Amazing mountain culinary experience was last night's journey to The Library ! I've been going to The Library since the late 1970's. The menu has loads of choices for the most simple palette and the most sophisticated palette. One can certainly feel the passion love and dedication that Chef Johannes puts into his work. We had 6 persons in our group. We started with a lightly griddled corn bread appetizer to get things going. 2 persons loved the rich and silky lobster bisque soup. I enjoyed the seasonal salad with sourwood honey dressing. I have raised my 2 grown adult children with great exposure to different culture's fine dining. So they jumped right in and ordered the elk. It was perfectly cooked and delicious. So tender.... My wife got the succulently light trout and was so pleased. I ordered a well priced and tasty bottle of Margaux wine. The desserts for sharing were the bread pudding and cobbler. They were delicious and devoured quickly. The whole experience was fantastic ! The pièce de résistance was getting to speak with Chef Johannes. He is a wonderful and passionate Chef that truly loves his work. The menu changes periodically so one will never be bored. I highly recommend The Library and I will continue to return too. read more

The Library Kitchen & Bar - Chef Johannes and us! - Desserts Near Me - Sapphire, North Carolina

I cannot understand the good reviews !Started by seating on patio - tatty and barren - ordered Mac cheese and soup to start - both absolutely dreadful - Mac cheese was gummy and bland, and barely warm... Soup tasted like it came out of a can. The entrées were a little better, but mediocre and horribly overpriced! Anybody got any good recommendations for the area would appreciate some honest reviews read more

Not really impressed with this place. Was hopeful with the positive reviews but our experience differed. Got here about 7pm on a Wednesday and we're seated quickly. Drinks ordered quickly. Took a while to get apps entered, then chaos happened. After ordering our dinner, all specials, we were told after 10-12 minutes that three of them were out. Kinda sucks. I ordered my backup and they were also 86. Got my third choice, which was chicken. I can get chicken anywhere man. Service was super slow, always waiting for drink refills. Not impressed. read more

We rarely write restaurant reviews, but our dinner at The Library was so disappointing that I felt compelled to share our experience, particularly given the restaurant's reputation and prices. We started with sparkling wine and asked to order something from the "Snacks" section of the menu while we looked over dinner. We were told we could not order any snacks unless we placed our entire dinner order at the same time. It was an odd and unwelcoming way to begin the evening. I ordered the pea ravioli. What should have been a light, fresh dish arrived over a greasy, oily mushroom preparation and was topped with strange crispy meat chips. The components simply did not work together. I ate two bites and couldn't continue. My husband ordered the trout, which was virtually flavorless. There was no discernible sign of the promised fennel pollen, the mashed potatoes were leaden, and the accompanying vegetables were cooked beyond recognition. The same handful of baby greens also seemed to appear as a garnish on multiple dishes. Service ranged from very new and clearly still learning, which we generally have plenty of patience for, to surprisingly abrupt. The trout was delivered to the table with the single word, "Trout." Although I ate only two bites of my ravioli, no one ever asked whether there was a problem with the dish. We were simply asked whether we wanted to take the remainder home. We declined. Some of the evening's specials approached $75, so expectations understandably should be high. We dine out frequently and certainly understand that not every dish will appeal to every diner, but this went well beyond a matter of personal taste. Unfortunately, it was one of the most disappointing restaurant experiences we have had in a very long time. read more

We were super excited to try this farm to table restaurant tucked in the NC mountains. The decor is interesting and somewhat eclectic. The menu has fresh unique options. We ordered the eggplant baba ghanoush with homemade lavash cracker bread, fried oysters, scallop skewers and veal wiener schnitzel. All were very tasty. We finished with a rhubarb/strawberry cobbler. I would have given 5 stars but one note: they accept tables with children which is totally fine BUT I feel strongly families should be seated together in one section so as not to disturb couples and adult conversation. Otherwise a nice delicious dinner! read more

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4 of us had dinner there last night. Honestly the worst meal I've ever had at any restaurant! 3 of us had the grouper special, nothing special! It was so bad! The mashed potatoes were like glue & the grouper was transparent & old! Very expensive for horrible food! We won't be returning which is sad because we live in a near by area & are retired so dining out is a regular occurrence. Always looking for great, healthy food. This place sadly isn't that! read more

