From James Beard Award-winning restaurants and farm-to-table eateries to craft breweries and eclectic music venues, Asheville's dining and nightlife scene reflects the city's creative spirit and connection to the surrounding mountains.
These culinary destinations showcase Asheville's commitment to local ingredients, innovative techniques, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Authentic Spanish tapas in the heart of downtown Asheville, led by chef Katie Button, a James Beard Award finalist who trained under Ferran Adrià at the legendary elBulli.
Cúrate (meaning "cure yourself" in Spanish) brings the vibrant flavors of Spain to the Blue Ridge Mountains with dishes like jamón ibérico, gambas al ajillo, and traditional Spanish tortilla. The lively atmosphere and open kitchen create an immersive dining experience that transports you straight to Barcelona.
Asheville's original craft brewery, founded in 1994, offering a perfect blend of traditional brewing techniques and innovative flavors in a sprawling taproom with mountain views.
Highland pioneered Asheville's now-famous beer scene with flagship brews like Gaelic Ale and Black Mocha Stout. Their expansive facility includes indoor and outdoor stages for live music, a rooftop bar with panoramic mountain views, and a spacious meadow for events. Tours offer insight into the brewing process while the taproom serves up seasonal and limited releases alongside their year-round favorites.
A nationally recognized concert venue hosting both emerging artists and legendary performers in an intimate setting with exceptional acoustics.
Named one of Rolling Stone's "Top 5 Rock Clubs in the Country," The Orange Peel has welcomed artists like Bob Dylan, Beastie Boys, and Smashing Pumpkins to its stage. The 1,100-capacity venue features a state-of-the-art sound system, multiple bars, and an upstairs lounge called PULP that hosts smaller shows and dance parties. Its central downtown location makes it easy to pair a show with dinner at nearby restaurants.
Asheville's culinary scene is defined by its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and creative preparations that showcase the bounty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Authentic French comfort food with a Southern twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients and an extensive wine list focused on small French producers.
View DetailsAward-winning Indian street food that brings the vibrant flavors of India's roadside cafes and home kitchens to Asheville with a focus on sustainable practices.
View DetailsA West Asheville institution serving creative breakfast and lunch dishes made with ingredients from their on-site garden, with a cozy patio for outdoor dining.
View DetailsAsheville has earned its reputation as one of America's top beer destinations with more breweries per capita than almost anywhere else in the country. From Belgian-style ales to experimental sours and traditional IPAs, Asheville's brewing scene offers something for every beer enthusiast.
From pioneering establishments to experimental newcomers, Asheville's breweries showcase the city's innovative spirit and commitment to quality craft beer.
Known for artistic label designs and creative brews that blend traditional European styles with modern American craft techniques in a rustic taproom.
View DetailsA downtown brewpub with an extensive tap list and full restaurant upstairs, plus the Funkatorium, a dedicated sour beer taproom just blocks away.
View DetailsOne of Asheville's oldest breweries specializing in traditional English styles with both a historic taproom (Dirty Jack's) and a modern "Green Mansion" facility.
View DetailsAsheville's vibrant music scene spans genres from bluegrass and old-time to indie rock and electronic, with venues ranging from intimate listening rooms to outdoor amphitheaters.
Asheville's longest-running all-ages music venue known for exceptional acoustics, a taqueria serving authentic Mexican food, and an eclectic lineup of artists.
View DetailsA restored 1930s movie theater transformed into a premier listening room with multiple performance spaces and a full-service restaurant and bar.
View DetailsA sprawling riverside venue with indoor and outdoor stages, beach volleyball courts, and a tiki bar offering concerts, festivals, and community events.
View DetailsFrom speakeasy-style cocktail lounges to quirky dive bars, Asheville's nightlife scene offers diverse experiences for every taste and mood.
A sophisticated speakeasy-style bar above Thirsty Monk brewery featuring meticulously crafted classic cocktails and a vintage atmosphere.
View DetailsA hidden gem with a library-like atmosphere, featuring one of the largest whiskey selections in the region and occasional live acoustic music.
View DetailsAn elegant corner bar specializing in botanical-infused cocktails made with locally foraged ingredients and a late-night food menu featuring local produce.
View DetailsMark your calendar for these can't-miss culinary and musical happenings around Asheville.
Free outdoor concert series featuring local and regional bands on the third Friday of each month from May through September.
Asheville's longest-running beer festival featuring dozens of regional breweries and live bluegrass music throughout the day.
A multi-day celebration of Southern Appalachian foodways featuring chef demonstrations, tastings, and educational workshops.