Asheville, NC, has cemented its reputation as a craft beer mecca, but what truly elevates its scene is the flourishing culture of gastropubs in Asheville NC. These aren't just breweries with a perfunctory food truck on-site; they are destinations where culinary creativity meets brewing artistry, crafting cohesive experiences where the plate and the pint dance in perfect harmony. When you step into one of Asheville's premier gastropubs, you're not just ordering a meal and a beer; you're engaging in a thoughtful exploration of flavors designed to complement, contrast, and enhance each other.
At a Glance: Crafting Your Asheville Gastropub Experience
- Discover Intentional Pairings: Learn how Asheville’s top spots meticulously match their innovative brews with equally impressive culinary creations.
- Navigate Diverse Cuisines: From upscale pub fare and classic BBQ to globally-inspired dishes and yeast-focused pizzas, find your perfect flavor adventure.
- Uncover Hidden Gems: Explore locations that push the boundaries, like sour beer taprooms with tailored menus or breweries hosting renowned food trucks.
- Plan for Every Occasion: Identify kid-friendly spots, vibrant outdoor seating, and unique dining experiences for groups or intimate outings.
- Leverage Expert Tips: Get practical advice on exploring menus, asking for recommendations, and making the most of specials.
Beyond the Taproom: Defining Asheville's Gastropub Pedigree
In many places, a "brewery with food" might mean a basic menu of pretzels and hot dogs. In Asheville, the term "gastropub" signifies a commitment to elevated cuisine that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the exceptional beer. The focus shifts from merely having food available to curating a dining experience where the food is as thoughtfully crafted and innovative as the beer itself. This isn't about being fancy for fancy's sake; it's about respecting ingredients, exploring flavors, and understanding how a perfectly paired dish can unlock new dimensions in your brew.
Think of it as a synergistic relationship: the bitterness of an IPA cutting through the richness of a burger, or the fruity tartness of a sour beer brightening a savory pork belly. This intentionality is what distinguishes a true gastropub and what makes the Asheville scene so special. It's an appreciation for how different elements on the palate interact, a concept explored in greater detail in our guide on Master Brewery Food Pairings. Understanding these core principles will help you unlock the full potential of your next visit to one of Asheville’s standout gastropubs.
Curating the Perfect Match: Asheville's Gastropub Trailblazers
Asheville's gastropubs offer a masterclass in pairing, each with its unique philosophy. Here's a closer look at some of the key players and how they execute this delicate balance.
Burial Beer Co.: Bold Brews Meet Creative Comfort
Burial Beer Co. operates two distinct gastropub experiences that exemplify their commitment to both innovative brewing and exceptional food.
- Burial Beer (South Slope): This flagship location in the bustling South Slope isn't just known for its often-dark, avant-garde beer styles but also for its surprisingly refined pub fare. The food menu here is dynamic, often changing to reflect seasonal ingredients and culinary inspiration. If the double cheeseburger is available, it’s a non-negotiable order. Imagine a perfectly seared patty, rich with umami, that finds its match in a crisp, hop-forward IPA, its bitterness cutting through the fat and refreshing the palate. The various seating options, including a lively biergarten and a rooftop, enhance the experience, providing the perfect backdrop for savoring their unique brews and bites.
- Burial’s Forestry Camp: A bit further afield, this historic Civilian Conservation Corps camp offers a different, yet equally compelling, gastropub atmosphere. Forestry Camp elevates the dining experience with an expanded selection of seasonal dinner entrées, moving beyond typical pub fare into more sophisticated territory. Picture a slow-braised short rib or a meticulously prepared fish dish, each designed to complement Burial’s broader array of lagers, stouts, and experimental ales. Don't worry, the beloved smash burger makes an appearance here too, a testament to their ability to deliver both high-end and comforting dishes. Forestry Camp also extends its culinary prowess to weekend brunch, offering a unique opportunity to pair their brews with elevated breakfast and lunch items. This commitment to diverse food offerings across their locations demonstrates a true gastropub ethos.
