As best bars in asheville takes center stage, this opening passage beckons readers into a world crafted with good knowledge, ensuring a reading experience that is both absorbing and distinctly original. The city’s vibrant nightlife scene is a melting pot of unique bars, each offering an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.
From its unconventional nightlife spots in the outer suburbs to its upscale cocktail bars, Asheville has something to offer for every kind of drinker. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a cocktail connoisseur, or simply looking for a new place to grab a drink, this guide will take you on a journey through the best bars in Asheville.
Unconventional Nightlife in Asheville’s Outer Suburbs
Getting wild on the outskirts of Asheville
If you’re looking to avoid the crowds in downtown Asheville, there are plenty of wild and wacky nightlife spots in the surrounding suburbs. Let’s explore some of the best-kept secrets in these lesser-known neighborhoods.
Lesser-known Bars in the Outer Suburbs, Best bars in asheville
1. The Nightbell – a retro bar in the Montford neighborhood
Located in the charming Montford neighborhood, The Nightbell is an eclectic bar that serves creative cocktails in a retro setting. The bar’s interior is decked out in vintage decor, complete with a neon sign, old arcade games, and plush couches. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it the perfect spot to grab a drink with friends.
Their menu features an array of craft cocktails made with locally sourced spirits and fresh ingredients. One of their signature drinks, the “Montford Martini,” is a must-try. Made with gin from a local distillery, it’s served with a side of pickled cherries and a sprig of rosemary. The drink is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, and the presentation is almost too pretty to drink.
The clientele at The Nightbell is a mix of locals and tourists looking for a unique experience. They come for the atmosphere, the creative cocktails, and the live music that often plays in the evenings. The service is top-notch, with friendly bartenders who are always happy to recommend a drink or offer insight into the bar’s history.
2. The Blackbird Restaurant and Bar – a gastropub in the Swannanoa Valley
Located in the picturesque Swannanoa Valley, The Blackbird Restaurant and Bar is a gastropub that serves creative American cuisine and craft beers. The bar’s atmosphere is cozy, with exposed brick walls, reclaimed wood accents, and a large stone fireplace. They have a wide selection of beers from local and regional breweries, making it a great spot to try new flavors and styles.
One of their signature dishes is the “Fried Green Tomato BLT,” which is a creative twist on the classic sandwich. They also have a seasonal menu that changes regularly, so there’s always something new to try.
The clientele at The Blackbird is a mix of locals and visitors looking for a more laid-back dining experience. They come for the food, the beer selection, and the outdoor patio, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a warm evening.
3. The White Duck Taco Shop – a fusion of Asian and Southern cuisine
Located in the vibrant North Asheville neighborhood, The White Duck Taco Shop is a fusion restaurant that combines Asian and Southern cuisine. The bar’s atmosphere is eclectic, with colorful decor, vintage posters, and a lively vibe. They serve a wide range of tacos, including some creative combinations that feature Southern favorites like fried chicken and shrimp and grits.
One of their signature drinks is the “Lychee Martin,” which is made with gin, lychee juice, and a splash of lemon. It’s a sweet and tangy cocktail that pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors of their tacos.
The clientele at The White Duck is a mix of locals and visitors looking for a unique dining experience. They come for the creative menu options, the lively atmosphere, and the affordable prices.
Watering Holes for Artistic Expression
Asheville’s vibrant arts scene is always in full bloom, and its local bar culture is the perfect place to experience it. Whether you’re a fan of live music, poetry readings, or visual art exhibits, Asheville’s watering holes have got you covered. From hip, artist-owned bars showcasing local artwork to historic buildings turned bars, Asheville’s artistic expression is on full display.
Asheville’s arts scene intersects with its local bar culture in a way that’s truly unique. The city’s thriving music scene is anchored by live performances at various bars, while its poetry and spoken word scene is fueled by readings and workshops at eclectic venues. Meanwhile, visual artists take center stage at galleries and studios turned bars, showcasing their latest work and engaging with the community.
Artist-Owned Bars with Local Artwork
One standout example of this intersection is the artist-owned bar, The Grey Eagle. This hip spot features live music, poetry readings, and visual art exhibits, all while showcasing the city’s thriving arts scene. The interior design and decoration of The Grey Eagle are a perfect reflection of its artistic vibe. The walls are adorned with local artwork, from colorful murals to eclectic sculptures, while the dim lighting and plush furniture create a cozy atmosphere perfect for sipping on a craft beer or enjoying a live performance.
