The Best of Asheville, NC
Things to do
Asheville locals call this the 'Brew & View' and there's no better place to go and watch a movie. Tickets are just $3, and you can order a pizza and a pitcher of locally brewed beer and bring them to your seats to enjoy while watching the show. They play new movies and old classics, and before the movie starts they play a collection of short videos, films, and other cool stuff they find online, which is a fun way to kill time while you order your food and get ready for the show to start.
243 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co
675 Merrimon AveAsheville locals call this the 'Brew & View' and there's no better place to go and watch a movie. Tickets are just $3, and you can order a pizza and a pitcher of locally brewed beer and bring them to your seats to enjoy while watching the show. They play new movies and old classics, and before the movie starts they play a collection of short videos, films, and other cool stuff they find online, which is a fun way to kill time while you order your food and get ready for the show to start.
In addition to being a great Instagram backdrop, the mural in Chicken Alley marks one of the most haunted spots in the city. In 1902, a prominent Asheville physician named Dr. Jamie Smith entered Broadway's Tavern at Chicken Alley and found himself in the middle of a bar brawl. He tried to break up the fight, but was stabbed in the heart and died. A year later, Broadway's Tavern burned to the ground and Dr. Smith's killer was never found. For the past 100+ years, Chicken Alley visitors have claimed to see a mysterious man lurking in the alley late at night.
Chicken Alley Mural
41 Carolina LaneIn addition to being a great Instagram backdrop, the mural in Chicken Alley marks one of the most haunted spots in the city. In 1902, a prominent Asheville physician named Dr. Jamie Smith entered Broadway's Tavern at Chicken Alley and found himself in the middle of a bar brawl. He tried to break up the fight, but was stabbed in the heart and died. A year later, Broadway's Tavern burned to the ground and Dr. Smith's killer was never found. For the past 100+ years, Chicken Alley visitors have claimed to see a mysterious man lurking in the alley late at night.
There's nothing better than floating the French Broad River, getting out at Salvage Station, and grabbing a beer while you listen to live music. Salvage Station is also home to one of my favorite food items in Asheville, called 'Tot-chos', where their fried tater tots are covers in all the nacho toppings, and served in a giant platter. You eat it with a fork, and it's enough food to fill up two people. They've got a great outdoor area where you can play cornhole or sit by the bonfire on colder nights, and they've got live music pretty much every night if you're in the mood to listen to some local talent.
175 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Salvage Station
468 Riverside DrThere's nothing better than floating the French Broad River, getting out at Salvage Station, and grabbing a beer while you listen to live music. Salvage Station is also home to one of my favorite food items in Asheville, called 'Tot-chos', where their fried tater tots are covers in all the nacho toppings, and served in a giant platter. You eat it with a fork, and it's enough food to fill up two people. They've got a great outdoor area where you can play cornhole or sit by the bonfire on colder nights, and they've got live music pretty much every night if you're in the mood to listen to some local talent.
This is definitely one of the more unique places to grab a drink in Asheville, since you can order a glass of wine or champagne at the bar, and then sip on your drink while you browse through thousands of used books for sale. There are a ton of little nooks and hidden seating areas sprinkled throughout the store, so you can browse the stacks, find something interesting to read, and then hide out for a few hours while you sip your wine and start reading your new favorite book.
191 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar
1 Page AveThis is definitely one of the more unique places to grab a drink in Asheville, since you can order a glass of wine or champagne at the bar, and then sip on your drink while you browse through thousands of used books for sale. There are a ton of little nooks and hidden seating areas sprinkled throughout the store, so you can browse the stacks, find something interesting to read, and then hide out for a few hours while you sip your wine and start reading your new favorite book.
Asheville definitely has its hippy side, and if you're looking to experience that firsthand, check out the Drum Circle that takes place every Friday night from April through October in Pritchard Park. Dozens of people will bring out their drums and fill up this park in the middle of town, and you can sit and enjoy the beats, or join in if you want to add to the rhythm. (Drummers will let you play their drum if you want, and help you keep the beat.) People young and old will show up and dance to the music, and it's definitely a unique experience.
73 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Pritchard Park
67 Patton AveAsheville definitely has its hippy side, and if you're looking to experience that firsthand, check out the Drum Circle that takes place every Friday night from April through October in Pritchard Park. Dozens of people will bring out their drums and fill up this park in the middle of town, and you can sit and enjoy the beats, or join in if you want to add to the rhythm. (Drummers will let you play their drum if you want, and help you keep the beat.) People young and old will show up and dance to the music, and it's definitely a unique experience.
I suck at golf, but I still enjoy getting out to play, which is why the Asheville Muni course is perfect, since it's affordable (as far as golf courses go) and still a great course to play on. It's basically two courses in one, with the front nine a mix of flat, open 'links' style holes, and the back nine a mix of tight, tree-lined holes that work their way up and down hilly terrain.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Asheville Municipal Golf Course
226 Fairway DrI suck at golf, but I still enjoy getting out to play, which is why the Asheville Muni course is perfect, since it's affordable (as far as golf courses go) and still a great course to play on. It's basically two courses in one, with the front nine a mix of flat, open 'links' style holes, and the back nine a mix of tight, tree-lined holes that work their way up and down hilly terrain.
Sky Lanes is as old school as they come, and it doesn't seem like much has changed since it opened in 1963. (In a good way!) With cheap games, cheap food, and cheap beers, it's a great way to spend a few hours with some friends. To find Sky Lanes from the road, just look for the wall with a giant mural of The Dude on the side. Inside, you'll find plenty of Asheville locals trying to bowl a perfect game (yes, I've seen one bowled there!) and you can browse the news clippings embedded in the tables to learn some of Asheville's bowling history.
