We’ve all been there. You’re leaving a late-night show or wrapping up a night on the town, and the midnight munchies hit. But it seems like the lights are off and the grills are cold at all your favorite local restaurants.
Well that’s not quite true — because there are definitely joints that cater to nighttime eaters with late-night meals of everything from pizza to burgers to noodles. So save this list for the next time you’ve got an after-hours craving.
Eclectic eats
The Golden Pineapple | 503 Haywood Rd. | Sunday-Tuesday, Thursday-Friday, 5-11:30 p.m.; Saturday, 3-11:30 p.m.
There’s lots to love on the ever-changing menu (served until 11:30 p.m.) — we recommend the mushroom noodles, chicken wings with gochujang butter, and the bodega sandwich.
Little Louie’s | 1478 Patton Ave. | Monday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
This West Asheville neighborhood joint, which boasts creative plant-based options, pierogis, sandwiches, and hoagies, is definitely worth your time.
The Barksdale | 42 Banks Ave. | Daily, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.
This treasure is more of a bar than an eatery, but it always has remarkably creative hot dogs on deck (and they’re served until last call).
The Odd | 1045 Haywood Rd. | Monday-Friday, 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
Come for the nostalgic comfort food (think: burgers, cheesesteaks, and grilled cheese), stay for the unique events and punk rock vibes.
Bens Tune Up | 195 Hilliard Ave. | Monday, Wednesday-Thursday, 4-10:30 p.m.; Friday, 12-10:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1-10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2-10:30 p.m.
The downtown spot is perfect for an Asian fusion fix, with crowd-pleasing dumplings, sandwiches, rice bowls, egg rolls, and wonton nachos.
We say all hot chicken should be served on a Honeybun.
Photo by @chefccoleman, via @tasteedineravl
Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive | 161 Biltmore Ave. | Sunday-Thursday, 11-12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11-1 a.m.
Until 10 p.m., you can dine on the full menu of burgers, barbecue, and comfort food — after that, the late-night menu will take care of your hunger.
Storm Rhum Bar | 125 S. Lexington Ave., #103-A | Daily, 6 a.m.-2 p.m.
A favorite haunt of service industry workers, the bar serves a creative full menu until 9:45 p.m., then a limited menu until 1 a.m.
Tastee Diner | 575 Haywood Rd. | Monday-Tuesday, Friday-Sunday, 8-3 a.m.
Comfort food takes on new, exciting life whether you want it first thing in the morning or after a night out — the late-night menu starts at 10 p.m.
South Paw AVL | 1996 Hendersonville Rd. | Thursday-Monday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.
Dine on elevated casual fare, like shrimp and grits, smash burgers, and penne lemon beurre blanc, as well as craft beer and cocktails.
Good old-fashioned bar food
The Barrelhouse | 1459 Merrimon Ave. | Daily, 6 p.m.-2 a.m.
Count on this North Asheville spot to get you fed every night of the week, with classics like burgers, sandwiches, and BLTs — plus handcrafted pierogies.
Foggy Mountain | 12 Church St. | Tuesday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday, 12-10 p.m.
This convenient downtown spot runs the gamut from wings to gyros to plant-based specials like the eggplant sandwich + hummus wrap. They also have to-die-for mac and cheese.
Westville Pub | 777 Haywood Rd. | Daily, 10:30-2 a.m.
During regular dining hours, the bar food menu is extensive, but late-night you can get Southern fare like fish + chips and chicken tenders.
The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall | 55 College St. | Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.
Located below the music hall, this spot often has live music blasting, and the menu is full of all things cheesy, carby + delicious.
The Social | 1078 Tunnel Rd. | Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, 11-12 a.m.; Tuesday, Thursday-Saturday, 11-2 a.m.
The wings, sandwiches, salads, and made-to-order burgers are all tasty late-night options. Plus, there’s darts and other fun bar games.
The Rankin Vault | 7 Rankin Ave. | Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 12 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sunday, 12-11 p.m.
The downtown spot is renowned for its Vault Burger, but folks also love the nachos, burritos + avocado-tempeh melt.
Universal Joint | 784 Haywood Rd. | Sunday-Thursday, 11:30-12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30-1 a.m.
There’s not much old fashioned about this bar food — take your burgers and sandwiches to the next level with signature styles or chow down on creative quesadillas and tacos.
A nice slice
Pie.Zaa | 46 Millard Ave. | Monday, 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Tuesday-Thursday, Sunday, 11-12 a.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11-1 a.m.
Purveyors of enormous slices should purchase a whole pie (just be warned that it might be hard to fit through your door).
Standard Pizza Co. | 631 Haywood Rd. + 755 Biltmore Ave. | Times vary
Visit these two locations for classic pizza preparations by the slice or pie, calzones, salads, and specialty recipes like the Cuban with banana (yes, the fruit), ricotta, jalapeno + ham.
