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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

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… read more

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 fiddle away on Irish reels or picking olde-time mountain music. 95 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville

Azalea Bar & Kitchen

At Azalea Bar & Kitchen, enjoy a chef-driven menu that fuses classic fare like burgers and pasta with elevated techniques, local draft beer, and house-made desserts that celebrate the tastes… read more

At Azalea Bar & Kitchen, enjoy a chef-driven menu that fuses classic fare like burgers and pasta with elevated techniques, local draft beer, and house-made desserts that celebrate the tastes of the South. 

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…

Pillar Rooftop Bar

Atop the Hilton Garden Inn at the corner of Charlotte and College streets, this “garden-to-glass” bar offers signature craft cocktails, regional beers and sustainable wines. Enjoy the southern… read more

Atop the Hilton Garden Inn at the corner of Charlotte and College streets, this “garden-to-glass” bar offers signature craft cocktails, regional beers and sustainable wines. Enjoy the southern fusion cuisine, sharing small plates and sipping cocktails with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Easy walk from Pack Square Park. 309 College Street

The Montford Rooftop Bar

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

Perched atop the 8-floor of DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville Downtown, this rooftop has stellar mountain views from the outdoor terrace or indoor bar. Enjoy the sunset while savoring a cocktail and sampling small bites from the local, seasonal menu. Open daily at 4 PM with free valet parking. 199 Haywood Street

Hemingway's Cuba

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… read more

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 variety of craft cocktails, local brews and wine. The traditional Cuban menu has a great selection of small plates, entrees and desserts to choose from. 15 Page Avenue

Storm Rhum Bar and Bistro

Find a warm, cozy atmosphere where the food and service will delight your senses. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, ample wine offerings, a selection of local draft beer, an extensive rhum list, and of… read more

Find a warm, cozy atmosphere where the food and service will delight your senses. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, ample wine offerings, a selection of local draft beer, an extensive rhum list, and of course, delicious food prepared by Chef Owen McGlynn. Free parking in their private lot downtown. 125 South Lexington Avenue. 

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 includes regional… read more

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 includes regional beers on tap, craft cocktails, and wines. Their patio is dog-friendly and open year-round and includes a Doggie Menu, so your pup can enjoy a meal out with you! (130 College Street)

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:… read more

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: expansive North Bar with 32 taps and big TVs, South Bar with TVs and free live music every weekend, and a romantic outdoor patio. 20 South Spruce Street. 

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… read more

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 pints. On the short walks between breweries, your guide will share stories of the early days of Asheville.

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… read more

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 array of cocktails blended from fine liquors and house-made elixirs, international wines and local beers on tap. Their small plates are designed to share. 29 Broadway Street

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 from… read more

(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 from their brewhouse known as All Sevens Brewing.

Capella on 9

This large rooftop bar offers views of Asheville’s cityscape and surrounding mountains, an ideal setting to unwind and take it in. Order drinks and enjoy small plates from the tapas-style menu. … read more

This large rooftop bar offers views of Asheville’s cityscape and surrounding mountains, an ideal setting to unwind and take it in. Order drinks and enjoy small plates from the tapas-style menu.  Enter through the hotel lobby on Broadway and take the elevator to the 9th. 10 Broadway

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… read more

(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 tap lines. Take the stairs to the basement level to the Belgian Bar (50 Commerce St.) with 16 Belgian, European, and rare beers on draught. An extensive bottle list will impress beer snobs and…

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,… read more

(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, and Americana music with no cover charge. Upstairs is the Billiard Room with four regulation slate billiard tables and five regulation dart lanes.

Wine & Cocktail Bars

Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails.

Unwind at one of our favorite downtown Asheville wine bars and great places for cocktails.

Top Sports Bars

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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… read more

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 outside. Enjoy their large outdoor space with a patio, volleyball court, playground, and flowing creek. 8 Beverly Road.

Pack's Tavern, Asheville

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

Established as a go-to spot in downtown for good beer, delicious food and a great view overlooking Pack Square Park in a beautifully restored 1900s building. Offering multiple dining spaces: expansive North Bar with 32 taps and big TVs, South Bar with TVs and free live music every weekend, and a romantic outdoor patio. 20 South Spruce Street. 

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… read more

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. Upstairs is the Billiard Room with four regulation slate billiard tables and five regulation dart lanes. 42 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville 

Top Bars with Activities & Games

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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… read more

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 from local roasters. Their full-service bar features a patio, billiards, arcade games, and table tennis. Bar is open daily, 5 PM-2 AM.

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… read more

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 outside. Enjoy their large outdoor space with a patio, volleyball court, playground, and flowing creek. 8 Beverly Road

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… read more

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. Upstairs is the Billiard Room with four regulation slate billiard tables and five regulation dart lanes. 42 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville 

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