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

The Purple Onion

4.8
4.8
388 Reviews
$30 and under
American

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.

Select a time

Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Charming
  • Good for special occasions
  • Neighbourhood gem
**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
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighbourhood
    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

  • “The Doors: Unhinged!” (An AMC Production)

    US$10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 1, 2025 only
    This Asheville-based quintet, fronted by the charismatic and electrifying Reggie Headen, features an all-star, highly sought after group of musicians: Jonathan Pearlman, Taylor Pierson, Connor Law, and Jay Hoots. Reggie Headen started his professional career as a featured performer at New York’s famous Broadway concert venue Town Hall, playing to giants and peers in the industry. The power and panache of his live performances are ones for the history books. A fearless performer and heartfelt old soul vocalist. Pearlman says, “There’s something very daring, dangerous, and dark about the Doors’ music. We’ve tried to capture that. We found it challenging to approximate their chemistry and alchemy. I believe that we got it right!”
    “The Doors: Unhinged!” (An AMC Production) photo
  • Rudy’s Rhythm & Revue

    US$10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 6, 2025 only
    Rudy's Rhythm & Revue delivers a health and happiness show, with upbeat songs and positive energy. Five-time, Four Corner States, banjo champion, Rudy is a singer/songwriter, as well as multi-instrumentalist on banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle. ​Rudy's music spans a variety of​ original compositions, from bluegrass, rhythm & roots, Americana/country, classical, to world chants. The nucleus of the band includes Rudy Cortese and Elizabeth Kronlage on harmony vocals, tenor guitar, cello. The award winning duo presents a traditional and energetic bluegrass mountain experience.
    Rudy’s Rhythm & Revue photo
  • Bob Sinclair and The Big Deals

    US$10.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 8, 2025 only
    Bob Sinclair and the Big Deals is a North Carolina-based acoustic band with 15 years of performing original, upbeat, gypsy-jazz music. Using acoustic instruments this ensemble could be playing in a Paris café or a barn dance – comfortable, a little sophisticated, and more than a little fun! A thoroughly unique spin on country and jazz, Sinclair’s narrative coupled together with great melodies will have you looking for a dance partner in no time. At the heart of it ....Original Front Porch Swing Played By Happy People.
    Bob Sinclair and The Big Deals photo

What 388 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
  • 4.9Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Food

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Best Value

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Child-friendly

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Hot spot

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Asheville / Western North Carolina

    American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Purple Onion in Saluda offers a delightful dining experience with "exceptional food" and "great service." Guests rave about the "amazing" live music and "perfect" ambiance. The menu features standout dishes like the pork chop, salmon, and unique specials, complemented by exquisite desserts. A charming venue for a memorable meal and entertainment.
388 Reviews
  1. Brooke

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was incredible! Such unique dishes and desserts. Will definitely be back!

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  2. Kathy

    VIP

    Western NC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a fabulous night of great food and fantastic music!

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  3. Doug

    VIP

    New York City

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience. The food and drinks are top notch. And we love the live music. Lillie Syracuse last night. She was excellent. Mature and sophisticated voice.

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  4. Scott

    Western NC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    There are not many places that can touch the Purple Onion for food, ambiance and a good time. Live music there is always a favorite and I highly recommend. Even their limited menu offered during live music events is fantastic.

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  5. Claire

    Western NC

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoyed a delicious dinner and heard a wonderful concert by NC band Holler Choir.

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  6. Amy

    Charleston

    16 reviews

    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    We have been to the Purple Onion many times the good and drinks outstanding. However our services last night left a little to be desired. Not sure if they were short staffed because no explanation or really an apology was given. The server came to our table after waiting 10 mins after greetings she started giving us the specials. I interrupted and asked if she could take our drink order. It took 2 trips back to our table to tell us they didn’t have the vodka or the bourbon we requested. Then 20 mins later we got our drinks. After we received our apps we ordered another round of drinks. They arrived after we finished our entree! Disappointing for a place that is usually on their game. Oh! Also we parked across the railroad and fell where they had removed a section of railroad tie! Poor lighting! Thank goodness I only scraped my knee! Not a great night in Saluda

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  7. Eugene

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We had a great meal and heard a very good live music band.

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  8. Jenna

    West Palm Beach

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food and great service for New years eve dinner.

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  9. Kimberly

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 28, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this restaurant!! Friendly hostess staff! Our waitress, Lana, was superb! Great recommendations from the menu! Our meal was exquisite!! I had the pork chop and WOW!!!! Best ever! The desserts were out of this world! I highly recommend this perfect restaurant in the small town of Saluda.

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  10. Robert

    Western NC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 27, 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was excellent, which combined flavors in original ways. We were happy with the trout and the braised pork, which was the braise of the day, was great. Our server was friendly and helpful with food and wine choices. We were seated on the patio, which was fine even on a cold evening. We definitely plan to go back and will look for a night with music.

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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 388 OpenTable diners.

The Purple Onion does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.

Select a time

Booked 8 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for The Purple Onion

16 Main St, Saluda, NC 28773-7700

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Flat Rock
  • 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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • 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

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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