An Asheville Food Tour: 10 Fun Places to Eat + Where to Stay
Thank you to Aloft Asheville Downtown for hosting me. As always, all opinions and recommendations are my own. This post also contains affiliate links. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
M ore and more in my travels, I’m discovering that destinations are really upping their game when it comes to their food scene. Asheville is no exception. Food isn’t what first comes to mind when I think of Asheville, but my Asheville food tour showed me that this North Carolina city definitely has it going on!I always try to find really fun eats everywhere I go and well, I found them in Asheville! This may be the most I have EVER eaten on a 5-day trip! I even gained 1.5 pounds and I usually lose weight on a trip from so much walking! The food was seriously that yummy…
So, not only do I have the perfect eats list for you, but I also have the perfect place to stay in Asheville! Don’t worry, it’s close by so you don’t have to go far to crash with your full belly! 😜
Asheville Resources & Recommendations
- Aloft Asheville Downtown– (where I stayed) Read reviews | Book rooms
- TripAdvisor– Find the best tours and reviews for Asheville!
- Skyscanner– Compare prices and find the best deals on flights
| best deals on rental cars - Allianz Travel Insurance– Protect yourself and your trip-Get a free quote!
Where To Eat
1. Buxton Hall Barbecue
Normally, I don’t look for a BBQ place. Being from Alabama, I can get a lot of good BBQ here. However, this place got great reviews. We decided to check it out!
After starting with their French Onion Dip for an appetizer, I ordered their signature Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich. This wasn’t just another fried chicken sandwich.
Nope, it had both pimiento and American cheeses, bread and butter pickles and the most AMAZING white BBQ sauce! It was better than any white BBQ sauce I’ve EVER had! My friend and I both told the waiter we just needed a spoon…or a straw!
After you drink…um, I mean eat all the white BBQ sauce you possibly can, finish the meal off with their Banana Pudding Pie or their S’mores Icebox Pie! Both were good, but the Banana Pudding Pie was the clear winner and it’s a Southern favorite!
One other cool treat is that they serve RC Cola products including Cheerwine! Remember Cheerwine? This definitely brings me back to my childhood!
TIP: They don’t take reservations. We went on a Thursday night around 7:45-ish and got a table. It was pretty full! Also, there is a lot across the street that is pay-to-park. It isn’t expensive, but you do have to sign up for the app which I didn’t like. Street parking is available too.
Buxton Hall BBQ is open Sunday-Friday 11:30am-3pm and 5:30pm-10pm and Saturdays 11:30am-10pm and is located at 32 Banks Avenue, South Slope Asheville, North Carolina.
2. Biscuit Head
The line out the door should give you a clue…it might be relatively new (only established in 2013), but Biscuit Head rocks the breakfast scene!
We might have slightly pigged out. I mean just slightly…you have to try several things on the menu right? You know, normal things like eggs, sausage, and fruit.
But also, really unique specials of the day like coconut chocolate bacon and banana bread with strawberries and a balsamic reduction glaze!!
Most everything comes with a giant fluffy biscuit and they have an assortment of jellies, jams and spreads to put on those biscuits! Cool flavors with a twist like chocolate jalapeño, sour cherry and Amaretto. This was my most favorite part!
TIP: Earlier seems better here. We went on a Friday morning at 9:30 and still had to wait in a line about 10 people deep. When we left at 10:45, the line was how you see it in the photo-out the door and around the corner! Also, you order your food in line and THEN go sit down. You aren’t allowed to save a seat while your friend is ordering.
Biscuit Head is open Mon-Fri 7am-2pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm and has multiple locations.
3. French Broad Chocolates
Stop in at French Broad Chocolates for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Not only is it the cutest place ever with rustic features…
but it has incredible desserts! These are the chocolate mousse and the chocolate crème brûlée and they were both amazing!
TIP: After your delicious dessert, grab a mini box of their chocolates to go for later! I did this and was so excited to taste their exotic flavors on the car ride home from the trip!
