Williams Deli & Bakery — Restaurant in Banner Elk

Pros: Friendly service, cute atmosphere, pretty ample seating (indoor + outdoor), desserts looked really good (but can't vouch for the taste)

Cons: I just wasn't really impressed with the sandwich, or the prices. I got the buffalo chicken sandwich, which I think definitely needs to be a hot sandwich and not a cold one (a very odd choice, IMO), and for $13 or $14 should be much larger than a few slices of deli chicken with lettuce and tomato on a Kaiser roll. $17 for a sandwich and can of soda is steep, especially for this area. I also have to dock a star for the lack of vegetarian options. I think you can make your own sandwich and I guess just put vegetables on it(?), but I think they charge per topping(?) or get egg salad, but the online menu doesn't indicate that. My wife and kids are vegetarian so I didn't bring them with me when I went because I assumed there would be nothing for them to eat.

Overall: I don't want to trash a small, family-owned business but I did want to provide some honesty in my review since my experience was different than the other 50 or so people who have provided a review. I would say that visitors should know this is NOT a New York-style deli (nor does Williams claim to be!) and for residents (part-time or full) I don't feel that this is a like-for-like replacement for Dunn's Deli (which is sorely missed) or the same as Fred's Backside Deli in...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Williams Deli is a Hidden Gem in Banner Elk!

If you’re anywhere near Banner Elk, do yourself a favor and stop by Williams Deli. The food is fresh, flavorful, and made with care. I ordered the turkey sandwich, and it was absolutely perfect — piled high with juicy turkey, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, all on amazing sourdough bread. Every bite tasted homemade and thoughtful.

The staff at Williams Deli are incredibly friendly and welcoming — you can tell they truly care about their customers and their craft. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular, even on your first visit.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting, whether you’re dining in or grabbing something to go. Plus, they offer a great selection of local snacks, drinks, and even a few specialty items.

Williams Deli is a true local gem and a must-visit for anyone in the High Country. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, you’ll be glad you stopped in! We also met the owners while at dinner....

I bought my sons first birthday cake here and was overall pleased. The cake was $130. It was a pooh bear honey pot and the cake was delicious. Part of it had a strange crunch that wasn't really unpleasant but I couldn't figure out what it was. It was not as professionally done as other cakes I've bought elsewhere BUT IT IS THE ONLY PLACE that would accept the sculpted cake order on the mountain and I am so insanely thankful that they did. It was still done appropriately for the occassion. My favorite thing was the extra little detail of the bubbles in the caramel honey. I loved that. It was frozen and the transport occurred mostly without a hitch (a huge feat considering the roads and the caramel sauce). A strawberry bee fell off but was eaten all the same. I'd 100% recommend them for any mountain event and we will be ordering future cakes...