Café at the Mall

Tri-City Mall 2270, US-74 BUS, Forest City, NC 28043, United States
+1 828-245-3615
$$$ Cafe
(64 Reviews)

If you're on the lookout for a delightful escape in the heart of Forest City, NC, look no further than the Café at the Mall. Nestled in Tri-City Mall, this charming café goes beyond the typical sandwich shop, offering a culinary experience that feels both upscale and comforting.

The moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm atmosphere that invites you to unwind. The friendly staff quickly makes you feel at home, embodying the kind of hospitality that encourages you to linger longer. With cozy seating and an inviting ambiance, it’s an ideal spot for a casual lunch, an afternoon tea, or a sweet escape from your day-to-day hustle.

Café at the Mall focuses on fresh, local ingredients with a menu that reads like a love letter to quality food. From their artisanal Reuben sandwiches to the celebrated BLT, every dish showcases the owner's dedication to culinary excellence. Indulge in their sumptuous crab cake sandwich, a true standout that customers rave about for its rich flavors and generous portion. Not to mention the star of the show—the homemade desserts! Pastries and sweet treats are not just afterthoughts here; they are crafted with utmost care, perfect for those who wish to indulge their sweet tooth.

Customer reviews echo the café's commitment to quality and exceptional service. David Swain captures the essence perfectly: “Every dish is eloquently prepared with a level of detail you typically only find at high-end restaurants.” Jenn Stiver adds, “Everything I've ever ordered has been absolutely perfect,” an endorsement you’ll appreciate as you dig into the rotating tea of the day or the featured dessert. Each cup of tea, including their delicious fruit punch mango tea, enhances the café’s tranquil vibe, making it an experience worth savoring.

You're not just indulging in food here; you're embracing a philosophy of farm-to-table dining. Liz, the owner, proudly grows much of her produce in her own garden, ensuring freshness in every bite. This commitment to local sourcing not only supports local farmers but also promises an unforgettable flavor experience that leaves a lasting impression, which many customers, like Isaac Stone, find justifies the café’s slightly elevated pricing.

While you may come for a quick lunch, you might find yourself wanting to return, as Betty Greene suggests with her long-running loyalty: “Eaten here for years, the best food in town.” Each visit is sure to reveal new delights, making Café at the Mall not just a café, but a beloved community spot that draws in both locals and visitors alike.

So, whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or planning a leisurely visit to savor the menu, Café at the Mall promises an inviting, enriching experience that you won’t soon forget. Make it your new home away from home, just like so many happy customers have!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Delivery
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Crowd
Family friendly
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Cheques
Debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs
64 Reviews
David Swain

28 Aug 2025

This is not your run of the mill sandwich shop. Every dish is eloquently prepared with a level of detail you typically only find at high-end restaurants. The food is wonderful, no matter what you order. And the desserts, oh the desserts. You can go for just that if you’re craving something sweet. Having lunch with my daughter and her friend, they said it felt like we were at a proper tea party here. This is a great place to take Mom too. One of our favorites.

Krypton

04 Aug 2025

This is my new home away from home. Cafe To Go. (Croissants, baked goods, Reuben sandwiches, spicy salad bowls, teas, & the owner loves NYC - OMG! I'm gonna get a bed, put it in the back & live here). This place is AWESOME, great service, great people, great price for so much. I feel like I'm in Greenwich Village NYC!

Jenn Stiver

29 Jul 2025

Everything I've ever ordered from Café at the Mall has been absolutely perfect. The food is delicious and the portions are generous. Their tea of the day is always wonderful and you can't beat the dessert options they offer. I would recommend everything on their menu.

Isaac Stone

26 Jul 2025

I'm a firm believer of you get what you pay for. This place is pricey, but it's because the quality is so good. BLT is awesome, crab cake sandwich is amazing. Everything here is local. Liz (the owner) grows most all the produce in her own garden. She is so friendly. I recommend this because even though the prices are a little high, it's because the quality overwhelmingly justifies them.

Betty Greene

21 Jul 2025

Eaten here for years the best food in town, you will not regret eating here, wish they were open for dinner. Homemade desserts galore. Everything made from local diaries and farmers markets, it might be your first but not your last visit.

Mayor David Guy

27 Jun 2025

Have know the owner for 20+years. Every selection of ingredients is scrutinized for freshness and quality. All kinds of culinary delights and fresh twists on ingredients, seasonal locally sourced ingredients, gourmet bakery and desserts. The owner/head chef is a certified nutritionist. You have to try this one if you are anywhere near Forest City or their sister location 10 North Trade in Tryon NC.

Ramona Hall

23 Jun 2025

I have been eating at this wonderful restaurant since the day it opened, as well as the sister restaurants , Cafe to go in Forest City and 10 North Trade Cafe in Tryon. I have never eaten a bad bite of food at any of these restaurants . The food is always fresh, delicious and beautiful. The staff is friendly and welcoming. The owners are really nice people who know the food from farm to table. I can't think of enough kind words to say about these exemplary food establishments. If you get the opportunity to eat at any of these restaurants you would be smart to do so, you'll leave happy and full.

Michelle Sain

28 May 2025

This is my go to place everytime I'm kid free for lunch. Such a relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff who are always so polite to everyone. The food is so fresh and clean I personally love the tea of day which is a fruit punch mango tea which is my favorite! They cafe is currently updating the decorations and I'm excited to see what the finish product will look look like.

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