People make a reservation at The Copper Door and drive 45 minutes. Then they wonder why they’ve never heard of it. That’s Clay County dining in a sentence: exceptional food hiding in plain sight, 20 minutes from Murphy, on the shore of one of the Southeast’s most beautiful lakes.
Clay County’s seat is Hayesville—a charming courthouse-square town on the shores of Lake Chatuge, about 20 minutes southeast of Murphy via US-64. What Hayesville lacks in size, it more than makes up for in dining quality. The town has quietly built a genuinely impressive culinary scene: a fine dining destination that competes with anything in the region, a craft brewery with wood-fired pizza that draws people from Murphy and beyond, an Asian fusion restaurant getting rave reviews, and a collection of locally-loved spots anchored by the historic square. This is your complete guide to dining in Clay County, NC.
Fine Dining: The Copper Door
When people who live in Clay County want to impress out-of-town guests, this is where they go. When couples want a genuinely special anniversary dinner, this is the reservation they make. The Copper Door is one of the finest dining experiences in all of western North Carolina—and it happens to be in Hayesville.
The Copper Door
⭐ 4.8 · 991 reviews
2 Sullivan St, Hayesville, NC | Tue–Sat: 5–10 PM | (828) 389-8460 | Reservations strongly recommended
Since 2007, The Copper Door has quietly accumulated awards, loyal regulars, and the kind of reputation that makes people plan their mountain trips around a dinner reservation. With dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, Chilean sea bass with saffron risotto, rack of lamb with cherry demi-glaze, and a wine list carefully assembled to complement the kitchen’s ambitions, this is fine dining at a level that consistently surprises first-timers.
What distinguishes The Copper Door beyond the food is the exceptional service culture. Reviews are filled with stories of birthday cards waiting at the table, rose petals for anniversaries, servers who memorize dietary restrictions and contact guests in advance to plan menus accordingly. The staff makes you feel like the only people in the room—a rare quality anywhere, almost unheard of at this price point in a mountain small town.
Don’t Miss: Dry-aged ribeye • Rack of lamb • Chilean sea bass • Grilled romaine Caesar • Crab cakes • Dark chocolate cherry bread pudding
“From start to finish this was by far one of the best establishments I have ever been to.” — Google reviewer after a first visit
💬 Quote
“The Copper Door in Hayesville, NC has a 4.8-star rating, nearly 1,000 reviews, and a kitchen serving dry-aged steaks and Chilean sea bass. People drive 45 minutes to eat here. We drive 20.”
#CopperDoor #HayesvilleNC #ClayCountyNC #FineDining #LakeChatuge
Craft Beer: NOC Social (Nocturnal Brewing Co.)
NOC Social
⭐ 4.6 · 657 reviews
893 US-64 BUS, Hayesville, NC | Tue–Fri: 4–9 PM, Sat: 12–9 PM | (828) 371-6577
The anchor of Hayesville’s nightlife scene. NOC Social is the taproom and restaurant arm of Nocturnal Brewing Co., housed in a spacious industrial-warehouse space with both indoor and patio seating, regular live music, and a kitchen that punches well above typical brewery fare. The wood-fired pizzas—with their blistered, chewy crusts and a recommended Calabrian chili paste drizzle—draw as many regulars as the craft beer does. The smash burger is described as gourmet-level by multiple reviewers; the fried cauliflower appetizer has its own devoted following; and the Sunday brunch charcuterie boards featuring venison and elk are genuinely unique in this region.
The beer lineup runs from a crisp pilsner to IPAs, stouts, and seasonal fruit offerings. For people relocating to the Murphy-Hayesville corridor, NOC Social quickly becomes the go-to spot for casual evenings out that feel energetic without being pretentious.
Don’t Miss: Wood-fired pizza with Calabrian chili drizzle • Smash burger • Fried cauliflower • Sunday brunch boards • Live music nights
Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Epic Catering & Eatery / Mel’s Place
⭐ 4.7 · 269 reviews
714 NC-69, Hayesville | Mon–Tue, Thu–Fri: Lunch 11–2:30, Thu–Fri Dinner 5–9, Sat Dinner 5–9, Sun Brunch 9:30–2 | (828) 415-1649
One of Clay County’s most beloved dining discoveries. Epic’s kitchen runs from handmade bagels at Sunday brunch to filet mignon and sharable plates at Thursday dinner—all with a fresh, farm-to-table sensibility that’s increasingly rare in small mountain communities. The Monte Cristo sandwich (that perfect ham-Swiss-French-toast-battered creation) has earned its own cult status. Mel’s Place, the extended wine and beer bar, transforms the space into a refined evening experience with live music on dinner nights. The Reuben at lunch is a consistent highlight. Sunday brunch shrimp and grits, Mountain Man Benedict, and Logan Turnpike grits are among the most-ordered items.
