Enka eateries: 2 new dining spots open in Enka-Candler
Two new eateries, Ocha Thai and Scratch Ankle Fillin' Station, have opened within one month and a half-mile of each other on Smokey Park Highway in Enka-Candler, N.C.
Asheville's 828 News NOWPruett NorrisScratch Ankle Fillin' Station opened on Dec. 12, 2025 in Candler, N.C.
CANDLER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Two new eateries, Ocha Thai and Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station, have opened within one month and a half-mile of each other on Smokey Park Highway in Enka-Candler, N.C.
Ocha Thai
Ocha Thai is located at 1007 Smokey Park Hwy. in Candler, N.C.
Ocha Thai opened to the public on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 1007 Smokey Park Hwy.
Their hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Monday to Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.
Ocha Thai has numerous can’t-miss banners advertising their open status.
Prices range from $9 for appetizers, which include offerings like calamari, chicken satay and Thai hot wings, up to between $22 and $32 for dinner entrées like Pla Neung Manao, a steamed whole red snapper with lime and chili, and Pla Rad Prik, a deep-fried red snapper topped with sweet and spicy chili sauce.
Scratch Ankle Fillin’ Station, dubbed after an old local name for part of the Enka-Candler area, opened to the public on Dec. 12, 2025.
The brewery is open Monday-Saturday from 1-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-8 p.m. and is located at 811 Smokey Park Hwy., right up the road from Ocha Thai.
In addition to its drink selections, Scratch Ankle keeps a rotating food truck on site, offering fare from establishments like Benny’s Pizza, 6 Pigs, Bell Buoy Seafood and Faithful Flames.
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