After Helene swept away power and water for thousands in the region, many Asheville restaurants and bars had to shut their doors indefinitely. A large number that were otherwise inoperable have pivoted their focus to serve as hubs for free meals and supply distribution. But as water and power return to pockets of the community, some local spots have been able to start business up again.
So in case you’re able to support some local business, we’ve gathered together a few restaurants and bars whose doors are now open. Note: Many are operating with limited menus, and some are cash only.
Serving food
- 12 Bones Smokehouse South, 2350 Hendersonville Rd., Arden | Daily, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
- Asheville Pizza South, 1850 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville | Daily, 3-7 p.m.
- Biscuit Head South Asheville, 1994 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville | Daily, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Glass Onion, 18 N. Main St., Weaverville | Starting Friday, Oct. 11: Wednesday-Sunday, 5-8 p.m.
- Itto Ramen Bar & Tapas, 335 Airport Rd., Arden | Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Luella’s Bar-B-Que South, 33 Town Square Blvd., #110, Asheville | Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Mehfil, 5 Biltmore Ave., Ste. B, Asheville | Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m., 4:30-8:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
- Nine Mile Biltmore Park, 33 Town Square Blvd., Asheville | Daily, 4-9 p.m.
- Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar - South Asheville, 1829 Hendersonville Rd., Asheville | Starting Saturday, Oct. 12: Daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Twisted Laurel Weaverville, 10A S. Main St., Weaverville | Starting Friday, Oct. 11: Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Voodoo Brewing, 3578 Sweeten Creek Rd., Arden | Daily, 12-6 p.m.
- White Duck Taco Shop Skyland, 16 Miami Circle, Arden | Daily, 12-6:30 p.m.
Pouring drinks
- Character Study, 797 Haywood Rd., #100, Asheville | Tuesday-Sunday, 3-7 p.m.
- Diatribe Brewing, 1042 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Monday-Friday, 3-9 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
- Haywood Famous, 508 Haywood Rd., Asheville | Monday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 12-7 p.m.; Saturday, 8-10 a.m. + 12-7 p.m.; Sunday, 1-7 p.m.
- Little Jumbo, 241 Broadway St., Asheville | Tuesday-Sunday, 3-7 p.m.
- Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville | Wednesday-Friday, 3-6:30 p.m.; Saturday, 12-6:30 p.m.
- The Whale, 507 Haywood Rd., #10 | Daily, 1-8 p.m.
If you know of a bar or restaurant that’s open again, let us know and we’ll add it to the list. If you’re having trouble with that link, send an email instead to hello@avltoday.com.
Even if you don’t see your favorite spot on this list, you may still be able to offer your support during this difficult time. Many local establishments have set up fundraising campaigns in the aftermath of Helene, raising money for repairs or employees’ livelihoods.
Reopening rules
According to statements from Buncombe County, any establishments that had interruptions in power or water need inspections from Buncombe County Environmental Health before permits can be reinstated and food can be sold.
Restaurants that don’t have access to municipal water but want to reopen must complete an emergency operations plan — information on the plans has been sent to all restaurants. Once plans are approved, inspectors will visit. If restaurants have access to water and are under a boil water advisory, the practices outlined in the advisory need to be followed — an emergency operations plan or inspection visit is not needed to reopen. If restaurants never lost power or water, the County wants to know, but the establishments are able to reopen whenever they’re ready.
Note: Any free food being given out from restaurants is not regulated by Buncombe County Environmental Health.
