Experience the Best Bars & Nightlife in Asheville, NC

The Workshop Lounge, nestled inside The Foundry Hotel at 51 South Market Street in downtown Asheville, offers a refined yet approachable cocktail bar experience. Open Sunday through Thursday from 5 PM to 11 PM and Friday to Saturday from 3 PM to 11 PM, it features creative cocktails crafted by skilled mixologists alongside craft beers and a curated wine list. The lounge vibe combines modern elegance with a soulful, relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by regular live jazz and acoustic music sets. The food menu serves bar bites and sandwiches that complement the drinks, making it an ideal spot for a casual night out, romantic date, or pre-show gathering.

If you're hunting for a cool, hidden spot in West Asheville, The Low Down is the kind of cocktail bar you want on your radar. This underground gem sits below The Hop on 723 Haywood Road and opens its doors at 5 p.m., running until midnight from Tuesday through Sunday. The vibe is cozy, with beautiful wood interiors, a sleek canopy bar, and a spot for shuffleboard that keeps things fun and laid-back. Created by the founder of The Crow and Quill, it mixes dreamy art deco touches with a hint of occult style—perfect for date nights or small get-togethers. The cocktail menu is seasonal, featuring craft cocktails and mocktails that nail the art of balance—whether you’re craving an ice-cold martini or something with a little twist. The Low Down is also available for private parties, making it a popular spot for locals who want an intimate celebration.

Third Room is Asheville’s cutting-edge live music venue and immersive multimedia art gallery, located right on Wall Street. Founded by local artists, it’s where DJs, jam bands, EDM, jazz, and visual art collide in an ever-changing, 360º projection space. You’ll find signature cocktails, elixirs, mocktails, and cozy lounges, but the real magic is in the community spirit and the calendar packed with performances, comedy, art markets, and private events. ADA accessible and artist-run, it’s the pulse of Asheville’s creative scene.

Crow Bar brings fresh energy to downtown Asheville with 22 beer taps pouring rotating local brews, tasty bar bites, and a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for a chill night out. Newly opened on Patton Avenue in the old Thirsty Monk space, it’s quickly become a new favorite for catching up over a pint, grabbing a game night with friends, or starting a downtown bar hop. There’s plenty of room to spread out, and the friendly staff keep things easy and welcoming whether you’re a regular or dropping in for the first time.

If you’re looking for a cozy spot in downtown Asheville for great wine, small bites, and chill vibes, 5 Walnut Wine Bar is a must-visit. This neighborhood gem offers an eclectic selection of wines by the glass, from $5 to $15, plus craft beers and killer charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with your drink. The space is warm and inviting, with rustic wood accents and cozy seating that make it feel like your own living room away from home.

Potential New Boyfriend (PNB) is a total gem tucked in West Asheville that locals absolutely love. It’s not your typical bar or dessert spot—it blends the cozy vibes of a living room hangout with a first-class wine bar and an ice cream parlor all rolled into one. The place has this cool, retro-modern feel with plush furniture, colorful artwork, and a hi-fi sound system playing vinyl. It’s perfect for winding down over amazing desserts and curated wines. This spot is 21+ and open from Tuesday through Sunday, with happy hour early in the afternoons. Whether you’re coming for an after-dinner treat or stopping by for some quality downtime, PNB serves up inventive ice creams, charcuterie, and small bites that pair beautifully with their wine selection.

Nestled in the scenic hills of Weaverville, Eda’s Hide-a-Way is a vibrant distillery bar offering a lively fusion of craft spirits, cold beer, cocktails, and comfort food in a relaxed, welcoming setting. A second location of Eda Rhyne Distilling Co., this venue features nightly live music spanning genres such as bluegrass, Americana, rock, and folk alongside pool and shuffleboard tables, ping-pong, and a casual outdoor view. Eda’s Hide-a-Way is an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy local culture, flavorful drinks, and social games just a country mile from Asheville. Their event calendar regularly includes open mic nights, bluegrass jams, and special concerts, supporting both emerging and established artists.

AVL Ride, also known as Asheville Taxi, has been a cornerstone of dependable ground transportation in the Asheville metropolitan area since 2014. Offering a full range of on-demand ride services including airport transfers, local rides, scheduled pickups, and group transportation with 14-passenger vans, AVL Ride provides convenient, friendly, and professional service 24/7/365. Customers can book rides through a free smartphone app available on Google Play and the Apple Store, by calling or texting, or via online reservations. The company partners with local organizations to assist with food donations and medical transportation services, demonstrating a commitment to community support and social responsibility. AVL Ride drivers are known for punctuality, cleanliness, and helpfulness, enhancing the overall customer experience.

The Montford Rooftop Bar, perched atop the DoubleTree by Hilton in downtown Asheville, mixes rustic charm with modern vibes and offers one of the best sunset views in town. Step inside to enjoy craft cocktails made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, alongside a menu of locally inspired small plates. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a crisp evening, the indoor/outdoor space lets you soak in panoramic Blue Ridge Mountain views and Asheville’s skyline in style.

Sovereign Kava Bar is North Carolina’s first and premier kava bar serving traditional South Pacific ceremonial kava made by hand. Dedicated to a relaxing, inclusive social environment, the bar offers a variety of kava drinks, kava cocktails, Maeng Da tea, CBD edibles and tinctures, Buchi Kombucha, vegan snacks, and more. The space features a cozy interior with stone wall accents, intimate lighting, and a welcoming vibe for guests from all walks of life looking to chill out and catch a natural buzz. Open daily from noon until midnight, with extended hours to 1 AM on most Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Sovereign also hosts weekly live music, open mic nights, ping pong tournaments, and monthly comedy and jazz jams.

