Asheville is well-known as a beer lover's paradise and a craft beer mecca. While there's nearly an unlimited list of Asheville craft breweries to explore, there are also plenty of bars worth checking out. You can still try some new brews at the best bars in Asheville! Many feature local craft brews and common domestic options, along with ciders, wine, and cocktails.
Alright, so you know you want to go out for the night. In Beer City USA, how do you narrow down the long list of options? That's where we come in. Here we’ll break down our choices for the best bars in Asheville, from rooftop bars to cocktail bars, wine bars, and more.
Rooftop Bars in Asheville
Hemingway’s Cuba Restaurant and Bar
Pictured above, Hemingway's brings the flavors of Cuba to Asheville. Hemingway’s is Asheville’s “home of the Cuban Daiquiri”, and you don't want to miss out on trying it! ITheir rooftop patio has excellent westward views of the Blue Ridge Mountains making it a perfect spot to catch a beautiful sunset.
Hemingway Highlights:
- On the 4th floor of the Cambria Hotel downtown.
- Famous for the Hemingway Daiquiri and La Granada Mojito (with pomegranate).
- Great west-facing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains — perfect for sunsets.
The Montford Rooftop Bar
Ask a local where to go for the best rooftop experience and they’ll likely recommend The Montford. It’s the only bar in Asheville with unobstructed views of the mountains!
Here are some highlights:
- Located downtown at Haywood and Monford.
- Smaller, intimate setting with gorgeous unobstructed mountain views.
- Full-service bar with classic cocktails like the Montford Mule, seasonal cocktails, Asheville craft beer, cider, and wine.
- Complimentary valet parking- an added bonus in Asheville!
Capella on 9
The ultra-modern Capella on 9 sits high above downtown Asheville. Capella’s chilled and relaxed vibe is a great spot to land after a long day of exploring western North Carolina! From Capella’s 9th-story vantage point, you can catch the sun setting behind the city and watch as Asheville comes alive at night. Capella focuses on handcrafted cocktails that will leave you wanting to come back for more!
Rooftop Highlights:
- Modern yet relaxed vibe, with incredible sunset and city night views from the 9th floor.
- Features handcrafted cocktails like the Gin and Tonic and Ole #4 Old Fashioned.
Cocktail Bars
The Antidot
Antidote
Easily one of the coolest spots in Asheville. Wedged amongst many of the more well-known breweries on the South Slope, you’ll find yourself irresistibly drawn to this pre-Prohibition era style speakeasy. Summoning all the ghosts and luxuries of Roaring Twenties’ past, Antidote’s floor-to-ceiling wood, apothecary style bar, secret nooks, hidden passageways, and antique piano are guaranteed to transport you back in time. Even the required “membership” adds to the exclusivity vibe of the bar- like you’re in on Asheville’s best-kept secret. Antidote’s curative cocktails feature gin from The Chemist next door. If gin isn’t your thing (but trust us and try it), this is a full-service bar with expert mixologists on hand!
TLDR, The Basics:
- Pre-Prohibition speakeasy style bar in the South Slope.
- Features antique decor, secret nooks, and an apothecary-style bar.
- Requires a “membership” for added exclusivity.
- Specializes in cocktails made with gin from The Chemist next door.
The Times Bar
The Times Bar
The Times Bar oozes vintage class. The high ceilings, dim lighting, cozy booths, bar shelves with over 250 bottles, and a sliding ladder (you’ll be tempted to order those top-shelf drinks), bring Gatsby’s 1920 to 2020. You can tell the bartenders take pride in their carefully curated cocktails, many of which are seasonally inspired. Sit at the bar to watch them in action.
The Times Quick Facts:
- Located in the historic S&W Cafeteria downtown.
- Vintage atmosphere with 250+ bottles, cozy booths, and a sliding ladder.
- Seasonally inspired cocktails crafted with care.
- Ideal for date nights or after-work drinks.
The Bull & Beggar
Every trip to Asheville should include a visit to the incomparable River Arts District (but heads up! A lot has changed here since Hurricane Helene. Double check which businesses are open after the hurricane here, and come out and support them!). The Bull & Beggar reopened in January 2025, and they need our business now more than ever!
The Bull & Beggar Basics:
- Found in the River Arts District.
- Industrial-style building with train views from the bar.