Wicked Weed Brewing: From Bavarian Feasts to Sour Sensations
Wicked Weed carved out an early and significant niche in Asheville's craft beer scene, and their two primary locations offer distinct gastropub experiences.
- Wicked Weed’s Brewpub (Downtown): Located in the heart of downtown, this is the original hub where their extensive beer list meets a diverse, elevated pub menu. The famous chicken sandwich is a staple, often a crispy, flavorful masterpiece that begs for a balanced pale ale or even a fruit-forward sour to cut through its richness. For groups, the Bavarian platter is a showstopper: a giant soft pretzel, an assortment of kielbasa and bratwurst, sauerkraut, pickles, and rich beer cheese, all served with Lusty Monk mustard. This hearty spread is perfectly designed to be shared and paired with their wide range of lagers, ales, and IPAs, offering a communal dining experience that's both satisfying and authentic. The spacious outdoor seating provides an ideal setting for enjoying the downtown buzz.
- Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium (South Slope): A true pioneer, this is the East Coast's first sour beer dedicated taproom. Here, the food menu is specifically curated to complement the complex, often tart, and fruity profiles of their sour and wild ales. Think of a light, crispy pizza or a nuanced sandwich, designed to either stand up to the acidity or enhance the subtle fruit notes in the beer. Their 8 signature flights, which can include non-sour and Vidl wine options, are an excellent way to explore the vast spectrum of their offerings alongside your chosen dish. It's a masterclass in pairing where the beer leads, and the food follows, creating a harmonious and often surprising flavor journey.
Hillman Beer: Family-Friendly Flavors with a Craft Core
Near Biltmore Village, Hillman Beer presents a welcoming, kid-friendly gastropub environment that doesn't compromise on quality. Their spacious outdoor seating makes it an ideal spot for families or groups. The food menu focuses on elevated comfort food that pairs seamlessly with their approachable, well-crafted beers.
Their signature burger, featuring house pickles and special sauce, is a standout, especially appealing on Wednesday nights when they offer a burger + beer special. This classic combination is a testament to simple perfection: the savory beef and tangy accompaniments finding their counterpoint in a clean, refreshing lager or a balanced IPA. Beyond burgers, their Reuben and fried chicken sandwich are also excellent choices, demonstrating a commitment to hearty, satisfying fare that’s designed to be enjoyed alongside good company and great beer. Even their soft pretzel appetizer, a pub classic, is elevated by the quality of the beer cheese dip.
White Labs Kitchen & Tap: Yeast-Driven Innovation from Pint to Plate
White Labs Kitchen & Tap in downtown Asheville offers a truly unique gastropub experience centered around the science and artistry of yeast. Their beers often feature the same brew made with two different yeast strains, allowing guests to taste the profound impact of this single ingredient on flavor. This educational approach extends to their food menu, particularly their popular pizzas.
The pizza dough itself utilizes special yeast strains, contributing to distinct textures and flavors that are thoughtfully paired with their experimental beers. Imagine a sourdough-crusted pizza, its tangy notes complementing a saison, or a richer crust balancing a robust stout. They also offer inclusive options like vegan cheese, vegan sausage, and gluten-free crusts, ensuring that everyone can partake in this yeast-centric culinary journey. Their menu also includes well-executed salads, appetizers, and sandwiches, all crafted with the same attention to ingredient quality and flavor interaction.
12 Bones Brewing: BBQ Bliss and Beer Harmony
For those who believe nothing pairs better than smoked meat and craft beer, 12 Bones Brewing is an essential stop among gastropubs in Asheville NC. While their original location is famous for its BBQ, their brewing outpost provides the perfect setting to enjoy their smoked meats with a diverse beer selection.
Their must-try ribs come in four distinct flavors, including the popular brown sugar rub, offering a range of sweet, savory, and smoky profiles that open up numerous pairing possibilities. A sweet and spicy rub might find its perfect partner in a crisp lager to cleanse the palate, while a richer, smokier rub could be elevated by a brown ale or even a porter. Beyond ribs, their smoked turkey, pulled pork, pulled chicken, wings, and brisket (available Wednesday-Saturday) provide a broad canvas for beer exploration. The array of ten daily sides, including classic mac & cheese, collards, or baked beans, ensures a complete and satisfying BBQ experience, where every bite is enhanced by the perfectly chosen brew.
