Asheville is one of my favorite cities in the southeast. Asheville is known for craft
Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner app
The Best Asheville Craft Brewery: New Belgium Brewery
West Asheville
New Belgium Brewerywas an Asheville “must-see.” If you love craft beer,biking, and a laid-back vibe then this place for you. I recommend spending an afternoon doing a brewery tour, which is FREE. Don’t buy drinks before because you will have countless samples of beer during the tour. I loved seeing the in’s and out’s of working at New Belgium and getting to know what makes their craft beer so unique.
WHAT TO GET: If you’re doing the tour, nothing. They give you TONS of samples on the tour. If you’re just stopping by for a drink share a flight!
The Best Asheville Fine-Dining Experience: Cúrate
Downtown
Cúrate is a celebration of authentic Spanish cuisine. For those who have visited Spain, the Cúrate menu will bring back memories of the country’s best jamón Ibérico, vermuterías, and lively tapas culture.Voted as one of the“40 Most Important Restaurants of the Past 40 Years,” by Food & Wine magazine.
I surprised my boyfriend by taking him to Cúrate during our last trip to Asheville. Very rarely do we experience fine dining, so this evening was a treat! You’ll need a reservation to get a table unless you don’t mind taking the risk for an open seat at the bar. I recommend starting with a sample charcuterie and asking the waiter for a wine pairing. All of the tapas looked and tasted divine, but the paella de verduraswas my absolute favorite dish.
WHAT TO GET: Paella de Verduras and the Red Sangria!
The Best Asheville Dessert: Hole Doughnuts
West Asheville
You can’t leave Asheville before eating at Hole Doughnuts. These crunchy misshapen doughnuts are unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Toasted Almond Sesame is my favorite but you really can’t go wrong with their flavors. Not to mention they were voted Best Dessert of 2016 -Bon Appétit.
WHAT TO GET: Assorted bakers-dozen to share! Trust me you’ll want to have extras.
The Quirkiest Lunch Spot: White Duck Taco Shop
West Asheville
These tacos are as quirky as their name. There’s everything from Bangkok shrimp to jerk chicken, and their menu changes daily. I’ve made sure to eat at White Duck during my past three visits to Asheville, so maybe that will tell you how good it is.
WHAT TO GET: 2-3 tacos (they’re all good) and chips and queso to share.
Left: White Duck Taco Shop by Eating Asheville, Right: Thirsty Monk by Mountain Express
The Best Downtown Asheville Bar: Thirsty Monk
Downtown
Thirsty Monk is located in the heart of downtown so it’s a great spot to stopfor a drink after dinner. Unassuming from the outside, but don’t be fooled. This place has three stories. The top floor is an exclusive club; the main floor has a bar with a vast selection of craft beer on tap or, take the stairs down to the basem*nt level where you’ll find the Belgian Bar.
WHAT TO GET: Share a flight!
The Most Romantic Asheville Restaurant: Zambra
Downtown
Looking for a romantic dinner spot, how about tapas? Zambra is the perfect fit. Live music, candlelit dinner, and wine and tapas selection is overwhelming. Thank goodness it’s small plates, you’ll want to order at least 3-5 tapas per couple.
WHAT TO GET: Pomegranate Braised Pork Spring Rolls.
The Coolest Tap-Room: Ginger’s Revenge
North Asheville
One of our most unique experiences in Asheville was visiting Ginger’s Revenge. Visit the tap-room to taste their many alcoholic ginger beers, which are all naturally gluten-free and made with organic ingredients.
We loved this place so much that we ended up taking home three growlers of Cranberry-Herb Ginger Beer.
WHAT TO GET: Classic Lime Agave or a seasonal flavor like Cranberry-Herb.
Photos by Ginger’s Revenge
The Best Asheville Breakfast Spot: Biscuit Head
West Asheville
Photos by Biscuit Head
Biscuit Head is a well-known breakfast spot featuring the fluffiest biscuits, house-made butter & jams, local coffee, and deliciousness! I couldn’t get over how amazing their biscuits were, the texture was unreal. Make sure to try a couple of flavors from the jam/butter bar!
WHAT TO GET: Can’t go wrong with a classic Full Breakfast. Make sure to get the Fromage Grits as a side.
The Best Coffee Shop in Asheville: Flora & Forage
West Asheville
Flora is a flower shop with the cutest looking interior. I could spend hours browsing the gift shop. Forage a botanical cafe offering artisanal drinks and gourmet bites inside of Flora. Spend a rainy afternoon sipping of coffee and dreaming about where you want to visit next. You can read more about Flora & Forage in my other Asheville blog post.
WHAT TO GET: Try a London Fog with oat milk.
The Largest Brewery in Asheville: Sierra Nevada
Biltmore Area
Sierra Nevada Brewing has one of the most audacious breweries in Asheville. Driving through the gates to find a HUGE castle-like building was one for the books.
If you’re wanting to eat lunch at their restaurant make sure to get a reservation early! They fill up fast.
WHAT TO GET: Share a flight! My favorite beer is the Otra Vez.
If you need help planning a vacation to Asheville, North Carolina, or are looking for more travel itineraries, make sure to check out my Travel Planning Services! Thanks for checking out Where to Eat & Drink in Asheville. Let me know of any Asheville restaurants or breweries I might have missed.
