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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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.
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Hole Hot Doughnuts and Fresh Coffee
Asheville, North CarolinaDonuts are made to order in this well-crafted image of a vintage shop where the repertoire is limited to 4 flavors daily. Locally-roasted coffee is terrific.
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Junction of Gowensville
Landrum, South CarolinaThe Junction is an upstate South Carolina crossroads cafe renowned for its country-style buffet, which always features sublime, gnarled-crust fried chicken.
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Sidetracked Cafe
Central, South CarolinaOnly open for lunch on Sunday, Sidetracked Café is a classic Southern restaurant with a meat and three menu. Do not skip dessert!
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Rural Seed
Columbus, North CarolinaBilling its fare as “wholesome, familiar food,” the Rural Seed is a 3-meal-a-day town cafe where everything is a cut above. Breakfast is noteworthy.