Don’t Miss: Monte Cristo • Sunday brunch shrimp & grits • Filet mignon (Thu–Sat dinner) • Handmade bagels • Reuben sandwich
Fat Dog on Main
⭐ 4.5 · 569 reviews
82 Main St, Hayesville | Wed–Thu: 11 AM–9 PM, Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM, Sun: 12–9 PM | (828) 415-1700
Hayesville’s hometown hangout. Fat Dog on Main is a welcoming sports bar and grill on the historic square where locals gather for live music on Fridays, game-day watch parties, and the kind of genuinely friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back weekly. The pork belly appetizer is plentiful and highly praised; wings are a consistent standout; and the burgers are described as among the best in Clay County. An engaged owner, attentive staff, and a covered outdoor porch round out one of the best casual dining experiences in Hayesville.
Don’t Miss: Pork belly app • Burgers • Wings • Live music Fridays • Game-day watch parties
The Happy Dragon
⭐ 4.6 · 118 reviews
66 Sanderson St, Hayesville | Mon–Tue, Thu–Sat: 4–8/9 PM | (828) 644-8218
Hayesville’s most talked-about newer arrival. The Happy Dragon fills a genuine gap in the region’s dining landscape with Asian fusion done with real care: coconut miso ramen packed with pork belly and kimchi; fried chicken bao buns that earn their own reviews; Bang Bang shrimp in a delicate tempura batter with a perfectly balanced sauce; and Massaman curry dialed in to authentic Southeast Asian depth. The space is stylish, the vibe welcoming, and reviewers note that the restaurant is typically packed by 4:30 PM—a strong endorsement in any mountain small town.
Don’t Miss: Coconut miso ramen • Fried chicken bao buns • Bang Bang shrimp • Dumplings
Mariolino’s Italian Cuisine
⭐ 4.5 · 729 reviews
495 Hwy 64 Business, Hayesville | Mon–Sun: 11 AM–9/9:30 PM | (828) 415-1572
A reliable Clay County mainstay for Italian-American fare. Mariolino’s covers the full Italian-American spread—pastas, pizzas, steaks, and generous portions at reasonable prices—in a comfortable setting that works equally well for a casual weeknight dinner or a group meal. The house antipasto salad with its house dressing is a consistent highlight. Open seven days a week, including for lunch, which makes it one of the most accessible dining options in Hayesville. Not a destination restaurant like The Copper Door, but an excellent, reliable workhorse that Clay County residents genuinely appreciate.
Don’t Miss: Antipasto salad with house dressing • Pasta dishes • Open 7 days including lunch
💬 Quote
“Hayesville, NC: wood-fired pizza at a craft brewery, Asian ramen that packs the house by 4:30 PM, and a Sunday brunch with venison charcuterie boards. Clay County’s dining scene is its best-kept secret.”
#HayesvilleNC #ClayCountyNC #NOCSocial #EpicEatery #HappyDragon #LakeChatugeEats
More Worth Knowing in Clay County
- ✦Laughing Waters (66 Sanderson St): A cozy café from the owners of Nocturnal Brewing on the other side of the Hayesville square. Steamed bagels, excellent lattes, a closed-in deck perfect for morning coffee, and a wine-and-cocktail menu for afternoons. The Italian bagel (pepperoni, provolone) and Nocturnal bagel (scrambled egg, bacon) are standout options. An ideal morning stop before a day on Lake Chatuge.
- ✦Pic-A-Nick Basket Deli (45 Main St): A hometown deli favorite on the square serving lunch Monday through Saturday. Generous sandwiches, homemade pies (the banana and chocolate cream are the ones people drive from neighboring counties for), and the kind of no-frills Southern hospitality that feels increasingly rare. Cash-and-carry simplicity at its finest.
- ✦Rib Country BBQ (NC-69): A Hayesville staple for slow-smoked barbecue, signature sauces, and homemade desserts. The pulled pork lunch plate—tender smoked pork, side salad, baked beans, and coleslaw—is one of the best lunch values in Clay County.
