Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge is a casual, counter-service bar and restaurant at 7 Rankin Avenue in downtown Asheville, with seating inside an old vault and an outdoor patio. The menu includes the Vault Burger, tacos, a bean burger, a Polynesian chicken sandwich and tots with spicy mayo, alongside craft cocktails.

Locals say the Vault Burger is one of the best in town, and a wall of burger awards backs it up. It's an easy downtown spot to eat and drink without a reservation.

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Asheville's food scene is mostly local, and this guide walks it neighborhood by neighborhood. For specials by day and happy hours, see the Dig Deeper guide to deals, specials and free things to do. Downtown, Posana on Biltmore Avenue builds its menu around local farms, The Rhu on South Lexington Avenue is known for its cruffin, Old Europe Pastries has made Hungarian pastries since 1994 and now sits on Broadway, and Capella on 9 serves tapas on the roof of the AC Hotel. On the South Slope, Tiger Bay Cafe cooks Latin and West Indian food inside Ben's Tune Up, and the Funkatorium on Coxe Avenue pours sour beer. Haywood Road in West Asheville has Biscuit Head, Thai Pearl, Finest and Westville Pub. Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville has plant, Mountain Madre, Mother Ocean Seafood Market and 828 Family Pizzeria. In East Asheville, RendezVous serves French bistro food on New Haw Creek Road. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack fries Nashville-style hot chicken on Patton Avenue in West Asheville and on Sweeten Creek Road in South Asheville. For vegan kitchens and meat-free menus, see the Dig Deeper guide to vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Asheville.

Asheville Food and Drink: Restaurants, Specials and Happy Hours

Looking for the best bars in Asheville? Find cocktail lounges, dive bars, rooftops and live music spots downtown, on the South Slope and in West Asheville. Downtown, Little Jumbo pours cocktails in an old grocery on Broadway, The Crow and Quill stocks more than 800 whiskeys behind an easy-to-miss door on Lexington Avenue, and The Workshop Lounge has jazz inside The Foundry Hotel. Capella on 9 serves drinks with mountain views atop the AC Hotel, District 42 sits on Pack Square, and Cork & Keg pours wine inside The Weinhaus on Patton Avenue. 5 Walnut Wine Bar has live jazz and acoustic sets most nights, and Fitz and the Wolfe runs three rooms on Battery Park Avenue. On the South Slope, Banks Ave. hosts drag shows and DJ nights, and Sovereign Kava pours kava on Biltmore Avenue. Haywood Road in West Asheville has The Low Down under The Hop, wine and vinyl at Potential New Boyfriend, and late shows at The Odd and Fleetwood's. Out east, The Social is a neighborhood pub on Tunnel Road, and Town Pump Tavern and White Horse anchor downtown Black Mountain. When the night's over, call AVL Ride for the trip home.

Bars in Asheville, NC: Nightlife, Lounges and Music Halls

Experience Asheville, NC, your gateway to the best live music, vibrant nightlife, premier shopping, and unforgettable things to do. Stroll through bustling markets and unique boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, or browse Asheville’s eclectic shops for local art, fashion, wellness, and gifts. Savor Asheville’s dynamic food scene, from award-winning restaurants and cozy cafés to innovative food trucks and local favorites. 

Dive into the city’s thriving hemp, CBD, and THCA community with welcoming dispensaries and specialty wellness stores. Whether you’re looking for top bars, relaxing cocktail lounges, a memorable bite, or hidden gems off the beaten path, Asheville offers fresh adventures and experiences every season. Stay updated on the latest events, hotspots, and must-visit places, Asheville is your home for discovery.

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

What you need to know

Local's Tip

What the locals say

What you need to know

What the locals say