If craft mezcal and tequila cocktails are your thing, Anoche in Asheville’s River Arts District is a spot to check out. It’s a cozy lounge with a relaxed vibe and a charming outdoor patio that’s perfect when the weather’s nice. Their menu features creative agave-based drinks, classic cocktails, and artisan espresso — all served up by bartenders who really know their stuff.

Root Bar is a beloved East Asheville dive bar known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere and unique local game called Root Ball—a hybrid of bocce ball and horseshoes played on outdoor sand courts. Located at 1410 Tunnel Road near I-40, this spot offers a full bar with local beers on tap and a strong community vibe. Root Bar is a low-key hangout where locals connect over drinks, live music, and outdoor games in a welcoming, unpretentious setting.

Färməsē Cocktail Lounge is a cozy speakeasy-style bar in downtown Asheville specializing in farm-to-glass craft cocktails made with herbal, locally sourced ingredients. The intimate space embraces its historic building’s natural character with exposed brick walls and thoughtful lighting, creating a vibey underground atmosphere. Färməsē offers an innovative menu featuring infused, barrel-aged, smoked, clarified, carbonated cocktails, and classics crafted with fresh, creative ingredients.

Banks Ave Bar is a beloved nightlife hub situated in Asheville’s vibrant South Slope Brewing District. Known for its inclusive and lively atmosphere, it offers an array of entertainment including drag shows, karaoke, pool tables, and frequent DJ nights. The bar is dog-friendly and features a spacious layout with ample seating at the long bar or in game areas. It has become a favorite local hangout for both casual evenings and special events.

Fitz and the Wolfe is an eclectic downtown Asheville bar and live music venue known for its three distinct atmospheres: The Showroom, The Den, and The Palm Room. The Showroom pulses with honky tonk music and vibrant energy, ideal for dancing and lively nights. The Den offers a cozy retreat with vintage pinball machines, pool tables, and sophisticated drinks. The Palm Room is a dimly lit, upscale speakeasy with tropical Victorian décor, refined cocktails, and intimate vibes. The food menu features comfort fare like smash burgers, hot dogs, and wings. Fitz and the Wolfe also hosts swing dance lessons, singer-songwriter nights, and rotating live music performances.

Shiloh & Gaines is Asheville’s beloved neighborhood dive bar spotlighting live music and good vibes. Nestled on Hendersonville Road, this bar offers an eclectic, laid-back atmosphere with quirky décor and games like pool and darts to keep the fun going. With rotating food trucks parked outside, it’s the perfect casual hangout for locals craving great drinks and community.

Wildwood Still is Asheville’s easygoing rooftop spot perched atop the Moxy Hotel in downtown. Known for an extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, it’s a relaxed hangout whether you’re a spirit enthusiast or just want a nice place to unwind. Their food menu leans into Asian-inspired small plates, offering a casual shareable experience complemented by great views of Asheville’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

The Odd is a beloved West Asheville neighborhood dive bar and event space located at 1045 Haywood Road, known for its quirky, eclectic blend of live music, performances, and unique atmosphere. This all-ages venue features a diverse calendar of events including drag shows, comedy nights, game nights, magic, burlesque, rock, metal, punk, and more. T The Odd's atmosphere is enhanced by an intriguing oddities museum vibe with vintage art, curiosities, and vibrant murals decorating the space. The bar serves a full range of drinks, including specialty house cocktails, local craft beers, and fun items like Jell-O shots and glittered beverages. Open late daily, The Odd is a hotspot for Asheville’s alternative and creative community.

NightShade is Asheville’s brand-new non-alcoholic bar and lounge, recently opened in the South Slope district on Banks Avenue. It’s a fresh kind of spot where you can enjoy zero-proof botanical elixirs, non-alcoholic infused drinks, and chill vibes without the booze. If you’re looking to dance, connect with friends, or just enjoy some live music and top-notch tunes (from local musicians and DJs), NightShade brings all that with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere.

The Handlebar is one of Asheville’s oldest and most beloved dive bars. Originally known as "Old Haywood" when it was part bar and diner, and later "Just 1 More," a biker bar, it now welcomes a diverse crowd of local Ol’ Timers, Bikers, Rock ’N’ Rollers, and Boot Scooters. Known for its relaxed, inclusive atmosphere, it’s a staple of Asheville nightlife with karaoke every Saturday from 9 pm to 1 am.

The Joint Next Door is a lively neighborhood bar located in Fairview, NC, just outside Asheville, sharing a parking plaza with the popular Local Joint restaurant. It offers the same menu as The Local Joint after 4 PM with a more adult and laid-back vibe, enhanced by nightly live music featuring local bands and a welcoming atmosphere. Known for its craft beer selection on tap and casual, friendly setting, it’s a favorite spot for locals to gather, unwind, and enjoy good tunes.

Town Pump Tavern is Black Mountain’s legendary dive bar, known for its live music, cheap beers, and quirky, vintage-packed interior. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s “cash only” and fiercely local; memorabilia, antique signage, and dollar bills cover every inch of the walls and ceiling. Expect a rotating tap of craft and domestic beers, affordable cocktails, darts, good conversation, and an always friendly crowd—plus frequent singer-songwriter and full-band shows.