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    Dandelion

    4.8 (133 reviews)
    Closed Closed

    Dandelion Photos

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    DANDELION ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Dandelion

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    Open faced tuna melt on toast with tomato covered with cheese and salad.
    Daniel I.

    Unassuming place. Quiet and calm no frills lunch place. You order at the register and get a number. Shortly after you get your food. A note on the table tells you to drop tips in jar at the register instead of on the table, charity donation for the organization. These folks do good things. My tuna melt and salad were good. My take out caesar salad and broccoli cheddar soup were well received. My wife said when I go back to get more soup, she loved it!

    Ruben. Yum!
    Jim K.

    I LOVE this business! The food, the ambiance, the service, and the mission. First, the food is excellent. Dandelion offers a great lunch menu with sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salads. They also feature two of my favorites: Tomato Pie and Shrimp & Grits. The ambiance is very nice and the service is terrific. Prices are very reasonable as well. It is everything you could want in a casual lunch spot. Second, Dandelion serves a very important purpose. I have great admiration for their parent organization, Safelight Family. From Safelightfamily.org : "Dandelion, a local eatery Is the cornerstone of our job training program. Our internship program provides job training for survivors of violence and provides an educational and supportive environment for those who may be at risk. Participants gain experience and strengthen interpersonal skills while receiving additional services for themselves and their families. These internships help create financial stability for trauma survivors while building workforce development within our community." Enjoy a great breakfast, brunch, or lunch and know you are doing far more than dining.

    Tomato pie
    Claudette L.

    Well worth the stop in adorable downtown Hendersonville - the Dandelion offers some interesting spins on Southern classics. I went a little too hard with the nightshades, ordering tomato soup and tomato pie and then eating some kind of tomato salad thing, and I regretted my life choices, but not because it wasn't a delicious assemblage - it was. The tomato pie in particular is a gooey, cheesy, filling work of art. The cafe is airy and charming, and the menu (while limited) offers enough variety to please even the pickiest eaters. The mission behind the restaurant is inarguably noble, and you'll be glad you spent time and dollars here. If you're traveling with kids, zip around the corner to the (free!) gem museum after lunch to kill an enjoyable 30 minutes.

    Tomato pie  + sausage and kale soup
    Haley B.

    My partner and I stopped in after a day of hiking and had a great lunch. I got the tomato pie with a side of kale and sausage soup. The soup was very flavorful and filling but wasn't overly thick. I don't like when soups with cream are "stodgy" - the soup here was perfect! The tomato pie was excellent - it was very substantial and genuinely full of tomato. I would highly recommend it (as the cashier recommended it to me). My partner got the Reuben, which he said was very good! I also got a hot chocolate, which was definitely made from hot cocoa powder mix, but it was good (as expected)! One thing I want to note is that instead of a tip, they accept a donation to a local service for survivors of domestic violence. That wasn't well explained to us, so keep that in mind when you are asked if you want to make a donation (Aka pay your tip as your donation)! Highly recommend for lunch! And I think the work they are doing for survivors is great.

    Inside
    Allie D.

    Eat here for the exceptional food, give a donation for the excellent purpose helping those caught up in and moving away from domestic violence. So happy to have found this place. Very comfortable atmosphere, super attentive staff.

    Coffee time!!
    Sue G.

