Asheville Bar and Restaurant Recommendations

-Asheville Yacht Club, 87 Patton Ave.: Don’t let the name fool you. This is actually a tiki bar with a long list of tropical libations, plus a handful of sandwiches and appetizers.

-Battery Park Book Exchange & Champagne Bar, 1 Page Ave. #101: “I’d like to browse some used books, but I also want a glass of champagne. If only there were some way to combine the two.”

-Biscuit Head, two locations: The huge, loaded biscuit sandwiches are tempting, but before you order one, be sure to consider a gravy flight. It’s exactly what it sounds like.

-Lexington Avenue Brewery, 39 N. Lexington Ave.: This spacious brewpub is a great spot to stop if the heat is getting to you. The beers and entrees – from beer can chicken to Ethiopian specialty Yemiser W’et – don’t hurt.

-Skybar, 18 Battery Park Ave.: An old-timey elevator takes patrons to the top of World Coffee Café, where the multi-level balcony bar affords a beautiful view of downtown Asheville and the drink menu offers crazy concoctions featuring ingredients such as kava and horny goat weed.

-The Southern Kitchen and Bar, 41 N. Lexington Ave.: It’s a tough choice between the comfortable patio and the beautiful indoors, and an even tougher choice picking a drink. You can’t go wrong with the Ginger-Lychee, for whatever it’s worth.

-Storm Rhum Bar & Bistro, 125 S. Lexington Ave.: Grab a Perfect Storm Mojito and a seat outside, plus maybe some bacon-boiled peanuts or crispy pig ears, and enjoy the people-watching.

-Thirsty Monk, 92 Patton Ave.: This three-story establishment is a craft beer bar on the ground floor, a Belgian beer cellar in the basement and a speakeasy on the second story.

-Tupelo Honey Café, two locations: Be prepared for a wait at this Southern comfort kitchen. Don’t worry, the food is well worth it, as the concept’s expansion to more than 10 eastern U.S. locations proves.

-Wicked Weed Brewing, 91 Biltmore Ave.: The brewpub specializes in barrel-aged beers, the restaurant offers innovative fare and the patio features games and fire pits. What’s not to like?

Garth Bishop is managing editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.