Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.
Whether you’re hankering for a locally brewed IPA, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, or a gin + tonic featuring gin distilled right here in Asheville, grab a drink at these 45+ places around town.
Keeping spirits up
Antidote, 151 Coxe Ave. | Drink we love: The Navy G&T
Travel back in time to the era of Prohibition at this speakeasy-style bar on the South Slope. Antidote offers upscale vibes and historic charm as well as an expertly crafted drink menu featuring cocktails made with the award-winning Chemist spirits, plus wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options.
The Crow & Quill, 106 N. Lexington Ave. | Drink we love: Smoke Moon
Stop into this downtown watering hole for a cozy atmosphere, unique seasonal cocktails, and even try your hand at a cocktail-crafting class. This blank-faced speakeasy offers 600+ varieties of whiskey, as well as hundreds of rums, mezcals, and bourbons — offering a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Little Jumbo, 241 Broadway St. | Drink we love: Paloma Brilliante
Enjoy live jazz music every Monday and Tuesday from 7 to 10 p.m. along with delicious craft cocktails at this quaint Five Points bar. Pro tip: Ask about the absinthe menu.
The Montford Rooftop Bar, 199 Haywood St. | Drink we love: The Adriatic
This downtown bar (inside the DoubleTree by Hilton) boasts some of the best sunset views in town along with complimentary parking, craft cocktails, and a curated selection of small plates, flatbreads, and shareables.
Post 70, 1155 Tunnel Rd. | Drink we love: Velveteen Queen
An East Asheville staple with a cocktail menu that rotates with the seasons. Pro tip: Go with a group and split an order of tapas.
Session Café & Bar, 14 O. Henry Ave. | Drink we love: Tropical Depression
Located inside Citizen Vinyl record studio, Session invites you to experience laid-back nostalgia in a café setting. Try one of its many cocktails, coffees, or deli items, all while listening to curated playlists on vinyl.
The Social Lounge, 29 Broadway St. | Drink we love: Social Bee
Unwind after a long day and head to The Social Lounge for a glass of wine and live music. This downtown spot is lauded for its extensive wine list, signature cocktails, and plush atmosphere.
Sovereign Remedies, 29 N. Market St. | Drink we love: And Now We Dance
The concept of this upscale cocktail lounge is based on Asheville’s rich history of Appalachian folk medicine. Housed in an old drug store off Market Street, Sovereign Remedies crafts their own “remedies” with fresh, local ingredients.
The Low Down, 723 Haywood Rd., Unit 1 | Drink we love: The Green Fuse
Watch for the painted eye, then make your way down the stairs — below Haywood, you’ll find a cozy, vintage-style speakeasy with a creative cocktail menu and a few snacks (and some shuffleboard).
Anoche, 176 Clingman Ave. | Drink we love: Any margarita
Mezcal and agave are the name of the game at this little RAD spot. You’ll find plenty of smoky, spicy drinks to tingle your tastebuds and expand your palate.
Tiki Easy Bar, 197 Hilliard Ave. | Drink we love: Undertow
Wander toward the back of Hi-Wire Brewing to get transported to get yourself on island time and try out wild drinks topped with tropical garnishes.
Late-night gems
Ben’s Tune Up, 195 Hilliard Ave. | Drink we love: Yu-Tang Sake Spritzer
A beer and sake garden sporting a full bar, freshly brewed sake, and Asian fusion eats. Be sure to try the Pulled Pork Nachos and Fried Tofu.
Foggy Mountain Brew Pub, 12 Church St. | Drink we love: Sophistocrat
This lively watering hole offers classic American fare, beer on tap, wine, and cocktails in a casual neighborhood pub setting. Pro tip: Pair your drink with the award-winning chicken wings.
The Golden Pineapple, 503 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Legally Brined
This trendy yet unpretentious West Asheville cocktail bar boasts a substantial wine list, unique house cocktails, and a rotating tap list. Bonus: It’s a great spot for a late-night bite — the kitchen doesn’t close until 11:30 p.m.
The Rankin Vault Lounge, 7 Rankin Ave. | Drink we love: The Vault Margarita
Step into The Vault for an inviting, neighborhood atmosphere, locally sourced food, and plenty of options when it comes to beer, wine, and cocktails. The Vault has a large cocktail menu, an award-winning burger, daily specials, and even a late-night menu that’s only available during the weekend.
