The Purple Onion

4.8

372 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 16, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 14 times today

Experiences are available.

Neighborhood gem
Charming
Great for live music

**To purchase tickets, reserve one of our experiences, please see the options listed below.** Established in 1998 by Susan and her husband Stoney Lamar, The Purple Onion was conceived as a 'third place' in Saluda, a neutral spot for friends and family to enjoy great food, engaging conversation, and live music. This vision flourished with a dedicated staff and supportive community. In 2020 the legacy was passed to Chambli Stuber and Emily Lamar, who continue to honor its tradition and role in the community, celebrating over two decades of service. Situated in historic Saluda, The Purple Onion boasts outdoor dining and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights. The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthy cuisine. We offer a selection of pizzas, pastas, seafood, vegetarian and meat dishes. Specialties include locally sourced trout and organic produce, along with antibiotic and hormone-free meats and poultry.

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American
Hours of operation
Mon, Thu–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Mon 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–8:30 pm
Phone number
(828) 749-1179
Website
http://www.purpleonionsaluda.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
16 Main St, Saluda, NC 28773-7700
Neighborhood
Flat Rock
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wine

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Experiences

West End String Band
$10.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 21, 2024 only
Dedicated to playing and performing traditional bluegrass music and old country songs with modern appeal, the West End String Band has been walking the perfect balance between nostalgia and a thumping good time. Don’t let the name fool you. The West End String Band is refreshing and invigorating, while holding true to the roots that formed this unique tradition of music. Formed back in 2008, the West End String Band blends the gritty and energetic vocals of lead Charlie McDaniel with harmonies from Kathy McDaniel and the driving banjo of Jim Rollins. Rounded out with the rich baritone and unique mandolin of Matt Purinton, this group is weaving together americana, bluegrass, and country in the best of ways.
Michael Reno Harrell
$10.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 26, 2024 only
Michael Reno Harrell is an award winning songwriter, as well as a veteran storyteller and entertainer, and he’s from the South. One could compare Michael's performances to his granddaddy's pocket knife: well worn and familiar feeling, but razor sharp, and with a point. His original songs and stories have been described as “Appalachian grit and wit” but, as his writing shows, Michael’s awareness is much broader than the bounds of his boyhood home or even the Southern Experience. Between the approachable, feel-good nature of his music, and vivid story-telling that leaves you smiling, Michael creates an auditory experience that has to be witnessed in person.
Tina and Her Pony
$10.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 28, 2024 only
Indie, Appalachian-folk band, Tina & Her Pony, was formed in 2009 in Asheville, North Carolina by Tina Collins. Internationally known for their tight, sweet, smooth harmonies and simple, exposed, crafted instrumentation on cello, tenor ukulele & guitar, Tina and Her Pony has a fresh, palatable, sound that is bewitching. With warm smiles and honest simplicity, Tina & Her Pony bring a unique sound to the American folk tradition, featuring original songs that echo the sound of Appalachia, while creating new waves with radical, queer lyrics, uncommon instrumentation and vocals tighter than your mamas’ brazier.

Popular dishes

Ciabatta Baguette$5.00
garlic herb dipping mix, extra virgin olive oil
Soup of the Day$5.00
Smoked Trout with Tzatziki Board$12.00
capers, lemon, pickled onion, cucumber, seeded cracker
Aged Gouda and Local Honey$13.00
6 month aged beemster, today's chutney, almonds, artisan crackers
Bowl of Marinated Olives$8.00
mediterranean blend of pitted mixed olives
Baked Goat Cheese & Wild Mushrooms$15.00
blend of exotic and domestic mushrooms, rosemary goat cheese, puff pastry, artisan crackers; baked to order, allow 15 minutes
Southern Caviar**$9.00
ny white and sharp cheddar blended with pickle brine pimento cheese, sweety drop peppers, pickles, mustard, crostini
Hummus and Pita$7.00
garbanzo bean hummus, cucumber, tomato, toasted pita

