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The best under-the-radar eats in and around Asheville, NC

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Photo by @cousinscubancafe

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With award-winning restaurants aplenty, the Asheville area’s food scene keeps getting bigger and more famous — but there are some spots only we locals know about. Because we don’t want to be too selfish, we’ve decided to share your answers to WNCs best under-the-radar eats. Bon appétit.

Cousins Cuban Cafe, 108 Broadway Ave., Black Mountain

  • Sweet + savory pastries, empanadas, Cubanos, and some incredible private label coffee are just a few of the tasty treats you’ll find at this hidden gem.

Papa’s Pizza, 429 New Leicester Hwy.

  • More than a few of you shouted out this pizzeria for its reliable deliciousness, generous servings + affordable prices.

Pons Thai, 3101 Sweeten Creek Rd.

  • The Exxon gas station in South Asheville is a great place to fuel up not only on petrol, but on authentic Thai cuisine like curries, pad thai, and crispy duck. Pro tip: the Tom Kha soup is addictive.

Sand Hill Kitchen, 491 Sardis Rd.

  • Located inside the BP gas station on the corner of Sand Hill and Sardis Rds., this unassuming spot cranks out award-winning burgers + chicken sandwiches, hearty breakfasts, and sweet treats like lemon bars and banana pudding that could rival (or beat) your grandma’s. Bonus: there’s a drive-thru.

Scramble, 144 Hoopers Creek Rd., Fletcher

  • Y’all love this restaurant, which offers a blend of Mexican and traditional American foods for breakfast + lunch. Really, we want it all as long as it’s doused in that incredible, slow-cooked mole sauce.

Tommy’s Family Restaurant, 247 N. Main St., Weaverville

  • Looking for food that tastes like home but without any of the drama? Hit up this spot for a novella-sized menu of family-style eats like fried catfish, prime rib, and pork chops alongside rotating daily sides.

Taste of El Salvador, 1565 Patton Ave.

  • Located along a strip mall-filled stretch of West Asheville, this spot offers affordable Salvadoran fare like pupusas and tamales. Pro tip: it’s located by two other beloved eateries known only to locals: Taqueria Muñoz and Pupuseria Patty.
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