The best bars & nightlife in Buncombe County

Capella on 9 pairs tapas-style, locally sourced plates from Asheville native executive chef Rakim Gaines with hand-crafted cocktails and head-turning Blue Ridge views. When you want live music, shareable bites, and a laid-back scene to linger a while, this is an easy yes for weeknights.

From the Asheville newsletter, September 22, 2026

Botanist & Barrel Asheville pours wild-fermented, unfiltered ciders and DeFi wines made from local, spray-free fruit like heirloom apples, muscadines, and blueberries. First in the Southeast to craft pét-nat ciders, their Asheville Tasting Bar is where rebellious meets refined... an easy midweek upgrade.

From the Asheville newsletter, October 9, 2026

Universal Joint Asheville is that easygoing spot locals claim as theirs, with a dog-friendly patio, cold drafts, and a behind-the-bar lineup built for, as they put it, Drinking Well With Others. Smash burgers, wings, and other UJ staples hit the table fast, perfect for post-work decompression or low-key weekend hangs.

From the Asheville newsletter, October 21, 2026

5 Walnut Wine Bar nails that brick-walled, handcrafted vibe with a wine list that invites lingering, plus local beer for your hop-curious friend. Area-sourced nibbles and live music make it an easy yes for an after-work catch-up or a spontaneous Wednesday treat.

From the Asheville newsletter, September 8, 2026

If your week needs a reliable vibe shift, Asheville Club keeps Western NC craft beers pouring, local ginger beer and cider on deck, plus cocktails, premium wines, and actual espresso to keep you upright. Slide in for low-key live music on weekends, stay for the easygoing crowd.

From the Asheville newsletter, September 28, 2026

WALLS Wine Bar blends a gallery vibe with a thoughtful wine program, from by-the-taste pours to serious bubbles like Bollinger. Easygoing enough for a quick midweek unwind, and interesting enough to help you discover a new favorite, it’s a keep-in-rotation hangout.

From the Asheville newsletter, September 14, 2026

Causal, homey, friendly option for cider flights, cheese plates and small bites, with gluten-free eats.

When you want a conversation-first spot that feels like a secret, slip into Wine & Roses, the intimate parlour bar inside Zelda Dearest. Smartly crafted drinks like The Lost Generation or a Jazz Age Old Fashioned share the menu with a tidy list of wines and local beer.

From the Asheville newsletter, October 14, 2026

When you want a low-key spot that still hits, Foggy Mountain Brew Pub delivers with a from-scratch kitchen turning out proper pub comfort and pints that go down easy. Chill vibes, neighborly crowd, and food that tastes like someone actually cooked it... make it your midweek reset.

From the Asheville newsletter, October 11, 2026

Perched above Eulogy Music Hall, VISUALS Rooftop Bar pours native-yeast natural wines, rustic Asheville-made ciders from mostly NC apples, and house aperitifs humming with botanicals, plus craft cocktails, guest wines, and locally sourced snacks.

From the Asheville newsletter, October 6, 2026