4 Best Bars in Downtown Asheville, Asheville

This speakeasy is one of Asheville's best-kept secrets; there's no sign on the door, and inside it's so dimly lit you could go incognito. The bar offers more than 600 whiskeys, and a ragtime band makes surprise appearances.

This is one of Asheville's most exciting breweries, with a downtown taproom open nightly (and all-day weekends). Branding is wacky and irreverent, and beers manage to be both inventive and traditional (there are also ciders and meads). The taproom has a small patio as well.

Bob Dylan, Modest Mouse, and the Beastie Boys have played at this now-legendary venue. There's a great dance floor with springy wood slats, two bars serving wine and beer, and a speakeasy-style bourbon bar, PULP, on the bottom floor.

Offering creative craft cocktails and a classed-up cool atmosphere (though it's still Asheville casual), this is one of the city's best spots for locally sourced farm-to-glass delights. The light-filled space boasts high ceilings, large mirrors, locally built furnishings, and a huge array of spirits. Servers and bartenders are friendly and knowledgeable.