The Purple Onion

The Purple Onion Charming Saluda eatery showcasing creative cuisine with local ingredients and lively evening music.
(1450)

Located in historical Saluda with live music and outdoor dining available, The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically and regionally inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean's simple, healthful cuisines and a focus on freshness. The music happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, but the kitchen performs to rave reviews five days a week. The menu offers pizza, pasta, vegetarian, seafood, and meat dishes, utilizing locally raised trout and organic locally grown produce when available as well as fine w**e and beers, including biodynamic and organic selections.

Our chef and bartender teamed up this weekend to bring some cozy autumn flavors to the table: Brown Butter Bourbon Bécha...
09/24/2026

Our chef and bartender teamed up this weekend to bring some cozy autumn flavors to the table: Brown Butter Bourbon Béchamel Lasagna paired with an Amaretto Sour. Rich, warm, and just right for a fall evening.

And judging by the second photo… the rest of the staff brought their forks.

Features are always better when the staff gets to “quality check” them first.

Thursdays at The Purple Onion are full of delicious food, live music, and plenty of fun. Don’t miss special nights like ...
08/21/2026

Thursdays at The Purple Onion are full of delicious food, live music, and plenty of fun. Don’t miss special nights like these.

Fresh halibut arrived Thursday afternoon and went straight into the hands of our chef, who broke it down just before dinner and transformed it into a beautiful special for the weekend. Lemon herb roasted halibut over spiced pecan wild rice with balsamic seared kale, pickled cucumber and onion, finished with a lemon dill hollandaise.

And when Cowboy Judy gets the music going and everyone is up dancing, you know it’s been a good night. The kind where the plates come back empty, the music carries through the room, and nobody is in a rush to leave.

Good food, good music, and a dining room full of people enjoying themselves—every night is a special evening at The Purple Onion.

Join us in the heart of Saluda—literally! Our patio sits just behind the very center of historic  downtown Saluda, NC. I...
08/06/2026

Join us in the heart of Saluda—literally! Our patio sits just behind the very center of historic downtown Saluda, NC. It’s the perfect spot to relax, enjoy a delicious meal, and take in the sights of our sweet mountain town.

Grab a table, order your favorites, and enjoy the best seat in town.

Fresh berries from Stepp’s Plants make the best desserts, and this raspberry tart is bursting with flavor. Just look at ...
08/03/2026

Fresh berries from Stepp’s Plants make the best desserts, and this raspberry tart is bursting with flavor. Just look at these beautiful raspberries! Around here, we lovingly call them Larry’s Berries after the incredible, hardworking farmer who picks them. His dedication shines through in every berry, and we’re proud to feature them in one of our favorite seasonal desserts.

Stepp’s Plants doesn’t just grow amazing berries—they also create the gorgeous hanging baskets that brighten our patio all season long. We love supporting local growers who help make every visit a little more beautiful and a lot more delicious.

Stepp’s Plants Etc

07/26/2026

Thank you, Shana Blake, for getting everyone dancing and moving! Thank you for letting us be ourselves. Thanks for an incredible night of music and for bringing so much joy to The Purple Onion.

What a C**n Dog Day!We’ll be closed July 12th, 2026 as our team takes a well-earned day to recover from another incredib...
07/12/2026

What a C**n Dog Day!

We’ll be closed July 12th, 2026 as our team takes a well-earned day to recover from another incredible C**n Dog Day celebration.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this tradition possible—from the volunteers, organizers, vendors, performers, parade participants, and first responders to every local business and visitor who helped make the day such a success.

C**n Dog Day is more than an event. It’s a reminder of what Saluda is all about: community, tradition, and neighbors coming together to create something special.

Thank you for another unforgettable year. We’ll see you tomorrow!

Come out and see us July 11th for a time honored tradition here in Saluda, NC and get some good fresh cuisine on our pat...
07/01/2026

Come out and see us July 11th for a time honored tradition here in Saluda, NC and get some good fresh cuisine on our patio. You can even dine outside with your dogs!

C**n Dog Day brings back night hunt, family fun in Saluda

05/28/2026

Seth Walker is back on The Purple Onion stage this Sunday, May 31st at 7:00pm. Doors open at 5:30 with dinner on the patio before the show. We only have a couple tickets left. Link in the bio. You just can’t beat moments like this so come out and join us for an incredible evening. Watch the whole thing for a cameo from the kitchen.

05/14/2026

The Arts Festival is this weekend May 16th, 10am-4pm, and we can’t wait to see everyone out enjoying the vendors, strolling through the shops, and taking in all that Saluda has to offer. After a day downtown, join us at The Purple Onion for lunch, a cool drink, and a relaxing break before heading back out to explore the festival.

Address

16 E Main Street
Saluda, NC
28773

Opening Hours

Monday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 8pm
Wednesday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 8pm
Thursday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 8:30pm
Friday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 8:30pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm
5pm - 8:30pm
Sunday 11am - 3pm

Telephone

+18287491179

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