- ✦The Ridges Resort (Hiawassee/Young Harris, just across the GA line): The lakeside resort on Lake Chatuge offers dining with views that are genuinely hard to beat—an easy add-on to any Clay County dining day that’s worth noting for visitors staying in the area.
💬 Quote
“Hayesville, NC is 20 minutes from Murphy and 100% worth driving for. Start with steamed bagels at Laughing Waters, lunch at Epic, and end the night at The Copper Door. You’ll wonder why you ever leave.”
#HayesvilleNC #ClayCountyDining #MurphyNCRealEstate #LakeChatuge #BlueRidgeDining
The Dining Is Just the Beginning
Living Near Lake Chatuge & Clay County?
Let’s Talk Real Estate.
Bonnie DuPree knows Clay County properties, Lake Chatuge real estate, and the Murphy-Hayesville corridor better than anyone. If you’re drawn to this area, let’s find your place in it.
Frequently Asked Questions — Dining in Clay County NC
What are the best restaurants in Hayesville, NC?
The best restaurants in Hayesville, NC include: The Copper Door (fine dining since 2007 — dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, rack of lamb; rated 4.8/5 with 991 reviews; Tue–Sat evenings, reservations recommended); NOC Social (craft brewery with wood-fired pizza, smash burgers, and live music; rated 4.6/5); Epic Catering & Eatery (farm-to-table lunch and dinner, Sunday brunch, Monte Cristo sandwich; rated 4.7/5); Fat Dog on Main (sports bar with great burgers, wings, and live music on the square; rated 4.5/5); The Happy Dragon (Asian fusion — coconut miso ramen, Bang Bang shrimp; rated 4.6/5); and Mariolino’s (Italian-American with generous portions, open daily; rated 4.5/5).
Is The Copper Door in Hayesville NC worth the drive?
Absolutely. The Copper Door (2 Sullivan St, Hayesville, NC) is consistently rated one of the finest dining experiences in western North Carolina, with a 4.8-star Google rating from nearly 1,000 reviews since opening in 2007. The menu features dry-aged steaks, Chilean sea bass with saffron risotto, rack of lamb, fresh crab cakes, and grilled romaine Caesar salads. Service culture is exceptional — staff contact guests in advance to accommodate dietary needs and create personalized menus. Reservations are strongly recommended; it books ahead on weekends. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 5–10 PM.
Does Hayesville NC have a brewery?
Yes. NOC Social (893 US-64 BUS, Hayesville, NC) is the taproom and restaurant of Nocturnal Brewing Co., rated 4.6/5 with 657 reviews. It offers a full craft beer tap list alongside wood-fired pizza, smash burgers, fried cauliflower, and Sunday brunch boards featuring venison and elk charcuterie. The industrial-warehouse space has both indoor and patio seating, live music nights, and a welcoming atmosphere for all. Open Tuesday through Friday 4–9 PM and Saturday 12–9 PM.
Where is the best breakfast or brunch in Clay County NC?
For brunch in Clay County, Epic Catering & Eatery (714 NC-69, Hayesville) offers Sunday brunch from 9:30 AM–2 PM with shrimp and grits, Mountain Man Benedict, homemade bagels, and Logan Turnpike grits. Laughing Waters (66 Sanderson St, on the Hayesville square) is a cozy morning café with exceptional steamed bagels, excellent lattes, and a covered deck — ideal for mornings before a day on Lake Chatuge. Both are excellent starting points for a Clay County dining day.
How far is Hayesville NC from Murphy NC?
Hayesville, NC is approximately 20 minutes southeast of Murphy, NC via US-64. The drive takes you through the scenic mountain foothills along the Hiwassee River corridor, passing Brasstown along the way. Residents and visitors to Murphy frequently make the drive specifically for The Copper Door, NOC Social, and other Hayesville dining destinations. The two towns complement each other well — Murphy has more casual dining options and the casino resort, while Hayesville offers fine dining, the craft brewery, and Lake Chatuge access.
Are there restaurants on Lake Chatuge in NC?
Dining directly on Lake Chatuge is more prevalent on the Georgia side, where the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds complex and several Hiawassee establishments sit on the shoreline. On the North Carolina side near Hayesville, most dining is a short drive from the lake rather than directly on the water. The Ridges Resort on Lake Chatuge (in the Young Harris/Hiawassee area just across the GA line) offers lakeside dining with views. In Clay County proper, restaurants like The Copper Door and NOC Social are a short drive from the water and often serve as the dining destination for a day spent on the lake.