12 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sky Lanes Bowling
1477 Patton AveSky Lanes is as old school as they come, and it doesn't seem like much has changed since it opened in 1963. (In a good way!) With cheap games, cheap food, and cheap beers, it's a great way to spend a few hours with some friends. To find Sky Lanes from the road, just look for the wall with a giant mural of The Dude on the side. Inside, you'll find plenty of Asheville locals trying to bowl a perfect game (yes, I've seen one bowled there!) and you can browse the news clippings embedded in the tables to learn some of Asheville's bowling history.
With 77,000 square feet space and more than 75 independent dealers, you can spend an entire day wandering the stalls of the Antique Tobacco Barn and still not see it all. There's something for everyone, as vendors specialize in all kinds of things, from antique furniture and vintage clothing to art, toys, and knickknacks. Asheville has quite a few antique stores, but this one is the best.
133 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Antique Tobacco Barn
75 Swannanoa River RdWith 77,000 square feet space and more than 75 independent dealers, you can spend an entire day wandering the stalls of the Antique Tobacco Barn and still not see it all. There's something for everyone, as vendors specialize in all kinds of things, from antique furniture and vintage clothing to art, toys, and knickknacks. Asheville has quite a few antique stores, but this one is the best.
Carrier Park is where Asheville locals go to take a stroll along the river, lay in the grass, play with their dog, or take part in a giant full-contact padded weaponry battle. Yes, you read that right. On Sundays, a group called the Asheville Medieval Collective meets to do LARP warfare, and you can watch the battles unfold, or join in if you want to see what it's like to do battle with a giant foam sword. Thankfully not everything in Carrier Park is full-contact, as it's a great place to relax and enjoy the quieter side of Asheville as well. The park is also in the middle of a greenway if you're looking for a long distance trail to run on.
159 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Carrier Park
220 Amboy RdCarrier Park is where Asheville locals go to take a stroll along the river, lay in the grass, play with their dog, or take part in a giant full-contact padded weaponry battle. Yes, you read that right. On Sundays, a group called the Asheville Medieval Collective meets to do LARP warfare, and you can watch the battles unfold, or join in if you want to see what it's like to do battle with a giant foam sword. Thankfully not everything in Carrier Park is full-contact, as it's a great place to relax and enjoy the quieter side of Asheville as well. The park is also in the middle of a greenway if you're looking for a long distance trail to run on.
I'm part of an early morning trail running group, and a lot of our runs wind through the trails of Bent Creek. It's super close to downtown but feels like you're far away from the city, so Bent Creek is a great way to escape and quickly get out into nature. It's also a popular mountain biking area, so you'll see plenty of Asheville locals at the trailhead getting ready to charge the single track. Though there aren't any destination hikes here, like the waterfalls and overlooks you might find on trails further from town, it's still a great place to go hiking and explore the Asheville forests.
66 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Bent Creek Experimental Forest
I'm part of an early morning trail running group, and a lot of our runs wind through the trails of Bent Creek. It's super close to downtown but feels like you're far away from the city, so Bent Creek is a great way to escape and quickly get out into nature. It's also a popular mountain biking area, so you'll see plenty of Asheville locals at the trailhead getting ready to charge the single track. Though there aren't any destination hikes here, like the waterfalls and overlooks you might find on trails further from town, it's still a great place to go hiking and explore the Asheville forests.
Asheville's only mini golf course has been around for over 30 years, so you know it's a good one! With (fake) flamingos, zebras, giraffes, tigers, and elephants on the grounds, it's a fun and kitschy way to spend the afternoon. The course itself is moderately difficult, with hazards, drop tubes, and pass-throughs, making it fun for first-timers and mini putt veterans alike. They also have a small arcade and batting cages, so there's plenty to do for the whole family.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Tropical Gardens Mini Golf
956 Patton AveAsheville's only mini golf course has been around for over 30 years, so you know it's a good one! With (fake) flamingos, zebras, giraffes, tigers, and elephants on the grounds, it's a fun and kitschy way to spend the afternoon. The course itself is moderately difficult, with hazards, drop tubes, and pass-throughs, making it fun for first-timers and mini putt veterans alike. They also have a small arcade and batting cages, so there's plenty to do for the whole family.
If you like graffiti, street art, and murals, this is a must visit! Artists from all across the country stop by Asheville to add their mark to the walls around the Foundation area, and you'll see some of the most amazing artwork at a large scale, up close and personal. Bring your camera, because there's a ton of #Insta-worthy backgrounds to choose from!
Foundation Walls Project
339 Old Lyman StIf you like graffiti, street art, and murals, this is a must visit! Artists from all across the country stop by Asheville to add their mark to the walls around the Foundation area, and you'll see some of the most amazing artwork at a large scale, up close and personal. Bring your camera, because there's a ton of #Insta-worthy backgrounds to choose from!
With craft beer on tap, and $10 All You Can Play available on their collection of classic arcade games, pinball machines, and console games, it's a great family-friendly place to visit in Asheville, or go after 7PM for a more adult, 21 and over experience.
Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar
79 Coxe AveWith craft beer on tap, and $10 All You Can Play available on their collection of classic arcade games, pinball machines, and console games, it's a great family-friendly place to visit in Asheville, or go after 7PM for a more adult, 21 and over experience.