    First of all I've been wanting to come here for awhile but they close early and it always happens to be when they are closed or near closing that I am in the area. On Yelp I seen that they have very good comments and reviews so it's been a place I just had to try for myself. One nice thing is it is owned by Safelight which from what I understand they help abused women This is their web site link, https://www.safelightfamily.org/dandelion.htm So any extra proceeds from the restaurant goes to helping them with expenses. This is what the page says: (Just alittle insight) Our internship program provides job training for survivors of violence and provides an educational and supportive environment for those who may be at risk. Participants gain experience. The woman who greeted us at the door sprayed our hands as soon as we came in. Then seated us. We asked a few questions she didn't know the answers she apologized and said it was her second day volunteering. So not quite sure if everyone does or not. The restaurant itself is not very fancy , not a whole lot went into decorations maybe lights that hung about 1/2 of the dining area were pretty. Everyone who walked by was attentive and asked if we needed anything. The coffee was pretty good and Everytime you wanted more they gave you a new coffee cup. Every restaurant has something different they do during these Covid days. They give you a menu which is pretty limited but there is dishes that sound really good and the other yelpers photos help alot to decide. I am sure there something for everyone to try.(Plus the special menu in the small holder on the table.) It was hard not knowing what to get but on Yelp I took the advice of a bunch of comments that other yelpers said the chicken pot pie was good. I ordered with a salad. I was hoping it would not disappoint. The other dish was the same but with a side of grapes. They don't have the everyday common sides which was a nice change to try something different. When it came out I had to try the dressing first. It was a balsamic. It was a thicker dressing but delicious. Then the pot pie. Let me tell you the reviews did not disappoint!! Spot on!!! From the top biscuit to the gravy loaded with chunks of white chicken meat, mushrooms and corn and more! It was so good!!! I totally enjoyed it!! Amazing!!! I told one of the girls to tell the chef that made it she said she would. The salad was perfectly cut up in smaller pieces and with the dressing it was so delicious! The whole experience did not disappoint! Food was spot on and so worth the bit of trouble finding a parking spot. They do have a parking lot across the street which is for safelight and it includes the restaurant even though she said there is 6-8 spots they fill up fast. If you are in the area and can be here before the closing time don't even hesitate to stop and eat! I over heard a table near by say the shrimp and grits were amazing, the bowl was big too! So that maybe on the list for another time! It's definitely a comeback place!! Review #550

    House salad with stuffed chicken breast
    Kira K.

    Really cute restaurant/cafe located in downtown Hendersonville that makes everything fresh. They even get produce donated by local farmers, AND they're a non-profit that helps survivors of interpersonal violence get back on their feet. Great food and a great cause.. what more could you ask for?

    Spinach quiche with cucumber salad.
    Steve O.

    What a great place! Located in the middle of an inconspicuous side street with a cute little sign is a wonderful place to eat. The food is fresh and homemade. The recipes are unique and tasty. The chicken pot pie is the best I've ever had. The spinach quiche is terrific. The dessert of the day was chocolate cake with chocolate peanut butter frosting, fantastic! Our server, Hannah, was the best.

    Chicken Caesar Wrap, Chicken Vegetable Soup, Grilled Pimento Cheese

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    3 years ago

    This place is wonderful!! Not only are all employees nice and happy, the food is delicious!! I totally recommend this place!

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Always great food, super friendly service, feels good supporting their mission.

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    3 years ago

    great place for food! delicious, big portions, excellent service and atmosphere. Highly reccomend

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    4 years ago

    Great place with super awesome people. Easy to miss (just off Main St) but must try them out.

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    5 years ago

    Efficient to a T. All the food is especially fresh and flavorful. Best of all, they are open on Mondays!

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    6 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Awesome food for a great cause. Glad we found this little gem! Passing thru and looked it up on Yelp. Did not disappoint !

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    4 years ago

    Always delicious no matter what I order. Also, a chance to give back to a wonderful humanitarian program.

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    5 years ago

    The lunches a r e delish and profits support a shelter from family abuse.Worrh stopping by.

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    7 years ago

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    Page 2 of 4

    Ask the Community - Dandelion

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    The Ugly Mug

    The Ugly Mug

    4.5
    (52 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    Passing through on our way back home and decided to take a little detour to support both my…read morecaffeine problem and a local business. Always a great idea in my book! They have a drive through, but considering that it was my first time here, I wanted to get a better idea of the options/menu, so we went in. It gives off old school diner eclectic vibes, which is cool with me. The staff was friendly and greeted us after finishing up the drink they were making. We took some time to check out the menu & landed on an iced Turtle - one of those listed under "specialty drinks," which was caramel, dark chocolate, and butter pecan. I was a little nervous when I got it because of the amount of syrup in the bottom, so I gave it a good stir. Flavor was a little strong, mostly from the dark chocolate (which I'm not the biggest dark chocolate fan to begin with), but after a good mix, all blended pretty well. I enjoyed the flavor and would certainly drink it again, but would like to try another option to explore more of the menu. Definitely worth a visit if you're passing through the area.

    First visit to the Ugly Mug. I ordered the special drink called the Lucky Charms Latte. Coffee not…read moreyour thing? They also have loose leaf tea jars that you can bring up and they will make a cup of tea for you. They have pastries, hand made crafts and other small items for sale. Staff were quick and friendly. Overall it's a cute, old fashioned little place that I would totally come back to next time I'm in town.

