5 Asheville Breweries Eateries That You Must Try

By: AskAsheville about 7 years ago

Sweeten Creek Brewing Sandwich Shop in Asheville

When you think about Asheville breweries, the first thing that comes to mind is craft beer of course. But after a short time, and a few brews, your stomach starts to kick in and put in a food request. You can always go to a restaurant that features plenty of local Asheville beer, as so many places do. Barley’s Pizza for example is a staple in downtown Asheville, and although Highland Brewing started their operation in the basement, they have never actually brewed any beer themselves. Instead they have a pizzeria that hosts craft beer taps from the local area, as well as specialty nationwide taps.

Many of you want that brewery experience. In the past, breweries kind of strayed away from food for the most part. Some did not want to seem competitive with eateries, while other just didn’t want the responsibility of food. Because if the food is not great, the beer begins to not taste so great either; consistency is important. So they either offered bar snacks or maybe even featured one of the local food trucks.

Now several breweries in Asheville are serving some delicious food options, and we even caught ourselves going there for the food first, and drinking a brew as an afterthought.

Here are the Asheville breweries-eateries that you must try:

Sweeten Creek Brewing – they have their own brews on taps as well as several guest taps, and they are all good! But the sandwiches are out of this world. This spot will easily become your favorite sandwich shop. (featured in photo 1)
Bhramari Brewhouse – talk about some amazing food and brews, this place has it all. You do not want to come to Asheville without stopping here for a beer and something to eat. (featured in photo 2)
Wicked Weed Brewing – this place did not go from zero to hero by mistake. It was a calculated plan of stellar craft beer, mixed with a bunch of food options.
Lexington Avenue Brewery – a local hangout in downtown Asheville that features many craft beer taps, a menu with lots of food, and one of the best people watching patios in the area.
Asheville Pizza & Brewing – what goes better with a bunch of local craft beer taps than pizza? This spot has always been on point, and perfect if you are looking for a pizza & pub food spot that specializes in brewing their own beer.

A Delicious Dinner at Luella’s Barbecue in North Asheville

By: AskAsheville about 7 years ago

Luella’s is definitely one of our favorite go-to places if we are in the mood for barbecue. We stopped in tonight and as we were getting seated, I heard Aaron LaFalce playing the guitar, and you can watch the performance by clicking here. So we sat down and were greeted by Aniela, who then took care of us the whole time. Also bumped into my friend Suzie who is now working there. A great night all around!

First, we ordered some craft beer. This was the Soulvation IPA from Innovation Brewing!

Dinner at Luella's Barbecue in north Asheville

Then we had chopped brisket, pulled pork, and pulled chicken, along with some fantastic sides such as mac & cheese, okra, and a pineapple casserole that we called our dessert.

And Aniela then introduced us to their loyalty card where you eat 9 meals and get one free. We did not know Luella’s did this, but now we know, and will definitely use it. Thank you for a wonderful meal, staff and experience!

The Tour De Asheville December 2015 Experience

By: AskAsheville about 7 years ago

Just this month we started the Tour De Asheville. This is a monthly event where our inside media team and some guests get together to go cruising around WNC in the private van, eating, drinking, meeting folks, taking photos, taking videos, interviewing business owners, chefs and more. Kind of like a reality show, but no show, just us. So exciting. All of us have heard and experienced Asheville in one form or another, but the half has not been told. We are going after that other half!

Our first stop was to the event room at Moment’s Cafe in Swannanoa where we met up with Chef Anne of Anne’s Custom Catering. We got to try so many great foods, coffees, and also interview Anne and her husband Joseph as a group. We learned about how they got started, the many styles of food she has mastered, and how her catering company is now growing by leaps and bounds; with even a brand new website being developed as you read this!

