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About
The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands
Welcome to The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands, a unique culinary gem nestled in the heart of Highlands, North Carolina. Located at 294 S 4th St, this establishment stands out not just for its inviting atmosphere but also for its impressive menu that tantalizes the palate.
As you step inside, you're greeted by a friendly vibe—truly a place where everyone feels welcome. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the communal spirit is palpable, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of hiking or exploring the picturesque surroundings. The service here is notably attentive, with staff who genuinely care about enhancing your dining experience.
Customer experiences echo the sentiment of warmth and hospitality. As noted by Adam Jarvis, The Ugly Dog excels in being family-friendly, with thoughtful touches that cater to guests of all ages. His recommendation of the pimiento cheese bacon burger speaks volumes about the creativity and deliciousness of the dishes offered. Additionally, the craft cocktails, like the apple spiced old fashioned, perfectly complement the meal, elevating it to another level.
From Maxwell Chastain’s perspective, The Ugly Dog offers a refreshing departure from the fried fast food often found in small towns. His praise for the tempura and pan-seared vegetables highlights the thoughtful presentation and complex flavors that define the menu. The dishes here blend tradition with a modern twist, appealing to discerning palates who appreciate culinary excellence.
The lunch experience described by T.R. Campbell showcases the pub's ability to handle larger parties with grace and efficiency, ensuring that even a group of twelve can enjoy a seamless service experience. His enthusiasm for the Cuban sandwich reflects the quality and flavor that diners can expect at The Ugly Dog.
Marty Shaw’s review captures a more whimsical note, urging visitors to not underestimate the charm of the establishment. Even in the face of power outages, the kitchen delivers delightful food, such as crispy fries and satisfying sandwiches that entice all senses. It’s a reminder that great food can shine through any circumstance.
Alanna Trotter sums it up beautifully with her take on the menu—it presents simple yet intriguing dishes, prompting you to explore without feeling overwhelmed. This balance of familiarity and flair is a hallmark of The Ugly Dog, making it a must-visit destination in Highlands.
In conclusion, The Ugly Dog Public House- Highlands is not just a restaurant; it's a community hub where flavors meet fellowship. If you are looking for a place that promises quality, creativity, and a welcoming atmosphere, make sure to add this delightful pub to your itinerary. The exceptional service and thoughtful dishes ensure that every visit is a memorable one, leaving you eager for a return.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ We had a great experience here. The most kid friendly place we’ve found in town to date. As soon as we walked in the hostess helped get us a high chair set up and immediately brought us waters including a kid’s cup without asking. My pimiento cheese bacon burger was delicious and the apple spiced old fashioned hit the spot. A must try during your visit! ”
“ After fifty years of culinary excellence, I moved to a small town, outside of Highlands, that offers fried fast food almost exclusively. I admit that I took my previous choices for granted but I did enjoy the ease of stepping out to great food from around the world. Today I was taken back to a time when vat fried was not an easy option. When flavors were more intriguing and presentation was a bit more thoughtful. Funny thing is that I found this piece of food sanctuary in a pub. I ungraciously gave in to all of their Facebook posts and “gave them a try”. The service from a very attentive Rachel helped with food choices and kept us focused on our enjoyment without being overbearing. Simple titled dishes turned out to be more intriguing and helped cement my thoughts of excellence. Yes, my party of three did order more food than we were expecting to receive but it did add to the sharing experience and left a bit for an evening dish. Tempura with just the hint of spice, pan seared vegetable without the coating of oil, a beautifully matched savory dish with the unexpected delight of honey, and more. I am so pleasantly surprised by my visit and I most definitely will be returning to be exposed to more unexpected delights. Thank you again for wonderful service and exceptional food. May you have continued success! ”
“ An incredible experience!! Had an amazing lunch with the most delicious Cuban sandwich. Our server, Michael, was a great server...super friendly, helpful, and very efficient at serving our large party of 12. Thank you Michael for the great service and Ugly Dog for the excellent food!! ”
“ Stopped in with Meredith to have lunch after a morning of traveling and hiking. Their generator was working, so the lights kept flickering, but at least they had power to cook lunch. My roast beef sandwich was great. The fries were crispy on the outside, hot and fluffy on the inside. The service was great and we had a great time. I highly recommend the ugly dogalthough I’m not sure the dog is ugly. Perhaps the dog just thinks it’s ugly.. ”
“ This place was recommended to us by some friends that visit the Highlands regularly and I’m so glad we took their advice. It has a “come as you are, all are welcome” vibe. The service was attentive and the food was great. The menu is simple food with a little flare but not so much that you don’t know what you’re eating or what to order. I would highly recommend it and can’t wait to go back again. ”
“ I’m never disappointed here and this visit we enjoyed every single bite. The walls are covered in photos of peoples dogs and I believe that you sort of pay for the space and that money goes to charity or something. So it’s a great idea. ”
“ Top 5 favorite restaurant in the U.S. Our new favorite NC dinner destination. Great atmosphere, friendly staff, dynamite cocktails, and a decent menu. We visited Memorial Day weekend and everything was perfect. The hostess was super friendly..we have three kids and although it's not a 'family restaurant' we felt very welcomed. We waited for 30 minutes on the patio in front an enjoyed a couple of cocktails. Try the Tuck...it was quite good. The menu is decent--it had something for everyone. The bar had a friendly vibe and the restaurant had 2-3 families in it. We were there on a music trivia night--not typically a family endeavor but both our server and the host went out of the way to make sure we all had fun. Which meant we also bough another round of drinks! Can't wait to return again!! ”
“ We were only in town for a few days, and the first experience with The Ugly Dog Public House was so good that we wanted to go back a second time. The staff was great, and the bartender was a hoot. She even helped us prank our friend with a " mini beer."The food was so good. Don't get me started on the dessert I really liked the atmosphere, and as an animal lover, I love to support businesses that give back to the community that appreciate a dogs presence in a customer's life. I highly recommend trying this place. ”