If you're brining kids to Asheville, make sure to add the Nature Center to your itinerary! You can get up close and personal with some of the animals (including bears and wolves!) that call this area home, and it's a great place to walk around and explore.
295 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Centro de Naturaleza WNC
75 Gashes Creek RdIf you're brining kids to Asheville, make sure to add the Nature Center to your itinerary! You can get up close and personal with some of the animals (including bears and wolves!) that call this area home, and it's a great place to walk around and explore.
I suck at pinball, but I still enjoy playing it, which is why the Asheville Pinball Museum is perfect. For $15 you get unlimited play on 35 pinball machines & 35 classic video games, so you don't have to keep pumping quarters in every time you lose a ball. Even better, they make sure all of their machines are in perfect working order, so you don't have to fight with a flipper that just doesn't want to do its thing. Plus they have machines from all different eras, with a little history about each one on a plaque above the machine, so you can learn more about pinball as you try and improve your skills.
184 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Asheville Pinball Museum
1 Battle SquareI suck at pinball, but I still enjoy playing it, which is why the Asheville Pinball Museum is perfect. For $15 you get unlimited play on 35 pinball machines & 35 classic video games, so you don't have to keep pumping quarters in every time you lose a ball. Even better, they make sure all of their machines are in perfect working order, so you don't have to fight with a flipper that just doesn't want to do its thing. Plus they have machines from all different eras, with a little history about each one on a plaque above the machine, so you can learn more about pinball as you try and improve your skills.
Normally I'm not a big fan of tour buses, but the LaZoom Tours are actually really funny and entertaining, and a great way to learn more about Asheville. (Even Asheville locals take the tour to learn a new thing or two about their city.) LaZoom has a pretty cool bar, called LaZoom Room, that you can hang out in before and after your tour, and the tours themselves are BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite six-pack of local beer to enjoy along the way. Be aware, the tours are very 'hands-on' so the first few rows of the bus may become part of the show!
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
LaZoom
76 Biltmore AveNormally I'm not a big fan of tour buses, but the LaZoom Tours are actually really funny and entertaining, and a great way to learn more about Asheville. (Even Asheville locals take the tour to learn a new thing or two about their city.) LaZoom has a pretty cool bar, called LaZoom Room, that you can hang out in before and after your tour, and the tours themselves are BYOB, so you can bring along your favorite six-pack of local beer to enjoy along the way. Be aware, the tours are very 'hands-on' so the first few rows of the bus may become part of the show!
Food scene
Skip the lines and families downstairs, and head straight upstairs to one of my favorite bars in downtown Asheville. They've got four pool tables to play on, along with a pair of dart boards, and the upstairs area is usually less busy so you don't have to wait in line for a place to sit. The bar has a great selection of local beers, and the pizzas are amazing, so you can order food, grab a beer, and kill a few hours playing games with friends.
49 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Barley's Taproom
42 Biltmore AveSkip the lines and families downstairs, and head straight upstairs to one of my favorite bars in downtown Asheville. They've got four pool tables to play on, along with a pair of dart boards, and the upstairs area is usually less busy so you don't have to wait in line for a place to sit. The bar has a great selection of local beers, and the pizzas are amazing, so you can order food, grab a beer, and kill a few hours playing games with friends.
NOTE: Smoky Park Supper Club recently changed into a membership-based restaurant, so you'll need to be with a North Carolina resident to get in. || Even from the outside, you can tell that Smoky Park Supper Club is unique, as it's the largest shipping container restaurant in the US. Inside you'll find one of my favorite restaurants to go in Asheville for a nice night out, as the food is fantastic, and the interior design is warm and inviting. When the weather gets nice, they open up the windows to bring the outside in, and you can grab a drink and head down to the river for a beautiful place to sit and relax.
95 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Smoky Park Supper Club
350 Riverside DrNOTE: Smoky Park Supper Club recently changed into a membership-based restaurant, so you'll need to be with a North Carolina resident to get in. || Even from the outside, you can tell that Smoky Park Supper Club is unique, as it's the largest shipping container restaurant in the US. Inside you'll find one of my favorite restaurants to go in Asheville for a nice night out, as the food is fantastic, and the interior design is warm and inviting. When the weather gets nice, they open up the windows to bring the outside in, and you can grab a drink and head down to the river for a beautiful place to sit and relax.
I love crazy taco flavors, so if you're like me and you get excited by the idea of banh mi tofu, Korean beef bulgogi, and lamb gyro tacos on the menu, then you'll love White Duck. (Amber’s favorite is the Thai Peanut chicken.) They have a couple locations in Asheville, but the River Arts District location is away from downtown, so it's usually less busy, and they have a great outdoor area to sit and enjoy your meal.
440 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
White Duck Taco Shop
388 Riverside DrI love crazy taco flavors, so if you're like me and you get excited by the idea of banh mi tofu, Korean beef bulgogi, and lamb gyro tacos on the menu, then you'll love White Duck. (Amber’s favorite is the Thai Peanut chicken.) They have a couple locations in Asheville, but the River Arts District location is away from downtown, so it's usually less busy, and they have a great outdoor area to sit and enjoy your meal.
I LOVE a good donut, and my sweet tooth tends to crave crazy flavors, so I always enjoy stopping by Vortex to see what they've created. In addition to classics like chocolate and fruit flavors, they usually have a beer-flavoured donut with beer from one of the local breweries. In addition to great donuts, their coffee is always on point, and they usually have plenty of seating so it's one of my favorite places to bring my computer and work away from the home office.
