Highlands Butchery delivers an excellent dining experience overall, earning a solid 4.5 out of 5…read morefor the visit described. The combination of attentive service, high-quality steaks, and a standout bourbon selection makes it a spot worth seeking out in Valdese.[1][2][3] ## Service and Hospitality Austin provided friendly, knowledgeable service, with spot-on recommendations and consistent follow-up throughout the meal, which really elevated the evening. The staff quickly seated the party of four and acknowledged the celebration for the wife's birthday, helping the night feel special from the start. When one filet needed a bit more sear, the owner personally stepped in, oversaw the re-fire, and had it returned to the table cooked perfectly. That level of ownership and responsiveness showed real commitment to **hospitality**. ## Food and Preparation Entrées arrived beautifully plated and cooked to appropriate temperatures, which is especially important at a butcher-driven concept known for its meats. The corrected filet came back with the ideal sear and doneness, reinforcing confidence in the kitchen's skill.[2][1] Portioning and presentation aligned with expectations for a farm-to-table steakhouse, highlighting the quality of their locally sourced meats.[3][1] ## Bourbon Library The bourbon library is a major highlight, offering an impressive selection of hard-to-find bottles that adds a distinctive draw for whiskey lovers. It pairs perfectly with their meat-focused menu and makes Highlands Butchery feel like a destination, not just a neighborhood spot.[4][1][2] Having such depth behind the bar also supports Austin's recommendations, allowing guests to explore pours they may not encounter elsewhere. ## Atmosphere and Noise The only real drawback of the evening was the room volume, which made conversation a bit challenging at times. Given how popular and lively the space can be, some additional noise baffles or acoustic treatments could help deaden the sound and make the dining room more comfortable without losing the energetic vibe. With that one improvement, this experience would easily move from a 4.5 to a full 5 out of 5, especially given the strength of the service, food, and bourbon program!

Highlands Butchery Restaurant is top notch! Food is wonderful, fresh, and delicious! Service is…read moregreat and the ambiance is so comforting and relaxing. We've been customers of the meat store for years, just had lunch today and it was amazing.

Great atmosphere, great staff. Highly recommend !! Wonderful selection of cocktails and best…read moreselection of cigars in town !!

From the owner: Step through the doors of Epic Speakeasy into an authentic 1930s atmosphere where speakeasy vibes…read moremerge with modern sophistication. Discover an extensive range of 105 cigar brands, each hand-selected to provide the ultimate smoking experience. We have smoking and non-smoking areas. Indulge in a craft cocktail as you relax on the marvelous back porch or retreat to the adjacent cigar club. Epic Speakeasy offers an unmatched escape from the ordinary, making it a haven for cigar enthusiasts and cocktail aficionados alike.

So I am biased, but Taylor and Laney make incredible cocktails!read more

This has become a staple for us. Great food and service. Consistent standards every time.read more

Notions was OK. I had a smash burger - the burger was decent, the side of a grit cake was…read morehorrid. It was a wedge of grits that were covered in breading and deep fried. Who possibly wants to eat deep fried breaded grits? We ordered some apps and I forget what my wife and SIL order, but the overall opinion was just OK. No one wanted to return. Plus... the inside restaurant smelled like something died in there. We ate outside, as eating inside was impossible due to the smell. When I went to use the bathroom about an hour later, they had heavily perfumed the restuarant.

Came in for dinner and Kentucky Derby was on, great fun. Had to try the fish and chips which did…read morenot disappoint with a large piece of fish. Also got the shepherds pie which was done well and not greasy at all. Good local brews and an Irish coffee to end. Great pub ambiance and friendly staff too.

Good food and great service--server was first rate and attentive throughout. We ate inside and the…read moredecor is nice too. Even had a Guinness that was poured perfectly. This place is a nice addition to the Morganton scene.

This place is so cool. It is down an alley with a bunch of other bars! It's upstairs. It's small…read moreand the drinks and service were amazing! Shay was our bartender and she recommended a drink that she created and it was amazing. It was sort of raspberry and citrusy! We loved the vibe and the quaintness!

The ambiance is trendy, southern-rustic mixed with wood and night lounge vibes. The aroma of the…read moreroom smells like roasted marshmallows. The service is great and the bartenders are more-so artists.

Omg what a beautiful venue. My cousin just had her wedding and reception there a few months ago. I…read morerecommend. We had our own brid suite to get ready in. There was a full kitchen and bar. Outside by the lake was beautiful, that's where the wedding was. Inside we had plenty of room to dance and turn up. 10/10

This is a nice event center the outdoor wedding area by the Lake was amazing. Very serene. We…read moreattended a 5 PM wedding in August and it was very cool and comfortable in the area where the wedding was held. The cocktail area was nice. The reception hall was great. This is a real nice venue. The bridal suite is awesome

The food is always wonderful, the Tartare specifically is to die for…read more Having been here several times, our experience tonight was the best so far due to the exceptional service provided by Mila (hopefully I spelled this correctly). She was personable, provided excellent recommendations and was just a very enjoyable person and we wanted to shout her out!

Celebrated a birthday here. Great southern American ambiance. Service was friendly and generally…read moreattentive. Our food came out with great pacing. Bread, 2 small plates, and 2 larger plates were more than enough for 3. Everything was tasty. Focaccia was fresh, toasty, and buttery. Plump mussels, tender monkfish. Duck slightly dry. Small surprising flavors in all the dishes (including curry, coconut, rosemary, saffron). Chocolate cake (complimentary) was fine, I just prefer a softer warm cake to a cooled harder cake. On par with other upper scale/casual NC spots.

This is Hickory's only Speakeasy! Go through the door labeled No Entry and find a beautiful little…read morebar lounge. Small and comfortable with a few food options a d a long list of carefully crafted cocktails from excellent mixologists.