So, why the name McDowell Local?

This is a simple one! One of our goals when dreaming about what our restaurant would look like and how it would function was a commitment to supporting other local businesses like ours, especially those located in McDowell County proper. We source as many things as we reasonably (and cost-effectively) can from our own county and surrounding WNC counties. We’re fortunate to have a number of tremendous resources right here in our own backyard.

Do you really make everything in-house?

Not everything, but we do make as many things as we can here onsite. This includes pattying fresh ground beef daily, making all of our dressings, sauces, jams, and spreads, hand cutting potatoes for our fries, making fresh hummus and pimento cheese, and pickling just about anything we can. We source other things locally, like many of our cheeses (made by hand at English Farmstead) and as much produce as possible. Of course, some things we do purchase from your typical food vendors. It’s a balance, and we try to strike one in favor of local and made by hand whenever possible.

Rumor has it you’ve reopened for lunch. Is this true?

Yes! Like so many other businesses, the pandemic forced us to make some tough decisions about service hours, and we closed for lunch several years back. BUT, good news - we reopened for lunch service on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Our lunch menu is available from 11:30am-3pm Tuesday-Friday (we do not serve lunch on Saturdays). Please note that our lunch and dinner menus are different. Our lunch menu will be added to the website as soon as possible, but in the meantime can be found on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are typically not needed, but we do accept them (with the exception of festival days). We ask that parties of six or more give us a call to make a reservation with advance notice of at least one day. This is especially true for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays when we’re the busiest.

Can you accommodate large parties?

We do our best to accommodate large walk-in groups but cannot always guarantee seating. As noted above, we ask that parties of six or more make reservations with advance notice of at least one day.

Why does it sometimes take longer to get my food?

We are not a fast food restaurant, plain and simple. Your food is made TO order IN order. We do not par cook our burgers or pre-cook our chicken. The food we serve you has not been sitting in a warmer for goodness knows how long. We do not order quick frozen foods that are pre-cooked and ready to serve. So, sometimes it takes a little longer to get your food. We like to think the wait is worth it, and hope you do, too. Our level of busyness, as is the case for any restaurant, will impact wait times, as well.

Can I bring my dog inside? What about other pets?

If it is a service animal that is trained to work or perform particular tasks for someone with a disability, of course. Other pets of any sort, including emotional support animals, no. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in our outdoor seating area, but we reserve the right to remove any pet that is aggressive or causes a disturbance that impacts other guests.

Can I call in an order to go? Do you deliver?

Call in orders are always welcome! We do not deliver and do not partner with third-party delivery services.

Do you have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options?

We do! Our menu is noted accordingly for vegetarian and vegan options, and we can make many things vegetarian with some minor adjustments. Just ask your server if you need help. Please note that we do offer gluten free bread products, but we are not a gluten-free kitchen, and though we do our very best to avoid cross contamination, we cannot guarantee it.

Do you cater?

Upon occasion, we are able to assist with catering needs. We are not able to staff events, but would be happy to discuss your particular situation to see if we’re able to help.

Am I able to buy any of your menu items wholesale?

Some of our items are available in larger quantities to take home, with as much advance notice as possible. Please check in with your server about what’s possible.

I heard Marion has a social district. What is that, and are you part of it?

Yes! Marion does have a social district which allows for alcoholic beverages, purchased from participating ABC permitted businesses, to be carried within the designated area between the hours of 11 am and 10 pm, Monday through Sunday, seven days a week. You can read more about it on the City of Marion’s website. Beverages must be in specifically marked cups and purchased only from approved permitted businesses within the district. The district boundaries are clearly marked with signage, and all businesses have signage in their storefronts that designate whether beverages are sold in the establishment, allowed within the establishment, or if beverages are not allowed. And yes, McDowell Local is a participant in the social district.