French Broad Chocolates is open Sunday-Thursday 11am-11pm, Fri/Sat 11am-Midnight and located at 10 South Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
4. Green Tea Sushi
For those of you sushi-lovers out there…Green Tea Sushi is where you want to be!
My favorite sushi is salmon and I wanted a plate full of it!
Along with my miso soup and salmon sashimi, I also ordered a variation of the Asheville Roll. I say a variation because it normally has salmon tempura and cream cheese on the inside with smoked salmon and avocado on top. I changed the smoked salmon to fresh salmon and added mango.
Let’s just say it made an awesome combination!
TIP: They have a wide selection on the menu and it’s fresh so you can’t go wrong with whatever you order!
Green Tea Sushi has various hours of operation and is located at 2 Regent Park Boulevard, Asheville, North Carolina 28806
5. Tupelo Honey Cafe
Another great place we had brunch was Tupelo Honey Cafe!
We started off with biscuits and honey and washed them down with two of their signature house-made drinks: Lavender-Limeade Fizz and Sparkling Blueberry Punch.
For entrees, Heather had the Gulf Coast Lump Crab Benedict (except with salmon because they didn’t have crab that day) and I had the Tupelo Shrimp & Grits. Both were fabulous!
There may or may not have been a Banana Pudding Pancake on the side…😍 I like banana pudding, okay??
TIP: Be prepared to wait around 30 minutes especially during peak times. Also, don’t be afraid to try to make a combo of your own. I wanted a side of the Banana Pudding Pancakes, but they couldn’t do a side of them. They could, however, bring me one regular pancake with a side of the banana pudding. Score!
Tupelo Honey Cafe is open Sun-Thurs 9am-9pm, Fri/Sat 9am-10pm at the Downtown Asheville location (where we went) located at 12 College Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801. They do have other locations in Asheville and in other states!
You might also like: 15 THINGS TO DO IN ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA: SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
6. Rhubarb
Rhubarb serves farm-to-table cuisine in a contemporary, yet rustic atmosphere. The owner and executive chef is John Fleer, a three-time James Beard finalist!
We chose to share a combo of their Passing Times (small plates) and an EYV (Eat Your Vegetables) and tried the Goat Cheese Buratta, Heritage Pork Meatballs, andSmoked Mushroom Cassoulet.
I couldn’t decide what I liked best…the goat cheese was creamy, the meatballs so flavorful and well, I love anything with mushrooms in it!
Then they brought out the Chicken Fried Border Springs Lamb Sweetbreads. How awesome is this presentation??
The Sweetbreads were amazing! Let’s just say we left full stuffed and happy.
TIP: Make reservations in advance. Closed on Tuesdays. Order from The Rhu for a picnic lunch to take with you to one of the many surrounding parks!
Rhubarb is located at 7 North Pack Square, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
7. Vortex Doughnuts
Pop into Vortex Doughnuts for breakfast or just a treat! It’s one of the best donut shops in North Carolina!
They have yummy flavors like this Turtle one, Cherry Chocolate, Salted Caramel, and more!
If you are a coffee drinker, they do great latte art and the latte is pretty tasty itself!
TIP: There are so many good flavors, I recommend getting a few to share with a friend for taste testing!
Vortex Doughnuts is open daily 7am-5pm and is located at 32 Banks Avenue #106, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
8. Blue Ridge for Sunday Champagne Brunch
Blue Ridge is described as a farm-to-table artisanal buffet. It’s located in the Omni Grove Park Inn and you are handed a glass of champagne as you are escorted to your table overlooking that gorgeous view from the back of the Inn!
When I say they have everything you can imagine on the buffet, I do mean EVERYTHING! From crab claws, a variety of salads, chicken and waffles and bread assortments…
to donut trees, homemade crepes, desserts and even a candy station!
TIP: Book in advance either on their website or OpenTable. It is a LARGE restaurant, but Champagne Brunch is only served on Sundays from 12pm-2:30pm.
Blue Ridge is located 290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, North Carolina 28804
9. Early Girl Eatery
After hiking to Triple Falls, a filming location in the first Hunger Games, we decided to catch a bite at Early Girl Eatery which sort of has its own role in the movie franchise. Well, Josh Hutcherson was interviewed there by Entertainment Weekly while in town filming. Does that count?