88 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Vortex Doughnuts
32 Banks AveI LOVE a good donut, and my sweet tooth tends to crave crazy flavors, so I always enjoy stopping by Vortex to see what they've created. In addition to classics like chocolate and fruit flavors, they usually have a beer-flavoured donut with beer from one of the local breweries. In addition to great donuts, their coffee is always on point, and they usually have plenty of seating so it's one of my favorite places to bring my computer and work away from the home office.
All Souls is my favorite pizza place in Asheville. They use unique, seasonal ingredients from local farmers, so the menu is always changing with new flavors to try. The crust is where All Souls really shines though, since they mill their own flour from organic grains, and cook their pizza in a wood-fired oven that gives their pizza that perfectly blackened flavor and texture. It's hard to go wrong here, so just pick any pizza off the menu and prepare to go to pizza heaven.
101 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
All Souls Pizza
175 Clingman AveAll Souls is my favorite pizza place in Asheville. They use unique, seasonal ingredients from local farmers, so the menu is always changing with new flavors to try. The crust is where All Souls really shines though, since they mill their own flour from organic grains, and cook their pizza in a wood-fired oven that gives their pizza that perfectly blackened flavor and texture. It's hard to go wrong here, so just pick any pizza off the menu and prepare to go to pizza heaven.
Hole doughnuts are unlike any other doughnut I've ever had, and they have some flavors that are more savoury than sweet but in a good way. The doughnuts are made by hand when you order them (so be prepared to wait a while if you go on a busy weekend morning) and then glazed and delivered seconds after coming out of the fryer. The result is a warm, delicious, and often an oddly shaped ring of perfection. I definitely recommend giving the toasted almond sesame cinnamon and cocoa rub doughnuts a try if you're looking for something different and pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning.
231 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hole Doughnuts
168 Haywood RdHole doughnuts are unlike any other doughnut I've ever had, and they have some flavors that are more savoury than sweet but in a good way. The doughnuts are made by hand when you order them (so be prepared to wait a while if you go on a busy weekend morning) and then glazed and delivered seconds after coming out of the fryer. The result is a warm, delicious, and often an oddly shaped ring of perfection. I definitely recommend giving the toasted almond sesame cinnamon and cocoa rub doughnuts a try if you're looking for something different and pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee for a perfect morning.
Rocky's isn't some Nashville knock-off that's trying to capitalize on the recent popularity of hot chicken. Instead, they've been frying up chicken and serving it at every heat level from plain to XX-Hot since 2009. And when they say hot, they mean it! I once ate a single XX-Hot wing and was still sweating 10 minutes later. It's an 'order at the counter and find a table' type restaurant, and there's usually a line out the door on popular days, so be prepared to wait a bit for your food, but it's worth the wait.
137 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack
1455 Patton AvenueRocky's isn't some Nashville knock-off that's trying to capitalize on the recent popularity of hot chicken. Instead, they've been frying up chicken and serving it at every heat level from plain to XX-Hot since 2009. And when they say hot, they mean it! I once ate a single XX-Hot wing and was still sweating 10 minutes later. It's an 'order at the counter and find a table' type restaurant, and there's usually a line out the door on popular days, so be prepared to wait a bit for your food, but it's worth the wait.
Though it's no longer in the building that Barack Obama once visited, 12 Bones is still THE place to go for ribs in Asheville. They're only open for lunch, and only on weekdays, so make sure you get there early for the good stuff. Everything's made from scratch, and the meats are hardwood smoked, low and slow for hours to achieve that perfect texture. Try one of the daily featured sauces, or go for the blueberry chipotle sauce they're famous for. It's hard to go wrong here if you love meat! Plus you can bring a pen to write your name on the walls, and then spend a few minutes reading where others have visited from.
330 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
12 Bones Smokehouse RIVER
5 Foundy StThough it's no longer in the building that Barack Obama once visited, 12 Bones is still THE place to go for ribs in Asheville. They're only open for lunch, and only on weekdays, so make sure you get there early for the good stuff. Everything's made from scratch, and the meats are hardwood smoked, low and slow for hours to achieve that perfect texture. Try one of the daily featured sauces, or go for the blueberry chipotle sauce they're famous for. It's hard to go wrong here if you love meat! Plus you can bring a pen to write your name on the walls, and then spend a few minutes reading where others have visited from.
It's tucked into the back of an abandoned motel, but if you want a classic diner breakfast that's easy on the wallet, there's no better place than Miami. In the morning you'll see plenty of big trucks parked outside, as the local workers fuel up for a hard day's work. Don't expect fancy variations on breakfast foods with crazy ingredients and artistic presentations. Just come for the breakfast classics, served up just the way you like it from a friendly staff that's probably friends with half the people in there.
Miami Restaurant
1469 Smokey Park HwyIt's tucked into the back of an abandoned motel, but if you want a classic diner breakfast that's easy on the wallet, there's no better place than Miami. In the morning you'll see plenty of big trucks parked outside, as the local workers fuel up for a hard day's work. Don't expect fancy variations on breakfast foods with crazy ingredients and artistic presentations. Just come for the breakfast classics, served up just the way you like it from a friendly staff that's probably friends with half the people in there.
Jargon is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Asheville. Their menu changes regularly, based on the availability of local seasonal ingredients and the creative sensibilities of the chef, so it's hard to go wrong, but if the steak tartare or braised short ribs are available, that's what we recommend. If you like cocktails, you're in the right place, as Jargon has one of the more creative cocktail menus in Asheville. The Ice Breaker is a fun take on an old fashioned that's served inside of an ice ball, and the Thin Man Martini is Amber's favorite, featuring local Chemist gin and a house-made brine.