Entrees

Painted Hills Farm Ribeye* **$0.00
red wine steak glace, mashed roots, seasonal vegetable; Au Chevre and grilled onion - add $6
- MP$0.00
Sunburst Mountain Trout$29.00
roasted anson mills grit cake, wilted greens, brown butter pecan meunière sauce
Buttermilk Brined Bone-In Pork Chop$30.00
salt and vinegar smashed potatoes, brussels sprouts, mustard dill cream
The Po Smash Burger* **$16.00
half pound burger with two 4 oz beef patties topped, with ny sharp white cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickled purple onion, toasted brioche bun, tortilla chips and house pickle
Joyce Farms Roasted Airline Chicken$27.00
stuffed with roasted garlic burro, broccoli, linguini pasta, white wine "alfredo" parmesan cream
Broccoli Pasta$16.00
Scottish Salmon$0.00
Explore our chef's daily dish, inspired by global, flavors and paired with seasonal vegetables. Your server will tell you about today's unique creation
- MP$0.00
Our Daily Braise$0.00
slow-cooked and full of depth, today's braise highlights the tenderness in hearty proteins, boldness in vibrant sauces, and the comforting flavors that come with it
- MP$0.00

Pizza

8" Gluten Free Crusts (cauliflower) add $3

Classico$10.00
uncured pepperoni, italian sausage, mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, parmesan, mozzarella, tomato sauce
- 7"$10.00
- 12"$19.00
Mediterranean$9.00
spinach, feta, banana pepper, olives, fresh tomato, pickled purple onion, mozzarella, parmesan
- 7"$9.00
- 12"$17.00
Wild Mushroom & Arugula$10.00
sautéed shiitake, portobello, & seasonal mushrooms, chevre, mozzarella, arugula, parmesan, balsamic vinaigrette
- 7"$10.00
- 12"$19.00
Wild Vegan$9.00
our roasted wild mushroom blend over garbanzo bean hummus base, topped with arugula, balsamic vinaigrette
- 7"$9.00
Chicken Caesar$10.00
lemon chicken, mozzarella, parmesan, baked; caesar dressed lettuce, parmesan & fresh tomatoes
- 7"$10.00
- 12"$19.00
Pepperoni$8.50
mozzarella & parm on tomato sauce, uncured pepperoni
- 7"$8.50
- 12"$15.50
Cheese$7.00
mozzarella & parm on choice of tomato sauce or EVOO & garlic
- 7"$7.00
- 12"$12.00

Pizza Toppings

Pizza Toppings #1$0.75
mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, black olives, jalapeños, garlic, spinach, pineapple, fresh tomato, cheddar, banana peppers, pickled purple onions, mozzarella, parmesan
- 7"$0.75
- 12"$1.75
Pizza Toppings #2$1.50
kalamata olives, uncured pepperoni, italian sausage, feta
- 7"$1.50
- 12"$3.50
Pizza Toppings #3$2.00
chicken, chèvre, wild mushroom
- 7"$2.00
- 12"$4.50

Beverages

Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite$2.00
Root Beer & Ginger Ale$2.50
Iced Tea$2.50
Mexican Coke$3.00
Izze$2.50
Milk$2.00
San Pellegrino Sparkling Water$2.50
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade$2.50
Juice Box$1.00

Signature Cocktails

$13

Smoky Mountain
maker's mark whiskey bourbon, blackberry, lemon
S&L Margarita
el jimador reposado, patron citronge' chili honey, lime

House Cocktails

House Cocktails
please see our cocktail list for complete libation offerings

Wine Flights

Wine Flights$12.00
- Three by the Glass Wines$12.00
- Five by the Glass Wines$19.00

Whites

Cava, Proa, Brut [SP] NV$8.00
Riesling, Twisted River, Mosel [GER] 2021$9.00
Pinot Grigio, Stemmari, Sicily, [IT] 2021$9.00
Sauvignon Blanc, La Galope, Gascogne [FR] 2021$9.00
Chardonnay, Bourgogne Blanc, Vignerons de Buxy [FR] 2021$11.00
Chardonnay, Harken, Tri County [CA] 2018$10.00

