Asheville’s coffee scene runs on more than caffeine. It’s a daily ritual shaped by roasters, baristas and gathering places with plenty of personality.
In this roundup, you’ll find cafés that serve expertly made drinks alongside a strong sense of place, from quiet corners made for lingering to lively neighborhood staples with a loyal following. Whether you’re after a careful pour-over, a flaky pastry or an afternoon reset, these coffee shops offer a warm welcome and a taste of what makes Asheville feel like Asheville.
What are some of the best coffee shops in the Asheville area?
PennyCup
Now with four cafes in Asheville, PennyCup Coffee has established itself as a staple of the Asheville coffee scene. PennyCup roasts its own coffee at its location in the River Arts District. In the past couple years, PennyCup added the artsy downtown location and an especially family-friendly east side location in the Haw Creek neighborhood. Locals love to take advantage of the opportunity to buy PennyCup Coffee by the pound.
Ultra Coffee Bar
This is a local favorite in the River Arts District. At Ultra Coffee Bar, the coffee is organic and food is top notch. It's a great place to stop while you explore the many galleries and studios in this artsy district.
Dripolator
In the beautiful, nearby town of Black Mountain, the Dripolator is a community gathering spot in downtown. You'll enjoy free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating. The Dripolator serves up freshly-roasted organic and fair trade beans. They also have fresh baked pastries and desserts. They also have locations in Biltmore Village, East and South Asheville
High Five
Hand-crafted goodness is what High Five is all about. High Five now has three locations in Asheville. It's newest location is located in Woodfin, just north of town on the banks of the French Broad River.
Grind AVL
Grind is Asheville's first black-owned coffee shop and co-working space. Grind, located in the River Arts District, features specialty coffee and house-made pastries from The Rhu.
Summit
Summit Coffee is a go-to for sustainably sourced, small-batch roasted coffee and fresh-baked bites like muffins and bagels. In downtown, stop by their Grove Arcade café to recharge between shops and galleries, or head to the River Arts District where Summit now serves its full menu from a mobile coffee truck parked at Hi-Wire Brewing. Both spots deliver the warm hospitality and relaxed vibe that keep locals and visitors coming back.
Battery Park Book Exchange
Discover thousands of books while you enjoy a refreshing beverage from the espresso bar or wine bar. The shop is also known for being especially dog-friendly.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Enjoy fine coffee and espresso from Mountain Air Roasting at this cozy lounge that's often described as a dessert-lover's dream. While you'll love the delicious coffee and expert latte art, you'll find it hard to resist the sweet treats French Broad Chocolate Lounge is known for serving. Choose from house-made ice cream, artisan truffles, cakes and even drinking chocolates (like the Liquid Truffle!).
Old Europe
Old Europe serves up signature European desserts to go with its hand-crafted coffee drinks. For more than 20 years, people have flocked to this cafe in Asheville to try favorites such as French Creamy, Hazelnut Napoleon and Tiramisu.
Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe
Grab a cup of coffee in one of the area's top independent bookstores. Malaprop's Cafe offers locally-roasted coffee and delicious treats from local bakeries. While you are there, go on a "blind date" with a book from the bookstore. Malaprop's has a section with books wrapped individually in brown packaging paper. You can't unwrap the book until you buy it, so it's a surprise!
Double D's
Coffee served out of a bright red, double-decker bus? It's an iconic Asheville experience at Double D's in the heart of downtown Asheville. Sip your coffee inside the bus or out in the courtyard.
Izzy's
Izzy's is an Asheville classic. It's no wonder this cozy, art-filled cafe receives such high praise from visitors and locals alike. Izzy's serves a variety of specialty drinks, a curated beer and wine selection and house-baked goods and snacks. You can experience Izzy's Coffee Den in downtown Asheville or Izzy's Coffee House in West Asheville on Haywood Road.
The Times Bar and Coffee Shop
Nestled in Asheville’s historic S&W Market on Patton Avenue, The Times blends specialty coffee and craft cocktail culture under one roof. By day, it’s a cozy downtown spot to enjoy expertly brewed espresso drinks, seasonal boozy lattes, and pastries in an elegant Art Deco space. As afternoon fades, the vibe shifts: talented mixologists take over with a rotating menu of creative cocktails.
Green Sage
One of Asheville's greenest cafes, Green Sage serves up organic coffee and a great list of healthy menu items. All of its locations (downtown, north Asheville and south Asheville) offer plenty of comfortable seating.
Rowan & Rowan West
Located in downtown Asheville, Rowan originally started out as a mobile espresso cart, popping up in different retail spaces around town. Their mission is focused on "striving for balance" and creating a more sustainable future for the coffee industry. Reflective of a cocktail bar/speakeasy, Rowan is a cozy spot that blends modern and early 20th century design elements. Don't miss their new vibey location in West Asheville!
Short Sleeves
Located in Swannanoa, Short Sleeves Coffee Shop offers up a cozy spot to enjoy delicious and fresh pastries and small batch coffee roasted in-house. Don't leave town before snagging some monkey bread and a iced matcha!
BattleCat
This West Asheville favorite serves up fresh PennyCup coffee and is the perfect spot to write your next novel. Don’t miss the food from Tiger Bay Café, conveniently located in the same building.
Liberty Coffee House
If you’re looking for quality eats, Liberty is your spot. Simple plates that offer big taste and locally sourced ingredients are on the menu. Check out their Instagram for their most up-to-date weekend brunch menu.
Recess Coffee Shop
The only thing better than the vibes at Recess Coffee Shop in Black Mountain, are the amazing homemade pastries and assortment of coffees and lattes. Recess has a ever-changing seasonal menu that always delights.
The Wheelhouse
The newest addition to Asheville's South Slope, The Wheelhouse combines a dive bar aesthetic with exceptional coffee. It's also quickly becoming a beloved space for live music, with a weekly rotational of local and touring acts.
Forage at Flora
Located inside one of the most gorgeous floral shops you'll find, Forage is the perfect place for a coffee and/or an impromptu Instagram photo shoot.
Yellow Mug Coffee
Located in downtown Weaverville, this spot is a local favorite. In addition to great coffee, Yellow Mug is known for its amazing brunch meals. And don't miss the tempting array of sweet treats next to the register!
Odd's Cafe
Just as the name suggests, Odd's is a great place for experiencing the true vibe of West Asheville. The shop specializes in high-quality, all natural products.
Pollen
This downtown cafe will certainly take you on a journey of the senses. Not only does this shop serve up noteworthy coffee but it also acts as a flower shop, too! Pollen is focused on uncompromised self-expression through flowers, coffee, design, art, and music.
Farewell
With a focus on quality, this coffee joint is a multi-roaster cafe that carries two to three national or international roasters in rotation monthly. In addition to coffee, this Instagram-worthy shop offers natural wine, plants, sweet treats and more. Enjoy your cup of joe al fresco on their outdoor patio or post up along their open-air bar area.