- Offers craft beers, wine, and unique cocktails in a hip, modern setting.
More Honorable Mentions:
Whale: The Craft Beer Collective
The Whale is strictly honorable mention because of its uniqueness. They recognize their location in Beer City USA, but they set themselves apart by showcasing a handpicked selection of quality craft beer from around the world, and not just local drafts. This is where you may stumble across that crisp and refreshing German Pilsner you had while vacationing in Bavaria or stumble across something new you’ve been dying to try!
Fast Facts:
- Stands out by showcasing craft beer from around the world.
- Features rotating taps and an extensive bottle selection.
- Great for finding rare international beers, ciders, and meads.
Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar
If Harry Potter were old enough to drink, it would have been at a place like this. It’s a bookstore, it’s a wine bar, it’s the library of your dreams. Here you can enjoy a standard glass of bubbly, or for the true bibliophiles, you can try a champagne cocktail named after a literary classic, like the aptly named Secret Garden or absinthe-infused Death in the Afternoon, while perusing the wide collection of used books or curling up on a sofa in one of the cozy corners. An afternoon here feels like picking up your favorite book and rereading it. They have a large selection of champagne and wines, along with some beer options. They’re also pet-friendly!
Battery Park Basics:
- Bookstore and wine bar in the historic Grove Arcade.
- Offers champagne cocktails like Death in the Afternoon and Secret Garden.
- Cozy, library-like vibe with books and comfy sofas.
- Pet-friendly with wine, beer, and champagne options.
Post 70 Indulgence Bar
When atmosphere and vibe are almost as important as the cocktails, Post 70 Indulgence Bar in East Asheville is our pick. If Post 70 were located downtown, it would certainly be featured on nearly all of Asheville’s best lists, but because it’s a little off the beaten path it’s become more of a local hideaway. During the day it’s a bakery before flipping the script at night and transforming into a cocktail bar (literally worth spending all day here). Its cozy ambiance makes this a great stop for a romantic date night. Full-service bar with coffee, beer, and wine selections, along with superb handcrafted cocktails. They also have live music events throughout the week!
Post 70 Highlights:
- Located in East Asheville, away from downtown crowds.
- Daytime bakery turned cocktail bar by night.
- Known for cozy ambiance, full drink menu, and live music events.
Top of the Monk
Part speakeasy, part rooftop bar, part cocktail destination. Top of the Monk's location atop Thirsty Monk makes it an easy location to overlook, but on the weekends you’ll often see a line of people waiting to get in. The bartenders are some of the most knowledgeable in Asheville, crafting quality, classic cocktails and inspirational in-house creations. Carry your drink out to the rooftop to catch a glimpse of the setting sun and people-watch below.
Top of the Monk Fast Facts:
- Rooftop bar atop Thirsty Monk with limited seating (30 people).
- Classic and creative cocktails made by expert bartenders.
- Guests receive a key for free snacks with every drink.
- Rooftop views and speakeasy vibes.
Forestry Camp
Burial Beer Company-owned Forestry Camp is cozied up in a neighborhood right beside Biltmore Village. Forestry Camp was built by the U.S. Government in 1933 and included 6 buildings on 2 acres and housed by men with the Civilian Conversation Corps, founded by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression era. The fully renovated bar and restaurant also features a brewery, corporate offices, and barrel-aging facilities.
Forestry Camp Basic Facts:
- Located near Biltmore Village in a 1933 government-built facility.
- Historically tied to the Civilian Conservation Corps.
- Renovated to include bar, brewery, and restaurant.
- Offers batch cocktails and house brews.
Book Your Stay in Asheville Directly with Greybeard Realty!
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We could go on for days with a list of the best bars in Asheville. The good news is that Asheville is an incredibly walkable city so you can use this as a starting point and you’re almost assured to pass by others to discover for yourself! Now that you know all these top spots, the next item on your agenda is booking your vacation accommodations!
We know the best bars in Asheville, but what about the best Asheville vacation rentals? Don't worry, we've got that handled, too. When you book directly with us at Greybeard, you're guaranteed to have an incredible stay. Whether you're looking for a more secluded rental or perhaps stay somewhere with a stunning mountain view, you can tailor your trip to exactly what you need. Browse our extensive selection of Asheville cabin rentals now and book your stay directly with Greybeard Realty!