Bars with Live Music Performances
From blues to jazz, rock to folk, Asheville’s bars feature a diverse range of live music performances. Here’s a rundown of the top bars in Asheville to catch some live tunes:
- The Orange Peel: Catch local and national acts at this intimate venue, which hosts everything from indie rock to electronic music. Performance schedules vary, but you can expect to find live music most nights of the week.
- The Grey Eagle: As mentioned earlier, this artist-owned bar features live music, poetry readings, and visual art exhibits. Expect to find local and regional acts, as well as national touring acts, performing on its stage.
- The Mothlight: This smaller venue hosts indie rock, punk, and electronic music acts, often featuring local and regional performers. Check their schedule for upcoming shows.
Historic Bars with Unique Architecture
Asheville’s historic buildings are some of its most prized treasures, and its bars are no exception. One standout example is the historic Old Europe tavern, which boasts a stunning exterior and a cozy, rustic interior. Dating back to 1894, this building has seen its fair share of renovation and restoration over the years, but its original charm remains intact. The tavern’s historic architecture is matched only by its lively atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for any Asheville traveler.
Unique Features and Trends in Asheville Bars
Asheville’s nightlife scene is as vibrant as its art and music scene. When it comes to bars, Asheville stands out from the rest with its eclectic mix of local and international cuisine, unique drink concoctions, and exclusive venues that are as much about the atmosphere as they are about the drinks. In this section, we’ll delve into the local food trends, botanical drinks, hidden bars, and design a mock-up of a new, innovative drink menu that incorporates seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations inspired by Asheville’s craft beer scene.
Local Food Trends and Popular Snack Options
Asheville’s bars are a melting pot of international cuisine, from Asian fusion to Southern comfort food, and everything in between. Some popular snack options include spicy Korean BBQ nachos at The Nightbell, loaded fries topped with truffle oil and parmesan at Buxton Hall Barbecue, and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches at The White Duck Taco Shop. One of Asheville’s most notable food trends is its emphasis on local ingredients and supporting small, family-owned businesses. This is reflected in the numerous locally-sourced snack options available at various bars, such as craft breweries’ take-out menus featuring house-made pretzels or small batch artisanal cheeses.
Botanical Drinks and Asheville’s Adaptation of this Style
Asheville’s bars have been at the forefront of the botanical drink trend, incorporating house-made infusions and tinctures into classic cocktails. Notable ingredients and recipes used in Asheville’s botanical drinks include rose-petal gin, lavender-honey syrup, and activated charcoal lemonade. The concept of botanical drinks emphasizes the use of natural ingredients to create unique and complex flavors. Bars like The Blackbird Restaurant and Bar have developed innovative recipes that incorporate fresh herbs, edible flowers, and botanical extracts into their signature cocktails.
Increasing Popularity of Hidden Bars and Exclusive Venues
In recent years, Asheville’s bars have seen an increase in popularity of “secret” or “hidden” entrances, adding an air of exclusivity to the nightlife scene. These bars and lounges often have unique and cleverly concealed entrances, such as a sliding bookshelf door at The Nocturne or a password-required elevator at The Lobsta Truck. The allure of these exclusive spaces lies in their sense of discovery and exclusivity, making patrons feel like they’re part of a special club. Bars like The Imperial Life and the Omni Grove Park Inn’s Blue Ridge restaurant have capitalized on this trend by creating immersive and hidden spaces that evoke a sense of mystery and allure.
Numerous Drink Menu Ideas Inspired by Asheville’s Craft Beer Scene
Here are some innovative drink menu ideas inspired by Asheville’s craft beer scene:
- Pumpkin Patch Sour: a seasonal sour beer cocktail featuring house-made pumpkin puree, bourbon barrel-aged bourbon, and a hint of cinnamon
- Asheville Sunset: a refreshing cocktail combining Asheville-based gin with blood orange juice, lemon, and a splash of ginger beer
- River Arts Brew: a coffee-infused cocktail combining Asheville’s own River Arts Brewery beer with espresso, vanilla, and a drizzle of caramel
- Blue Ridge Blackberry: a sweet and tangy cocktail featuring Asheville-made blackberry jam, bourbon, lemon, and a splash of sparkling water
- Craft Lager Collins: a crisp and refreshing cocktail combining Asheville’s Craft Lagers with a splash of soda water, lime juice, and a sprig of rosemary
“The art of mixology is all about experimentation and creativity. By combining unique ingredients and flavors, we can create truly innovative drinks that reflect the essence of Asheville’s craft beer scene.”