We sat at the bar since we were only a party of two and didn't want to take a table from anyone; the bartender's service was excellent despite being slammed with orders and a generally busy crowd. The drinks, while certainly overpriced, were tasty and carefully measured and crafted. The food (we had the ravioli to share, i had the grouper special, partner had trout, and we split a crème brûlée. While the food was tasty and presented well, the cost simply didn't align with the atmosphere and value. At $250 for the entire meal, I would have expected more. My ranking reflects the service and taste, but I'd be hard-pressed to return. read more

The food is good and the atmosphere is very nice!! There are several unique dishes!! Also just a great place to grab a drink and an appetizer!! read more

Chill, artsy atmosphere with very nice dishes of all sizes and types. Everything looked and tasted great. My steak frites was tasty. Our group of seven ate at 7:30 on a Saturday night. Service from Hailey was prompt and professional. read more

Excellent food, service & ambience. Highly recommend this restaurant. Excellent bar, dining room and the Chef's kitchen seating at the Chef's bar. read more

Service was amazing! Prompt, kind, knowledgable. The ambiance was nice, loved the books for check books- totally adorable. Food lacked favor and portions were small. The red snapper was okay! But it came with two boiled pieces of broccoli and about two table spoons of loose mash potatoes. The grouper was described as seared but it tasted boiled and both tough but mushy. The pimento cheese dip lacked flavor and tasted like plain cream cheese. The cocktail was fantastic, even if pricey- the bourbon mountain spritz! If we go back, it would only be for the bar. read more

The Library is that not so hidden gem in Sapphire Valley that you tell everyone you know that they HAVE to go to. It isn't just the exceptional food (more on that later), oh so cozy atmosphere, or super friendly peeps at every turn. It is all of it plus the something extra of feeling like these folks love what they do and want to make sure you love it too. I can call it the Cheers of Cashiers but make no mistake. This isn't bar food or beers on tap. The food is the best in the area-elevated yet comfy. Craft cocktails with fresh ingredients like lavender and mint, or vanilla syrup compete with a brilliant wine list. This is "we came for dinner but stay for the company" -which are all the people you meet around you, in the kitchen or just passing through. Food: we started with extra moist, crispy chili corn bread. Not spicy but just enough to make you realize this ain't your mamas. Already stunned into overindulgence we approached the Buttermilk Fried Oysters. OMG! Yes, the oysters were perfectly served with the lightest batter surrounding a warm earthy, briny delight but the picked-hours-ago lettuce and red watercress dressed with Granadilla emulsion was equally star worthy. Since we shared we found ourselves fighting for the last bites ...and still contemplating another order. We followed with the lamb loin and finally, pistachio cheesecake with Dulce de Leche ice cream. The lamb was expertly cooked and seasoned. You'll feel like you jumped right into the leafy fall forest for a feast right off the fire. Here again, the vegetables forgot they were a side and fought hard for main attraction status. Charred Romanesco delicately placed on a swirl of Provençal sauce kept us battling what our next bite should be. The cheesecake was this pillowy, lightly pistachio flavored bit of heaven. The cheesecake is on the bottom with a generous layer of whipped cream, the real stuff. And YET, the ice cream is what I'd drive a few extra miles to get. It is a sumptuous blend of caramel and cream condensed in a dreamy, creamy end to remember. Thank you Cindy for all the recommendations, thank you Larry for our special treats , and thank you Liz for always being so accommodating and genuinely welcoming. Thank you to all the chefs that made yet another night and another meal at The Library a very special memory. read more

Service is absolutely amazing and food is delicious with a variety of options from kids to adults. Absolutely recommend this restaurant for the familial and friendly atmosphere, cuisine, and personal service. The owners Liz and Johannes are so inviting and make sure your experience is memorable and one of a kind. Our dining experience is one of the best we have ever had and we will continue to be back. read more

So delightful was the varied and exquisite menu from seafood to steaks with very interesting artwork about the open farm-style building with the cozy warmth of books about every room. Fireplaces and open views from many windows topped the experience. The pork ribeye & filet steak prepared perfectly with uniquely prepared sides. A wide variety of small plates and full entrees to match anyone's appetite. read more