92 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Jargon
715 Haywood RdJargon is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Asheville. Their menu changes regularly, based on the availability of local seasonal ingredients and the creative sensibilities of the chef, so it's hard to go wrong, but if the steak tartare or braised short ribs are available, that's what we recommend. If you like cocktails, you're in the right place, as Jargon has one of the more creative cocktail menus in Asheville. The Ice Breaker is a fun take on an old fashioned that's served inside of an ice ball, and the Thin Man Martini is Amber's favorite, featuring local Chemist gin and a house-made brine.
With elevated bar food an a great local beer selection, West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen is one of our favorite places to grab brunch or lunch. They usually have a creative flavor of wings on special, and Super Mac is our go-to, with a HUGE serving of Mac & cheese, topped with taco beef crumbles and salsa fresca. We'll either split an order, or eat half there and save half for a late night snack. WALK also has one of Asheville's only pool tables, so you can play a game while you wait for a table to open up.
97 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen
401 Haywood RdWith elevated bar food an a great local beer selection, West Asheville Lounge and Kitchen is one of our favorite places to grab brunch or lunch. They usually have a creative flavor of wings on special, and Super Mac is our go-to, with a HUGE serving of Mac & cheese, topped with taco beef crumbles and salsa fresca. We'll either split an order, or eat half there and save half for a late night snack. WALK also has one of Asheville's only pool tables, so you can play a game while you wait for a table to open up.
Who doesn't love Hawaiian cuisine in the mountains? Their poke bowl is a favorite of ours, and we usually start with at least one of the pu-pu appetizers, since they're all fun and delicious. Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert, because their owner and pastry chef Melissa Gray was featured on the NETFLIX show Sugar Rush, and she makes some of the best sweets in town!
41 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
RosaBees
27 Foundy StWho doesn't love Hawaiian cuisine in the mountains? Their poke bowl is a favorite of ours, and we usually start with at least one of the pu-pu appetizers, since they're all fun and delicious. Whatever you do, make sure you save room for dessert, because their owner and pastry chef Melissa Gray was featured on the NETFLIX show Sugar Rush, and she makes some of the best sweets in town!
Vivian is one of our favorite Asheville restaurants, serving French cuisine at its finest, and some of the best cocktails in town. If you're looking to treat yourself with a meal you won't soon forget, this is the place! They also have an amazing brunch on Sundays, though it's popular, so try to get a reservation, go early, or prepare for a wait.
62 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Vivian
348 Depot StVivian is one of our favorite Asheville restaurants, serving French cuisine at its finest, and some of the best cocktails in town. If you're looking to treat yourself with a meal you won't soon forget, this is the place! They also have an amazing brunch on Sundays, though it's popular, so try to get a reservation, go early, or prepare for a wait.
Cúrate (or as Cory likes to pronounce it, karate) is probably Asheville’s most famous restaurant, so we're not breaking any ground with this recommendation, but it's famous for a reason, and no Asheville foodie list would be complete without including this tapas temple. (Just make sure to grab a reservation beforehand, because walk-in spots are hard to come by.) It's pricey, but very delicious, with Spanish influenced dishes and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you've left the mountains and landed in Spain. There's also an all-Spanish wine list with plenty of delicious vinos to choose from, so try something new and you'll probably enjoy it.
518 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cúrate
13 Biltmore AveCúrate (or as Cory likes to pronounce it, karate) is probably Asheville’s most famous restaurant, so we're not breaking any ground with this recommendation, but it's famous for a reason, and no Asheville foodie list would be complete without including this tapas temple. (Just make sure to grab a reservation beforehand, because walk-in spots are hard to come by.) It's pricey, but very delicious, with Spanish influenced dishes and a lively atmosphere that will make you feel like you've left the mountains and landed in Spain. There's also an all-Spanish wine list with plenty of delicious vinos to choose from, so try something new and you'll probably enjoy it.
Easily one of our favorite restaurants in Asheville, Cucina 24 features upscale and elevated Italian dishes that blend the traditions and philosophies of Italian cooking with the ingredients of the mountains. They really support the idea of farm-to-table cooking, and we can vouch for the freshness of their ingredients, since we've actually dined in one of the farms at a dinner hosted by chef Brian. Cucina 24 could be considered an undiscovered gem in Asheville, and should be on the 'must do' list of any foodie that loves good, authentic food.
85 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Cucina24
24 Wall StEasily one of our favorite restaurants in Asheville, Cucina 24 features upscale and elevated Italian dishes that blend the traditions and philosophies of Italian cooking with the ingredients of the mountains. They really support the idea of farm-to-table cooking, and we can vouch for the freshness of their ingredients, since we've actually dined in one of the farms at a dinner hosted by chef Brian. Cucina 24 could be considered an undiscovered gem in Asheville, and should be on the 'must do' list of any foodie that loves good, authentic food.
Winner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, as it “demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.” What's not to love about that?!?
Featuring Indian street food in a fun, colorful atmosphere, you'll want to bring your appetite for this innovative, affordable, and delicious cuisine. We love to stop in for a quick bite, and it's hard to go wrong on this menu, so feel free to just close your eyes and point, because you may find a new favorite!
311 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Chai Pani Asheville
22 Battery Park AveWinner of the James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaurant, as it “demonstrates consistent excellence in food, atmosphere, hospitality, and operations, while contributing positively to its broader community.” What's not to love about that?!?
