Ranking #2 in the country for breweries per capita, Asheville Breweries get a lot of attention from those eager to sample from such a wide variety of craft beer. Though blasphemous as it seems for Beer City USA, not everyone is into craft beer. Good news! There's an impressive collection of pubs and bars in downtown Asheville that not only serve local craft beer but also offer standard cocktails and (shhhhhh) domestic beers like PBR, Miller, and Budweiser. (Feature photo: Ben's Tune-Up)

If you're looking for good bars in Asheville to grab a drink, watch the game, or shoot some pool, here is your list! Find bars and pubs broken down into three categories: Featured Bars, Sports Bars, and Bars With Things to Do like pool, cornhole, arcade games, and more. 

Top Featured Bars

Tier 1

Jack of the Wood

This lively British Isles-style pub features Irish food items such as bangers and mash, Irish stew, fish and chips along with 18 rotating taps and one cask tap. Sample brews while local musicians… More Information

Tier 1

Hemingway’s Cuba Rooftop

Near the Grove Arcade, atop Cambria Downtown Asheville, this rooftop bar has a large outdoor terrace complete with outdoor firepits and cozy couches to soak in the Blue Ridge views. Enjoy a… More Information

Tier 1

Azalea Bar & Kitchen

Relax on their stellar patio, fully appointed with all you need to enjoy time with friends and neighbors. With tables for dining, couches for lounging, and rocking chairs for maximizing comfort, their patio is an excellent space for a first date under the romantic glow of the string lights, a family dinner by the warmth of the fire pits, or hanging out after work with a couple of beers.

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Tier 1

The Montford Rooftop Bar

Perched atop the 8-floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, this rooftop has unobstructed mountain views from the outdoor terrace or indoor bar. Enjoy the sunset while savoring a cocktail… More Information

Tier 1

Fitz and the Wolfe

Keep the night going at Fitz and the Wolfe, a welcoming bar that stays open later than many downtown spots. Enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and comfort food.

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Tier 2

Pack’s Tavern

Established as a go-to spot downtown for good beer, delicious food, and a great view overlooking Pack Square Park in a beautifully restored 1900s building. Offering multiple dining spaces:… More Information

Tier 2

BREW-ed Brewery & History Walking Tours

Take the only brewery tour in Asheville led by a certified beer expert! Learn how beer is made and how to taste it. Get special access to Asheville's breweries and learn the stories behind the… More Information

Tier 2

Twisted Laurel Downtown

Award-winning Executive Chef Tom LaFauci specializes in handmade pasta and smoked meats putting his Italian-American touch on a wide range of crowd-pleasing entrees. The full bar… More Information

Tier 3

Barley's Taproom

(42 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville) Enjoy fresh sourdough pizza, lasagna, and sandwiches at this long-time local's favorite with 40+ beers on tap. Their stage showcases live bluegrass, jazz,… More Information

Tier 3

All Sevens Brewing / Westville Pub

(777 Haywood Road, West Asheville) This local's favorite neighborhood bar has more than a dozen taps pouring a frequently-changing variety of local and regional craft beers, including those… More Information

Tier 3

Thirsty Monk

(92 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville) Recognized as one of the best beer bars in the world, they tap 1,000+ different beers a year. The upstairs bar features American Craft Beers with 20 rotating… More Information

Tier 3

The Social Lounge

This cozy rooftop patio has been a longtime local favorite with a front row view of the bustling city below. It's owned by Chef Anthony Cerrato, who also owns Strada Italian next door. Enjoy an… More Information

Top Sports Bars

Tier 3

Barley's Taproom, Asheville

Enjoy fresh sourdough pizza, lasagna, and sandwiches at this long-time local's favorite with 40+ beers on tap. Their stage showcases live bluegrass, jazz, and Americana music with no cover charge… More Information

Tier 3

Pack's Tavern, Asheville

Established as a go-to spot downtown for good beer, delicious food, and a great view overlooking Pack Square Park in a beautifully restored 1900s building. Offering multiple dining spaces:… More Information

Tier 3

Creekside Taphouse, Asheville

Located in the Haw Creek neighborhood of East Asheville, this taphouse specializes in burgers and wings and features over 20 craft brews. Great for watching the big game with 9 TVs- 7 inside, 2… More Information

Top Bars with Activities & Games

Tier 1

Fitz and the Wolfe

Keep the night going at Fitz and the Wolfe, a welcoming bar that stays open later than many downtown spots. Enjoy live music, craft cocktails, and comfort food.

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Tier 1

Soprana Rooftop Cucina, Asheville

Soprana is a MICHELIN Guide recommended Appalachia-meets-Alps, full-service rooftop restaurant with expansive, sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perched atop the Embassy Suites in… More Information

Tier 3

Barley's Taproom, Asheville

Enjoy fresh sourdough pizza, lasagna, and sandwiches at this long-time local's favorite with 40+ beers on tap. Their stage showcases live bluegrass, jazz, and Americana music with no cover charge… More Information

Tier 3

Creekside Taphouse, Asheville

Located in the Haw Creek neighborhood of East Asheville, this taphouse specializes in burgers and wings and features over 20 craft brews. Great for watching the big game with 9 TVs- 7 inside, 2… More Information

Tier 3

Dalton Distillery, Asheville

As downtown Asheville’s first legal distillery, Dalton Distillery features top-shelf rum and vodka. They also have fun specialty liquors like agave vodka, apple vodka, and coffee-infused rums made… More Information