44 Best Cocktail Bars in Asheville

“Wonderful experience at Tall John’s last night! We stopped in for appetizers and drinks. Everything was amazing! We had the special appetizer and mussels. Excellent wine menu, great atmosphere and overall amazing experience! We will definitely be back for brunch or dinner too! Side note- where can I find the bathroom wallpaper to purchase? Very interesting! 😊“

“Fantastic meal last night at Jargon! The ginger carrot 🥕 soup was incredible. We paired it with Asparagus and risotto. The strawberry dessert was amazing and the after dinner drinks with espresso beans were perfection.“

“I have been to Little D's several times since they opened, and every time they exceed the previous meal. they are creative, perfectly presented, and amazingly delicious!“

“Lo mejor de lo mejor. Una bebidas 🍷 súper deliciosas 🥰🥰“

“Absolutely terrific. My wife and I come from Long Island, so we know our seafood. The mussels were amazing, a meal in themselves. My wife loved her octopus. I had fish and chips better than what I had in England. Friendly staff, great service. 10/10!“

“Delicious food! The rooftop views were incredible, ambiance was groovy and unique, and staff was friendly. We ordered the trout dip, fig and prosciutto pizza, spicy Italian pizza, espresso martini, and cello flight. Will definitely be returning!!!!“

“The food and service were fantastic! However, the reason I will return every time I visit Asheville is not actually food related. The owners fed their employees and their families the entire time they were shut down for Covid. The owner’s husband is involved in many global humanitarian projects. While I was reading the Cantina’s historical wall display, the researcher responsible for the wall came and spent about 20 minutes chatting with me about the area’s history. I was moved by life work of the people associated with the restaurant and will return in support of goodness in the world.“

“The Observatory rooftop bar in Asheville is an absolute gem and easily one of the best spots in the city for a night out. From the moment we stepped in, the vibe was perfect—chic, relaxed, and full of great energy. The views from the rooftop are stunning, especially around sunset, and really add something special to the experience.

The drinks were top-tier. Creative cocktails made with fresh ingredients, and everything was well-balanced and delicious. The bartenders clearly know what they’re doing. We tried a few different ones throughout the night and loved every single one. The food was just as impressive—elevated small plates with bold flavors that paired perfectly with the drinks. You can tell they put real thought into the menu.

What really made the night was the atmosphere. The music, the lighting, the overall layout—it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay all evening. Me and my friends had a blast just hanging out, laughing, and soaking it all in. The staff was friendly and attentive, too, which made the whole experience seamless.

If you’re in Asheville and want a classy, fun spot with amazing views and great vibes, The Observatory is a must. Five stars, no question.“

“The atmosphere and drinks were amazing! However we arrived around 5 o’clock and were told no coffee after 4pm - but they had coffee for cocktails. It was upsetting for our designated driver who was looking forward to enjoying a coffee while we had cocktails. Hoping this rule will change so we can enjoy a responsible night out in the future!“

“We ate brunch at the Exchange and it was excellent. Food and service were great. Savannah took great care of us and even surprised us with a slice of cake for my wife's birthday. Definitely recommend the basket of pastries for the table.“

“Great pizza! Waiter stretched too thin serving too many tables. Serving staff unhelpful and unresponsive - we asked 2 different servers for an additional plate, both said yes, and never returned to our table.
So in the end, what makes Contrada wonderful is the outdoor seating on Wall Street, which exudes the charm of a small European street.“

“I still think about how good the wings are and I haven't been to Asheville in a while.“

“expertly crafted cocktails, great service“

“I love ❤️ the Rooftop with live music, friendly staff and good service 👌.“

“delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and the most AMAZING tequilas and mezcals I've ever seen in one place! thank you for your hospitality during the snow, we enjoyed ourselves so much!“

“Brandi took us on an amazing tour! 💯 recommend!“

“Had dinner with a group of friends. We all enjoyed our meals. Tuna nachos, pork belly and wings were very tasty to start the meal. The main dishes we had included the brick chicken, shrimp and grits and smash burger. We cleaned our plates…great flavors and taste! We would DEFINITELY go back!“

“Dj was great, drinks were great and the atmosphere was great. Highly recommend.“

