Brewery Asheville with food is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a cornerstone of Asheville’s vibrant culture. This isn’t your average beer scene. We’re talking about a symbiotic relationship where craft brews and culinary delights dance together, creating an experience that’s as unique as the city itself. Forget bland bar snacks; Asheville breweries are stepping up their game, offering menus that are as diverse and exciting as their beer selections.
Get ready to explore the breweries, the food pairings, the events, and the impact this scene has on the local community.
We’ll delve into the best spots for grub, explore food pairings, and highlight special events that make Asheville a must-visit destination for foodies and beer enthusiasts alike. We’ll analyze the food menus, compare and contrast, and even give you the lowdown on dietary options. This is a deep dive, so buckle up and prepare to have your taste buds tantalized!
Popular Asheville Breweries Offering Food

Alright, buckle up, beer and food lovers! Asheville, North Carolina, isn’t just a haven for craft beer; it’s a culinary playground where breweries are stepping up their game and serving up some seriously delicious grub. Forget soggy bar snacks – we’re talking gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizzas, and everything in between. Get ready to drool (responsibly, of course) as we dive into some of the best Asheville breweries that know how to pair a perfect pint with a perfect plate.
Prepare yourself for a whirlwind tour of the Asheville brewery scene, where beer meets bites in the most delightful ways. These breweries don’t just offer a quick snack; they provide a full-blown dining experience, complete with ambiance, outdoor seating, and menus that’ll make your taste buds sing. Let’s get started!
Breweries with Food Offerings
Here are some Asheville breweries that have mastered the art of pairing beer with food. They’ve figured out that a great beer deserves an equally great companion on the plate.
- Burial Beer Co. (The Woodshed): Burial is known for its dark and experimental beers, and The Woodshed complements them with a menu that’s equally bold. Expect smoked meats, creative sandwiches, and sides that are anything but ordinary. The atmosphere is rustic and hip, with a large outdoor space perfect for soaking up the Asheville vibe.
- Highland Brewing Company: Highland, a cornerstone of the Asheville beer scene, offers a more relaxed dining experience. They serve up pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. The expansive outdoor space, complete with a disc golf course and walking trails, makes it a perfect spot for a family outing or a casual hang with friends.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Mills River): The Sierra Nevada brewery in Mills River isn’t just a brewery; it’s a destination. Their restaurant features a diverse menu with something for everyone, from pub fare to upscale dishes. The massive facility boasts indoor and outdoor seating, a brewery tour, and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
- New Belgium Brewing Company: New Belgium’s Asheville location offers a fantastic menu that includes burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The brewery is situated on the French Broad River, with a huge outdoor area. It has a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for enjoying a beer and a meal.
- Bhramari Brewhouse: Bhramari Brewhouse focuses on experimental beers, and their food menu is equally adventurous. Expect dishes with global influences, from tacos to creative small plates. The atmosphere is industrial-chic, with a lively and social vibe.
Food Styles and Menu Highlights
Asheville breweries offer a diverse range of food styles, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something more adventurous, you’ll find it here. Let’s explore some of the culinary delights these breweries have to offer.
- Burial Beer Co. (The Woodshed): Specializes in smoked meats. A must-try dish is the “Burial Burger,” featuring a juicy patty, smoked bacon, and their signature sauce.
- Highland Brewing Company: Known for its pizzas. Their wood-fired pizzas, like the “Margherita” and “Pepperoni,” are always a hit.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Mills River): Provides a diverse menu. The “Brewery Burger” and the “Fish Tacos” are some of their most popular dishes.
- New Belgium Brewing Company: Serves a variety of options. The “Bavarian Pretzel” with beer cheese is a great choice.
- Bhramari Brewhouse: Focuses on creative, globally-inspired dishes. Their “Korean Fried Chicken Tacos” are a local favorite.
Atmosphere and Ambiance, Brewery asheville with food
The atmosphere at these breweries varies widely, catering to different preferences. From rustic and hip to relaxed and family-friendly, there’s a brewery that fits every mood. Outdoor seating is a common feature, allowing visitors to enjoy the beautiful Asheville weather.
- Burial Beer Co. (The Woodshed): Offers a rustic and hip atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends.
- Highland Brewing Company: Provides a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with an expansive outdoor space.
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Mills River): Features a massive facility with both indoor and outdoor seating and stunning mountain views.