Featuring Indian street food in a fun, colorful atmosphere, you'll want to bring your appetite for this innovative, affordable, and delicious cuisine. We love to stop in for a quick bite, and it's hard to go wrong on this menu, so feel free to just close your eyes and point, because you may find a new favorite!
Located in a former grocery/church that dates from 1906 and maintains prominent historic details including original windows and floors, Tall John's is a beautiful and upscale "neighborhood tavern" featuring classic European-American food and drinks. With an open kitchen featuring bar seating, a large bar with more seating, and intimate dining room tables, it's a great date night spot, with food and drink that don't disappoint! (Just note that for now, it's walk-ins only, and they don't take reservations, so you may need to be prepared for a bit of a wait. But we promise, it's worth it!)
Tall John's
Located in a former grocery/church that dates from 1906 and maintains prominent historic details including original windows and floors, Tall John's is a beautiful and upscale "neighborhood tavern" featuring classic European-American food and drinks. With an open kitchen featuring bar seating, a large bar with more seating, and intimate dining room tables, it's a great date night spot, with food and drink that don't disappoint! (Just note that for now, it's walk-ins only, and they don't take reservations, so you may need to be prepared for a bit of a wait. But we promise, it's worth it!)
Two words: Liquid Truffle. As Tom Haverford would say, "Treat Yo' Self" at this dessert restaurant. They have housemade ice cream, artisan truffles, freshly made cookies, cakes, and brownies, and an entire menu of drinking chocolates. My favorite item on the menu is a 'sipping chocolate' called the Liquid Truffle, and it's basically the most intense hot chocolate you've ever experienced. If you've got a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit place, and all of their chocolate is made locally in their downtown Asheville factory from carefully sourced beans grown by small farmers with a passion for making amazing cacao.
363 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
10 S Pack SquareTwo words: Liquid Truffle. As Tom Haverford would say, "Treat Yo' Self" at this dessert restaurant. They have housemade ice cream, artisan truffles, freshly made cookies, cakes, and brownies, and an entire menu of drinking chocolates. My favorite item on the menu is a 'sipping chocolate' called the Liquid Truffle, and it's basically the most intense hot chocolate you've ever experienced. If you've got a sweet tooth, this is a must-visit place, and all of their chocolate is made locally in their downtown Asheville factory from carefully sourced beans grown by small farmers with a passion for making amazing cacao.
Grab a drink
The Thirsty Monk downstairs is one of my favorite beer bars in Asheville, but head upstairs through the semi-speakeasy door out front, and you'll find one of the best cocktail bars in Asheville. There are a few different rooftop bars in Asheville, but a lot of them are more focused on the rooftop than the drinks. At Top of the Monk, you can enjoy your drink with a view, and actually enjoy your drink, since the talented bartenders use freshly squeezed juices, and house-made bitters, tinctures, infusions, drams, and flavored syrups to put a delicious spin on cocktail classics. It's a small and intimate location, but it's well worth the wait.
43 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Top of the Monk
92 Patton AveThe Thirsty Monk downstairs is one of my favorite beer bars in Asheville, but head upstairs through the semi-speakeasy door out front, and you'll find one of the best cocktail bars in Asheville. There are a few different rooftop bars in Asheville, but a lot of them are more focused on the rooftop than the drinks. At Top of the Monk, you can enjoy your drink with a view, and actually enjoy your drink, since the talented bartenders use freshly squeezed juices, and house-made bitters, tinctures, infusions, drams, and flavored syrups to put a delicious spin on cocktail classics. It's a small and intimate location, but it's well worth the wait.
I LOVE sour beer, so I love spending time in this taproom that's dedicated to sour and funky beers. It usually takes me 5 to 10 minutes just to go through the menu and decide on what I want, since everything sounds delicious. (And usually is!) In addition to the dozen+ beers on tap, they also have a bunch of bottled beers that you can buy and enjoy there. Plus they also have a big store area where you can get bottles of the funky stuff, and you'll usually see at least a few hard-to-find beers that aren't stocked by even the most expansive bottle shop.
169 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Funkatorium
147 Coxe AveI LOVE sour beer, so I love spending time in this taproom that's dedicated to sour and funky beers. It usually takes me 5 to 10 minutes just to go through the menu and decide on what I want, since everything sounds delicious. (And usually is!) In addition to the dozen+ beers on tap, they also have a bunch of bottled beers that you can buy and enjoy there. Plus they also have a big store area where you can get bottles of the funky stuff, and you'll usually see at least a few hard-to-find beers that aren't stocked by even the most expansive bottle shop.
The New Belgium back patio is one of my favorite places to relax and grab a beer, and since it's dog-friendly, I usually bring my pup along and let her meet some new people. It overlooks the French Broad River along the main area where people float, so on warm days, you can enjoy a beer while watching hundreds of tubers float by. They also have a rotating schedule of food trucks that park outside, so there's always something tasty to eat while you enjoy your beer.
450 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven StThe New Belgium back patio is one of my favorite places to relax and grab a beer, and since it's dog-friendly, I usually bring my pup along and let her meet some new people. It overlooks the French Broad River along the main area where people float, so on warm days, you can enjoy a beer while watching hundreds of tubers float by. They also have a rotating schedule of food trucks that park outside, so there's always something tasty to eat while you enjoy your beer.
With a simple red light on the outside wall as the only indication of what's inside, Crucible is about as close to a genuine speakeasy as you'll find in Asheville. It's small, dark, and intimate, but I love grabbing a drink here and feeling like you're part of a secret club. It's right near the old Wedge brewery, so I like to grab a beer there first, and then walk up to Crucible for a beer/cocktail combo.