The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, 56 Patton Ave. | Drink we love: A classic Old Fashioned
Located in the old S&W Cafeteria building, The Times is an ironically timeless spot to grab a cup of coffee or a cocktail. With seasonally inspired fun drinks, it’s a great place to hang with friends after work.
Storm Rhum Bar, 125 S. Lexington Ave. Unit 103-A | Drink we love: Fog Over Rio
Storm Rhum lives by the mantra, “eat + drink locally, think globally” and is known for classic American cocktails and dishes with a worldly twist.
Imperial, 48 College St. | Drink we love: On-tap Paloma
Now that Zella’s Deli moved to 2372 US-70 in Swannanoa, you can expect to see more of the once-just-upstairs bar soon — and enjoy a focused cocktail menu and DJs late into the night.
Crucible, 140A Roberts St. | Drink we love: A Manhattan
Find a spot inside the dimly lit, cozy cocktail bar, or park yourself outside to sip on an inventive seasonal cocktail or expertly crafted classic drink.
The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Radioactive Unicorn Tears
The eclectic West Asheville hangout may not have a lot of frills, but there’s plenty of fun to be had with live music, games, comedy, and drag shows (on top of the food and drink selection available until 2 a.m.).
Haywood Country Club, 662 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: $5 margaritas on Tuesdays
Occupying a comfortable space between craft cocktail bar and neighborhood dive, the popular spot features weekly events + specials and a deliciously reliable drinks menu until 2 a.m. every night.
Off the vine
Bottle Riot, 37 Paynes Way | Drink we love: French 75
With plenty of weekly guest DJs, wine, and spirits, Bottle Riot is one of the River Art District’s premier listening lounge and bar.
Leo’s House of Thirst, 1055 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Any wine on tap
Cheese and wine, anyone? This West Asheville wine bar offers a wide variety of natural and organic wines in an intimate setting — perfect for unwinding after a long day.
plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St. | Drink we love: B-Sides and Rarities
This industrial chic locale in the River Arts District isn’t your average winery. It’s dedicated to sustainability and is committed to supporting farmers, harvesters, and winemakers in NC and beyond. Pro tip: Order a flight to sample multiple wines.
WALLS Wine Bar, 38 Broadway St. | Drink we love: A chilled rosé
Located inside the Benjamin Walls art gallery, this spot is much more than a wine bar — it’s an experience. Sip on your wine while enjoying nature photography, people watch from the heated outdoor patio, or even rent out a room for you and friends.
5 Walnut Wine Bar, 5 Walnut St. | Drink we love: A glass of sparkling wine
An art-centric wine bar with an impressive live music schedule and wine list, as well as bar snacks and a rotating tap list.
Pink Moon, 375 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Orange wine by the glass
This speakeasy-style outdoor wine bar is an intimate space that sometimes has to close because of the weather — but its bartenders know their stuff. Follow Pink Moon’s Instagram account for the nightly passcode to enter.
Mocktail musts
Asheville Dispensary Elixir Bar, 919 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Relaxation MerGarita
Head to this West Asheville spot for a hemp-infused mocktail. Locally sourced sweets and snacks are also available, as well as CBD products from the Asheville Dispensary shop.
The Buchi Bar, 68 N. Lexington Ave. | Drink we love: Kombucha flight
Grab a bite to eat at Rosetta’s Kitchen and try one of this local spot’s kombucha cocktails, nonalcoholic options, or a kombucha on tap. Bonus: The spot recently extended its hours to 12 a.m. on Fridays + Saturdays.
Haywood Common, 507 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: MerTail Mertini
This lively eatery offers alcohol-free mixed drinks made with nonalcoholic whiskey, gin, and tequila.
Roll Up Herbal Bar, 40 Commerce St, Waynesville + various locations | Drink we love: Something Cosmic
With fresh, local ingredients and lots of herbs + florals, this spot was formerly just a pop-up bar but now has a brick-and-mortar location. Don’t worry, though — you can still see the VW Bus at events all over town.
The Whale, 507 Haywood Rd. + 2 Beverly Rd. | Drink we love: Guava New School Sour
Explore a selection of canned NA beer, such as the Lager from Rick’s Original and BrewDog USA’s Due East.
Beer lovers
Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Cowboy Poet
Archetype is known for its experimental beers, each crafted to have its own personality or “archetype.” With both seasonal and core beers, there is a brew for everyone.
