For richer or pour over, Asheville’s coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Asheville may be known as Beer City, but we’ve also got an impressive coffee scene brewing.
Take inspiration from our guide, which features local roasters, tours, and other specialty coffee experiences. If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, these 35+ establishments are sure to get your mind percolating.
Sip while you shop
Shady Grove Coffee Co., Various locations | After spending June at DSSOLVR, the coffee pop-up is taking up residency at the newly reopened Antique Tobacco Barn beginning this Friday, Aug. 1. Savor sips like Horchata cold brew and matcha lemonade while exploring antiques from 75+ dealers. Bonus: You can book the mobile espresso service for your next event.
All is Well Cafe, 3445 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher | Before getting lost in the endless array of vintage finds and handcrafted goods at Garage on 25, pop into the attached cafe for some fuel. The cafe has all the coffee classics, plus matcha, smoothies, and plenty of sandwiches and vegan pastries to offer.
Specialty drinks
Antidote Coffee Bar, 151 Coxe Ave. | The bar is now serving up more than Chemist spirits — try unique, elevated coffee drinks inspired by classic cocktails. The Cold Brew “Mojito” sounds like the perfect way to kick off a summer morning, with fresh mint, lime, and club soda. Bonus: If you opt for a more traditional coffee, you can punch it up with housemade syrup flavors like miso honey or caramelized banana.
Bridge & Tunnel Coffee, Various locations | Track down the truck for unbelievable nitro cold brews that come in seasonal flavors, or head to A-B Tech’s campus for a cafe with the full coffee menu and plant-based food.
Grind AVL, 346 Depot St. | This RAD shop can dress up all the classic coffee favorites with sweet flavors like brown sugar cinnamon — plus, there’s a co-working space so you can stay on your grind.
Summit Coffee Co., Various locations | Choose from a variety of creative cups on its rotating seasonal menu — although you can never go wrong with a no-nonsense cup of drip. You can catch the Summit Coffee truck daily at RAD Brewing Co.
The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, 56 Patton Ave. | Indulge in lots of seasonal picks or opt for a boozy coffee, like Texts from My Ex, made with toasted coconut, cardamom, orange espresso, milk, and dark rum.
Rite Rite, 96 Weaverville Rd. | Enhance your espresso-based drink of choice with a uniquely flavored house-made syrup, like pistachio + rosewater
or Butterbeer, at the shop north of the city. Bonus: You’ll also find a stellar wine selection.
Izzy’s, Various locations | We’re big fans of the Mexican Mocha, kicking the classic drink up a notch with cinnamon and cayenne pepper.
Espresso yourself
Odd’s Cafe, 800 Haywood Rd., Ste. A-110 | Grab a seat and let the extensive menu of coffee, tea, and seasonal options fuel your workday.
Pollen Coffee + Flower Shop, 45 S. French Broad Ave., Ste. 150 | Brighten your day with a colorful bouquet and an espresso tonic at this aesthetically pleasing cafe.
Farewell, 11 Southside Ave. | The open-air shop always has a delicious espresso dialed in — plus, a delicious selection of natural wine if it gets too late for caffeine.
Retro Coffee, 2619 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Hit up this community coffee shop in South Asheville for delicious pastries, good vibes, and a rotating seasonal menu.
Rowan Coffee, Various locations | From expertly crafted pourovers to espresso-based mocktails, there’s something for every palate in the moody downtown space or dreamy, bright West Asheville location.
The Daily Grind, 100 District Dr., #216 | This Biltmore Village shop is owned by Asheville natives, serving up coffee classics and specialty drinks (like the luxurious Cleo latte with organic salted caramel, dark chocolate, and cinnamon) using Dynamite Roasting Co. beans.
Haywood Famous, 508 Haywood Rd. | The pretty pastel Cuban coffee shop serves up strong coffee into the late-night hours.
Best bites
Old Europe Pastries, 18 Broadway St. | This cafe has been serving Asheville since 1994, and its coffee is just as delicious as its sweets. We recommend pairing your drink with a croissant, macarons, or a slice of cheesecake, but there are no wrong choices.
Filo Pastries, 1155 Tunnel Rd. | The East Asheville spot has something for everyone. Grab your go-to coffee order with a flaky Greek pastry, breakfast sandwich, or even plenty of wheat-free options.
Battlecat Coffee Bar, Various locations | BUD’s Texas Fare made its delicious debut in the West Asheville shop this spring, serving up kolaches, breakfast tacos, chili, and frito pie.
Bebettes: A New Orleans Coffeehouse, 1 Page Ave., #111 | The only thing sweeter than a latte is a latte paired with pillowy, made-to-order beignets — or better yet, a sandwich with beignet buns.
