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Dinner for two at The Purple Onion - The Purple Onion, Saluda, NC

The Purple Onion

4.7 (585)
$30 and under
American
16 Main St, Saluda, NC 28773-7700

Make a reservation

A photo of The Purple Onion restaurant

The Purple Onion

4.7
$30 and under
American
Flat Rock

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Neighborhood gem
  • Great for outdoor dining
  • Charming
**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.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Wed–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Mon, Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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Experiences

  • Cowboy Judy Xmas Extravaganza

    $20.00 per person

    Prepaid

    1 - 6 people

    Dec 13, 2026 only
    Music begins at 7 PM with concert seating in the dining room. Doors open at 5:30 PM, and a special Purple Onion concert menu—small plates, salads, gourmet pizzas, and desserts—is available with seating on the enclosed patio. --- A return performance quickly becoming a tradition at the Purple Onion, this energetic group of ladies is an event you don’t want to miss. Cowboy Judy always brings the show to, well, every show they perform. Couple their infectious stage presence, melodic songs, and penchant for grooving tunes you can’t sit still to? Exhilarating. Throw in some holiday cheer and festive motifs? Pure Magic. Female fronted super group, Cowboy Judy (formally Sweet Claudette), is the bringing together of worlds, in the best of ways. Singing an upbeat hybrid of country and motown, you would be hard pressed to find another group as gifted with their harmonies and charisma as you have here.
    Cowboy Judy Xmas Extravaganza Photo
  • Michael Reno Harrell- 7:30 PM Show

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    1 - 6 people

    Nov 12, 2026 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.
    Michael Reno Harrell- 7:30 PM Show Photo
  • Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean - 7:30 PM Show

    $10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    1 - 6 people

    Nov 19, 2026 only
    Based in Nashville, TN, Brian Ashley Jones and Melanie Jean are a Country and Blues duo who specialize in vocal harmony, lead guitar and bass guitar. Originally from Upstate South Carolina and a longtime resident of East Nashville, TN, Brian is a soulful singer, acclaimed guitarist, and versatile touring songwriter whose guitar-driven Blues and Country tunes have been featured in film, television and radio. Melanie Jean is an accomplished bassist, singer and flautist who has toured internationally with numerous recording artists.
    Brian Ashley Jones & Melanie Jean - 7:30 PM Show Photo

Concierge
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Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at The Purple Onion.

4.7

4.7
(585)
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • 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

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Purple Onion in Saluda is a "true gem," offering a "warm and welcoming" atmosphere with consistently "great food" and "fabulous music." Known for a diverse menu featuring local ingredients and "superior cocktails," it provides both indoor and outdoor dining with "wonderful service" and lively entertainment.
585 Reviews
  1. Miriam

    South Carolina1 review

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The purple onion is always amazing! The ribeye is delicious!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Laura

    Western NC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 31, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great servers, great food, nice atmosphere, and great setting.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Greg

    Western NC1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 31, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went at 11am on a Saturday. Had a great server and the food was wonderful. Looking forward to coming back soon. By the time we left, the line was out the door!

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  4. Francoise

    Raleigh6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 30, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful meal as always, great service from Leana. Good wine list selection!

    Is this helpful?

  5. Kathy Gold

    Western NC13 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 29, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, great service, and fabulous music!

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  6. foodie

    Washington DC3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 24, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious! Worth driving to Saluda just to eat here.

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  7. Conni

    Charlotte6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 23, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Purple Onion lived up to all the recommendations we were given. The cocktails were superior! My husband had the pork chops that were cooked perfectly. The gluten free Mediterranean pizza was delicious. We shared the tirimisu with our friends and all enjoyed it. This is definitely a place to dine in when visiting Saluda and surrounding area.

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  8. Page

    Denver18 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on October 22, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great choices and a comfortable location and setting

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  9. Katina

    Coastal Georgia1 review

    5.0

    Dined on October 14, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I love this place! I try to go to Saluda at least once a year and always come to The Purple Onion. Their food is always on point and the service is amazing. We came in a bit late for a Wednesday night because I didn’t realize they closed earlier and they were still very kind and allowed us to enjoy our meal. Keep it up guys! You know how to run a memorable experience. If you go to Saluda you have to try this place out!

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  10. John

    Charlotte3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on October 9, 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a great vibe! We enjoyed several wonderful small plates for dinner. Though we were full, the desserts looked a-mazing!

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Hours of operation
    Mon, Wed–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Mon, Wed–Sat 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • 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
Gift card

Gift card

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FAQs

The Purple Onion offers indoor dining plus outdoor patio seating, and many guests enjoy the cozy bar and counter seating as well.

Yes, families are welcome: guests report celebrating with children and the restaurant has accommodated large groups that included multiple kids, with many families choosing the patio seating.

Yes, the patio welcomes diners with dogs; one guest specifically noted an area that allows dogs and that staff brought water for their pet.

Guests report dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, staff have even brought water for visiting dogs.

Yes, The Purple Onion offers outdoor dining; many guests choose the patio or side porch for a quieter meal and to enjoy the small-town setting.

The Sunburst Mountain Trout is a standout, guests repeatedly praise the trout dishes that appear on the menu.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, everyday attire is appropriate for dining at The Purple Onion.

The Purple Onion feels like a cozy, rustic 'third place' with live-music evenings and a welcoming casual-dining vibe; the patio offers a quieter alternative to the livelier music nights.

Yes, The Purple Onion is a popular date-night choice, with live music, an extensive wine and cocktail list, and several guests praising it as a great spot for anniversaries and special evenings.

Guests frequently describe portions as generous, reviews call many plates "sumptuous" or note there's "a lot of food."

For live-music nights visit The Purple Onion on Thursday or Saturday evenings, and guests also praise lively Sunday concerts.

Yes, the menu includes clearly labelled vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, with items like the Sesame Pita (vgn), Miso Butter Mushroom Skillet (vgn, GF) and several GF mains.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Asheville / Western North Carolina
  4. Flat Rock / Hendersonville
  5. Flat Rock

Make a reservation

A photo of The Purple Onion restaurant

The Purple Onion

4.7
$30 and under
American
Flat Rock

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 9 times today
Experiences are available.
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