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. | Thursday-Monday, 5-12 a.m.
There’s lots to love on the ever-changing menu (served until 11:30 p.m.) — we recommend the crispy chicken wings and the bodega sandwich. Pro tip: Go on Thursday nights for Snacks & Daiqs, where you can score six wings and a daiquiri for $16.
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).
Ben’s Tune Up | 195 Hilliard Ave. | Thursday, 4-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.
The restaurant’s own kitchen remains closed due to impacts from Helene, but Ben’s is welcoming food trucks like Delish to cure your late-night cravings.
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.
South Paw AVL | 1996 Hendersonville Rd. | Thursday-Monday, 11-12 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.
W.A.L.K. | 401 Haywood Rd. | Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 3-10 p.m.
Starting Monday, April 21, the pub will stay open ‘til 11 p.m. every night, meaning late-night Monday sweet potato tot cravings aren’t just a dream.
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.
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 Brew Pub | 12 Church St. | Monday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.; Thursday- Sunday, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
This convenient downtown spot runs the gamut from wings to pulled pork to brats. 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. Pro tip: There’s pizza by the slice if you’re not too hungry.
The Social | 1078 Tunnel Rd. | Sunday-Thursday, 11-1 a.m.; Friday-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.
Finish with something sweet
Old Europe | 18 Broadway St. | Sunday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-11 p.m.
You don’t have to be an early bird to get the prettiest picks in the case. We’re big fans of the tiramisu, no matter the time. Bonus: Most items are gluten-free, so everyone can indulge.
Crave Dessert Bar | 41 N. Lexington Ave. | Tuesday-Thursday, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Saturday, 3 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday 3 p.m.-11 p.m.
From molten lava cakes to crème brûlée to s’mores (complete with your own fire pit), there are plenty of decadent choices.
If 10 p.m. is your late-night
Potential New Boyfriend | 647 Haywood Rd. | Wednesday-Sunday, 2-10 p.m.
Grab dessert and an aperitif before calling it a night at a reasonable hour.
Mamacitas Taquaria | 77 Biltmore Ave. | Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday + Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fuel up for that early morning yoga class with a burrito, bowl, tacos, or nachos the night before.
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ | 135 Coxe Ave. | Tuesday-Friday + Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Get the best of both worlds — eat fried cheese on a Saturday night, and wake up early enough to beat the grocery store crowds on Sunday morning.
Leo’s House of Thirst | 1055 Haywood Rd. | Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-10 p.m., Friday + Saturday, 12 p.m. -10 p.m.
Savor the wine and weekly specials a little later on the back porch or patio.
