Move aside breakfast, brunch is now the most important meal of the day. It’s that glorious late morning, early afternoon time of day where you can kill two meals in one sitting. You're at peak hunger level before and maximum capacity full after. It’s the best bang for your buck, and Asheville really knows how to deliver the goods. Whatever you’re craving, Asheville has something for everyone.
The Asheville All-Star: Sunny Point Cafe is literally on every best of Asheville list ever created. It’s a rite of passage for anyone who’s ever stepped foot in the 828. It’s quality, and you’ll never hear anyone say anything different. It’s the ‘Field of Dreams’ of brunch spots- the people will come. Get up early or plan to wait. Our recommendation: Huevos Rancheros consisting of two eggs, black bean cakes, chorizo or tofu chorizo, feta, green salsa, spuds, and cilantro crema.
Best Brunch Vibes: From it's historic Pack Square downtown Asheville location to it’s warm and inviting indoor dining room, Posana is #brunchgoals. Let’s be honest, any spot that includes a dedicated brunch cocktail menu is going to make our list. Their fabulously crafted menu of locally sourced, farm fresh ingredients along with the general ambiance, make this the most Instagrammable stop on our list. They also have a dedicated Gluten-Free menu. Our recommendation: the Southern Benedict, a homemade biscuit, cherrywood smoked ham or spinach, poached eggs, and hollandaise. Trust us, you’ll also want to add the Posana Doughnut Holes and a Bloody Mary or Bourbon Mimosa to your order.
Bhramari Brewing Company
Brunch with a Brew-ery: One of South Slope's finest gastro pubs is Bhramari Brewing Company. Their focus on "whimsy, complexity & balance" comes alive during their Sunday Brunch. Using the world’s "infinite offerings of flavor inspirations," they've created a menu that combines the local and global. Their Chicken Sandwich with Vadouvan Maple Syrup, Smoked Whipped Cream, and Pickled Jalapenos is the perfect blend of spicy and sweet, while the Stuffed Hashbrowns with Shiitakes, Bacon, Caramelized Onions, Cheddar ace the savory test. Drink options are endless, but we'd recommend the boba-mosa, a fun twist on a classic mimosa, or the house Bloody Mary. The best thing about brunch at a brewery? By the time you're finished, it's time to enjoy an afternoon beer on the patio.
Best Non-Traditional Brunch: BimBeriBom may be a tongue twister, but it’s also a taste bud pleaser. They pride themselves on a menu consisting of “gluten-free global bites and superfood-enhanced real feelgood food”. It’s hip- just like it’s West Asheville location. Gluten-free and refined sugar free food that’s diverse, innovative, and a culinary adventure. Our recommendation: Quinoa Oat Waffle with whipped cinnamon butter, berries, banana, toasted flax seeds, and organic maple syrup.
Best Geographically Relevant Brunch: You’re in Asheville so you should be seeking out a true southern brunch cuisine. In Asheville, it’s hard to beat Mayfel's take on the southern staples. Just like everything in the south, the service here may be a little slower because their Louisiana-inspired menu is made from scratch and made to order. Our recommendation: the quintessential southern brunch dish of Biscuits & Gravy, a large buttermilk biscuit, split and topped with gravy and crumbled sausage (or veggie sausage). Order it with a side of Parmesan Grits!
Best Brunch Bargain: Breakfast tacos from Taco Billy. You read that right, breakfast tacos. The cheap, late night go to food from your college days has infiltrated the brunch scene and is going to change the brunch world. Taco Billy is certainly changing Asheville’s brunch scene. Their menu is relatively small, featuring six different breakfast taco selections, but visitors can build their own tacos with a variety of meats, cheeses, tortillas, and toppings. They have options available for those with food sensitivities and varying dietary preferences. Our recommendation: Chips and queso to start (Valentina hot sauce on top) with the Migas Taco- eggs, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes, crispy-fried tortillas, and colby-jack cheese. If you decide to sleep in a little later, the lunch taco the Santi with chipotle-stewed chicken tinga, queso fresco, avocado, chipotle crema will make you glad you hit the snooze on the alarm.
Best Crowd Pleaser: Located just outside of downtown Asheville, Cornerstone is a great spot for large groups with lots of brunch demands. They have a large menu, including gluten free options, large dining space with a massive stone fireplace, and free parking. Cornerstone gives off that old school diner vibe in a mountain lodge setting. Our recommendation: The Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict- two poached eggs, fried chicken on a grilled biscuit topped with Chipotle Cream.
Open Oven Cafe
Best Kept Secret: Avoid the crowds and head east to Black Mountain. Seriously, someone should petition to have this charming, mountain town’s name changed to Brunch Town. Considering the town’s size, the availability of brunch options is impressive. From Black Mountain Donut Shop, Four Sisters Bakery, Open Oven Cafe, Foothills Butcher Shop, and more, downtown Black Mountain is a great alternative location to the more bustling Asheville brunch spots. The wait times may be a little shorter, but the food is equally satisfying. Ask a local or a visitor and the one place they’ll likely always recommend is Louise’s Kitchen. It’s not uncommon to find a line out the door and into the street- a sure fire sign that the food here is worth the wait.
Louise’s classic brunch fair, along with french toast and pancakes, truly excels with outside the box brunch options. Our recommendation: Grit Cakes- homemade black bean and corn grit cakes topped with house-made srirancho sauce, pico de gallo, and fresh local greens.
They feature local coffee from Dynamite Roasting Co. and a cooler of bottled sodas, including the North Carolina specialty-Cheerwine. But let’s be real. No brunch is complete without a mimosa, so be sure to order Louise’s Megamosa for only $5.
As you can see, there’s really no shortage of options for brunch in the Asheville area. From savory to sweet to spicy, the dishes are all equally delicious and satisfying.
