The new bar and music venue occupying the former Isa’s Bistro nods to two important figures in Asheville’s literary history, encapsulating their styles with two floors of nightlife. But with three distinct rooms, you can choose your own adventure.
We got a chance to check it out this week. Here’s what to know before the bar hosts its Grand Ole Opening party tomorrow, May 31, celebrating with hours of honky tonk tunes and late night jazz.
They have a seriously delicious smash burger.
Photo by AVLtoday
Atmospheres to explore
The venue’s three rooms cater to different vibes. The Showroom is for anyone who’s ever been called “the life of the party,” bringing vibrant energy with flashy neon signs, pop culture iconography from the ‘50s to today, live music, and late-night bites.
The food menu boasts a Chicago-style hot dog, caprese sandwich, and a delicious smash burger, with most menu items coming in at under $10.
Spring Plant Sale and Market | Friday, May 30-Saturday, May 31 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Price of purchase | The North Carolina Arboretum | Turn over a new leaf with flourishing flowers and glorious greenery from vendors like Blazing Star Flowers, Sandy Mush Herb Nursery, Blue Ridge Exotics, and many more.
30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival | Friday, May 30-Saturday, May 31 | Times vary | Flood Gallery Fine Art Center | $10+ | Watch award-winning independent films from around the world, from animated pieces to short dramas.
Jason Salmon | 7 p.m. | Eulogy | $23+ | Catch a stand-up set from the comedian who’s graced your TV screens on shows like “30 Rock” and “Orange is the New Black.”
Saturday, May 31
Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour | Saturday, May 31, Sunday, June 1 | 12-5 p.m. | Grovewood Village | Free | Explore the craftsmanship displayed by Grovewood’s resident artists as you browse their latest works.
Animal Haven of Asheville’s 25th Anniversary | 1-5 p.m. | Animal Haven of Asheville | Free | Meet the adorable cows, pigs, goats, and sheep that roam the animal rescue, purchase fine art created by Bubbles the pig, and enjoy vegan food from The Smokin’ Onion.
Sunday, June 1
Life Like Water | 2 p.m. | Highland Brewing Company | Free | Bring a blanket or chair to the meadow to take in the eclectic and worldly sounds of this local folk band.
Regina’s Westside Turns Two | 5-9 p.m. | Regina’s Westside | Price of purchase | Snag a resy to celebrate the upscale diner’s second anniversary with a special menu of caviar hot dogs and a decadent silver tower of grilled cabbage Caesar and pecorino fries paired with two martinis.
Asheville City Council authorized a contract with Clark Nexsen for the Malvern Hill Improvements Project, which means redesigning the park pool will come next. The city is planning public engagement sessions for community feedback to help inform the design. Stay tuned for dates.
Outdoors
Another stop on the Asheville Butterfly Trail has gotten its wings since it was introduced last summer. The human-scale butterflies can be found at the Asheville Visitor Center, Reems Creek Nursery, and now, Glenn’s Creek Greenway.
Community
Trains are rolling through Biltmore Village again, and the Historic Biltmore Village Association says recovery is “full steam ahead.” While the area rebuilds, you can still support plenty of its local businesses. Here’s how.
Number
$276,000. That’s how much grant funding the Community Foundation of WNC has approved for cultural and natural resource projects. John C. Campbell Folk School received $50,000 to fund a concert series for its centennial celebration. See where the rest of the funds went.
Seasonal
School’s (almost) out for summer — sing that in Alice Cooper’s voice, of course. With Asheville and Buncombe County school students wrapping up within the next two weeks, it’s time to plan the perfect summer with our kid-friendly activities guide. Have a favorite activity we missed? Let us know.
Job
ArtsAVL is hiring a Communications Manager to assist with public relations, marketing campaigns, coordinate membership efforts, and more. Show off your skills and apply by Sunday, June 15. Are you hiring? Post your open roles on AVLtoday’s Jobs Board.
Keep showing love for Asheville’s artists. | Photo by AVLtoday
ArtsAVL’s 2025 State of the Arts Brunch earlier this month provided meaningful insight into the recovery of WNC’s creative sector.
Since Helene, the organization has distributed more than $1.4 million in Emergency Relief Grants for artists. Here’s a look at how ArtsAVL is utilizing planning, arts tourism, and case studies in its recovery initiatives.
ArtsAVL has worked with the cultural planning firm Lord Cultural Resources to create a five-year countywide arts recovery plan with support from the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and other local arts partners. Planning will begin in July.
To support arts tourism, the organization partnered with local marketing firm One For the Books to launch the “Redefine the Weekend” campaign. Through billboards, commercials, a weekly newsletter, and more tools, the campaign connects locals and visitors with arts opportunities in downtown Asheville, the RAD, Weaverville, and Black Mountain.
A great find in Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale. Get up to 60% off dresses, shoes, tees, and beauty before the sale ends this weekend. Here’s what we’re eyeing:
On the other side of Fitz and the Wolfe’s photo booth and on some stickers, you’ll find the “unofficial mascot” of the bar, a disco cowgirl that has since been named Bethany Grace. We’re not sure where the name came from (wink, wink), but she sounds very cool.
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