Asked: We’ve gotten a few questions from our readers about handicapped-accessible places where where people can enjoy themselves – without having to worry about getting in or out of a particular space. Most recently, reader Moni asked, “What restaurants are wheelchair-accessible (including restrooms) and handicapped-parking friendly in Asheville? The mountains can be a challenge for the disabled.”
The Americans With Disabilities Act, adopted by the federal government in 1992 and updated in 2010, prohibits discrimination of disabled people in everyday situations – such as going out to eat. It provides guidelines on renovations, design, and other issues where accessibility could be challenging. And while many spots in Asheville are designed with ease of access in mind, it’s true that some of our historic buildings + other sites aren’t yet outfitted for maximum accessibility.
So today, we’re bringing you suggestions you shared with us on social media of where to eat, drink, and be merry in town if you – or your adventure buddies – are handicapped or disabled. DYK: The City of Asheville can also connect you to a list of disabled-owned and other underrepresented businesses in town.
Restaurants
Asheville Brewing Company | 77 Coxe. Ave, Downtown | Pizza + microbrewery
Asheville Brewing Co. | Photo by @monica_e_marie
Biscuit Head | Various locations | Creative cathead biscuits
Biscuit Head | Photo by @daniheifetz
Buxton Hall BBQ | 32 Banks Ave., South Slope | Award-winning BBQ
Buxton Hall BBQ | Photo by @buxtonhallbbq
Chestnut | 48 Biltmore Ave., Downtown | New American
Chestnut | Photo by @chestnutasheville
Chupacabra Latin Cafe | 50 N. Merrimon Ave., Woodfin | Creative Latin-inspired
Chupacabra Latin Cafe | Photo by @primegirl11
Copper Crown | 1011 Tunnel Rd. #100, East Asheville | New American
“Patio, dining room, parking lot and restrooms are all accessible by all.” – @coppercrownavl
Copper Crown | Photo by @diglocalasheville
Farm Burger | Various locations | Grass-fed burgers
Farm Burger | Photo by @fedandfit
Hole Doughnuts | 168 Haywood Rd. West Asheville | Made-to-order doughnuts
Hole Doughnuts | Photo by @hannah_banana53
The Lobster Trap | 35 Patton Ave., Downtown | Seafood
“Though we don’t have a designated parking area, there are two lots directly across from our entrance; and we are definitely wheelchair-accessible, including restrooms” – @thelobstertrap
The Lobster Trap | Photo by @thelobstertrap
Nine Mile | Various locations | Creative Caribbean
Nine Mile | Photo by @grubnpubz
Okie Dokie’s Smokehouse | 2375 US-70, Swannanoa | BBQ
Okie Dokie’s Smokehouse | Photo by @guido1961
OWL Bakery | 295 Haywood Rd., West Asheville | Bakery + cafe
OWL Bakery | Photo by @avltoday
Smoky Park Supper Club | 350 Riverside Dr., River Arts District | New American
Smoky Park Supper Club | Photo by @smokypark
Taco Billy | 201 Haywood Rd., West Asheville | Austin-style tacos
Taco Billy | Photo by @tacobillyasheville
Ultimate Ice Cream | Various locations | Ice cream
“@ultimateicecream is wheelchair accessible! Both locations including restrooms!” – @1bad_banana
Ultimate Ice Cream | Photo by @ultimateicecream
Vortex Doughnuts | 32 Banks Ave. | Doughnuts
Vortex Doughnuts | Photo by @vortexdoughnuts
Other fun places
Looking Glass Falls | Hwy 276, Pisgah Forest | Roadside waterfall
🗣️ This large + beautiful waterfall is right next to a main road and is visible from the parking area.
The Meadow at Highland Brewing | 12 Old Charlotte Hwy | Brewery + venue space
🗣️ “While the taproom, deck, event center and rooftop have long been wheelchair accessible, more recent concrete pours in the Meadow create access to the restrooms and the bar (housed in a shipping container).” - Leah W.
Asheville Art Museum | 2 S. Pack Square | Art museum + rooftop café
🗣️ “The Asheville art museum has elevators that take you everywhere, even up to their rooftop wine bar and cafe overlooking downtown.” - Nick K.
Jack of the Wood | 95 Patton Ave | Brewery + venue space
🗣️“I love all the folks at Jack of the Wood, and not only are they accessible, they have live music on the weekends and their walls to the street open up so you can hear the tunes on their sidewalk patio too.” - Nick K.
Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary | 1056 Merrimon Ave. | Lakeside boardwalk + bird-watching spot
🗣️ “Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary has a boardwalk loop that is completely accessible.” - Marianne M.
The NC Arboretum | 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way | Arboretum + botanical garden
🗣️ “They have a ton of information on their website, including an accessible map… Highly encourage this, and, bonus, use your local library card to get a free parking pass once per month!” - Katie S.
Lexington Glassworks | 81 S. Lexington Ave | Glass blowing studio
🗣️ Catch live glass blowing demonstrations 7 times a week and enjoy a refreshing drink from the on-site tap room. Bonus: There’s a loading zone + ramp outside the studio for extra-easy access.
And thanks to reader Bonnie D. for this #protip: “A wonderful resource for this is: Google Map Street View!!!! I use it all the time, and it would work perfectly for this. Just plug in the address, and zoom in until the map goes to street view. There, one can see for oneself whether there is handicap parking and access.”
Do you have a suggestion not on the list? Leave a comment here. ⬇️