Once again, we tested out a few things on the menu. Hiking can you make weirdly hungry. I said weirdly because…well, because this:
I ordered Broccoli Cheddar Hushpuppies (served with apple butter and creamy garlic dressing), 1 Strawberry Chocolate Chip Pancake (all baked into the batter, not toppings) and a side of French Fries.
Yeah, I know. This is what happens after a 4.5-mile hike combined with wanting to sample something different on the menu (hushpuppies), the special off the menu (pancakes) and something you only allow yourself to eat when you travel (fries).
All 3 were really good. My favorite was the strawberry chocolate chip pancake! I couldn’t really taste the cheddar in the hushpuppies so they just tasted like regular hushpuppies to me, which I love. I also liked both the garlic dressing and apple butter with them too (just not in the same bite).
TIP: If you get a seat in the very back, you can have a view of Pritchard Park.
Early Girl Eatery has various hours of operations and is located at 8 Wall Street, Asheville, North Carolina 28801
10. King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles
On our last meal before going to see the murals in Asheville and then heading home, we stopped at King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles. I’m sure you can guess what we got!
Yep, you guessed correctly! You can choose your type of chicken, type of waffle and even your syrup or topping! I got chicken tenders and a Belgian waffle with caramel sauce. It was absolutely amazing!
You might be wondering why I chose caramel sauce. Hint: it’s under Sticky Fingers!
TIP: Think outside the box! Choose a topping from the list you might not normally see and surprise yourself! Also if you don’t like to deal with bones in chicken breasts, get the chicken tenders. Much better experience!
King Daddy’s Chicken & Waffles is open daily 8am-10pm and located at 444 Haywood Road #101, Asheville, North Carolina 28806
Where To Stay
Aloft Asheville Downtown
If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Asheville, look no further than the Aloft Asheville Downtown.
The Entrance
Walking into the front entrance, you are greeted by the announcement that the Aloft Asheville Downtown has a foster dog!!
Having 2 rescue dogs myself, I love this and didn’t know about it before my arrival!
Lobby
The first thing that drew me to the Aloft was all of the colors. Bright, cheerful color everywhere. This is really only about 1/3 of the lobby. It’s huge!
There’s a convenience store where you can get Starbucks coffee!
W XYZ Bar
Hit up the W XYZ Bar for a drink with friends. The locals even come here to hang out!
While you’re having drinks, get your pool game on or even have your own impromptu guitar gig!
The Hallway
Let’s talk about how cool this hallway is. VERY rarely do I notice a hotel hallway, let alone do I stop to photograph it!
The Room
The spacious rooms have extremely comfortable beds where you crawl beneath the fluffy duvet and sink into the mound of pillows while you watch the large flat screen TV on the wall directly in front of you.
One of the most important things I look for is usually on this table. Outlets. Outlet access is important. There were plenty for both beds located below the drawer complete with an open shelf to store your computer, iPad or anything else larger than your phone.
But, guess what else it had?
Switches to turn the overhead lights off without having to get out of bed!! Such a simple amenity is so huge to me. After I’ve gotten in from a long day and I’m just flipping on the computer to work, it’s really nice not to have to get out of bed again just to turn off the lights!
The Bathroom
The bathroom area is spacious and includes a separate sink/counter space from the shower/toilet area. Perfect when you have two people trying to get ready at the same time. Especially if those two people are both girls!
Closet area, safe, and coffee maker with supplies conveniently located all right there!
One thing I haven’t seen before that I love and will now look for…In the shower, not only do you have ample space to store your toiletries (whether you use the nice ones they provide or your own), but they actually have hooks to hang your shower puff!
Finally!! I didn’t need to pull out my travel hook at this hotel and that was a first!
The Extras
You have a mini fridge as well as a carafe and glasses for water. They provide ice like most hotels, but they also provide you with a carafe to fill with their purified water which is located at a station in the hallway.
