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Closed Asheville businesses you miss most

The Land of the Sky sees its fair share of business closures and subsequent takeovers — and there are plenty of spots you’re still dreaming of.

String lights hand above a darkened bar with red light. Five patrons and a bartender are silhouettes.

MG Road was a frequent mention in most-missed spots.

Photo by Lauren Van Epps

Recently, we asked you to share the closed Asheville businesses that you miss most. More than 1,800 comments later, consider this an ode to just a few of those gone-but-not-forgotten spots.

This list is best read with Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You” playing in the background.

Lucky Otter

This West Asheville restaurant closed at the beginning of 2018, more than 15 years after it started serving up fresh Mexican fare.

“I still dream about their Calypso fish tacos. I tried to recreate them but just not the same.” - @magrusch

MG Road

Home of pop-ups and parties, this bar from the founders of Chai Pani opened in 2012 and closed in 2019. Bonus: MG Road will get a bit of a revival when Chai Pani opens MG Mini in the mezzanine of its new location.

“We spent many a night shaking our buns at MG Road 😢" - @bunintendedavl

Doc Chey’s Noodle House

Known for its affordable bowls, the restaurant had a 15-year run, closing in 2017.

“I feel like you would have enough regular customers just on this thread alone, so if you wanna come back to Asheville… You totally can.” - @katiekasben

Vincent’s Ear

The club was an icon of 1990s Asheville music, art, and counterculture, then shut its doors in December 2004.

“90s music scene was 🔥" - @marcuschavez1

Fun Depot

Go-karts, laser tag, arcade games, and mini golf were this spot’s business for 17 years before shutting down in August 2020.

“Of course Fun Depot had to close right as my husband and I came into our parenting era 😂😭" - @a_pack_with_no_map

Blue Dream Curry House

The eclectic eatery came onto the downtown restaurant scene in 2015 and closed in 2023.

“It was some of the most amazing curry in town and the best date spot.” - @zbryce84

Don’t see your most-missed pick listed? It’s probably in the Instagram comments.

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