Café at the Mall

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

Café at the Mall sits tucked inside the Tri-City Mall in Forest City, offering a comfortable spot that blends the convenience of a mall eatery with the welcoming feel of a neighborhood café. It's the kind of place where locals seem to drop by throughout the day—whether grabbing a quick croissant and tea on their way to work or lingering a little longer over a spicy salad bowl mid-afternoon.

The atmosphere feels casual but thoughtfully curated, with service that reflects genuine friendliness rather than mall food court briskness. This is a spot where you can easily feel at home even if you’re just passing through—a steady stream of regulars suggests it works as a reliable “third place,” somewhere beyond home and office for both quick bites and leisurely breaks.

Food-wise, the café leans into fresh, local ingredients with a nod to simple comfort—baked goods and sandwiches share a spotlight with teas and dessert options that clearly catch regular customers’ eyes. The owner’s passion for quality shines through not only in the menu but also in the welcoming energy, which locals describe as reminiscent of a cozy New York neighborhood café rather than just another mall eatery.

This makes it ideal for anyone looking to step away from the typical mall food experience and enjoy something a bit more personal and thoughtfully prepared. Mornings and early afternoons seem to be the prime times, when patrons come for a peaceful moment of calm, a good cup of tea, or a fresh, generously portioned meal made with care.

What they serve
Coffee
Comfort food
Organic dishes
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
64 Reviews
Krypton

06 Jan 2026

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

30 Nov 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.

Ramona Hall

17 Nov 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.

Mayor David Guy

06 Nov 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.

Betty Greene

18 Oct 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.

Isaac Stone

08 Oct 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.

David Swain

05 Oct 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.

Michelle Sain

26 Sep 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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