    Photos
    Seating
    Seating
    The Ugly Mug
    Drive thru window/menu

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    Drive thru window/menu
    Arabella Breakfast and Brunch

    Arabella Breakfast and Brunch

    4.4
    (273 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    This morning my family and I decided to get up early and grab a bite at Arabella's in downtown…read moreHendersonville. Usually we come around 10ish and there's a small wait or the place is just really packed (even outdoor seating). But today we stopped around 8:30 and there was only a couple of tables taken up. We were greeted with a smile right away and taken to a table. We were given 2 different menus. One containing the different breakfast and brunch options they offer and the second one with the coffees and alcoholic beverages. Once you look at the menu you see that there is a lot of the basic breakfast options you can find at other restaurants. But what also makes the menu different is that they offer latin breakfast and lunch items like huevos rancheros, huevos con chorizo, tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Since it was so early I decided to go with the huevos rancheros since I've never had them here before. I also decided to go with the honey bear latte (iced) with oat milk as my drink for this morning. My latte was really good! It had hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and honey. The oat milk mixed in perfectly making the latte have a nice creamy taste. Once my dish came out I was happy at the presentation of the plate. I ordered my eggs overhard and they came topped with salsa roja, queso fresco, and cilantro. All of this was placed on top of a fried tortilla and given to me with a side of home fries. Over all I did like the dish. I will say the salsa roja threw me off because I expected it to be a little more spicy, however it had a more citrus/lime taste to it. The home fries however were a 10/10 for me, I liked how crispy they were and how I didn't need to add more salt and pepper to them. Overall I really did enjoy my time this morning at Arabella's. Our server was super nice and attentive with us. The atmosphere is calming. Also it's nice to see the people of Hendersonville coming in and supporting this local business. If you're from the area or a tourist definitely check this place out. You wont be dissapointed.

    Perfect brunch spot that has a variety of options to choose from. Was busy when we went, waited…read moreabout 30 minutes. It was well worth the wait, everything we had was great. If you have a wait go next door to the Appalachian Pinball Museum!

    Photos
    Busy Sunday morning
    Busy Sunday morning
    Arabella Breakfast and Brunch
    Arabella Breakfast and Brunch

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    The Book & Bee

    The Book & Bee

    4.5
    (85 reviews)
    3.3 mi

    Love love love this place! We have been several times now and each time has been wonderful. The…read morepeople are so friendly and inviting. Love the themed rooms. The tea selection is great and so good. The food is very fresh and delicious. You can tell they use only fresh quality ingredients. We have tried several things from the sandwiches and salads. The scones are so good with the lemon curd/cream/jam. We travel over an hour and don't regret it. Will definitely be back many more times.

    I had a lovely afternoon tea at The Book & Bee last year (2025), so I would give this place four to…read morefive stars for that experience alone. I tried to go back this year, and am so appalled by the customer service (or lack thereof) that I will now give it 0 stars, so settled for two since I can't do two and a half. Yes, the food and ambiance were wonderful in 2025. I tried to book another afternoon tea party and called a month and a half in advance. This was to celebrate multiple birthdays with a group of busy moms so wanted to get it on the calendar. No one called me back despite the voicemail saying that we would hear back "promptly." I left two more messages in a span of two, three weeks and still nothing. I even emailed, no response. Finally, a friend stopped by in person and was told that the cafe would be short staffed the weekend we wanted the reservation for so the manager needs to see if there are enough people working before confirming. Okay....but why wouldn't you call back to tell me that? Our requested reservation is tomorrow and I still have not heard back from anyone. This is abysmal customer service. As mentioned, food was good but not good enough to treat potential customers like this. Hard pass from now on and will not go back or recommend. *Editing to respond to Victoria -- those were the dates I called and left voicemails. Perhaps there was a phone issue on your end, but I did not even get a missed call. My friend who stopped by in person spoke to a manager. She had to go by twice due to the manager not being available the first time. I also did not get an email response.

    Photos
    This is one of the dining rooms of the lovely tea and café shop, The Book & Bee.
    This is one of the dining rooms of the lovely tea and café shop, The Book & Bee.
    The Book & Bee
    The Book & Bee

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    Dandelion - cafes - Updated June 2026

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