As we all know, 2020 was a tough year for small businesses, especially here in Asheville where many of them rely on tourism and the crowds to visit our mountain city. But, fortunately, Asheville also had some new businesses open up during the pandemic, so we created a new business roundup for you to add to your list of places to eat + drink while vacationing in Asheville.
NEW EATS
Asheville Proper – Known for fireside dining, this elegant, modernly designed restaurant is located in the Grove Arcade, one of Asheville’s top historic spots to shop, dine and sip. The menu at Asheville Proper is farm to table, a lovely mix of small plates, local beef and fresh seafood. YUM! You’ll absolutely love everything about it.
S&W Food Market – Newly open this summer, the S&W building is another downtown historic landmark you won’t want to miss. The recently opened market, spearheaded by Highland Brewing Co., has an array of eateries offering everything from authentic tacos to locally handmade ice cream by The Hop and everything in between. Perfect for a midday lunch break because there is something for everyone.
Little Pearl Oyster Bar – Hailing from the shores of Key West, Little Pearl Oyster Bar is the perfect fusion of east meets west for the freshest seafood, oysters, sushi, and more.
El Gallo – If authentic, traditional tacos are what you are looking for, then stop in at El Gallo located in the heart of downtown Asheville. An added bonus; El Gallo is neighbor to Asheville’s most popular shoe store, Top’s for Shoes, the ladies will find this adventure an all-day affair.
Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken – Owned and operated by a local dining favorite, Chai Pani and Spicewalla, comes Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken. Also placed in the historic Grove Arcade, Nani’s oven flavors will have your tastebuds dreaming for more.
Baby Bull + Beggar – If you’re not familiar with the River Arts District’s top food destination, The Bull and Beggar, then you should be. If you decide to dine at The Bull and Beggar, be sure to make a reservation, or if you want the same tastes and smells faster and in a more casual atmosphere, head over to their newly opened restaurant, Baby Bull and Beggar. Note they are only open Thursday – Sunday. Check their website for hours.
Andaaz Indian Cuisine – If you find yourself strolling around the Biltmore Village located at the entrance to the Biltmore Estate, make time to dine at Andaaz Indian Cuisine. Also newly opened in 2021, Andaaz delivers fresh, traditional indian fare including all the popular favorites. We recommend the lunch buffet! Take note, dinner is reservation only!
NEW SIPS
BarnDoor Ciderworks – Looking for bona fide cider maker? Go check out BarnDoor Ciderworks located fairly close to many of our vacation rentals in Fairview, NC. BarnDoor prides itself on handpicking and hand pruning the most suitable apples for fermentation with no additives, no added sugars or concentrated flavors. Open Thursday – Sunday, bring an appetite for they also have an amazing lunch and dessert menu.
Botanist and Barrel – Another authentic cider company is Botanist and Barrel Cidery & Winery. Focused on spontaneous, wild cultures and light-handed winemaking, B&B embraces old-world methods with modern sensibilities. Their homestead cidery is based in Morganton, NC, an hour outside of Asheville, but their wines, fruited sours, and ciders have become so popular they’ve expanded into Raleigh and now have a NEW tasting room in downtown Asheville on Biltmore Avenue. You’ll also find their snacking menu pairs perfectly with any of their libations.
Leo’s House of Thirst – Leo’s House of Thirst is West Asheville’s NEW Wine Bar that offers a delicious menu, global wines, and desserts. All of which are waiting to be discovered by you!
Marked Tree Winery Tasting Room in downtown Asheville. If you don’t have time to visit the vineyard in Henderson County, then make it easy on yourself and stop in the tasting room while strolling around downtown Asheville. Marked Tree Vineyard is producing award-winning wines that you won’t want to miss. Their Asheville Tasting Room is open , Monday – Thursday 2-8pm, Friday-Saturday 1 – 9pm, Sunday 1 – 7pm Note: Last call served 30 min. before closing.
Down Dog AVL – Whether you’re into yoga or not, grab your four-legged best friend and head to Asheville’s newest dog bar, Down Dog AVL. Serving local beers and ciders on tap, Down Dog has quickly become Asheville’s funest doggie social! Down Dog Avl offers entry without your Veterinarian’s vaccine records and all friendly dogs are welcome. Just show up, play, sip, and flow. Yoga not required but the dog fun is!
The Getaway Tiki Bar Ready to unwind and relax with a drink in hand down by the river? Then head to The Getaway Tiki Bar located on the shores of the French Broad. Full disclosure; it’s a little dive-y, but so much fun! Great people, lots of local friends, music and low-cost drink specials! What else could you ask for?
OLDE LONDON Road Pub “AHOY! The British are coming! The British are coming!” And they’ve landed smack dab in the middle of the River Arts District. This British themed pub is not new to Asheville, but has relocated to a new, fantastic location. Known as the area’s ONLY European Soccer Bar and British Social, Olde London has an extensive beer + cocktail menu and a rotating food truck schedule. We say, “go spend an afternoon strolling through the art galleries then head to Olde London Road Pub to soak it all in.
Rabbit Rabbit – Just about every city around the world opened an outdoor gathering space for mixing and mingling safely. And, you’re in luck! Here in Asheville, that venue is called Rabbit Rabbit. A partnership between Asheville Brewing Company and The Orange Peel, Rabbit Rabbit sprung up to offer a space for adults get their outdoor entertaining social drinking on with loads of live music, popup movie nights, live performances and much more. Go check out all the happenings coming to Rabbit Rabbit this year.
Now that you have a list all the new places to wine and dine your way through Asheville, the next question is…Where do you start? Don’t worry, it won’t matter. You will love them all!
