Insider Picks: 10 Asheville Business Owners Share Their Favorite Places

Asheville is overflowing with incredible places to sip, shop, and savor — but who knows the best hidden gems? The people who run the businesses that make this city shine.

From chefs and shopkeepers to artists and tour guides, Asheville’s entrepreneurs have their go-to spots when they’re off the clock. We asked several local business owners to spill the beans (and sometimes the beer) on some of their favorite places to frequent in the Asheville area.

The result? A love letter to our local scene, full of great recommendations, genuine community pride, and a few unexpected picks you’ll want to check out on your next adventure.

Rebecca Hecht - Shining Rock Goods 

Favorite Food Tour: Asheville Food Tours 

“Asheville Food Tours always delivers an insider’s view of Asheville’s award-winning culinary landscape. Take a tour with Stu Helm, Food Fan, and get more than just delicious bites and a local’s perspective of the food scene, you also get insights into local history and architecture!”

Favorite Art Store: Horse and Hero

“Horse and Hero in downtown Asheville is practically a museum of our indie art scene! I love their cute stickers and all the available fine art and prints from local artists. When I need a uniquely Asheville gift, Horse and Hero is my go-to!.”

Kyle and Carter James - Flour 

Favorite Restaurant: Tall John’s 

“This is our favorite restaurant in town for a variety of reasons. Top to bottom, from the food to service to drinks to branding… excellence across the board.”

Allyson Seifert - Pollen Coffee & Flowers 

Favorite Bar: Pink Moon Wine Bar 

“I love Ethan and all of the people behind Pink Moon, the vibes are always amazing and it’s a perfect wine spot for balmy summer nights.”

Amy Vermillion - Dripolator Coffeehouse

Favorite Place to Shop: Street Fair

"I have so many fond memories of shopping for jewelry and fun gifts, there. I've been shopping there since I started college in 1989 in Asheville, and it means so much to me to see pieces of old Asheville still thriving!"

Paul Pike - Master BBQ AVL Foodtruck 

Favorite Restaurant: Miyako House 

“Miyako House has become a go-to spot for me and my wife. We both grew up in Asia and often miss fresh seafood, and their sashimi is always spot on.”

Brandon Davis & Davie Roberts - DayTrip 

Favorite Bar: Little Jumbo and Golden Pineapple 

"As soon as I walk into Little Jumbo I feel like I'm stepping into my friend's house to get a drink. The staff is so dang nice. I never want to leave. Golden Pineapple is pure delicious joy. I want to order every drink on the menu, but somehow, I always end up with three Baja Blast Shooters, and I always eat the Tinned Fish. The perfect combo of drinks, food and vibes."

Casey and Amanda McKissick - Hell or High Water (Black Mountain)

Favorite Place to Eat: Cousins Cuban Café in Black Mountain. 

“We love Cousin’s Cuban Café in Black Mountain. Their Café con Leche and a couple of empanadas or a Cubano bowl for breakfast, and I’m ready for anything my day throws at me! The sweetest people run the place, and the food and service are full of love for what they do.”

Nicole Wandtke - Sweet Cub Soft Serve

Favorite Coffee Spot: High Five Coffee - Riverside 

“Getting a coffee and sitting by the river is guaranteed to make your day better. Somehow, they managed to make it even better post-Helene! It’s a perfect place to hang out and recharge.”

John Garcia - Lookout Brewing Company (Black Mountain)

Favorite Asheville Restaurant: Mamacitas Taqueria

 “We have been going here since we moved here 21 years ago, and it has always felt like it encapsulates the vibe of Asheville. The staff is always nice and the food consistently great.”

Alexandria Monque Ravenel - Noir Collective AVL

Favorite Places to Shop: Adlib Clothing & Elementality

“Elementality and Adlib are my absolute favorite No. 1 stores to shop at! Elementality has these really cool slacks that are kind of like very quirky bell-bottoms that I love. All their products are made in the USA, which I also love.  I also absolutely love Adlib and their commitment to environmental responsibility in what they sell. It’s a place where I never feel any pressure to buy. It’s such a welcoming atmosphere to shop in!”