Nestled on the southwestern edge of Hendersonville, Cimarron Forest is more than a peaceful residential enclave—it’s a growing destination for those who love food with character, charm, and variety. Whether you’re strolling along Haywood Road or zipping down Chimney Rock Road, you’ll find an impressive lineup of eateries, bakeries, and coffee stops that offer everything from Southern comfort food to global flavors. Here’s your ultimate guide to dining in Cimarron Forest: the perfect mix of local favorites, hidden gems, and delicious traditions.
Neighborhood Staples: Where Everyone Feels Like Family
Cimarron Forest’s heart is its old-school hospitality. Among the treelined streets and cozy homes, you’ll find neighborhood spots where the food tastes homemade and the staff remembers your name.
- Forest Table Café (Haywood Rd & Willow Dr)
$$, Breakfast & Lunch
This cheerful café is Cimarron Forest’s go-to for a family breakfast or a leisurely lunch with friends. Their signature cinnamon swirl pancakes and locally roasted drip coffee are must-haves on a chilly mountain morning. Lunch brings wholesome wraps and loaded salads, plus vegan and gluten-free options that don’t skimp on flavor.
- Jenny’s Grill House (Chimney Rock Rd & Maple St)
$$, Southern & American
Jenny’s is legendary for fried chicken so crisp you can hear it crackle, homemade mac ‘n’ cheese, and slow-simmered green beans. With daily specials under $10 and an all-you-can-eat Sunday buffet, it’s comfort food you’ll want to come back for time and time again.
Global Eats Without Leaving the Neighborhood
Don’t let the small-town vibe fool you—Cimarron Forest is serving up a world of flavors.
- La Casa de Tacos (Poplar St near Oak Cir)
$, Mexican
This tiny, mural-painted taco shop draws crowds for their slow-braised carnitas tacos and zingy homemade salsa verde. Try the street corn and their horchata milkshake for a cooling treat on a summer afternoon.
- Pho & Bun (Corner of Haywood Rd & Pine Dr)
$$, Vietnamese
Locals flock to Pho & Bun for steaming bowls of rich pho, fresh summer rolls, and their underrated bánh mì sandwiches. Don’t skip the Vietnamese iced coffee for a mid-day pick-me-up.
- Bella Sicilia Pizzeria (Maple St just east of Willow Dr)
$$, Italian
Known for hand-tossed pies and pillowy garlic knots, Bella Sicilia is where families gather for pizza nights. Their margherita and sausage-pepper pies are best-sellers, while the tiramisu earns rave reviews from dessert lovers.
Sweet Spots: Bakeries & Dessert Destinations
A good meal deserves a great finish—and Cimarron Forest delivers on the dessert front.
- Crème & Croissant Bakery (Willow Dr & Poplar St)
$$, French & American
This family-run bakery delights with buttery croissants, almond-studded bear claws, and a rotating selection of fruit tarts. Locals swear by their kouign-amann, an irresistible Breton caramelized pastry.
- Rolling Cone Creamery (Food Truck, often at Haywood Rd & Community Park)
$, Ice Cream
This pastel-painted food truck is beloved for churned-daily ice cream in inventive flavors like blueberry basil and Nutella swirl. Kids adore the homemade waffle cones, while adults appreciate their fair-trade espresso affogato.
Coffee & Cozy Corners
Cimarron Forest’s café culture is a caffeinated affair, favoring locally sourced beans and pastry pairing.
- Brew & Bloom Espresso Bar (Chimney Rock Rd & Main St)
$, Coffeehouse
This plant-filled coffee shop makes morning meetings and study sessions delightful. Try their rosemary honey latte or a cold brew with a slice of their famed hummingbird cake.
Hidden Gems: Locals Know Best
The best-kept secrets in Cimarron Forest often start as whispers and end up becoming cult favorites.
- Stacks Deli (Back alley behind Haywood Rd)
$$, Deli/Sandwiches
It’s easy to miss Stacks Deli—unless you know to look for the hand-painted sign down the alley. Their Reuben is the stuff of legend, stacked high and served with house-made pickles.
- Mezze Nights (Friday pop-up at Crème & Croissant Bakery)
$$, Mediterranean
Every Friday night, Crème & Croissant transforms into a Mediterranean pop-up, serving zesty hummus plates, grilled kebabs, and honey-drenched baklava. It’s a communal feast with a BYOB policy that attracts foodies from all over Henderson County.
Food Traditions & Community Flavors
Cimarron Forest is more than its brick-and-mortar eateries—local food trucks dot the area, especially near Community Park during summer festivals. From wood-fired pizza carts to fresh-squeezed lemonade stands, the neighborhood embraces a food-forward culture that welcomes both newcomers and longtime locals.
Spending Saturday mornings at the pop-up farmers’ market near Willow Dr & Oak Cir is another must for food lovers—here you’ll find fresh honey, Appalachian jams, and baked treats to enjoy on a picnic or take home for later.
Clusters of Culinary Goodness
To plan your own self-guided “taste tour,” start at Haywood Rd & Willow Dr for a lineup of cafés and bakeries. Wind your way up Chimney Rock Rd, where mainstays like Jenny’s Grill and Brew & Bloom Espresso cluster near the neighborhood’s beating heart. For an extra detour, duck down Poplar St to discover some of the most flavor-packed tacos in town.
Why Cimarron Forest is a Foodie’s Best Friend
Cimarron Forest’s food scene stands out for its genuine hospitality, diversity of cuisines, and a welcoming vibe that invites everyone to linger, chat, and savor every bite. It’s the kind of place where chefs and bakers greet you by name, and where flavor always comes first.
Whether you’re a resident or a roving food fan, there’s no shortage of delicious reasons to explore Cimarron Forest—and with new food destinations popping up, your favorite spot might just be the next hidden gem everyone’s talking about.