This place is SO CUTE!! Like... chic, cozy, and completely unexpected for a little mountain town. It feels like you've stumbled into a hidden gem that you almost don't want to tell people about, but also absolutely have to!! We popped in before a late dinner reservation and I'm so glad we did, because they're only open Friday-Sunday from 5-9 PM--blink and you'll miss it. The vibes are immaculate. Think live music, low lighting, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to stay longer than you planned... and almost miss your dinner reservations lol.... The staff was beyond friendly, truly made us feel right at home from the second we walked in. We didn't order food since we were heading to dinner, but the chef was so proud of his menu that he brought out a sample of the soup of the night (some kind of green gourmet magic), and wow... it was delicious. It made us a little bummed that we had reservations and debate just staying and trying more of the food. Drinks were phenomenal, service was top-tier, and the whole experience just felt special. If you're in town while they're open, do not miss this spot. It's giving hidden gem vibes, it's giving main character energy vibes, it's giving... I need to go back immediately instead of writing this review lol read more

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Hidden gem. Short weekend getaway for us and just wanted to grab a nice drink somewhere with ambience. Highlands was perfect. We ordered three different drinks and they were well poured. We tried three different entrees and each were unique and carefully prepared. I thought the complimentary soup was a great idea and we actually ordered a few bowls because it was so good. They freshly ground after dinner coffee and the deserts hit the spot. Very, very nice.! I personally enjoyed that there was only one family with a child. It was nice to have a quiet dinner, with jazz in the background and nice drinks in a place you can have good conversation over excellent food. Well done.! read more

When we were there in January 2025, it was the best food in town. I told them And the chef was so appreciative. I hope they come back soon! read more

The service at Prohibition Kitchen was good, but the drinks left a lot to be desired. Be warned - if you're not a "creamy" espresso martini fan, the espresso martini contains Baileys or some other type of cream liquor (not listed on the menu). The smoked old fashioned was also disappointing. It just tasted like straight whiskey, no bitters or sugar. Based on other reviews, maybe we just hit it on an off night. read more

Cool little place in downtown Banner Elk. I liked the jazz music playing in the background and the specialty cocktails! Nice charcuterie board filled us up so great for appetizers and drinks! read more

Honestly, the BEST restaurant in Banner Elk. Don't be fooled by the word "tapas". These are NOT skimpy portions. I am so full when I leave. Everything is divine. The duck is amaaaaaaaazing. Service is awesome. Everything is awesome! read more

Highlands Prohibition Kitchen - A pastry filled with wild mushrooms and goat cheese...to die for - Speakeasies Near Me - Banner Elk, North Carolina

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This is a top tier first date place. It is very nice inside and have a great wine selection. Lots of finger food that all tasted great. I would not recommend it for a full sit down dinner because they are not really full meal plates. However the charcuterie board was really good and had a great variety. The only thing was the empanadas tasted good but were much smaller than we thought it would be. I will have to say they had the best staff. She came over and asked us if we needed anything a lot of times which I love because she was going above and beyond. This is definitely the place where Sunday afternoon you want a glass of wine come here. read more

Highlands Prohibition Kitchen - Speakeasies Near Me - Banner Elk, North Carolina

WOW! What an incredible place our party of 11 stumbled upon! The service was fantastic, we were waited on by one waitress who was attentive and just SO good at what she does! Since we were a party of 11 we completely understood that our food may naturally take more time to come out. After ordering our waitress (& what I am guessing is the manager or owner) came out with complimentary soups for us all because the food would be a little bit of a wait. The timing of the kitchen was impeccable!! For the amount of food we ordered and the amount of people the food preparation was FAST! Everything was delicious & all of us left extremely happy and impressed! 10/10 would recommend to anyone!!! read more

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Great welcoming staff and the food is fantastic. Enjoyed the scallops as an entree and crab cake as an appetizer. The smoked old fashioned has great presentation and even better taste. You won't be disappointed ! read more

I've wanted to go here for a bit and now I'm angry at myself for not going there on a constant basis. What an amazing experience. The food was beyond food expectations, and the atmosphere was wonderful. The owner visited the table as well as the chef to let us sing their praises. Our server was very accommodating and new how to explain all the dishes perfectly that made our mouths water with anticipation to try them. This is by far the best menu available in our area and I/ we all will be making it a regular experience! read more

Best cheeseburger you'll ever find! Be hungry, portions are huge and reasonably priced!

"This gem in Banner Elk offers a fantastic alternative dining experience with a warm and inviting vibe and a uniquely creative kitchen. The staff and Chef go above and beyond to personally interact with guests, making you feel right at home. The prices for both food and drinks are very reasonable, especially considering the quality. Everything is made fresh, and the innovative fusion of tapas and full plates results in dishes that are not only beautifully prepared but absolutely delicious. Do yourself a favor and give this place a try--you won't be disappointed!" We had the tenderloin skewers and the duck! read more

This is our new favorite restaurant! A treat - from the leather chairs, to the thoughtful and warm waitress, to Chef Dominic, to drinks, to dessert. The whole experience could not have been better. We are thrilled to have found it! read more

We enjoy going to Highlands Prohibition Kitchen because the food is consistently good, we're happy with the service and the ambiance is exactly like we like it. It's warm and cozy, and they don't crowd in too many tables so it's quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation while having dinner. read more

Highly recommend! Food was delicious (Roast Duck - Yum!). Relaxing ambiance, not noisy at all. Service was great, staff personable and knowledgeable. A must for dining in Banner Elk. read more

Absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend. The food and drinks were unbelievable. The servers Nora and Jessica were fantastic. The chef "Chef Ramsey" is awesome. We enjoyed talking to the owner Marcus. Highly recommend Highland Prohibition Kitchen. read more

We stopped in for dinner recently and the food was fantastic!! They have a great drink menu as well. The decor is so welcoming and the staff was very attentive. We will be back! read more

Highlands Prohibition Kitchen - View from the bar. - Speakeasies Near Me - Banner Elk, North Carolina

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My husband and I were here Friday, Aug 23, for an appetizer, drinks and enjoyed it so much we went back for dinner on Aug 24, Saturday night. The food is amazing. The chef definitely has his 10,000 hours in and very creative. Service is excellent with being attentive to every need. Would definitely visit again and again when we return to Banner Elk! It is the best. read more

Although we only popped in for a drink, the decor is amazing, and the owner, Marcus, and the bartender and Chef Ramsey were really fun to talk with. It had only been open 10 days, but I'm sure it's going to be a booming success! We certainly enjoyed our time there. read more

Loved everything about this place! Beautiful interior and setting. Loved the food and wine selected. Markus, the owner is awesome, and enjoyed the fun staff. Definitely a place I would recommend and will return to, when passing thru Banner Elk! read more

Best espresso martini ever ! Bartenders are attentive and polite. Very nice owner. Visit if you can ! :)

My wife and I had lunch here today (3/23/24) and thoroughly loved this space. Started with a couple of local ales on tap and had Chef Ramsay's charcuterie board and the shrimp on a bed of polenta. Small menu but well-plated and presented. I am sure as the word gets out about this place the chef will be able to showcase his talents with a larger selection. Wine list looks good and the ambience is quiet and cozy. Please give them a try and say hi to the owner Marcus from Jeff and Betsie. read more

Had a great time grabbing a few drinks after dinner in town. Upscale ambiance but not stuffy. Solid local beers on tap.