What an amazing experience! The food was great, service even better! Kid friendly but upscale at the same time. Our server was so great and the hostess was great- she gave the kids a behind the scene tour of the kitchen and they got their hats signed by the chef- so cute!! We will definitely be back! read more

The Library Kitchen & Bar - Kitchen tour for the kids! Complete with chef signing their chef hats! - Desserts Near Me - Sapphire, North Carolina

Food is amazing; service is equal! Tessa is a great server; knowledgeable and friendly! Matthew makes amazing cocktails. The Library is one of our favs and is always on our list when we are in town! read more

We had a wonderful dinner! The atmosphere, food, and service were excellent. Hailey, our server, was perfect! Her pleasant demeanor added to the dinner being an enjoyable time. I highly recommend The Library in Sapphire, NC. read more

10/10. The people, the food, the vibes.. all great. This reminded me of restaurants I loved before Covid. I'm so glad I found this place and we will be back anytime we are in the area. Our waitress was amazing as well as every staff member we encountered. My fish was cooked perfectly and everything we had was divine. Highly recommend!! read more

Can I just say, this place is phenomenal. From the food to the service to the ambiance, just 10/10 stars. I came here for an impromptu dinner after arriving late to the Sapphire Valley. We tried calling for a reservation but no one picked up. No biggie; let's see if we can get a table if we walk in. We walk in and the place is PACKED, so it's not looking good. But the lady at the front (Kim?) was divine and managed to sit us at the bar with minimal fuss. She took care of us all night. The bartender Matthew was also phenomenal! Because it was a bit busy it took him a while to get to us but he checked in and made eye contact and so we were vibing. Honestly the whole vibe of this place felt like home, like a community space where folks come to drink and laugh and be together. Even though this was our first time here, we felt pulled into that communal vibe. All the food we ordered was great; my +1 loved the Brussels sprouts but they were too sweet for me. The scallop pasta was so good and so was the cornbread. Get the cornbread and use it to sop up sauces. Truly delicious alone too; the crisp on the pieces was so good!!! I ordered the braised short rib which although tender (meaning you could eat it with a fork) was still tough (had to chew a lot) so I didn't really eat it. I ended up eating my +1's pork ribeye. Never had a pork ribeye but it was so good! The grits it came on also delicious! Her meal was perfect. My side dishes for the short rib were excellent (sautéed rainbow chard with parm cheese on top, yum!!), especially the truffle Mac and cheese. The noodles were a bit soft but the sauce they were in?? Just *chefs kiss* and I love Mac and cheese. I have high standards. I'd eat a bowl of that every day. The best part of the night was the service. We got free samples of the German mulled wine on the menu in these adorable mini mason mug jars. When I said out loud how much I loved them, someone came over and gave me two to take home. Kim then came by with a container of the mulled wine to go too, plus two more glasses (I have a set!!) Matthew gave us shots of Irish coffee at the bar and Kim also came by with two roses for us. Just the sweetest!! We capped the night with the bread pudding made from croissants which was excellent but we were stuffed by that point. Not to be outdone, we then got a special Valentine's Day dessert!!! This was probably one of the best dates of my life. Spontaneous and impromptu, but the date was made by the excellent staff at the Library. Made a great day an even better one so THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!! read more

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As I was looking for places in Cashiers, NC to host my son's Rehearsal Dinner, I had MANY people suggest The Library Kitchen and Bar. After my first visit, I was SOLD!!!! Chef Johannes Klapdohr and his wife, Beth, were absolutely AMAZING in helping me throw the most beautiful, delicious Rehearsal Dinner!! The ambiance was warm and inviting, the service was impeccable and the food was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! I still have people coming up to me telling me that dinner at The Library was the best they've ever had!!! I couldn't agree more!!! I wish I could give 100 stars! If you're ever in Cashiers or even remotely close, it is definitely a MUST!! You will NOT regret it!!! Get ready for the best meal of your life!!! read more

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Haley was amazing. Gave us interesting facts about the area and history of the restaurant. Such fun

Creative local dishes, authentic German food, very friendly, and a Great wait staff!!! Lovely High Casual atmosphere.

