For #DrinkUpAsheville, we’re issuing a challenge to all the coffee-crazed Ashevillians out there. Our team has created a coffee crawl map — because why should pubs have all the fun?
To make this java journey doable, we’re sticking to recommendations in downtown Asheville. Here are the nine locations on the official AVLtoday Coffee Crawl.
Izzy’s Coffee Den, 74 N. Lexington Ave.
- It only makes sense to start your caffeinated journey at one of the oldest, most quintessentially Asheville java shops. This unassuming, punk rock hole-in-the-wall has served gourmet coffee + specialty espresso drinks like the “Mexican Mocha” for over a decade. While you’re on the lovely Lexington Avenue, we recommend stopping by Downtown Books & News (located right across the street).
High Five Coffee, 13 Rankin Ave.
- We’re not taking this lightly when we say that the High Five has some of the best drip coffee around. Snag a cup — or if you’ve got a refillable thermos, bring that along for a discount. Since this cozy spot fills up fast, we recommend taking your cup to-go and walking off the buzz with a stroll down the nearby Church Street (which is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful streets in downtown Asheville).
Farewell Coffee, 11 Southside Ave.
- After following Church Street all the way down, you’ll arrive at this airy, peaceful, and sun-soaked cafe. You’ll want to order an espresso drink here, because its selection of beans is dazzling. Warning: It may be challenging to resist the plants from Rosarina Plant Shop that are for sale around the shop — but then again, why fight it?
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts, 41 Biltmore Ave.
- Walk back up the South Slope to continue your espresso explorations at this bright red double decker bus that peddles playful signature drinks like the “Red Hot Chili Mocha” and “Cream Brue Latte.” There’s also espresso milkshakes — but if you’re on a budget, stick to the regular cup of joe which costs a little under $3. Pro tip: this walk-up spot is cash only.
Rowan Coffee, 66 Broadway St.
- The moody, carefully curated atmosphere of this coffee shop is a great place to reflect on the staggering amount of caffeine you’ve just consumed. Order a cup of pour over or a craft latte like the Cold Brew Colada, and rest easy knowing that your drink is in the hands of a very skilled barista. Pro tip: this spot sells sweet + savory waffles on weekends.
Trade and Lore, 37 Wall St.
- This fairy tale coffee shop is the perfect excuse to traipse through the historic, cobblestone Wall Street. The string lights, high ceilings, and exposed brick walls make for an ideal coffee-sipping ambiance. We recommend ordering one of the coffee sodas or the cortado.
PennyCup at the YMI, 39 S. Market St.
- Reflect on the historic nature of the Eagle Street neighborhood while you head to this local coffee roaster’s cafe.
The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, 56 Patton Ave.
- You may be feeling a bit jittery after all that coffee — this coffee + cocktail bar offers boozy coffee options like the “Classic Irish Coffee” and “Go Bananas” (think: Jameson, bananas, cinnamon, brown sugar, and whipped cream) to bring you down a notch. There’s also the adjacent S&W Market food hall, where you can find everything from award-winning fried chicken sandwiches to Thai street food.
Summit Coffee Co., 1 Page Ave.
- The historic Grove Arcade is a must-see when roaming downtown Asheville — and Summit is the building’s newest coffee shop. We recommend the iced lavender latte.
Ready to get on the grind and complete this crawl yourself? Tag us in your photos on social media with #AVLtoday.