“Live music, no cover charge, great local atmosphere“

“Charming place. Great coffee and pastries. Local art on walls. Wonderful vibe.“

“I’ve eaten here 2 times in the last 2 months. The food is delicious , the service has been excellent and the atmosphere is so nice . I’ve enjoyed eating on their patio . I know I’ll be returning .“

“Brandi took us on an amazing tour! 💯 recommend!“

“our favorite cocktail bar!“

“Great little craft cocktail bar with a few snacks to go with. They didn't have it on the menu, but their bartender made me the best classic 1944 Mai Tai I've ever had. Definitely recommend for small parties or a date night stop.“

“Incredible food, drinks, and views! Definitely make a reservation and catch the sunset. 10/10 experience.“

“A must try! Chef Lee is Amazing! Stacie makes great cocktails 🍹 and has a awesome crew!“

“Absolutely perfect! Ben was the best server and was so easy to talk to! the food was incredible and the drinks were delicious. loved the atmosphere. V chill! would Definitely return on our next visit. thanks for making my husband's birthday so great! 👏 Bravo“

“Great place to relax, watch a game or enjoy music and smoke a cigar! Very nice place.“

“Great European feel. Sweet people and super clean.“

“I was so saddened to learn they are closing down. White Rabbit, you graced Asheville with the most focused house and techno music. I do hope a new home is found for our beautiful dance community. 🖤“

“Love Rabbit Rabbit! Thanks so much for bringing great live music to NC/Upstate SC!!!“

“We had absolutely wonderful service & delicious cocktails during our visit in Asheville. Meticulously crafted cocktails by a very knowledgeable mixologist (can’t remember his name). We will definitely be back next time we’re in town.“

“The WALK has always been one of my favorite West Asheville hangouts because their tacos are to die for! My most recent lunch there I had the best service thanks to Emma. I appreciate that the WALK not only has good food but they have good people that provide great service!!!“

“We try to come for a visit to the Grove Park and Sunset Terrace any time we're in Asheville (if we're not already staying at the resort), because it is just a beautiful area. The ambience can't be beat- half the time I just sit there staring out over the subterranean spa mesmerized by the landscaping and the beautiful blue ridge of mountains in the distance. It's that good. Service was great- thank you, Erin. My husband had the chocolate raspberry martini and the BLT (the fried green kind) and loved it. Fries are super yummy btw. I had the Caesar salad with an espresso martini and shared in his BLT. No disappointments here.“

“Great drinks, vibes, & service! The cocktails are delicious. They are really unique and perfectly balanced. This is a good spot to end the night. My only issue is that it was a bit loud & crowded so it was hard to find a place to sit.“

“Incredible vibe the whole night- we started upstairs with a private dining room and finished downstairs for drinks and just hanging out. Great food and wait staff all night and incredibly attentive staff. Was perfect for our occasion of about 20 people.“

“Love the “Dive Bar” atmosphere! Great staff. Next time I’m in Asheville, I’m definitely coming back!“

“We enjoyed our visit to District 42. The bartender seemed to be by herself that night and was kinda swamped. The drinks we had were good but only found two specialty cocktails on the menu, but maybe we just missed the rest. Comfortable and relaxing vibe. The fire pits outside we're very nice on this cool evening.“

“Fantastic!! Waiter was Cassidy he was very nice and welcoming with great knowledge of the menu, this was our first time there and was so relieved to find a great noodle stop as we have tried others and were highly disappointed but not here. We got the dynamite shrimp , so creamy and just a hint of heat, we got the kids ramen so next extra stuff just the noodles and broth and those had great flavor they approved!! I got the deluxe ramen with the black garlic oil and pork belly so bold and smooth, and we got the spicy ramen which had a great heat level and my husband loved. Over all great food worth the price which wasn’t super high , nice environment with great music choice would highly recommend!!!! Thanks again Cassidy“

“delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, knowledgeable and helpful staff, and the most AMAZING tequilas and mezcals I've ever seen in one place! thank you for your hospitality during the snow, we enjoyed ourselves so much!“

“We love this place. One of the best steaks in town. Sides are amazing and don’t even get me started on deserts. Staff is wonderful and sweet. Couldn’t ask for a better experience.“

“Great place with a great welcoming staff.“

“Great view ,Great food and service“