Food was incredible; lots of appetizers on the menu, nice outdoor and indoor seating options. The vegan risotto was the bomb!

you expect nicely dressed matre'd and waitresses when you spend 150-200 for 2. not here. expect white table clothes...rolls and butter...not here.18 for a 6 not 9 oz pour. veal was tough and trout o.k. read more

Cute eclectic cafe with interesting decor and great food. We went for dinner and we're able to grab a table without a reservation even though they were very busy. I plan on going back when we're back in NC for the holidays. read more

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My gosh, Chef Johannes and Staff are spectacular!! Our Server and great Bartender Matthew , made everything about my Birthday, fantastic! From the cozy Bar , and great Cocktails, it was very Welcoming. One of the Best , Soups I've ever had; Wild Mushroom, and a marvelous Arugula and Baby Kale Salad, so creative. Tremendous Bronzino , with Shrimp infused mashed potatoes, and fresh Asparagus. Risotto with root vegetables.Exceptional creativity and execution. Best Crème Brûlée I've ever experienced! Thanks to everyone for this exceptional Cuisine in Sapphire Valley!! read more

We love The Library so much. Tonight did not disappoint! Every dish we ordered was a 10/10! The service was stellar. My husband's cocktails were fabulous. Such a special place in a special town!!! read more

Food was fabulous, but service was not. Not everyone at our table was finished with appetizers before entrees came out (it had only been about ten minutes), and no steak knives were brought for those of us who had gotten steak. We had to ask for water several times, and our server was overall pretty rude. The worst part was that at 9:30 (our reservation was at 7:30) the other servers stacked every chair in the dining room onto the tables before we had even paid our bill. I have spent several years in the service industry and would have been fired for doing that. For how much we spent on this meal we should have had a much better experience. read more

Outstanding quality food! Went here for my birthday & were treated so special by our waiter, Thomas & manager. The food was out of this world. We had 4 of the small plates: Jerusalem artichoke purée & Siberian caviar, Nantucket scallops, Morel mushrooms & ramps & mango sorbet. Our main meals: grouper with tomato basil champagne sauce & steak & frites, to end banana foster crème brûlée. Lovely atmosphere too. Highly recommend. read more

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There has been only one other time in my life (about 15 years ago) where a meal actually brought tears to my eyes because of such an emotional connection with the food-I know that sounds odd, but it's true and to my delight the meal by Chef Johannes and his staff was the second! From start to finish, everything, but most of all, the attention to detail, was phenomenal. Words do not do the meal justice, but my raw emotional reaction should tell you that you do not need to read further-just book the reservation NOW! My husband said he experienced a similar reaction (although no tears because he's a manly-man, lol), but we both agreed that each portion of the meal was a layer in ecstasy to the taste buds and everything was in harmony from our greeter to our server from the Gluehwein to the sorbet and every ingredient in between including the artwork and atmosphere. Thank you, Chef Johannes, for coming out of the kitchen to allow us the opportunity to sing your praises-what a night! We will make the drive and return soon! (Meal on February 22, 2025 6:30 reservation-FIVE STARS (and if there was a high rating, I'd make it!) read more

The Library Kitchen & Bar - Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding - Desserts Near Me - Sapphire, North Carolina

We've been fortunate to experience every fine dining restaurant in Sapphire, Cashiers and Highlands areas, and I believe we've found our new favorite! The Library is charming, offering a homey yet vibrant ambiance. The service was impeccable (thank you, Amanda!) and our food was creatively presented, uniquely prepared and delicious! Excellent cocktails, too. All together, a perfect evening you'll surely enjoy. read more

Fun environment and great service. We really enjoyed our time here. The food was good on a whole. We have been twice and I will say the first time back in 2023 was a little better, but overall still top notch. read more

The food was excellent, really wonderful duck. I would come back again for the food; however, I would ask to sit outside. The interior artwork is disturbing, angry, and gives off schizophrenia vibes. Again - really great food. read more

