The Purple Onion was conceived in 1998 by two sisters who envisioned a gathering place reflecting the gracious, casual pace of Saluda; a place for friends and family to come together for good food, good conversation, and live music. One sister, Lynn Casey, fell in love, married and moved on in 2000 but the other sister, Susan, continues the pursuit of providing good food, good fun and good music, with help from a dedicated staff and many good friends.
Located in Historic Saluda, with outdoor dining available and live music on Thursday and Saturday nights, The Purple Onion features a variety of ethnically inspired dishes with an emphasis on the Mediterranean’s simple and healthful cuisine. The menu offers pizzas, pastas, seafood, vegetarian, and meat dishes using locally raised trout and organic, locally grown produce, when available, as well as antibiotic and hormone free meats and poultry. Fresh, locally roasted coffee and espresso are available as well as a selection of fine wines and beers including biodynamic and organic selections.
The restaurant is open seven days a week in summer, serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday with brunch on Sundays. During the months of September through April, the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Wednesdays. The menu and live music schedule are available on the website.
Live music has been an integral part of the Purple Onion since its beginning. Robert Seiler, a longtime friend, has consistently booked quality entertainment since 1998. Since then, the Onion has hosted more than 300 different musicians. Robert keeps the music calendar filled with a talented and varied array of performers.
Chambli Stuber is the executive chef and manager. She began washing dishes at The Purple Onion at the age of 15 and quickly moved up to head cook at the age of 17. After a 10-year hiatus, she returned to us after earning her Culinary Degree at AB-Tech, where she competed with the Hot Foods Team and won gold in the national championship.
We, at The Angler, are always on the lookout to wrap up our fishing adventure with a fantastic meal in a comfortable, and “cool” environment. The Purple Onion fits the bill. Throw in a great beer selection and some live music and you could not ask for a better place to end your fishing day! Visit www.purpleonionsaluda.com