- New Belgium Brewing Company: Offers a laid-back atmosphere with a large outdoor area overlooking the French Broad River.
- Bhramari Brewhouse: Provides an industrial-chic ambiance with a lively and social vibe.
Responsive HTML Table of Asheville Breweries
Here’s a handy table summarizing the key details of the Asheville breweries mentioned, making it easy to plan your next brewery adventure. The table is designed to be responsive, adapting to different screen sizes.
This table will show the brewery name, food style, notable dish, and a brief atmosphere description. The data is presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing for easy comparison and planning.
Brewery Name | Food Style | Notable Dish | Atmosphere |
---|---|---|---|
Burial Beer Co. (The Woodshed) | Smoked Meats | Burial Burger | Rustic & Hip |
Highland Brewing Company | Pizza, Sandwiches, Salads | Wood-fired Pizzas | Relaxed & Family-Friendly |
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (Mills River) | Diverse Menu | Brewery Burger | Large, with Indoor & Outdoor Seating |
New Belgium Brewing Company | Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads | Bavarian Pretzel | Laid-back |
Bhramari Brewhouse | Global Influences | Korean Fried Chicken Tacos | Industrial-Chic |
Brewery Food Pairings and Recommendations
Alright, buckle up, beer lovers and food fanatics! We’re about to dive headfirst into the glorious world of Asheville brewery food pairings. Because let’s be honest, a perfectly poured pint deserves a culinary companion, and Asheville’s breweries have got the hookup. We’re talking about a symphony of flavors, a dance of deliciousness, and a reason to loosen your belt a notch (or three).
Flavor Complementarity in Beer and Food
The secret to a killer pairing? Understanding how flavors interact. Think of it like a culinary love story. Some beers and foods are soulmates, destined to be together, while others… well, let’s just say they’re better off as friends.
The goal is to find combinations where the flavors either complement each other (like a hoppy IPA and a spicy curry) or contrast in a way that’s delightful (think a rich stout and a salty pretzel).
Pale Ale Food Pairing Suggestions
Pale Ales, the workhorses of the craft beer world, offer a delightful balance of malt and hops. They’re versatile enough to pair with a wide range of foods, making them a perfect starting point for your Asheville brewery food adventures. Here are some top-notch options:
- Burgers: The classic pairing for a reason. The malt backbone of the Pale Ale cuts through the richness of the burger, while the hops provide a refreshing counterpoint. Imagine a juicy, perfectly grilled burger, dripping with cheese, nestled in a toasted bun.
- Pizza: Especially those with flavorful toppings. The slight bitterness of the Pale Ale cleanses the palate after each bite, and the citrusy hop notes often complement the tomato sauce and herbs.
- Chicken Wings: Whether they’re saucy, dry-rubbed, or somewhere in between, Pale Ales handle the heat and richness of chicken wings with grace. The hops will cut through the fat and refresh your taste buds.
- Fish and Chips: A crispy, golden-brown piece of fish and a pile of perfectly salted fries. The Pale Ale’s carbonation and hop profile will refresh your palate after each bite.
- Salads with Grilled Chicken or Fish: The light and refreshing qualities of a Pale Ale make it a great accompaniment to salads, enhancing the overall dining experience.
“Food is just as important as the beer itself. It’s about creating an experience. When people come to our brewery, we want them to feel like they’re part of something special, and that includes the food we offer.”
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Local Brewer, Asheville
Brewery Food Menus and Dietary Options
Alright, beer-loving foodies, let’s talk about surviving in Asheville without sacrificing your dietary preferences! Because let’s face it, sometimes a perfectly brewed IPA is onlyhalf* the battle. We need sustenance, and we need it to be delicious. This segment will dive headfirst into the wonderful world of Asheville brewery food menus, specifically focusing on how our local breweries cater to vegetarians, vegans, and those brave souls navigating the gluten-free landscape.
Get ready to salivate (or at least mildly consider a snack).
Identifying Breweries with Dietary Options
Finding a brewery with options that align with your dietary needs is like finding a unicorn wearing a tiny hop cone hat – it’s possible, and it’s glorious! Fortunately, Asheville breweries are generally pretty good at catering to diverse palates. Many have embraced the trend, recognizing that people want more than just a bag of pretzels with their brew. Here’s a peek at some breweries that frequently offer options for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks:
- Burial Beer Co.: Known for its experimental brews and equally experimental food menu, Burial often features vegetarian and sometimes vegan options, alongside dishes that can be modified for gluten-free eaters.
