Whether you’re a longtime Greenwood local or a curious newcomer, the Highland Park neighborhood offers a surprisingly diverse and delicious food scene. Nestled southwest of downtown Greenwood and just moments from Smith Valley Road and Averitt Road, Highland Park brings together an impressive variety of restaurants, cozy cafés, tasty bakeries, and even a few must-visit food trucks. These spots, ranging from well-known favorites to low-key hidden gems, are the reason Highland Park has quietly become a go-to destination for food enthusiasts across Johnson County.
Main Street Marvels: Casual Classics and Cozy Corners
When hunger calls, the stretch along Smith Valley Road near Highland Park’s eastern edge is packed with options for every craving.
- Rosie’s Place (11 S Madison Ave) — A cornerstone in the area, Rosie’s Place is beloved for its comforting breakfast and lunch fare, from cinnamon roll French toast to crave-worthy chicken salad. The café atmosphere makes it perfect for lingering weekends or catching up with friends. Prices are moderate, with most entrées under $15. Don’t leave without a gooey butter cookie from their bakery case.
- Puerto Vallarta Mexican Restaurant (891 E Main St) — For a celebratory night out or a quick taco Tuesday fix, Puerto Vallarta delivers vibrant Mexican flavors in generous portions. The house-made salsa and authentic carnitas tacos are standouts. Mains range from $10–$18, and the margaritas are legendary (and strong).
- Tried & True Alehouse (2800 S State Rd 135) — This modern gastropub is a Highland Park favorite for families and craft beer lovers alike. Enjoy hearty pub fare — think beer-battered fish and chips and gourmet burgers — with a rotating lineup of local brews. Entrees average $12–$20, and the relaxed patio is a summer highlight.
Sweet Surprises: Bakeries and Coffee Houses
Forget the chains — Highland Park’s independent cafés and bakeries inject serious personality (and caffeine) into the neighborhood.
- Coffeehouse Five (323 Market Plaza) — Just a stone’s throw from Highland Park, this community-focused café draws remote workers, students, and coffee aficionados for its expertly crafted espresso drinks and reputation for the best cinnamon rolls in Greenwood. Don’t miss their breakfast sandwiches for an energizing start to the day. Drinks $3–$6, pastries $2–$4.
- Le Croissant French Bakery (1211 N Madison Ave) — A hidden gem on the periphery, Le Croissant offers flaky, buttery pastries just like in Paris. Locals rave about their almond croissants and fruit tarts. Expect pastries and breads in the $3–$6 range.
Worldly Eats: Flavors Across the Globe
Highland Park’s proximity to Greenwood’s bustling Main Street corridor brings world cuisine to your doorstep.
- Nara Sushi & Korean Kitchen (2797 S State Road 135) — Blending Japanese and Korean flavors, Nara is a cut above your standard sushi spot. The sushi is always fresh, and the bibimbap bowls are bursting with color and flavor. Prices are reasonable: sushi rolls $8–$15, hot dishes $12–$18.
- India Café (916 E Main St) — For aromatic curries, pillowy naan, and rich, creamy chai, India Café is a neighborhood must. The lunch buffet (under $15) is great for sampling, while the à la carte dinner menu features standout vegetarian and meat dishes.
- Sakura Japanese Cuisine (1071 N State Road 135) — With its friendly service and playful sushi rolls, Sakura draws in regulars from across the southside. Try the spicy tuna crunch or any of their inventive specialty rolls. Entrées are $12–$20.
The Food Truck Scene: Local Legends on Wheels
On warm nights or when a craving strikes, Highland Park residents know to look out for local food trucks parked at Greenwood Park Mall or the Smith Valley retail clusters.
- Johnson’s BBQ Shack — Occasionally stationed near the intersection of Smith Valley Road and State Road 135, this local haunt serves up mouthwatering smoked meats and tangy house barbecue sauce. The pulled pork and mac ‘n’ cheese are local legends, and combo plates hover around $12.
- La Margarita — This mobile favorite brings authentic street tacos, fresh esquites (Mexican corn salad), and aguas frescas to Highland Park events and pop-ups, especially in the summer months.
Hidden Gems: Off-the-Path Delights
Ask any Highland Park local, and you’ll get whispers of favorites that don’t always trend on Yelp but win hearts every day.
- Mama’s Kitchen Soul Food (595 E Main St) — Tucked beside a strip mall and easy to miss, Mama’s serves up homestyle fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and sides like collard greens just like grandma made. It feels like Sunday every day here, and you’ll rarely spend more than $10 per meal.
- Rise ‘n Roll Bakery (1279 N Emerson Ave, just beyond Highland Park) — Famous for their Amish-style donuts and bakery goods, Rise ‘n Roll is an early morning staple for sweet-toothed locals. The cinnamon caramel donuts are out-of-this-world.
Local Traditions and Foodie Events
Don’t miss Highland Park’s neighborhood festivals and pop-up markets, often held at nearby parks or local school lots. Friday evening food truck rallies and summer farmers’ markets are a community highlight, featuring rotating kitchens, gourmet treats, and craft vendors. These are your best bets for trying new flavors and discovering up-and-coming local talent.
Why Highland Park Stands Out
What makes Highland Park a quietly thriving food destination? It’s the genuine neighborhood vibe: business owners who greet you by name, cafés that remember your order, and a culinary curiosity that keeps new flavors coming in. Whether you’re a breakfast devotee, an adventurous eater, or just hunting for the perfect afternoon coffee, Highland Park’s food scene is welcoming, full of flavor, and ready to surprise you.
The next time you’re hungry in Greenwood, steer clear of the usual chains and set your GPS for Highland Park — your next favorite meal is waiting just around the corner.