Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers plays Crow and Quill on Friday, October 9 at 8:00 PM. Easy one to plan a night around.

The spot sits right in the heart of downtown Asheville on Lexington Ave, close enough to hit before or after any other bars you're working through on foot. Look for the lanterns and the number 106 marking the hidden entrance, it's the kind of place where finding the door is half the fun, especially when there's live jazz waiting inside.

The Crow and Quill is a downtown Asheville speakeasy for craft cocktails and rare spirits. Tucked behind a nondescript entry on North Lexington, this Victorian-inspired speakeasy is famous for its mind-blowing selection: over 800 whiskeys and 1,100 spirits from all over the planet. 

Whether you’re craving a perfectly smoked Old-Fashioned or something totally new, the friendly bartenders here shape drinks using fresh, seasonal ingredients, even garnishes picked straight from the owner’s garden. Bar snacks and tasty bites round out the menu, perfect for late-night hangs or a pre-show sip.

Known for expertly crafted cocktails with seasonal ingredients sourced locally, their drinks are as much a show as a drink: think flaming cinnamon sticks and infused smoke. The bar often hosts live jazz, folk, and Americana music, plus themed events like blanket forts and storytelling during winter, making it a staple of Asheville’s nighttime culture.

Locals dig The Crow and Quill for its unmatched whiskey selection, creative cocktail menu, and old-world, candlelit atmosphere. The intimate nooks and plush seating invite long conversations and mingling, while the knowledgeable bartenders guide guests through the vast spirit collection. 

It’s a favorite date night and celebration spot where every visit feels special and a bit mysterious. The hidden entrance marked by lanterns and the “106” sign adds to the allure and exclusivity.

The Crow and Quill

Looking for live music in Asheville tonight? Find venues and show schedules downtown, on the South Slope, in West Asheville and the River Arts District. Almost all post shows as Scoops on Dig Local, so check a profile before you go. Downtown, The Orange Peel on Biltmore Avenue and Asheville Music Hall on Patton Avenue book touring bands, Jack of the Wood has hosted Celtic and bluegrass nights since 1997, and Hotel Eve does live jazz on Lexington Avenue. The South Slope has Eulogy on Buxton Avenue, Revival on Asheland Avenue and outdoor concerts at Asheville Yards on Coxe Avenue. Along Haywood Road in West Asheville, catch a set at The Odd, Fleetwood's or The Double Crown, or a quieter show at AyurPrana Listening Room and Story Parlor. The River Arts District has The Grey Eagle on Clingman Avenue and full album sides on vinyl at Joyful Noise. Hellbender by The Orange Peel puts outdoor shows on the Swannanoa River. Head east to Black Mountain for White Horse, Town Pump Tavern and Pisgah Brewing's outdoor stage, or north to JuneBug Retro Resort in Weaverville. For theater and orchestra, see the Wortham Center, the Asheville Symphony and free Shakespeare from Montford Park Players.

Live Music in Asheville, NC: Venues, Shows and Events

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 the rich flavors of Asheville, NC’s wine and spirits scene, featuring local wineries, craft distilleries, and stylish wine bars. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, cocktail aficionado, or simply looking to savor small-batch spirits, Asheville offers a diverse range of tasting experiences and expertly crafted beverages. Explore vineyard tours, distillery tastings, and cozy bars offering innovative cocktails made with local ingredients. Find the perfect spot to unwind, celebrate, or discover new favorite drinks in this dynamic southern city known for its vibrant beverage culture and craftsmanship.

Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers

The Scoop