Slime green word salad. Viral TikTok dances. Odd’s Cafe’s brat-cha latte. Your Gen Z + millennial relatives calling you “so brat.” It’s been a “brat summer” whether you knew it or not, so we’re here to explain what it means and how to get in on the fun.
British singer Charli XCX’s album “brat” was released on June 7 and debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard charts. Its 15 tracks examine existential topics like womanhood, family, and insecurity — all with an electric veneer of dance pop partying. In essence, to be a “brat” is to be yourself, flaws and all, while still having fun.
Now that you’re caught up on the lingo, here are three spots to live out your very own “brat summer” in Asheville.
Strange Magic | 98 N. Lexington Ave. | Grab a glass of natural wine and dance the night away at this glowing, pink bar. There are DJs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights where you’ll hear those “Club Classics.”
rEvolve mercantile | 697 Haywood Rd. | Part of “brat summer” is dressing the part. Think: sporty sunglasses (even inside), cropped graphic tees, Von Dutch hats, and neon green threads. Lucky for you, rEvolve has an entire section of clothing dedicated to the style.
Justus Orchard | 187 Garren Rd., Hendersonville | There’s no better spot to film your version of the “Apple” TikTok dance than in a literal apple orchard. Show off your moves and snag some ripe Gala apples off the tree.