No need to buy bottled water or drink tap water (if that isn’t your thing). Fill up your carafe with purified water and store it in your fridge if you like it cold! Perfect!
The Best (My Favorite) Part
Meet Cricket, he’s Aloft Asheville’s 99th foster dog!
He’s a 2-year-old Rat Terrier and is the sweetest thing ever. Hopefully, he’s already been adopted. He is completely comfortable with people and likes his toys!
Did I mention he’s cute and super sweet? I HATED saying bye to Cricket and I wanted to take him with me, but I already have 3 dogs.
I love the work that Aloft Asheville Downtown does with dog rescue. Cricket is #99 and when they reach #100, they are having a big party celebration!
Convenience, fantastic amenities, super-friendly staff, colorful, vibrant decor and participates in animal rescue. All reasons the Aloft Downtown is THE place to stay in Asheville!
UPDATE!!
Aloft Asheville Downtown found a forever home for its 100th foster dog!
Lolly, Aloft Asheville’s 100th Foster Dog. Photo Credit: Madison Roberts Photography
According to the hotel’s official press release from May 7, 2018, “Lolly, a Papillon Chihuahua mix, went home today with the Hultin family from Flat Rock, marking the 100th dog to find its forever home through the foster dog program at Aloft Asheville Downtown, a McKibbon Hospitality property.”
Lolly with her new mom, Karen Hultin. Photo Credit: Madison Roberts Photography
” ‘We couldn’t be more excited to be Lolly’s forever family,’ said Karen Hultin. ‘Adopting her through Aloft Asheville and working with their foster dog partner, Charlie’s Angels Animal Rescue, has been a wonderful experience. Their program is an excellent model that helps save the lives of dogs in need and serves as a fun perk for travelers and locals visiting the hotel.’ ”
Aloft Asheville Downtown has served as a catalyst for programs in 10 other hotels across the US and one in Canada. They have been featured in People, O Magazine, Condé Naste, The Huffington Post as well as other news media.
Pet Perks-Aloft Asheville Downtown
- Pets stay free of charge
- The hotel provides water bowls, a signature pet bed, dog toy, and locally baked dog treat
- Artificial turf path made just for dogs to run and play on the hotel’s outdoor Air Walk
I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to make a trip to Asheville just to bring my dogs to stay at the Aloft Asheville!! 😍🐶🐾❤
PIN IT!
Have you been to Asheville and eaten at any of these places or stayed at the Aloft Downtown? What was your favorite place to eat or your favorite part of the hotel? If you go to any of these, I would love to hear how it goes!
Also, for you adventure lovers, check out my day ziplining in Asheville!
‘Til next time…
Trimm Travels,
Wow, it is amazing how much you managed to eat in just 5 days. It looks like you spent your whole time just eating. I am not judging here when I travel it is also 90 percent food intake.
The food of Ashville looks delicious. I have to admit, having never been to the US, that it has an image of being unhealthy not very tasty and in general greasy, but all the pictures you took look delicious.
Hi Lena, we did manage to eat a LOT in 5 days but it isn’t by far all we did for sure. That was more eating than I usually do on a trip but there was a lot of good food there. Definitely, there’s a lot of food in the US that isn’t healthy, but you won’t have problems finding healthy options here nor specialty diets either (such a vegan, vegetarian, etc). Like just about every other country I’ve been to, it’s choices of the eater! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Wow so much food! Those doughnuts looked incredible! As a vegan myself, would you say there were veggie options in most places in Asheville?
Hi Anna, oh yes there are DEFINITELY a LOT of vegan options in Asheville! I would say Asheville is a fabulous place for vegans honestly! You shouldn’t have an issue there at all! The donuts were amazing I have to say! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Donuts and biscuits and brunch OH MY! All of these places look amazing. We’ve been interested in visiting, but we had no idea Asheville was so foodie! Thanks for sharing this awesome list 🙂
Hi Meagan, believe me it wasn’t on my radar either! I had no idea Asheville was such a foodie town, but it is and they do quite well at it! Definitely try to go visit. Thanks for reading! 🙂
I would (will!) absolutely plan a trip to Ashville just for the Coconut Chocolate Bacon!! That sound spectacular – and I’m a huge bacon fan so always looking for a new variety. I’ve never even heard of White BBQ Sauce, so will need to check that out as well. I love the idea of a hotel having a foster dog – what a brilliant way to find new homes for shelter animals. Gives people a chance to connect with the dog one-on-one. And, I would imagine it’s a lot less stressful on the dogs to keep them there than in a shelter, too. Wins all around!
