Local Bites: A Snapshot of Asheville’s Food and Drink Landscape

Asheville -- August 5, 2025: Food & Drink:   Asheville's reputation as a culinary destination is built on its dynamic and ever-changing food scene. From a new spot slinging classic pies to a bakery elevating the humble biscuit,

expansions of beloved coffee purveyors, here's a look at some of the establishments shaping our local landscape.

For those craving a slice of New York, Birdie's Pizza, located at 27 Biltmore Avenue, has moved into the former Manicomio Pizza location. Birdie's aims to satisfy both traditional New York-style pizzas and the increasingly popular Detroit-style squares. It's another solid option for those looking for a dependable pizza joint downtown.

Venturing into the River Arts District, ButterPunk has officially set up shop at 372 Depot Street. For those who've encountered their "butter bomb biscuits" at local tailgate markets, this brick-and-mortar location offers a wider array of their signature biscuits and other baked goods. ButterPunk brings a distinct, buttery focus to the area's culinary offerings.

Local coffee enthusiasts have even more reason to celebrate with expansions from two familiar names. Dripolator, a staple in the Asheville coffee scene, has opened its fifth location at 760 Biltmore Avenue in Biltmore Village. This spot provides another convenient location to grab their reliably good coffee. Meanwhile, Rowan Coffee, which started as a popular pop-up, has established its second permanent location at 785 Haywood Road in West Asheville. This space is particularly notable as it also houses Rowan's coffee roastery, allowing patrons to experience the journey from bean to cup in one location.

Downtown Asheville's evening scene has also gained a player with the arrival of Fitz and the Wolfe at 1 Battery Park Avenue. Describing itself as more than just a restaurant, Fitz and the Wolfe offers a multi-faceted experience with distinct spaces including The Showroom for live music, The Palm Room for cocktails, and The Den for a more intimate setting, complete with a late-night food menu.

Finally, fans of Japanese cuisine will be pleased to find a downtown outpost of Zen Sushi, now located within the S&W Market at 56 Patton Avenue. While their original Merrimon Avenue location remains a favorite, this more centrally located spot offers a convenient option for those working, shopping, or enjoying the downtown core who are in search of fresh sushi.

Each establishment brings something unique to the table, offering both locals and visitors more opportunities to explore the diverse culinary landscape our city has to offer.

With so many places to discover and beloved classics to revisit, we're curious to know: What's your favorite go-to spot in Asheville right now, and what do you love about it?

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