- Catawba Brewing Co.: Catawba usually has a food truck on site, and the food truck vendors frequently offer a range of options. You’ll find vegetarian, vegan, and sometimes gluten-free options available.
- Highland Brewing Company: Highland usually has a restaurant on site, with a diverse menu that typically includes vegetarian choices, and they’re often willing to adapt dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Green Man Brewery: Green Man often features a food truck, and you’ll usually find a vegetarian or vegan option on the menu.
Variety and Quality of Dietary Options
The quality of the dietary options can vary, but Asheville breweries generally strive for excellence. The goal is to provide satisfying and flavorful dishes, not just a begrudging side salad. You’ll find a range of options, from hearty vegetarian burgers to creative vegan appetizers.For example, at a brewery like Burial Beer Co., you might find dishes like a delicious vegetarian chili or a creative veggie sandwich.
The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients when possible. At other breweries, you might encounter vegan tacos or salads that can be customized to be gluten-free. The options can be really fun!
Comparing Brewery Food Menus
Let’s compare the menus of two breweries to see how they stack up:We’ll look at Burial Beer Co. and Catawba Brewing Co. Burial is known for a more upscale, chef-driven approach, whereas Catawba relies heavily on rotating food truck vendors.
- Burial Beer Co.: Burial’s menu is typically more curated and changes frequently. You can expect to find a few vegetarian or vegan options, perhaps a gourmet veggie burger, a creative salad, or a plant-based entree. The quality is usually high, and the dishes are designed to pair well with their beers. The vibe is definitely more “gastropub.”
- Catawba Brewing Co.: Catawba’s food truck situation offers a broader range of cuisines. The menu options vary widely depending on the vendor. You might find a dedicated vegetarian vendor or a truck that offers some adaptable options (like a veggie wrap or a salad that can be made vegan). The prices are generally more budget-friendly, and the focus is less on fancy pairings and more on quick, tasty eats.
Creating a Bulleted List of Vegetarian Dishes
Here’s a bulleted list demonstrating what you might find on a vegetarian’s Asheville brewery adventure:
- Burial Beer Co.: Vegetarian Chili – a hearty and flavorful chili made with seasonal vegetables, beans, and spices, perfect for a chilly evening.
- Catawba Brewing Co. (hypothetical food truck): Veggie Tacos – Black bean and corn tacos with fresh salsa and avocado crema (can be made vegan by omitting the crema).
- Highland Brewing Company: Vegetarian Burger – A classic veggie burger, often with creative toppings and served with a side of fries or a salad.
Brewery Food Events and Special Nights: Brewery Asheville With Food
Asheville breweries, bless their hops-loving hearts, understand that beer and food are like peanut butter and jelly – a match made in heaven, or at least, a very delicious pairing. They don’t just serve up suds; they throw parties! These events range from the casual to the culinary, ensuring there’s something to tantalize every taste bud and tickle every funny bone.
Get ready to mark your calendars and loosen your belt buckles!
Brewery Collaborations with Food Trucks and Chefs
Asheville breweries love to team up with local culinary wizards. This creates a vibrant food scene.
- Food trucks are a staple. Imagine pulling up to a brewery, and you can get everything from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas. The brewery provides the beer, the truck provides the eats, and everyone wins. It’s a beautiful symbiosis.
- Collaborations with local chefs are a step up. Sometimes, a brewery will host a pop-up dinner with a renowned chef, creating a special menu designed to perfectly complement their beers. Think multi-course meals, seasonal ingredients, and beer pairings that elevate the dining experience to an art form.
- These collaborations aren’t just about the food; they’re about community. Breweries often partner with new food vendors to help them get exposure and grow their businesses.
Types of Brewery Food Events
Asheville breweries host a wide variety of food-related events, offering something for everyone.
- Food Truck Rallies: These are the carnivals of culinary delights. Several food trucks gather at a brewery, offering a dizzying array of options. It’s a great way to try a bunch of different cuisines in one place.
- Beer Dinners: These are elegant affairs. Breweries team up with chefs to create multi-course meals, with each course perfectly paired with a specific beer. It’s a chance to experience the full potential of beer and food pairings.
