order the same thing at restaurants—I envisioned a menu with so many good choices it would be hard to decide what you wanted.” Myer “grew up in the business” and proudly says, “many members of the staff started working with me in high school.” Murray Broome still hand-slices great steaks at The Peddler, (where else can you find caviar on the salad bar?). Out in Banner Elk, Stonewall’s—which originated as Chuck’s Steakhouse in Boone—always has a justifiably packed parking lot. Don’t overlook Boone Drug. The lunch counter is a fixture for a spectrum of down-home dishes that now include locally grown items prepared the mountain way. Distinctive independent sandwich shops and lighter fare eateries have been a strong-suit for Boone. A downtown fixture since the mid-‘80s, Our Daily Bread is popular for tasty, healthy, homemade soups and a big selection of gourmet veggie sandwiches. Donna and Tony Nicastro of Boone Bagelry have been open since 1988—23 successful years in downtown (and a new late night menu on weekends). Klondike Cafe is
Chef and Owner Doug Usko of Zuzda another college town spot still serving from the old days. Near Klondike, and also still attracting locals and visitors, The Red Onion Cafe got my thumbs up back in the 1980s (and still does). Jack Pepper’s enduring Pepper’s Restaurant debuted in 1975, now beside
Harris Teeter in the Shops at Shadowline. Sons Josh and John are stepping into Dad’s shoes, but “I want to get my 40 years in,” Pepper says. With a laugh, he says “Restaurant years are like dog years—each one feels like seven! No, but seriously, I wouldn’t trade it. We’ve had
daily drink specials! monday – $4 mojitos and live music 6:30-9:30 tuesday – $1 off martinis wednesday – ½ price select bottles of wine thursday – $2 drafts and $4 shot & well drinks saturday – $12 pitchers of white or red sangria sunday – $4 mimosas and $5 bloody marys
203 boone heights drive open seven days a week bar open late | 828-355-9717 www.craveboone.com 30
High Country Magazine
July 2011