21 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Crucible
140A Roberts StWith a simple red light on the outside wall as the only indication of what's inside, Crucible is about as close to a genuine speakeasy as you'll find in Asheville. It's small, dark, and intimate, but I love grabbing a drink here and feeling like you're part of a secret club. It's right near the old Wedge brewery, so I like to grab a beer there first, and then walk up to Crucible for a beer/cocktail combo.
Don't let the name fool you, the Burger Bar doesn't actually serve burgers, but it is my favorite dive bar in Asheville. It's small and weird and sometimes filled with bikers, but it's a great place to grab cheap drinks with friends, and you'll usually end up with a good story to tell by the end of the night. Say hi to Elvis for me.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Burger Bar
1 Craven StDon't let the name fool you, the Burger Bar doesn't actually serve burgers, but it is my favorite dive bar in Asheville. It's small and weird and sometimes filled with bikers, but it's a great place to grab cheap drinks with friends, and you'll usually end up with a good story to tell by the end of the night. Say hi to Elvis for me.
Welcome to the home of Rootball, a game that's a combination of horseshoes and bocce ball. While Root Bar itself is a pretty standard dive bar, with darts, a pool table, and cheap drinks, it's also one of the only places you can go to play Rootball, since it was invented here. Grab a beer and head out back to claim one of the three Rootball courts, then try your best to learn the rules of this crazy game. As long as you have fun, you're doing it right.
9 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Root Bar
1410 Tunnel RdWelcome to the home of Rootball, a game that's a combination of horseshoes and bocce ball. While Root Bar itself is a pretty standard dive bar, with darts, a pool table, and cheap drinks, it's also one of the only places you can go to play Rootball, since it was invented here. Grab a beer and head out back to claim one of the three Rootball courts, then try your best to learn the rules of this crazy game. As long as you have fun, you're doing it right.
In a town filled with beer, The Whale still stands out as being one of the best places to grab a drink if you're looking for something unique. Instead of the same standard beers that you'll find at every other bar, The Whale specializes in rare and hard-to-find beers from all over the world. If you're not sure what to order, just ask the bartender for a recommendation and they'll steer you in the right direction, based on what other kinds of beers you like. There's often heavy metal music playing on the speakers, and the bar itself is a fantastically designed place that's perfect for hanging with friends.
75 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Whale
507 Haywood RdIn a town filled with beer, The Whale still stands out as being one of the best places to grab a drink if you're looking for something unique. Instead of the same standard beers that you'll find at every other bar, The Whale specializes in rare and hard-to-find beers from all over the world. If you're not sure what to order, just ask the bartender for a recommendation and they'll steer you in the right direction, based on what other kinds of beers you like. There's often heavy metal music playing on the speakers, and the bar itself is a fantastically designed place that's perfect for hanging with friends.
Asheville is known for being a beer town, and I can't think of a place that proves the point more than Brew Pump, a beer store that's built into a gas station. (Not just made to look like a gas station. You can actually fill up your car here while you pick up a six pack!) There's a bar inside where you can get draft beer, and they do a good job of rotating taps so there's always something new to try. There's also a great backyard area for playing cornhole and relaxing with friends, and they always have a food truck parked outside for when you get hungry and want some food to go along with your beer.
32 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
The Brew Pump
760 Haywood RdAsheville is known for being a beer town, and I can't think of a place that proves the point more than Brew Pump, a beer store that's built into a gas station. (Not just made to look like a gas station. You can actually fill up your car here while you pick up a six pack!) There's a bar inside where you can get draft beer, and they do a good job of rotating taps so there's always something new to try. There's also a great backyard area for playing cornhole and relaxing with friends, and they always have a food truck parked outside for when you get hungry and want some food to go along with your beer.
When Wicked Weed sold to Anheuser-Busch, I feel like Hi-Wire became the new official craft beer of Asheville. They sponsor the local soccer team, they put on a bunch of great events, and their beer is damn good too! They have two locations, but the 'Big Top' is tucked away from downtown, so I feel like it's usually filled with more locals.
57 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Hi-Wire Brewing - Big Top
2A Huntsman PlWhen Wicked Weed sold to Anheuser-Busch, I feel like Hi-Wire became the new official craft beer of Asheville. They sponsor the local soccer team, they put on a bunch of great events, and their beer is damn good too! They have two locations, but the 'Big Top' is tucked away from downtown, so I feel like it's usually filled with more locals.
Welcome to our favorite downtown cocktail bar! Sovereign Remedies features creative and locally sourced drinks, and an intimate atmosphere that lets you get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville for a minute. We love to sit at the bar, order something interesting, and then watch the mixologists do their thing, crafting some of the finest cocktails in AVL using fresh and local ingredients.
203 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Sovereign Remedies
29 N Market StWelcome to our favorite downtown cocktail bar! Sovereign Remedies features creative and locally sourced drinks, and an intimate atmosphere that lets you get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Asheville for a minute. We love to sit at the bar, order something interesting, and then watch the mixologists do their thing, crafting some of the finest cocktails in AVL using fresh and local ingredients.
If we're going to grab a beer downtown, this is our favorite brewery to visit. Featuring some of the wildest and most inventive flavors you'll find anywhere, and a fun and vibrant atmosphere that's great for groups, DSSOLVR is a 'must visit' for anyone that loves a great brew.
