I don’t seek out places devoted to eating that is mindful, healthful, organic, etc.; but sometimes I find myself in one. Occasionally, that is a good thing. In the case of Openroad, I am all about culinary virtue. This high-minded outfit, where you get coffee from beans that are “organically grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides,” is a roadside treasure.
The coffee is wonderful, available in dark roast and pourover versions and as espressos, lattes, cappuccinos, and chilled frios. The frios come topped with whipped cream that is guaranteed 100% natural, from nearby Mills River Creamery.
The food menu is minimal. There are ready-to-go sandwiches of all-natural ingredients on locally-baked bread (I love turkey & avocado with spinach on cranberry walnut bread), muffin-like baked oats, energy bars, cinnamon rolls without frosting or sugar overload, and breakfast biscuits packed with locally sourced eggs and cheese that is promised to be rBST-Free (whatever the heck that is).
It’s scones that win my heart. Whichever kind you get, it pops with flavor. Lemon-cherry is a harmonic haymaker; pumpkin spice is an autumnal triumph; there are honey-walnut, raspberry, triple berry, etc. More than flavor, what makes these scones memorable is their tender texture. Within a thin, crisp crust, they are downright creamy as opposed to the more typical crumbly — easily dunkable without disintegration.
Such a happy place, and not just because of its caffeine-induced vibe. The staff I met are ebullient folks, delighted to be serving some of the best coffee and pastries for miles around.
Sunday | CLOSED |
Monday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Tuesday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Wednesday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Thursday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Friday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Saturday | 6:30am - 7pm |
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Caro-Mi Dining Room
Tryon, North CarolinaOn the banks of the Pacolet River in the Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Caro-Mi is a dreamy destination for old-time Dixie comfort food.
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Village Bakery
Flat Rock, North CarolinaIn an adorable enclave of good eats and clever shopping called Little Rainbow Row, Village Bakery is a brick-oven gem for breads, breakfast, and pizza.
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Bone & Broth
Asheville, North CarolinaJust north of downtown Asheville, North Carolina, Bone & Broth serves blue-ribbon steaks, high-class comfort food, and expertly mixed cocktails.
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Gourmet Chip Company
Asheville, North CarolinaSnack food redefined, Gourmet chips are deluxe spud discs that become a foundation for creative flights of fancy toppings & a side dish to lovely sandwiches.
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OWL Bakery
Asheville, North CarolinaAsheville’s charming artful bakery features naturally leavened breads, blue-ribbon pastries, light breakfast & lunch, coffee, tea & wine.
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Tommy’s Country Ham House
Greenville, South CarolinaTommy’s is a big, happy eating hall featuring Greenville’s best biscuits & country ham in the morning and meat-and-3 lunch.