This is one of the best restaurants I've ever had the pleasure to dine at. My parents have been coming here for years, raving about it and I get the hype. It put Los Angeles dining (where I live) to shame. It's a gorgeous location in a historic home dating back to 1864. As we walked up the front steps we were greeted by Chef Johannes' beautiful tomato plants. The beautiful and effervescent Liz greeted my mother with a hug (and roses) and sat us at the bar, over looking the bustling kitchen. The space is funky, eclectic (living for the oversized contemporary paintings and Polaroids of patrons) and blends elevated modern fine dining with the laid back elegance of the historic setting. The food-oh the food. Quail schnitzel, burrata caprese with balsamic pearls, perfectly prepared ribeye and fried au gratin potato cakes were complemented with 3 (count em 3) extra between course bites that were busting with flavor perfection and creativity. (One was a fresh mango sorbet with pink peppercorns in a little bit of caramel vodka--it will haunt me.) And a croissant and chocolate hazelnut bread pudding to top it off. Our manhattans were on point (I'm very picky and they nailed it). Our server Sydney was just lovely--very attentive and steered us so right. The whole experience was so very special. And to top it off Johannes and Liz took such good care of us. Johannes even offered to make my father his favorite foods to bring to him in memory care. So kind. I cannot say enough about the Library and the experience I had there this evening. Cannot wait to return. read more

Amazing dinner at The Libray Kitchen & Bar tonight! It is the best and most eclectic dining experience in the area, for sure! Great service and great food. Never disappoints! read more

First of all this restaurant is charming, from the outside to the inside with choice of high top tables or traditional seating. Our waiter, Alejandro, was pleasant, friendly, professional and very knowledgeable about the menu. He was attentive but not obtrusive and the service flowed nicely with no feeling of being rushed. The cocktails and wine menu was varied and extensive. Our food was absolutely delicious. My husband loved his short ribs and my lobster risotto was so good I ate every last bit. We opted for two different dessert choices and cleaned our plates...the hardest part was choosing which one to try. This is a must try in Sapphire, NC. You won't be disappointed. read more

This is by far the most elevated dining experience in Cashiers! The chef has designed an extensive and intriguing menu, guaranteed to require your return! Starting with a complimentary mulled wine opens the experience with an elevated taste and expectation of a luxury experience, which is met at every bite that follows. You might not expect such an evening at this quaint little restaurant, which has a last seating at 7pm, during the weekdays if the off-season, but you will not be disappointed! Each dish I had was unique, flavorful and precisely balanced. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

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I'm sure their food is good...when they are actually open!! The website and the sign in front of the restaurant, say open Tuesday through Saturday. Just in case I called and "supposedly" made a reservation via voicemail ( that's how they have it set up). No one called back, but we went anyway. The sign on the door said closed and a guy outside hanging lights said he "thought " they would be open Friday ( I was there on Wednesday). Anyway, I'm sure it's good....just make sure they are ACTUALLY Open!! read more

GOOD LAWD probably the best meal (& experience) we've ever had. The only issue was the inconsistent service (i.e. the couple who were sat after us but were served their cocktails before we were), but I would imagine this isn't an ongoing issue. WHEN we were served, the service was great. We elected a meal "tapas-style" rather than a more traditional appetizer-entree-dessert style, and were not disappointed. This allowed us to try a broader array of dishes. PRO-TIP: It may seem tempting to sit at one of the high tables or at some of the more standard seating elsewhere in the restaurant, but resist this urge. Sit at the bar in front of the kitchen and take in the experience. The executive and sous-chefs will impress you and even better, they will interact with you. They're just fun as hell. read more

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We've visited The Library a couple of times recently. Our first visit was on an evening after a required trip to Brevard. We were a little travel weary, and just wanted to eat dinner and get home. I found The Library on Yelp, and we made a bee-line for dinner and a rest. Wow! We got what we bargained for, and more. Luckily, we were welcomed in, even though we had no reservation. And things just got better from there. The interior is open and bright, with a high pitched ceiling and large windows. The lighting is subtle, but effective, and there is a warm, inviting fireplace in the dining room. Our meal included a superb squash soup (had to have it again on our second visit), a delicious pork ribeye, and a flounder special. We also enjoyed the Gluhwein - a delicious mulled wine. Our waitress was perfect - friendly, indulgent of my stories, and helpful. We were so blessed when she remembered us on our second visit. Our second visit was a trip to celebrate our wedding anniversary - that should tell you how much we liked our first experience. If you are anywhere near Sapphire Valley, please support this establishment. read more

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