The Whale is a craft beer collective that brings rare, hard-to-find beers from around the world to Asheville. In beer lingo a whale is a legendary, sought-after beer, and the taps and cellar here cover craft beer, vintage bottles, wine, cider, sake, mead and more.

Locals in West Asheville treat the Haywood Road spot, tucked behind Haywood Common, as a neighborhood watering hole with an outdoor area to spread out. There's also a South Slope taproom on Buxton Avenue and The Outpost in Haw Creek.

The Whale Collective

Asheville breweries pour everything from crisp lagers to wild sours, and these taprooms, brewpubs and craft beer bars are worth the trip, downtown and across the mountains. On the South Slope, the Funkatorium pours sour and funky beers, Wicked Weed's original brewpub anchors Biltmore Avenue, and Asheville Brewing Company has taprooms on Coxe Avenue and Merrimon Avenue. The River Arts District has Wedge Brewing, New Belgium on the French Broad River, RAD Brewing and Ginger's Revenge for gluten-free ginger beer. West Asheville has Archetype Brewing, One World Brewing West and Westville Pub on Haywood Road. Just north in Woodfin, Zillicoah and Riverside Rhapsody sit along Riverside Drive, and Salt Face Mule adds 36 holes of mini golf. East Asheville's Highland Brewing is the city's first craft brewery, and Black Mountain has Pisgah Brewing and Lookout Brewing. South of town, try Sweeten Creek Brewing, Turgua in Fairview, 12 Bones Smokehouse in Arden, and Sierra Nevada and Mills River Brewing in Mills River. Every brewery below has hours, photos and directions. For picks by food, dogs and live music, more breweries to try and answers to common questions, see our Dig Deeper guide to Asheville breweries.

Breweries in Asheville, NC: Craft Beer and Taproom Guide

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

Asheville is a dog friendly town, and these breweries, restaurant patios, bars, shops and pet services welcome you and your dog. Many breweries allow leashed dogs, including Highland Brewing and its meadow in East Asheville, Wedge Brewing, RAD Brewing, New Belgium and Ginger's Revenge in the River Arts District, and Archetype, One World West and Westville Pub on Haywood Road in West Asheville. Downtown, Wicked Weed's brewpub has two pet friendly patios, the Funkatorium is on the South Slope, and Twisted Laurel and Posana have dog friendly patios near Pack Square. Woodfin has Zillicoah, Riverside Rhapsody and Salt Face Mule along the French Broad River. South of town, try Sweeten Creek Brewing, 12 Bones Smokehouse in Arden, Turgua in Fairview, and Sierra Nevada and Mills River Brewing in Mills River. Black Mountain has Pisgah Brewing and Lookout Brewing. For pet supplies and care, visit Asheville Pet Supply on Merrimon Avenue and All Pets Animal Hospital on Patton Avenue. Every listing below has hours, photos and directions.

Dog-Friendly Breweries, Bars and Shops in Asheville, NC

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.

The Whale Collective

What you need to know

Local's Tip

What the locals say

What you need to know

What the locals say