These drink menu ideas are just a few examples of the innovative and creative concoctions that can be crafted by incorporating seasonal ingredients, international flavors, and local spirits. Asheville’s bar scene is the perfect place to taste and explore new and exciting drink creations, each one showcasing the unique character of the city and its craft beer culture.
Safety and Sustainability in Asheville’s Drinking Establishments
Asheville’s vibrant nightlife scene is renowned for its commitment to safety and sustainability. The city’s bars are actively working towards reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices, all while ensuring a fun and secure experience for its patrons. From energy-efficient lighting to composting initiatives, we’re diving into the efforts made by Asheville’s bars to make a positive impact on the environment and enhance customer safety.
Eco-Friendly Practices in Asheville’s Bars
Asheville’s bars are leading the way in sustainable practices, prioritizing the well-being of both customers and the planet. Many establishments have implemented recycling programs, composting initiatives, and energy-efficient lighting to minimize their carbon footprint. Some notable examples include:
- Mission Brewing Co., which implemented a comprehensive recycling program that includes recycling glass, plastic, and metal.
- The White Duck Taco Shop, which composts food waste and uses energy-efficient LED lighting in their kitchen.
- The Block Off Biltmore, which has installed solar panels to power their outdoor music venue and offers sustainable cocktails made with locally sourced ingredients.
These innovative initiatives not only reduce waste but also contribute to the city’s overall sustainability goals. By embracing eco-friendly practices, Asheville’s bars set a positive example for the community and encourage customers to take part in environmental stewardship.
Enhancing Customer Safety in Asheville’s Bars
Asheville’s bars prioritize customer safety, implementing measures to prevent harm and ensure a secure experience. Secure payment systems and responsible drinking promotions are just a few of the initiatives in place:
- The Omni Grove Park Inn, which uses secure payment systems to protect customer information and employs responsible drinking promotions to promote responsible behavior.
- The Grey Eagle, which offers designated driver services and encourages patrons to use ride-sharing apps to prevent drunk driving.
- Asheville’s many breweries, which implement responsible drinking promotions, such as the “Designated Driver” program, to promote safe drinking habits.
These measures not only protect customers but also foster a sense of community responsibility, promoting a culture of safety and respect.
Accessibility Features in Asheville’s Bars
Asheville’s bars are committed to accessibility, providing an inclusive environment for patrons with disabilities. Many establishments offer wheelchair accessibility, Braille signage, and assistive listening devices, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the experience:
- The Orange Peel, which offers wheelchair accessibility, Braille signage, and assistive listening devices for patrons with hearing impairments.
- The Grey Eagle, which has installed audio loops and provides Braille menus to make the experience more accessible.
- LaZoom Comedy Tour, which offers wheelchair accessibility and Braille signage to ensure that all patrons can participate.
These accessibility features not only cater to customers with disabilities but also promote a culture of inclusivity and respect.
Cycling-Friendly Bars in Asheville
Asheville’s cycling community can rejoice, as many bars cater to their needs, offering designated bike parking and facilities for cyclists to rest and refresh. Some notable examples include:
- The Nightbell, which offers designated bike parking and a bike-themed menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
- The Asheville Bike Park, which provides bike parking and repairs, as well as a bike-themed cafe serving sustainable coffee drinks.
- Wicked Weed Brewing, which offers designated bike parking, a bike-themed menu, and a beer garden with outdoor seating.
These cycling-friendly bars not only cater to the needs of Asheville’s cycling community but also contribute to the city’s overall cycling infrastructure.
Final Conclusion: Best Bars In Asheville
In conclusion, Asheville’s bar scene is a true gem that offers a unique drinking experience like no other. From its artsy cocktail bars to its vibrant beer festivals, Asheville has something to offer for every kind of drinker. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, it’s essential to experience the best bars in Asheville at least once.
Commonly Asked Questions
What are the best times to visit Asheville’s bars?
The best times to visit Asheville’s bars are typically during the weekends, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. However, the city’s nightlife scene is lively throughout the week, so you can always find a great spot to grab a drink.
Are there any bars in Asheville that serve food?
Yes, many bars in Asheville serve food, ranging from classic pub fare to gourmet cuisine. Some popular bars with great food include The Nightbell, The Blackbird, and The Lobster Trap.
Can I bring my pet to Asheville’s bars?
Unfortunately, most bars in Asheville do not allow pets inside. However, some bars have outdoor seating areas where you can bring your pet. It’s always best to call ahead and confirm the bar’s pet policy.
