Highlands Prohibition Kitchen in North Carolina

"Highland Prohibition Kitchen is an absolute gem! From the moment you step inside, you’re transported to a cozy, vintage-inspired speakeasy with a warm and inviting atmosphere. I had the pleasure of trying both an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, and I have to say — they were top-notch. The Old Fashioned was perfectly balanced, smooth, and rich, while the Margarita was fresh, tangy, and absolutely refreshing. The food was just as impressive. I ordered the duck and the empanadas, and both dishes were phenomenal. The duck was cooked to perfection — juicy, tender, and full of flavor. The empanadas had the perfect crisp, golden crust with a deliciously savory filling. You can really tell that a lot of thought and care goes into the menu. The attention to detail in the decor, cocktails, and overall vibe is impressive. You can tell the owner, Marcus, has put a lot of heart into creating a memorable experience for his guests. If you're looking for a spot with incredible drinks, amazing food, and a touch of that classic Prohibition-era charm, Highland Prohibition Kitchen is definitely the place to go. Can’t wait to come back and try more of their menu!"

"My husband and I were in Banner Elk for our wedding anniversary, and we wanted to go out for a good meal. Sydney was our server, and she was great - very knowledgeable and attentive. Our meal started with a complimentary carrot and ginger soup, which was a really nice touch! The cocktails, entree, and desert were top notch, and we had a lovely conversation with Marcus, the owner. I highly recommend supporting this small, new business. The atmosphere is wonderful, the decor is conversation-worthy, and Marcus has such an interesting story to tell."

"Small restaurant with excellent food. Limited menu options but you will not be disappointed with the presentation and quality of the food. We had chorizo empanadas and forest mushroom palette for starters. As entrees we had the tenderloin skewers and seafood pazole substituting scallops for the clams and mussels. Every dish was fantastic."

"We tried Highlands Prohibition Kitchen for the first time and we really liked it. Nice decor, pleasant atmosphere, quiet enough for easy conversation. The mushroom and goat cheese galette was outstanding as were the pozole and the paella. Reasonably priced and excellent service … we’ll definitely be back there again soon!"

"My husband and I go to the mountains every Thanksgiving weekend and like to stay around Banner Elk. We were looking for a restaurant that had a speakeasy vibe, great cocktails and great food and Highlands did not disappoint! The atmosphere was fantastic from the minute we walked in. Small but well set, light jazz playing, wood decor that fits the esthetic and the owner, Marcus, greeted us right away. We sat at a comfy booth and were immediately brought a small taste of sweet potato and parsnip soup that was delicious! Cocktails were very well made and the food was amazing. We finished our food and decided to sit at the bar for an additional cocktail and desert so we could chat with the bartender, Grace, and owner. It was a delightful find in the heart of Banner Elk. A must visit!"

"We stopped by on a Friday evening for some drinks and a bit of food at this new establishment in the area. The staff was very friendly and inviting and the restaurant had a welcoming warm feel. They had a good wine selection and the bartender did a good job coming up with a creative drink for my wife. We ordered a couple of items off the menu and were impressed with the flavor and quality of the offerings. The restaurant even surprised us with a little dessert on the house at the end of our meal. I would really like to see them expand the menu further to include additional Spanish tapas. All around this was a very good experience and I would recommend to anyone in the area."

"Just found this little gem of a place! The place is warm and inviting. Service is excellent and friendly. The Owner was very pleasant to talk with and has a passion to give great service and provide wonderful food in a unique setting. The chef was great, everything I saw coming out of the kitchen looked like a piece of art on the plate and very yummy! I would definitely recommend this place!"

"Highland Prohibition Kitchen in Banner Elk is an absolute treasure and differentiates itself from the moment you walk in. You’re transported into a sophisticated speakeasy-style atmosphere that’s as inviting as it is unique. The owner, Marcus, is an exceptional host and conversationalist who genuinely makes you feel like a valued guest. Chef Dominic, with an impressive 40 years of experience from England (having even served royalty!), brings an extraordinary touch to every dish. We selected the tenderloin skewers, which literally melted in our mouths, and the duck, which was loaded with spice and flavor in every bite. The quality of the food is unique and locally unmatched, yet the prices remain fair. Add to that a well-curated wine selection and an amazing bar that perfectly complements the overall experience. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss. Highland Prohibition Kitchen is nothing short of exceptional!" Who knows, it just might be your new hang out spot!"