Beyond the Taproom: Gastropub Gems with Unique Culinary Partnerships
Some of Asheville’s most compelling gastropub experiences arise from innovative collaborations, where breweries bring in specialized culinary partners to elevate their food offerings.
Cellarest with Cassia: Thai Flavors Meet Wild Fermentations
Cellarest in West Asheville, known for its focus on wild and spontaneously fermented beers, has formed a fantastic partnership with Cassia, an on-site Thai food truck that joined late 2023. This is a brilliant example of a gastropub expanding its culinary horizons through collaboration. Cassia's menu changes bi-weekly, featuring authentic and flavorful Thai dishes like stir-fries, fried rice, and rich coconut curries.
The complexity of Thai cuisine—its balance of sweet, sour, spicy, and umami—presents exciting opportunities for beer pairing. A refreshing Cellarest sour or a crisp wild ale can beautifully cut through the richness of a curry or complement the citrus notes in a stir-fry. Regular items like their "Firecrackers" (crispy sweet potatoes with spicy mayo) and Firecracker Shrimp offer a consistent baseline of flavor. This partnership provides a dynamic, globally-inspired gastropub experience where the unique funkiness of Cellarest's beers meets the vibrant spices of Cassia's Thai fare.
Sweeten Creek Brewing with Bear’s Smokehouse: Southern Comfort & Brews
In South Asheville, Sweeten Creek Brewing has forged a powerful partnership with Bear’s Smokehouse, creating a gastropub destination for authentic Southern BBQ. While they operate from separate spaces and counters, the synergy is undeniable. Bear’s BBQ offers all the classics: succulent pulled pork, rich burnt ends, hearty mac & cheese, and savory collards.
This is classic BBQ pairing territory. A crisp, easy-drinking lager from Sweeten Creek can cut through the fat of burnt ends, while a malty amber ale might complement the smoky sweetness of pulled pork. What sets Bear's apart, and elevates this to a true gastropub experience, are their impressive vegetarian options: smoked portobello, smoked tempeh, and even Impossible meatloaf. These thoughtful additions ensure that everyone can enjoy a substantial, well-paired meal. The combination of Sweeten Creek’s diverse brews and Bear’s consistently excellent BBQ creates a comfortable, flavorful, and deeply satisfying gastropub experience.
Mastering Your Asheville Gastropub Journey: A Practical Playbook
Navigating the diverse world of gastropubs in Asheville NC can be an adventure in itself. Here's a playbook to help you make the most of every visit.
- Define Your Desired Vibe:
- Family-Friendly: Hillman Beer, Wicked Weed's Brewpub (especially Tuesdays after 5 pm), Sierra Nevada's Back Porch (Mills River).
- Rooftop/Outdoor Seating: Burial (South Slope), Wicked Weed's Brewpub, Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, Asheville Brewing (South Slope).
- Unique Setting: Burial's Forestry Camp (historic camp), Sierra Nevada Mills River (expansive campus).
- Experimental & Innovative: White Labs Kitchen & Tap (yeast focus), Cellarest with Cassia (wild ales & Thai).
- Classic Comfort: 12 Bones Brewing, Sweeten Creek Brewing with Bear's Smokehouse.
- Engage with the Menu (and Staff):
- Look for intentional pairings: Many gastropubs will suggest pairings on their menu. Pay attention to descriptive language for both food and beer.
- Don't be afraid to ask: Bartenders and servers at Asheville's gastropubs are often incredibly knowledgeable. Tell them what you like in both food and beer, and they can offer expert recommendations.
- Consider Flights: Especially at places like Wicked Weed's Funkatorium or White Labs, flights allow you to sample multiple brews alongside your chosen dish, helping you discover your own perfect pairing.
- Explore Specials and Events:
- Mid-week Deals: Hillman Beer’s Wednesday burger + beer special is a fantastic value.