Rosé

Barbara, Day Owl Rosé [CA] 2020$9.00

Reds

Pinot Noir, Campet Ste. Marie, Limoux [FR] 2021$10.00
Sangiovese, Grignano, Chianti Rufina [IT] 2021$12.00
Malbec Barbera Tempranillo Cab, Wente "Diablo" Red Blend [CA] 2021$10.00
Zinfandel, Peirano Heritage Estate, Lodi [CA] 2019$10.00
Cabernet Sauvignon, Newton Skyside, Napa Valley [CA] 2019$10.00

Bottled Beer

Miller Light, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light$4.00
Corona, Stella Artois, Rotating Hard Seltzer$5.00
Rotating Gluten Free Beer or Craft NA Beer$5.50

On Tap

Rotating Craft Beers & Ciders$0.00
- MP$0.00
Flight of Three Beers on Tap$8.00

What 372 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.8Food
4.7Service
4.8Ambience
4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Asheville / Western North Carolina
Best Value
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Healthy
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Hot spot
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Neighborhood gem
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Great for outdoor dining
Asheville / Western North Carolina
Lively
Asheville / Western North Carolina
American
Flat Rock / Hendersonville
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Purple Onion in Saluda, NC, is a true "gem" with "amazing farm to table food" and an "eclectic and delicious" menu catering to all dietary needs. Guests rave about the "wonderful music venue," "exceptional service," and "incredible ambience." Whether enjoying the patio or live music, it's a must-visit!

372 Reviews

L
Laura
Atlanta Metro
29 reviews
vip
5.0
29 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing crab appetizer! Delicious salmon special and Caesar salad. Just a great night with all the holiday festivities.
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C
Christin
Charlotte
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great service and ambiance. The food was fresh and the flavors had a lot of depth. The pork chop was phenomenal! And we recommend trying several desserts, if you save room for something sweet.
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E
Elizabeth
Western NC
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent as always. The Moroccan spiced salmon was so delicious.
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T
Tom
Western NC
4 reviews
vip
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 7, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our recent Saturday night dinner at the Purple Onion was another outstanding reminder why this space is our favorite! My friend and I shared the bolognese and the salmon special, a great bottle of wine, and fought over a blackberry crumble topped with fresh ice cream. My foodie friend declared that the "salmon is the best I've ever tasted!" The two clinchers on why we love The PO: We were greeted by my friend Chambli Stuber at the front door whose welcome smile made all the difference. Even with a great meal, we were moved by the energy of Underhill Rose - a talented group from AVL whose bright lyrics and blend of tunes made us want to forget where we parked. We chatted up singers Eleanor Underhill before the gig, and Molly Rose Reed afterwards, and found both to be enchanting and clearly professional musicians. They were backed by newbie drummer Mike and upright bassist Gary, both of whom guaranteed all the songs went of without a hitch in tempo. Clearly an exceptional evening at the PO! And - "So Saluda!"
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J
Jon
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on December 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Good whiskey, delicious pizza, great music from Newfound Gap!
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C
Chuck
Pittsburgh
12 reviews
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on December 1, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Wonderful experience, food and music. The server was excellent and all in all this is one of the best restaurants in WNC
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R
Richard
Western NC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 28, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Food was great, service even better. One pizza was good, just not quite what we wanted. They took it off the bill without us even asking. Will be back.
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M
Mike
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 17, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We ate there and enjoyed a concert. Food was great and we had a great time
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D
Dirk
Charlotte
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I had business partners visiting from out of town, and we had a great experience. Thank you!
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a
ashley
Western NC
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 15, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Always wonderful. I had the braised pork special followed by my favorite crème brûlée
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FAQs

The Purple Onion offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (828) 749-1179.

The Purple Onion is rated 4.8 stars by 372 OpenTable diners.