Where to Eat in Boone on a Budget

Boone is a college town, and home to over 18,000 Appalachian State students. To accommodate them, the town is plentiful in restaurants that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re passing through and want a quick bite, on vacation and need something on a budget, we’ve got you covered. Here are Boone’s best cheap eats.

Come Back Shack

Any local or college student will rave about Come Back Shack’s simple, but delicious menu. With all-natural, never frozen ingredients sourced from local farms, it has won Best Burger in Boone for the past five years. Pair a burger (regular, veggie, or chicken) with one of their famous milkshakes, and you’ll walk out of there nothing less than satisfied.

F.A.R.M. Cafe

F.A.R.M. Cafe is a local non-profit, pay-what-you-can community kitchen in Boone. The menu consists of everything from pizza to Greek, and changes daily depending on what locally sourced ingredients are in season and available. Volunteers always post the menu the day of and can be found here. Meals come with suggested donations with a pay it forward option, so you can enjoy a home-cooked meal and benefit the Boone community simultaneously.

Black Cat Burrito

If you’re feeling Tex Mex paired with a drink and some live music, Black Cat Burrito is your go to. With big portions, you get more for your dollar, and locals rave about the mango salsa that comes with the fish tacos. If you’re a picky eater, there’s also a Build Your Own option. Bring the family and enjoy the 1960’s feel and some live tunes on any night of the week.

Water Wheel Cafe

Water Wheel Cafe is a quaint breakfast and lunch spot right on Highway 105 with a mountain cabin feel. There’s an open floor plan with tons of room to accommodate a big group, so it’s perfect for a corporate luncheon, meet-up, or a family get together. Water Wheel has an extensive breakfast menu with about every bagel combination you can think of, with a bonus: It’s locally owned, and all of their products are environmentally friendly.