The next stop was Barley’s Taproom & Pizza in Downtown Asheville. Now there are many brewery stops that you can go to in Asheville, but we wanted a wide variety of craft brews from all around the USA to taste, making this the perfect spot. We talked to Jimi, who is one of, if not the pillar that craft beer in Asheville was formed on. As a matter of fact, the great Highland Brewing started out in the basement of this building, and then eventually outgrew it. A must stop if you are brew touring in Asheville North Carolina.

Then we shot over to The Hop West ice cream shop to try a few samples and talk to Ashley, one of the owners. The brownie delight with cold mountain ice cream was incredible. Then that peppermint stick ice cream was so delish! Ashley talked to us about how The Hop Ice Cream got started and their growth including The Hop West opening, and then The Hop Ice Creamery. Who ever knew that ice cream could build so much community? But this is the case every day with The Hop, and ever since Greg and Ashley took it over.

Post 70 Asheville Restaurant & Cocktails

The last stop? Post 70 Indulgence Bar in East Asheville, and this place was WOW!! Talk about amazing craft cocktails, small plates of cuisine, and desserts that will leave you satisfied yet craving more. The building was packed inside and out with an oyster roast just ending, plus a dining room and bar full of folks having a great time. Emilios was delivering the food to our table while Courtney was shaking and serving cocktails. I saw her double fisting the shakers several times throughout the evening. We will be back. Like every week!

Asheville Premier Transportation supplied the van for the Tour De Asheville and did such an amazing job. We are planning on going on one of her private beer and food tours real soon as Dana’s company is expanding as well. In the meantime, if you are in the Asheville, Hendersonville, or WNC area and want to host us when we are out on your end of town, contact us and let us know. We just may drop in with our media team to paparazzi you and your business. Thank you to all of the businesses that hosted us this time!

Asheville Cider at Urban Orchard on Haywood Rd

By: AskAsheville about 8 years ago

We had not really gotten on the cider wagon. Living in Asheville nowadays, you gravitate to craft beer for the most part. And rightly so. After Beer City USA happened, the craft drinking scene in our community was embedded in our hearts and souls, which led to our mouths and down our throats. Along with that, comes their cousin cider! After reading a recent article about the Top 25 Restaurants in Asheville, and seeing how Urban Orchard Cider Company made this list; we had to go again. Not only that, but when the Asheville Foodie page on Facebook tagged the restaurants on Facebook congratulating them, they were one of the few who responded. Social media counts, so that’s a few more clout points to them in our book!

The cider was delicious, perfect for the Sunday brunch meal that we had which was an Artichoke Dip plate and a Reuben Sandwich. Everything was so good. We sat in the open window seats and enjoyed the fresh air. If you have not been to Urban Orchard Cider Company, they are located on Haywood Rd East in west Asheville on what some call Asheville’s Sweet Slope. Other eateries in walking distance of this spot are The Hop Ice Creamery, Short Street Cakes, HOLE Doughnuts, and the new Taco Billy.

Also, remember that the NC Cider Fest 2015 is coming up on November 7, 2015 in Asheville. That event is going to be tremendous!!

Who’s Your Daddy? King Daddy Is!

By: AskAsheville about 9 years ago

West Asheville is a hotbed in Western North Carolina. And with foodie places like this, it will only continue to grow. King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles has become the breakfast place to be for many of us. Whether we are stopping by with a group, all with laptops and tablets in tow, having a meal with the family, or stopping by alone for a quick bite; this place is so good! Check out this waffle above. I told them I wanted everything on it.

The Mardis Building is where King Daddy’s sits. And Capuchina works there! Love that girl. Ask about her signature cocktails.

So many waffle selections and ways to do it. Here is a pork cracklin waffle (or something like that) with chicken pot pie on top!

Here is what I had for breakfast the other day. Scramble eggs, mac & cheese, fruit, and a waffle with strawberries.

We also ate a waffle with bananas, walnuts, chocolate syrup, and whipped cream!

The also have some more great brunchy and lunchy plates for you to choose from. If you are in Asheville, or coming to the area, make a stop in west Asheville, and make sure you eat at King Daddy’s!