Hi Cynthia! YES!!! You’re so right about it being less stressful on the dogs! They get used to being around people and get loved on by guests and the staff and get to lounge in the chairs. It’s just a perfect situation for them. And I had never seen or heard of this happening until I got on site. And the coconut chocolate bacon. Girl. I’m not a bacon fan (cue the gasps I know!) and this was good stuff! White BBQ sauce is the best. Come on down to the south and experience good (not always healthy) food! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Everything looks so delicious! I like how you managed to eat at so many places in 5 days…we were so disappointed that we were only able to visit 3 of our 7 chosen places in 3 days in Panaji, Goa. Also, all these eateries have such cool names. Why would anyone not want to have breakfast at a place named Biscuit Head!
Hi Mohana! I’ve been there with not being able to eat at all the places I had planned and it stinks. I was actually surprised we packed in as much eating as we did, but we stayed hungry with all the activities we had planned too! And yes, Biscuit Head…it’s the best thing ever that place! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Been to Asheville a number of times, and the food scene there, as you discovered, is delectable. Loved hearing about Aloft — what a cool, funky vibe for a Marriott property! And so very very cool they have a foster dog program. In fact, I love arriving at a hotel, or B&B or inn and being greeted by the “official pooch” who takes it very seriously ensuring every guest has equal opportunity to play, snuggle or pet. Put that hotel on my “to stay at” list next time I am in Asheville. And will look to check out Rhubarbs too.
Hi Michael, man the food is amazing! And yes, I love to be greeted by the resident doggy too! It says a lot to me when any property has an animal in residence, but this one just blew me away with a foster/adopt program! Definitely try to stay there next time you are in Asheville and love on the foster pooch! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Isn’t it remarkable how food and food culture can define a place and even make less interesting place interesting. The better tasting food the more we like the place. Right now I am visiting Warsaw in Poland where the food is simply amazing. No matter what I try it tastes delicious. Cannot get enough. So I am eating, and eating and eating. …. and surely gaining pounds,,, but I love it. Warsaw will always be for me a place of comfort. I guess we are all foodies. Bon appetite.
Hi Eva, for sure the better the food the more interesting a place! This usually (well, a lot of times) dictates my perception of a place and what stays in my memory too! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Wow….think I’d have to go on a diet beforehand if I ever visited Asheville, with all that amazing food around !
Hi Mel, nah…no prior dieting required. Just staying active with all the local activities was enough to not really gain weight and I think the 1.5 lbs I did gain was gone within 2-3 days so that was water weight! LOL! Asheville does have an amazing food scene! Thanks for reading! 🙂
The Biscuit Head and the French Broad Chocolates had me riveted. Seeing the queue outside the Biscuit Head, I am sure that they must be serving one hell of a breakfast. The chocolates and desserts of French Broad Chocolate look really tempting. This is a wonderful list of eating places and places to stay in Asheville.
Hi Sandy! Biscuit Head serves a FANTASTIC breakfast for sure!!! The aLoft is the perfect place to stay too! Thanks for reading! 🙂
That’s an impressive amount of food! This seems to be a fantastic way to discover local produces. Such a diversity of choices, colors, and taste! It must have been heaven (though I could see dreaming about food at night!). Rhubarb and Tupelo Honey Cafe would see me as a regular customer!
Hi Patricia! You’re right, it’s a fantastic way to discover the local produce! It was heaven, I did dream about food and I still miss those places to eat. Rhubarb and Tupelo Honey are both amazing! Thanks for reading! 🙂
Thank you for this detailed guide!
Hi Harriet-Thanks for reading! 🙂