inside the restaurant is also a small store with souvenirs etc.. I would highly recommend stopping here if you're in the Dillard area. read more

great food, everything prepared fresh, best corned beef hash ever. Service was outstading, we ate hetre 3 days in a row.

Open faced roast beef was cold, as was the turkey and dressing. So disappointed...have been here before for breakfast and it was great.

We stop in to Cupboard Cafe about once a month for dinner. This past weekend we took the whole family and it was as always wonderful. My veggie plate was fantastic. My family all complimented their meals ranging from ribeye steak salad to catfish. Our waitress was sweet and efficient. I have never gotten a single item off their huge menu that I wasn't 100% happy with and our last visit was no exception. Keep up the good work and we love your place...oh, and the banana pudding was to die for!!! read more

Love this nice little restaurant. The food is always excellent. LOVE the (forgot the real name...French I think) potatoes cooked with onions and cheese. All their vegetables are good. Country fried steak isn't bad either. You can't miss at this place. Nothing fancy...just good food. And reasonably priced as well. We stopped going to the Dillard House in favor of the Cupboard because of the price and who needs to stuff yourself til you can hardly walk anyway? read more

Breakfast was good. The country ham was an entire piece, so I took some home. The portion of grits was small in my opinion (gee, grits are cheap!). The service, however, was not the best. We were there mid-morning & it was not crowded (they have a lot of seating room). It took about almost 10 minutes to get coffee and we had to wait on refills. The other waitress didn't pitch in when not busy. Our waitress seemed to have the attitude that she was doing us a favor. This was disappointed since everyone in Dillard the day before was so friendly. read more

Just got back from the Cupboard Cafe. I don't really think I have one good thing to say about the place. The experience started off well with cheese biscuits brought to the table. From their it went down hill. It took a very long time for our waitress to come back and get our drink order, then about another 5 minutes to come back with the drinks. Once the drinks were there, the waitress left again and 10 minutes later came back for the food order. All of the food came back was cold and over cooked. There was a variety at the table, and nothing was really edible. The only hot meal came 5 minutes later in the form of a microwaved pizza. I am not sure about the taste buds of every other reviewer, but if you have ever eaten a southern cooked meal, then you will be disappointed. If you like bland, overcooked and over priced food. Give it a try. read more

The worst waitress ever, and you know she still expected a tip ? unacceptable attitude, i hear breakfast is great ,,,, we had or tried to have lunch on our way to sky valley..... total disaster, food was over cooked, and our waitress really didn't think it was her place to make it right but did tell us it was not her fault she wasn't the cook, well DUH,, here's to ya the cupboard cafe,,,, WOW !. read more

We have enjoyed eating at the Cupboard Cafe many times, spread over several years, and including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you like an extensive menu of excellent country cooking, southern hospitality, friendly service, and good value, then you will enjoy the Cupboard Cafe as my family does. It is our regular choice when in the vicinity. read more

My family has been coming through this area for years on the way to Highlands, NC. This time we decided to try out this restaurant and soooo glad we did. My family is full of picky eaters and everyone rated the meal we had here as the best of the trip. Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had and by far the best salad bar anywhere. Our waitress Robin was great! She helped each of us pick our meals and was honest about what the best choices were, no one was disappointed. I highly recommend everyone try out this great place. Just a warning, you may not want to eat anywhere else and with the wide variety of choices on the menu, you won't have to. The gift shop in the front has some pretty cute gifts too! read more

My family and I stopped by The Cupboard in Dillard on 09/17/2014 and I ordered the Yummy Bucket of Chicken, that was the worst chicken that I ever ate. The chicken was so dry and it taste like it was cooked in stale grease. My brother ordered steamed cabbage with his meal and the waitress brought him coleslaw. After telling her that she brought coleslaw instead of steamed cabbage, she stated that it was cabbage and that they steamed it. This waitress can't tell the difference between coleslaw and steamed cabbage. That meal cost $42.74 and I would not pay $2.00 for the food. I will post on facebook and hope everyone will share it to warn people not to eat at The Cupboard. And yes, I did let the waitress know how dry the chicken was and how bad it tasted, she acted as if I didn't say anything. read more

I've been coming here for years for the banana pudding. The food here is good, but the banana pudding is absolutely awesome. On this trip we were there for lunch I had the two egg breakfast basket with bacon and grits. (Really super-great bacon!) They serve breakfast all day. My wife had a vegetable plate with a salad. Go on Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday so you can get the banana pudding. The main reason that I rate this restaurant a 4 instead of a 5 is that their prices are a bit high for what you get. read more

Ate here two dinners in a row recently. This might not be a five-star place in San Francisco or New York or even Atlanta by most standards. But for authentic-as-it-gets Southern food I haven't seen its equal in a couple of decades. I have very specific and high standards for this kind of food, and the Cupboard Cafe met or exceeded all of them. First: no sugar in the cornbread. Waitress seemed surprised I asked and apologetic when she answered, but the answer, and the cornbread, were both right on. Second: my wife's boneless fried chicken breast was spot-on, moist, with a light, crispy, tasty breading, and my chicken pot pie was excellent -- a clearly from-scratch chicken stew with a puff pastry crust on top. Vegetables (blackeyed peas, green beans) were excellent. Third: while eating, we noticed the banana pudding on the counter -- and I was pleased and surprised to see real, baked meringue on top. No one does that in restaurants anymore -- they just slather some whipped cream on top of some custard and call it good. Meringue's too finicky, starts to weep in the fridge, etc. Never mind that real southern banana pudding depends on that trip through the oven. I'm guessing that the reason they don't have problems with the meringue at the Cupboard Cafe is that their banana pudding never lasts long enough to go back in the fridge at the end of the day. Best restaurant banana pudding I've had in probably 25 years -- assuming you like the real deal. My wife and I shared it, but the dessert case full of pies and cakes beckoned to my wife, so we found ourselves back the next night so she could try the Chocolate Silk Pie. Having seen the fried chicken the night before, and seen how many other things they got right, I had to try the chicken. Did not disappoint at all -- the breast I had was ever-so-slightly dry in places, but mostly fine and the breading was everything I hoped it'd be. Wife's catfish was OK -- well prepared, but the fish itself wasn't outstanding (but I'm pretty picky about that as well). My wife's chocolate pie was as good as it looked, and following up from a tip from our first night's waitress, I had the coconut cake. I never expected to have as authentically great piece of cake as this in a restaurant -- hadn't seen one nearly that good in years from anyone. This is not a trendy place, not a foodie place, not a chef-driven-farm-to-table gastravaganza. It is one of the only places I've been in decades that gets so many things right about the kind of cooking my grandmothers did so well. Pro tip: so many of the lukewarm reviews are from people who ordered Italian or Mexican or other entrees outside the canon of Southern cooking -- please think about what you're doing, and if you can't see it being on the table in a Southern farmhouse in 1935, don't order it in a place like this. read more