Drive into Asheville and you will be greeted by plenty of rolling hills, outdoorsy locals, and “Stay Weird” stickers, but the fresh and artistic vibe isn’t the only thing that has recently brought in people from around the country to visit. Asheville's brewery scene has completely taken off and when my sister and I visited, we got just a taste of all that it has to offer. Below are some of the stops I made with her during our trip to Asheville, but trust me when I say, it's just the tip of the iceberg...
Catawba Brewing Company
32 Banks Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
We rolled into Catawba mid-afternoon on a Wednesday, so while it wasn’t as full as the big warehouse-like brewery could handle, plenty of people moved in and out of the space, buying flights and enjoying the day. With the ability to open the walls up and let in the mountain air, the large space was perfect for getting some fresh air while avoiding the direct sun. Come with a large group and you’ll be fine to spend some hours and relax without feeling overcrowded. There is a wide variety of beers, but no food, so prepare to get in your beer calories!
Wicked Weed Funkatorium
147 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Funkatoriam is definitely smaller but still an open and lively space. There is a ton of seating of different varieties: at the bar, at the high tops, at the picnic tables. More importantly- there are SO many dogs. We arrived with a pup and stomachs ready for some food. I would suggest a smaller group for this bar, as it fills up pretty quickly. Expect an excellent selection of delicious beers and food. You can easily make this spot your dinner plan.
Burial Beer Co.
40 Collier Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Pull open the double doors of this brewery by the scythe handles and enter into a space with great beer and some of the best graphics I have seen. Each beer references another aspect of their deathly theme, and all beers are beautifully colored and designed. They have a smaller indoor space and a wide open outdoor space, perfect for dogs and friends. In addition, head up to the rooftop for some fresh air and views. When we visited, vendors were setting up tables for a fun arts night market, and we played cards while we sipped on our beers and anticipated the crowds. Although they have a kitchen, they only have one chef, so I don't recommend coming here with dinner in mind. You can maybe count on some things to eat after drinking for a bit, if you are sticking around for a while. This might be my favorite place we stopped, a must-visit!
Hi-Wire Brewing
197 Hilliard Avenue, Asheville, NC
The design of this brewery is what will immediately catch your attention. Funkadelic and fun, Hi-Wire Brewing is a great spot to wander into after work. There's less seating here, so make sure to come early to grab a seat by the open windows. They don’t serve food, but have a great local cider for all your gluten-free friends. Dog-friendly and delicious, the staff there was continually wonderful.
Twin Leaf Brewery
144 Coxe Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
With both large indoor and outdoor spaces full of games, Twin Leaf is a great place to go for a night of fun and drinking. Picnic tables line the outdoor space, leaving plenty of room to spread out with friends and pets.
Archetype Brewery
265 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
A great open space to relax, this is a favorite of many in the West Asheville area. We sat on the couches next to the open side doors as we drank and ate some Pizza Mind, the delicious pizza joint next door. With a lot of beer options and room to spread out, this is a great casual spot to get away from any lingering bachelor parties trying to make their way through the popular breweries.
Asheville Brewing Company
77 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801
Come for the beer, stay for the food. This is a great place to visit if you have a family and kids. Asheville Brewing Company has both an indoor and outdoor covered space, with some land on the sides. Outside, kids and dogs were running around as groups relaxed together at the picnic tables. It has a great Asheville atmosphere, and in addition, a great menu. This brewing company is known for having some delicious food coming from their kitchen; plenty of pizza, sandwiches, and appetizers to munch on. The amazing tater tots were our go-to! Local friends, @blueridgefoodies, suggest trying their famous tot-chos, which are tater tots smothered in their famous queso.
Any other suggestions? Let us know!
Photos by Emi & Jackie Lungmus
Written by Emi Lungmus
Editing by Anna McCarthy
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