Double D’s Coffee & Desserts, 41 Biltmore Ave. | Satisfy your sweet tooth with an affogato or opt for a classic brewed coffee to go alongside one of its decadent treats.
Liberty House Coffee and Cafe, 221 S. Liberty St. | This 1920s cottage-turned-cafe is a neighborhood favorite for simple + delicious breakfast and lunch fare.
Ultra Coffeebar, 242 Clingman Ave. | Bagels, sandwiches, and wraps are on the menu, with plenty of options for plant-based folks.
Recess Coffee and Baked Goods, 107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain | The aroma of baking breads and striking pastries fills the air at this nostalgia-inducing shop, so don’t fill up on coffee — you’ll want room for a snack.
Flour, 56 Patton Ave. | Nestled just inside the S&W Market, this little shop has a delicious menu of sandwiches, buttery biscuits, and baked goods.
Vortex Doughnuts, 32 Banks Ave., Ste. 106 | A latte or cold brew is a perfect pairing with one of the shop’s creative donut flavors.
After/glow, 95 Roberts St. | Specialty drinks and breakfast favorites will start your morning right — but keep your seat, because the cafe in The Radical Hotel will switch to cocktails at night.
Sweeten Creek Coffee, 330 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Beyond its coffee menu featuring a myriad of flavored drinks, the coffee shop also offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches on Joey’s bagels.
Trout Lily Deli & Market, 1297 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview | Order your favorite pick-me-up from the coffee bar, then browse the amazing artisan offerings. The deli specials are always delicious, like a beef bulgogi sandwich with Apple Brandy Beef, Serotonin Ferments kimchi, cheddar, and Duke’s on a ciabatta bun.
On-the-go joe
Bad Manners Coffee, 697 Haywood Rd., Ste. G | Settle down at one of the little pink shop’s seats or take your coffee + treats to go around West Asheville.
Dripolator, Various locations | Swing through the drive-thru at the Candler location, pop by the South Asheville or East Asheville cafes for java with freshly roasted beans, or make your way to Black Mountain for a cozy cup.
Earthling Coffee + Espresso, Various locations | Go to the food court at the Asheville Mall for an out-of-this-world coffee to fuel your shopping trip.
High-Five Coffee, Various locations | Stop by the Broadway Street, Rankin Avenue, or Riverisde locations for a brew made with Counter Culture Coffee — or ask for the barista’s choice if you’re feeling spontaneous.
Sage and Spice Market, 1056 Patton Ave. | Grab a hot or iced espresso-based beverage while browsing the market’s offerings of cheeses, olives, candles, and other locally made goods.
Shady Grove Coffee Co., Various locations | See which events this mobile coffee bar is popping up at next. Then check out the spring drink specials, including a dreamy Horchata Cold Brew with cinnamon-infused rice milk.
Roasts to boast
Deep Time, 587 Haywood Rd. | The specialty roastery is rooted in faith, employing and creating community with people impacted by incarceration. The team recently launched the Deep Time cafe in late May.
Cooperative Coffee, 210 Haywood Rd. | This West Asheville roaster sources green coffee beans that finish with a sweet, bright, and clean flavor profile. Visit the new cafe for cold brews, lattes, pastries, and grab-and-go bites.
Penny Cup Coffee Co., various locations | This small-batch roaster and coffee shop has four local cafes and also sells its beans wholesale. It offers single-origin roasts, as well as custom blends + espresso beans.
High Noon Coffee Roasters, 191 Charlotte St., #101 | This women-owned business places special importance on ethically sourced beans, such as the Sumatra Ketiara batch from a women-run cooperative in Indonesia.
Dynamite Roasting Co., 3198 US Highway 70, Black Mountain | Located just outside Asheville in Black Mountain, this organic Fairtrade coffee shop + roaster is a local favorite. It sells beans by the bag and also offers wholesale.
Asheville Coffee Roasters, 85 Weaverville Hwy. | Many locals swear by this Woodfin roaster, which has offered fresh beans for 15+ years. Its signature product is a French roast named the “Pitbull on Crack.”
Round Earth Roasters, 518 Hendersonville Rd. | Find beans from Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Peru, and six other countries at this quaint spot near Biltmore Village. We’ve also heard great things about the Colombia Decaf blend.
Dynamite Roasting also makes a mean iced coffee.
Photo via @dynamitecoffeebar
Tours and tastings
Asheville Coffee Tours | Join barista Jarika Johnson on a walking tour featuring six local coffee shops that highlight micro-roasters, independent cafes, and historic Asheville landmarks.
Be the barista
Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.
- For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
- Bloom pourovers like a pro with the elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
- These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
- Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
- For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
- Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.