30 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Dssolvr
63 N Lexington AveIf we're going to grab a beer downtown, this is our favorite brewery to visit. Featuring some of the wildest and most inventive flavors you'll find anywhere, and a fun and vibrant atmosphere that's great for groups, DSSOLVR is a 'must visit' for anyone that loves a great brew.
Take a step back in time with this 1900s apothecary-style craft cocktail bar, featuring libations that often include liquors from Chemist Spirits located right next door. With three stories of photo-worthy seating and cozy nooks to hide out in, plus a rooftop lounge with fireplaces and heaters, as well as a dog-friendly patio, there's plenty do to and see here as you enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail.
77 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Antidote
151 Coxe AveTake a step back in time with this 1900s apothecary-style craft cocktail bar, featuring libations that often include liquors from Chemist Spirits located right next door. With three stories of photo-worthy seating and cozy nooks to hide out in, plus a rooftop lounge with fireplaces and heaters, as well as a dog-friendly patio, there's plenty do to and see here as you enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail.
Coffee shops
PennyCup hosts the annual Asheville Coffee Expo, so they know a thing or two about good coffee, and they do a lot of great work in the community to support local roasters. They roast their own beans, and make some of the best coffee drinks in town, so stop by if you're looking for your caffeine fix.
41 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
PennyCup Coffee
857 Merrimon AvePennyCup hosts the annual Asheville Coffee Expo, so they know a thing or two about good coffee, and they do a lot of great work in the community to support local roasters. They roast their own beans, and make some of the best coffee drinks in town, so stop by if you're looking for your caffeine fix.
This combination of vinyl record factory, cafe, cocktail lounge, recording studio, and art & record store is one of our favorite places to grab a coffee in the city! (And we're not alone. Esquire named it one of the “Best Bars in America”.) You can watch through the glass windows as they press new vinyl records, or grab a coffee and head upstairs to get some work done. There's also a fun store inside with a lot of great vinyl records and music-related art, and it's where we got a few of the albums and the concert posters that hang in the "Music Room" of the Sand Hill Hideaway. The building itself is the former home of the Asheville Citizen Times newspaper, and feels like you're stepping back in time when you set food inside.
23 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Citizen Vinyl
14 O'Henry AveThis combination of vinyl record factory, cafe, cocktail lounge, recording studio, and art & record store is one of our favorite places to grab a coffee in the city! (And we're not alone. Esquire named it one of the “Best Bars in America”.) You can watch through the glass windows as they press new vinyl records, or grab a coffee and head upstairs to get some work done. There's also a fun store inside with a lot of great vinyl records and music-related art, and it's where we got a few of the albums and the concert posters that hang in the "Music Room" of the Sand Hill Hideaway. The building itself is the former home of the Asheville Citizen Times newspaper, and feels like you're stepping back in time when you set food inside.
Rowan Coffee is a vibe. Even better, in addition to having a beautifully designed interior that you'll want to relax into, they also make some of the best coffee drinks in Asheville, so they can walk the talk. Grab a drink, grab a book, and settle in (especially if there's a seat open in the back lounge area) because you've found one of the best coffee shops in the area!
10 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Rowan Coffee
66 Broadway StRowan Coffee is a vibe. Even better, in addition to having a beautifully designed interior that you'll want to relax into, they also make some of the best coffee drinks in Asheville, so they can walk the talk. Grab a drink, grab a book, and settle in (especially if there's a seat open in the back lounge area) because you've found one of the best coffee shops in the area!
BattleCat is a little hipster oasis, with unique art on the walls, cool kids hanging out during all hours of the day, and good coffee that you can enjoy at a wide variety of retro chairs and tables. You'll see lots of people using BattleCat as their home office (I've done this a few times as well) and it's a great place to meet up for a quick bite, or to spend hours working away and listening to music by bands you've never heard of.
109 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
BattleCat Coffee Bar
373 Haywood RdBattleCat is a little hipster oasis, with unique art on the walls, cool kids hanging out during all hours of the day, and good coffee that you can enjoy at a wide variety of retro chairs and tables. You'll see lots of people using BattleCat as their home office (I've done this a few times as well) and it's a great place to meet up for a quick bite, or to spend hours working away and listening to music by bands you've never heard of.
Pet friendly places
Asheville's main dog park is the best place to let the pups stretch their legs and make a few new fuzzy friends. There are separate sections for small and large breeds, so you can find a spot that matches your dog's comfort level, and there's always a few toys floating around for all the dogs to play with.
110 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Parque del Río French Broad
508 Riverview DrAsheville's main dog park is the best place to let the pups stretch their legs and make a few new fuzzy friends. There are separate sections for small and large breeds, so you can find a spot that matches your dog's comfort level, and there's always a few toys floating around for all the dogs to play with.
Forgot something that your pet needs, or just looking to pick up a new toy or snack while you're traveling? Asheville's Patton Avenue Pet Company is a locally-owned favorite that has everything your pet might need, from food and toys to medicine and cute accessories.
Patton Avenue Pet Company- West
1388 Patton AveForgot something that your pet needs, or just looking to pick up a new toy or snack while you're traveling? Asheville's Patton Avenue Pet Company is a locally-owned favorite that has everything your pet might need, from food and toys to medicine and cute accessories.
With separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, it's a great way to let your pups stretch their legs a bit, socialize, and meet new fuzzy friends.
15 personas del lugar lo recomiendan
Buncombe County Sports Park
58 Apac DrWith separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, it's a great way to let your pups stretch their legs a bit, socialize, and meet new fuzzy friends.