Ashville trip....need recs

I too am considering a stop in Asheville... It wouldn't be until the end of September, but I'd love to grab a beer with some cool Ba's out that way! And I would appreciate any tips on where to find a solid store or 2 along the way... We are driving from Chicago to Hilton Head (with some slight out of the way detours as we go).

 

I just got back from Asheville. IMO this is my take: Some cool bars, like lots of them, good music, good food, and lots of walking. But... average beers, don't expect the earth to shake. Pisgah IPA was pretty decent, Nantahala makes some nice brews. Altogether they make decent stuff, but I'm doubting the brews in and by themselves, but it's a great bar town. Most places have guest taps so what you get one place you can get in 5 others as well. I like Barley's, great Pizza. Craggies is over looked IMO as well, Wedge, and Green Man as well. I didn't see an Olde Hickory anywhere and only one Foothills offering, their Torch Pils. IMO Olde Hickory makes the best stouts in NC, and Foothills makes some very nice BA stuff as well as a Jade IPA which is really good, but they weren't around. Jade also is out at the brew Pub in WS, but all their stuff is worthwhile.

 

Of the local breweries (downtown area) Wedge is probably my favorite but Lab offers some nice stuff and is a fun place to hang out.

Everything mentioned below is downtown:

Bar: The Thirsty Monk; their upstairs bar serves food and a nice mix of local brews while the downstairs bar: http://www.monkpub.com/tap_downstairs.html carries some very nice Belgians, you just missed sour week there, Cantillon on draft!!! This is easily my favorite bar in the area. While there, snag some Lusty Monk mustard, it's not made by the Thirsty Monk (they just sell it), it's actually made by a local Asheville woman and it's FANTASTIC.

Bottle Shop: Bruisin' Ales: http://www.bruisin-ales.com/

Pizza: Barley's (nice selection of brews at the upstairs and downstairs bars - different taps at each). Tapas: Zambra's or Curate (both will absolutely amaze you). Mexican: Salsa's offers a unique take, very interesting dishes and always great. Pub Food: Pack's Tavern (nice selection - have all 5 Lips of Faith on draft right now). Breakfast: Tupelo Honey (be prepared for a wait but the food is great and it's a very kid friendly spot, everyone gets fresh biscuits with honey and jam as a warm-up for whatever you order). Misc: Mayfel's has the absolute best meatloaf I've ever had, and I'm not a huge fan of the dish, never had a bad meal there and you can sit outside in the front or the back. Seafood: The Lobster Trap (amazing shrimp and muscles, brew their own beers too - the Oyster Stout is especially nice). Kubo's (great sushi at a good price, the crab salad is wonderful).

 

There are at least a half dozen good threads in this very forum on this topic, with major opinions and directions given by locals as well as travelers familiar with the area. Do a simple search for "Asheville" and you'll certainly find many good ideas.
Not trying to be an ass--I'm taking a trip there myself soon and this is what I did.

 

well I tried.

 

I would check out Appalachain Vitners. Way better than Bruising Ales I thought when I was there a month ago. I thought Bruisin Ales had limited American beers and were over priced.

LAB , ABC, and Greenman are a good start ( Greenman south of the main drag though not Jack of the Wood)

 

I was at Lobster Trap last night, and as Mantooth said the Oyster Stout is excellent. Yesterday he tapped the cask version. They were both wonderful. Oyster House Brewery is within the restaurant, I think.

 

Here's what you do.

Get to the thirsty monk as soon as they open every day you are there and grab a chair on their "deck" and stay there until Zambra opens. Eat there. Then hit up Bier Garden, Lab, Hannah Flanagans, Barleys, and go back to the Monk. Then go to sleep. Rinse... repeat. On your way out of town, go to Appalachian Vintners.

And LUSTY MONK mustard. Get a couple of jars of regular and honey to take home with you. Thank me later.