- Kids Eat Free: Wicked Weed Brewpub's Tuesday evening offer makes family dining more accessible.
- Brunch: Burial’s Forestry Camp offers a distinct weekend brunch menu, pairing their brews with morning fare.
- Rotating Menus: Cellarest's Cassia and Burial's main South Slope location frequently update their food offerings, providing a fresh experience with each visit.
- Factor in Dietary Needs:
- Vegan/Gluten-Free: White Labs Kitchen & Tap is a standout for its vegan cheese, vegan sausage, and GF crust options. Sierra Nevada and Asheville Brewing also offer GF crusts.
- Vegetarian: 12 Bones Brewing and Bear's Smokehouse at Sweeten Creek offer robust vegetarian smoked options like portobello and tempeh. Many gastropubs also feature creative salads and veggie-focused appetizers.
- Think Beyond the Main Entree:
- Appetizers like Hillman Beer's soft pretzel, 12 Bones' diverse sides, or Cassia's Firecrackers are often perfectly crafted to complement specific beer styles and can be a great way to start your pairing journey.
- Desserts, though less common, can also be brilliantly paired with stouts or porters if available.
Quick Answers: Your Asheville Gastropub FAQs
What's the difference between a "brewery with food" and a true "gastropub" in Asheville?
A "brewery with food" might offer convenient sustenance alongside its beer, but a true gastropub in Asheville prioritizes a culinary experience where the food is elevated, chef-driven, and intentionally designed to complement the brews. It's about synergy: the quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the dishes, and the thoughtful pairing of food and beer are central to the identity. Think of the specialized menu at Wicked Weed's Funkatorium for sours, or the yeast-focused pizzas at White Labs Kitchen & Tap, rather than just basic bar snacks.
Are Asheville gastropubs generally kid-friendly?
Yes, many of Asheville's gastropubs are quite kid-friendly, especially those with spacious outdoor seating. Hillman Beer is explicitly marketed as such, and Wicked Weed's Brewpub even offers "kids eat free" on Tuesdays after 5 pm with an adult meal purchase. Sierra Nevada’s Back Porch also caters well to families. Look for places with ample outdoor space and varied menus that include options appealing to younger palates.
Can I find good vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options at these establishments?
Absolutely. Asheville’s culinary scene is highly accommodating. White Labs Kitchen & Tap is an excellent example, offering vegan cheese, vegan sausage, and gluten-free crusts for their pizzas. 12 Bones Brewing and Bear’s Smokehouse at Sweeten Creek Brewing provide impressive smoked vegetarian options like portobello and tempeh. Many other locations, like Sierra Nevada and Asheville Brewing, also offer gluten-free crusts or a variety of salads and appetizers suitable for different dietary needs. It's always a good idea to check their specific menus online before visiting.
How do I discover new or lesser-known gastropubs in Asheville?
Beyond the well-known names, keep an eye on local food and beer blogs, social media for breweries announcing new food partnerships (like Cellarest with Cassia), and local tourism guides. Don't hesitate to ask locals for their favorite hidden gems; Asheville residents are passionate about their food and beer scene and love to share recommendations. Exploring different neighborhoods like West Asheville or the South Slope can also lead to exciting new discoveries.
Your Next Sip and Bite: An Actionable Close
Asheville's gastropub scene is a testament to its dual passions for craft beer and exceptional food. It’s an evolving landscape where innovation is constant, and the pursuit of perfect pairings is an art form. Your journey through these establishments isn't just about finding a good meal or a great beer; it's about experiencing how these two elements, when thoughtfully combined, can elevate each other into something truly memorable.
Start by considering your mood: Are you craving a hearty BBQ experience? A refined, experimental dinner? A casual, kid-friendly outing? Once you have a direction, dive into the specific offerings of places like Burial Beer, Wicked Weed, Hillman, White Labs, or those with unique culinary partners like Cellarest and Sweeten Creek. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, ask for recommendations, and embrace the unexpected combinations. Each visit to one of the stellar gastropubs in Asheville NC offers a chance to explore new flavors and deepen your appreciation for the craft behind both the brew and the bite. Enjoy the adventure!