The Best Patios in Asheville (A local's guide)
This patio is at the top of our list for a reason; the view of the mountains at the Biltmore Inn will leave you awestruck! Not to mention you can enjoy an array of drinks and food while you watch the sun go down. Keep in mind you have to purchase a Biltmore Day Pass or be staying on the estate to access this patio. But why not visit the largest house in the US while you’re in Asheville anyway? After your tour of the mansion, head to the Inn for appetizers, drinks, and this lovely view!
At the Grove Park Inn you’ll find the Sunset Cocktail Terrace which has a beautiful view of downtown as well as the mountains surrounding it. You can also order small bites to go with your beverage! Garage parking is free for the first three hours (except on holidays) and seating is first come, first served.
3) SkyBAR *UPDATE: Permanently Closed. They are building a new hotel and skybar which will open late 2020 or early 2021
Voted “Best Drink With a View”, you won’t regret taking the elevator up to SkyBAR in downtown Asheville!
4) HILLMAN BEER
If you’re looking for a more casual spot, try Hillman Beer in Biltmore Village. Their outdoor patio is huge and great for big groups. They also have cornhole, so you can play while you eat and drink. Be sure to order the kale salad or one of their mouthwatering sandwiches!
Another laidback spot is Burial Beer Co. in the South Slope, one of my favorite breweries in Asheville. They have a patio out front and a huge patio in back along with beer, wine, cider, and food. While in South Slope, check out the many other places that have patios in this neighborhood: Catawba Brewing, Antidote Bar, Funkatorium, Asheville Pizza and Brewing, and Ben’s Tune Up… just to name a few.
If you’re wandering around downtown and are looking for good food, a good cocktail, and a beautiful rooftop space, go to The Social Lounge! It’s one of my favorite spots. The bartenders are awesome, informative, and they know how to make a cocktail, that’s for sure! The picture on the left is me on their rooftop FOUR YEARS AGO! It’s the only photo I had showcasing their rooftop #oops. The photo on the right is a recent photo I took inside. While the rooftop was really cool four years ago, they have completely remodeled since then, and it’s cooler than ever! They also have rooftop brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11am-3pm if you’re looking for a breakfast/mimosa spot!
Corner Kitchen in Biltmore Village has the cutest. patio. I’ve. ever. seen. I love getting breakfast and brunch here on the weekend, but dinner is fantastic, too! On peak days, they can be extremely busy so I recommend making a reservation. If you don’t have time to make a reservation, you can always browse the shops nearby (coughlululemoncough) while you wait for your table.
8) SANTÉ WINE BAR *UPDATE: Temporarily Closed :(
This secret spot in downtown Asheville in the Grove Arcade has a beautiful outdoor patio, wine, beer, food, and wine flights! Okay, maybe this place isn’t a secret, but it’s never crowded! I took this photo at the inside bar, but be sure to check out their patio where you can watch Asheville city life up close and personal.
Have you found yourself in the River Arts District? Stop by the District Wine Bar for an appetizer and a glass of wine. Their patio is picturesque and is perfect on a nice, sunny day. In the mood for craft beer and a food truck instead? Walk next door to Wedge Brewing and check out their large outdoor seating area!
For a long list of tapas and drinks with a view, check out Capella on 9 at the new(ish) AC Hotel in downtown Asheville. There are two patios (one in front, one in back). I’ll tell you a secret: the one in front is smaller, but has the best view of the sunset and downtown Asheville! The one in the back is equally as cool… it’s huge and while you can’t see the sunset as clearly, it has a unique and large view of the city.
Okay, I know almost every patio I’ve listed is on a roof, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for these mountainous views! Montford Rooftop Bar, located inside the Hyatt Place in downtown, has breathtaking views, great southern food, and creative cocktails. They also have free valet parking!
There are so many great patios in Asheville… too many to list here! Where are your favorite outdoor eating and drinking spots in Asheville?