re: Restaurant options in Asheville,NC

I’m up there several times a year for work and have been the last 4-5 years. Usually eat downtown or in West Asheville. Haven’t been everywhere but here’s some of my thoughts:

BBQ- 12 Bones, Luella’s and Buxton Hall. In that order, though all are good. Buxton is Whole Hog bbq, the others more conventional

Mexican- Mamacitas, Zia, White Duck and Salsa’s. White Duck has great tacos but I prefer the crowd/atmosphere/ set up and Mamacitas or Zia. Salsa’s is Mexican/ Latin American fusion. Good stuff.

Pizza- Asheville Pizza Co. is OK. Freshwood is a Neopolitan place. Not really my thing but others seem to like it. Barleys is where I find myself most. Laid back pizzeria and taproom with pretty decent pies.

Italian- Only one still open that I’ve been too is Strada, but I like it. The pizza there is pretty good too.

Burgers- Farm Burger is fantastic. Likewise is the Bison Burger at Wicked Weed.

Breakfast- Early Girl or Tupelo Honey

Seafood- Took a customer once to the Lobster Trap and it was surprisingly pretty damn good. But why eat seafood in the mountains.


Just about all the Breweries have good food. Wicked Weed is great. Even better now that some of the locals shun it. Make sure to get the Brussels sprouts.

Pubs- Jack of the Wood and Packs Tavern have some good pub food

Music Venue- Isis Music Hall and The Gray Eagle are nice venues with real good food

Others worth checking out:

Chestnut
Curate’- Not my thing but if you like Tapas go
Rhubarb
Black Bird Cafe- Pretentious but good
Twisted Laurel


I thought the Admiral was overrated but people love it


I’m sure I’m forgetting some. If you get over to Black Mountain they have some great lunch spots