Asheville Pizza and Brewing, multiple locations | Drink we love: Carolina Mountain Monster
Stop by one of Asheville Pizza and Brewing’s three locations to enjoy award-winning craft beer and scratch-made pizza. Bonus: You can also catch a movie if you’re visiting the North Asheville location.
Cellarest Beer Project, 395 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Narcissus
A West Asheville beer parlor that prioritizes craft beer that’s regionally focused and inspired by the community. A rotating selection of cider and wine is also available.
DSSOLVR, 63 N. Lexington Ave. | Drink we love: Cold Caprese Pizza
An out-of-this-world brewery that strives to highlight the best parts of both old school and new school brews. Stop by for game nights, drag bingo, trivia, and more.
Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Drink we love: ESB (Extra Special Bitter)
A family-owned brewery with locations in Biltmore Village and Old Fort. Small bites, salads + bowls, burgers, and sandwiches are available in addition to beer, wine, and cider.
Diatribe, 1042 Haywood Rd. | Drink we love: Haywood Irish Red
The recently opened West Asheville brewery has lagers, stouts, sours, and more on tap as well as snacks like pretzels, queso, and hummus.
Thirsty Monk, 92 Patton Ave. + 2 Town Square Blvd., Ste. 170 | Drink we love: Delirium Red
Downtown features three levels — cocktail bar Top of the Monk on the upper level, Holy Water Seltzer brewpub in the middle, and Delirium Bar in the basement. Stop by the Biltmore location for food and a generous tap selection.
Wedge Brewing Company, various locations | Drink we love: Iron Rail IPA
No matter what you’re into, there’s probably a Wedge location to fit your vibe — find a cozy seat in the Grove Arcade, an industrial bar stool on Foundy Street, or an outdoor table at the Studios.
TRVE Brewing, 255 Short Coxe Ave. | Drink we love: Chapel of Ghouls
The heavy metal brewery just recently opened its Asheville spot, but even if you aren’t in the mood for the array of beers, you can grab a cocktail or natural wine from Nightcrawler, which now operates its cocktail program.
Stay for dinner
Forestry Camp Taproom + Kitchen, 10 Shady Oak Dr. | Drink we love: Panic! at the Pisco
A rustic space with 24+ taps, vast cocktail list, full-service kitchen, and a curated wine list featuring the newest varietals from VISUALS winery.
Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse, 121 Biltmore Ave. | Drink we love: Teaches of Peaches
Order a craft cocktail (or two) and get comfortable because you won’t want to miss Ukiah’s fusion of Japanese soul food and southern barbecue. Pro tip: Visit them for brunch on Sundays and try the breakfast ramen with tonkotsu-egg broth, maple shichimi bacon, and a sunny side egg.
Vivian, 348 Depot St. | Drink we love: Epiphany on a Barstool
An upscale, River Arts District restaurant and bar with a Southern and European culinary influence. Start with a craft cocktail or a glass of wine then order the Nordic deviled eggs, the NC striped bass, and save room for the blueberry coffee cake for dessert.
Golden Hour, 95 Roberts St. | Drink we love: Stay Golden
The restaurant on the lower level of The Radical Hotel is home to a seasonal menu as well as lots of classy cocktails — and if you need an after-dinner drink, head to Afterglow in the lobby or upstairs to The Roof.
Cultura, 147 Coxe Ave. | Drink we love: Mercury in Retrograde
It would be easy to get lost in the pages and pages of wines, beers, spirits, and mocktails, but make sure you leave time for the inventive a la carte fare, creative tasting menu, or special Cease and Desist series (depending on the day of the week).
White Labs Brewing Co., 172 S Charlotte St. | Drink we love: Rice Lager
Pizza and beer are fused by fermentation at this laid-back, family-friendly craft brewery, so don’t forget to pair your pint with a wood-fired pizza or a sandwich.
Host at home
Shop our favorite happy hour essentials to host friends for a drink at your place:
- The Elevated Craft Cocktail Shaker promises no more leaks and has a built-in measuring system.
- This set of six colored wine glasses reminds us of Estelle stemware — only more affordable.
- Pair your colorful wine glasses with a colorful decanter that’s an Anthropologie best-seller.
- Keep wine and champagne cold in a marble wine chiller.
- An electric wine opener makes opening bottles smooth and stress-free.
- Don’t forget the best drinkware made by small, local businesses — we’re big fans of the Pirani Life tumbler, an eco-friendly version of a Solo Cup, and these Kanga Coolers koozies that keep drinks cold.
