1601 Blowing Rock Rd
Boone, NC
(828) 264-4680
We have eaten at the Mountain House a number of times.
Ray: I had the Hamburger Steak with grilled onions (it is also available with brown gravy), baked potato, and tossed salad with French dressing. The salad was good — lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, and mushrooms, all of which were crisp and fresh. I also appreciated that we got name-brand crackers, not the “house brand” generics that a number of places in town serve. The hamburger was also very good… an ample portion, correctly cooked, with tasty grilled onions on top. I asked for A-1, but the hamburger was so tasty, I really didn’t need it. Rounding out this excellent meal was a baked potato which was likewise cooked correctly… nice and soft, not hard and undercooked like I have been served elsewhere.
Tom: Since it was fresh-fish Friday, I chose the 2-item combination platter with flounder and popcorn shrimp. It came with French fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. I thought I was saving myself for popcorn at a movie after but that would prove to be impossible since there was simply too much to eat! It was all Ok but when you’ve eaten one fried flounder or shrimp, you’ve eaten them all.
I also had a cup of chowder in a tin cup–it was pretty good although the waitress was concerned if it was warm enough (it was).
Ray: For dessert, I had the blackberry cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. While tasty, the crust of the cobbler was a bit dense and rubbery for my taste. I washed all this down with several glasses of sweet tea, which, while close to my liking, was still just a tad too sweet.
Tom: What a porker! I had to pass on the desserts lest I pass out! And, again–you can’t make sweet too sweet! Supersaturation is great!
Ray: The atmosphere here has changed quite a bit since the restaurant moved, and I must say the change is for the better. The tables are nicer, the decor is much better and extensive, and there is even muzak sometimes (although not on the night we were there). The silverware is now wrapped in napkins in a little bucket on each table… no need to ask for another utensil. The atmosphere is very like Cracker Barrel, which is not surprising, since this used to be a Mom’s Restaurant, a chain that was a Cracker Barrel clone in itself. I’m not fond of the gift shop out front, but then again, I live here. I suspect the gift shop is aimed at the touristas. They even take credit cards now.
Tom: Well, the gift shop smacks of Cracker Barrel, which I once ate at and will never do so again. I think it is kinda dumb, but no doubt a profit-maker. You know that you or nobody you know ever needs anything sold in a “gift shop.”
Ray: Even more than ever, Mountain House remains my favorite place in Boone for a proper “home cooked” meal. Even when they are busy, service is cheerful and prompt, and the food generally good. Breakfasts here are good too, and not nearly as greasy as some other breakfast spots in town, for example Sunrise Grill. And now, the cooks will add onions to your eggs. Between this and the credit card thing, I’m beginning to believe we are near the end of life as we know it 
Tom: My favorite breakfast is now the Boone Bagelry, after that great Bagelicious I had there the other day! But it was fine for home cookin’. But, I do not leave home to eat “home cooking,” so I may be a bit unfair.
Ray: I would take a friend who appreciates basic, home cooked food to Mountain House, and would recommend it to anyone without hesitation. It’s a relaxing place to have a filling meal, and is quiet enough to be able to talk comfortably with friends.
Tom: And ‘home shoppin’ at the gift shop!
Second Serving…
Ray: I visited the Mountain House later, by myself, to sample the chili. Although only served on Thursdays, the chicken chili here is quite good. It consists of chicken chunks, kidney beans, and light spices in a nice broth. This chili would be made even better with the addition of some pinto beans and vegetables. These comments aside, the portion was ample and the chili was enjoyable (and this is the only establishment in town to my knowledge that serves chili using a meat other than beef).
GPS Coordinates
Lat: 36°12.059′
Lon: 81° 39.640′
Menu (prices may change)
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