Cocktail barCraft cocktail bar and bistro$$$downtownMon-Thu 16:00-24:00; Fri 16:00-02:00; Sat 10:00-02:00; Sun 10:00-24:00
Sovereign Remedies on North Market Street is the multilevel apothecary-themed cocktail bar in a historic downtown building. Bar opened 2014, kitchen runs.
Signature drink: Apothecary-inspired seasonal cocktails
Food: Bone marrow, seasonal small plates, pastas
Tip: Reserve a table on Resy. The downstairs bar takes walk-ins for the cocktail menu. Closed Tuesdays.
Cocktail barCraft cocktail bar, distillery$$$south-slopeMon-Fri 08:00-23:00, Sat-Sun 08:00-00:00
Antidote at Chemist Spirits on Coxe Avenue runs three floors of 1920s apothecary-styled cocktail bar above the Chemist gin and rum distillery.
Signature drink: Chemist Crimson Moon gin cocktails
Food: Snack menu, charcuterie
Tip: Top-floor bar takes the views. Tours of the distillery downstairs run weekends; book ahead.
Cocktail barSpeakeasy, whiskey bar$$$downtownDaily 17:00-24:00
The Crow and Quill on North Lexington Avenue is the hidden Asheville speakeasy with 800 whiskeys and 1,000 spirits behind an unmarked door. Edgar Allan Poe.
Signature drink: 800+ whiskeys, classic cocktails
Food: Snacks only
Tip: Look for the 106 and the lanterns; the door is unmarked. Membership-style with a small cover for non-members.
Cocktail barBrewery taproom, courtyard$$$south-slopeMon-Thu 12:00-23:00; Fri-Sat 12:00-24:00; Sun 12:00-23:00
Burial Beer's South Slope taproom on Collier Avenue is the defining Asheville craft beer hangout, opened 2013. Saisons, IPAs, sours; Good Hot Fish counter.
Signature drink: Saisons, IPAs, mixed-fermentation
Food: Good Hot Fish counter upstairs
Tip: Outdoor courtyard takes the overflow. The Forestry Camp on Shelburne Road is the sister destination for the barrel program.
Cocktail barCraft cocktail bar, coffee shop$$$downtownMon closed; Tue 17:00-23:00; Wed-Thu 10:00-23:00; Fri-Sat 10:00-01:00; Sun 10:00-23:00
The Times Bar inside the historic S and W Cafeteria (now the S and W Market food hall) on Patton Avenue runs as a coffee shop by day and craft cocktail bar.
Signature drink: Classic Manhattan, seasonal sazerac
Food: S and W Market food hall around it
Tip: Coffee until 16:00, cocktails after. Food from the surrounding S and W Market counters (Buxton Chicken, Hi-Wire, Highland).
Cocktail barBrewpub, large patio bar$$$downtownMon-Thu 12:00-22:00; Fri-Sat 12:00-23:00; Sun 12:00-22:00
Wicked Weed's downtown Brewpub on Biltmore Avenue opened in 2012. Hop-forward IPAs and lagers, full-service restaurant, large patio. The original Wicked Weed.
Signature drink: Hop-forward IPAs, Pernicious
Food: Full-service restaurant
Tip: The downstairs cellar offers private booths. The Funkatorium on Coxe Avenue runs the sour beer program.