- Special Themed Nights: Breweries get creative. They might host a taco night, a pizza night, a burger battle, or a vegan food festival. These nights are fun, casual, and a great way to try new things.
- Brewery Anniversaries: Breweries throw parties. They often feature special food offerings from local vendors, along with live music and, of course, plenty of beer.
Upcoming Food Events at Asheville Breweries
To help you plan your culinary adventures, here’s a sneak peek at some upcoming food events.
Note: Event dates and details are subject to change. Always check the brewery’s website or social media for the most up-to-date information.
This table presents upcoming food events at Asheville breweries. Each row includes the brewery name, event name, date, and a brief description of the event. The table is designed to be responsive, adapting to different screen sizes for optimal viewing. The table has a light gray background for easy readability.
Brewery | Event Name | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Highland Brewing Company | Food Truck Friday | Every Friday | Rotating selection of food trucks offering diverse cuisines. |
Burial Beer Co. | Pizza Night | Select Wednesdays | Wood-fired pizza from a local vendor, paired with Burial’s craft beers. |
Green Man Brewery | Taco Tuesday | Every Tuesday | Special taco menu from a local food truck, featuring various fillings and vegetarian options. |
Catawba Brewing Co. | Beer & Burger Night | Monthly, check website for dates | Burger specials from a local chef, with beer pairings. |
The Asheville Brewery Scene and Food Culture
Asheville, North Carolina: where the beer flows like a mountain stream and the food is so good, you’ll want to lick your plate (but maybe don’t, unless you’re at home). This isn’t just a coincidence; the two are intertwined like hops and a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. We’re about to dive headfirst into how Asheville’s brewery scene and food culture are basically best friends forever (or at least, until someone introduces them to a better IPA).
Asheville’s Brewery Scene’s Contribution to Food Culture
Asheville’s breweries don’t just serve beer; they’re cultural hubs, and their influence spills over into the culinary world like a perfectly poured pint. They create demand for local ingredients, encourage experimentation with food pairings, and provide a relaxed, social environment that fosters a love of good food and drink. It’s a symbiotic relationship where everyone wins – except maybe your liver, but hey, life’s about balance, right?
The Impact of Local Breweries on the Local Food Industry and Community
Local breweries act as economic engines, fueling the growth of the food industry and strengthening the community fabric. They support local farms, food trucks, and restaurants, creating a ripple effect of positive impact.
- Boosting Local Businesses: Breweries frequently partner with local food trucks and restaurants to provide food options, offering opportunities for those businesses to thrive. This collaborative spirit fosters a sense of community and helps smaller businesses gain exposure. For example, you’ll often find food trucks parked outside breweries in Asheville, offering everything from gourmet burgers to vegan tacos.
- Driving Demand for Local Ingredients: Breweries’ commitment to using local ingredients, from hops to fruits, encourages local farmers to produce these items, creating a sustainable ecosystem. This support for local agriculture ensures freshness and supports local economies.
- Creating Job Opportunities: The expansion of breweries and the associated food service creates a significant number of jobs, from brewers and bartenders to chefs and servers. This contributes to the economic vitality of the city and provides employment opportunities for residents.
- Fostering Community Events: Breweries frequently host events like food festivals, live music, and community gatherings, bringing people together and creating a vibrant social atmosphere. This helps build a sense of community and encourages social interaction.
- Attracting Tourism: Asheville’s brewery scene is a major draw for tourists, who are often looking for unique experiences. This influx of visitors supports local businesses and generates revenue for the city.
Comparison of Asheville’s Food Culture with Another Brewery-Centric City
Let’s pit Asheville against Portland, Oregon, another city renowned for its craft beer and food scene. Both cities share a passion for quality ingredients and innovative food pairings, but they have distinct flavors.
Feature | Asheville, NC | Portland, OR |
---|---|---|
Brewery Vibe | More laid-back, with a focus on Southern hospitality and outdoor spaces. Think porches, fire pits, and live music. | More eclectic and experimental, with a strong emphasis on IPAs and a slightly more hipster vibe. |
Food Focus | Southern comfort food with a modern twist, farm-to-table dining, and a growing vegan scene. | Diverse food cart culture, innovative cuisine, and a strong emphasis on Pacific Northwest ingredients. |
Beer Style Emphasis | A good mix, but with a growing emphasis on hazy IPAs, sours, and lagers. | IPAs, barrel-aged beers, and experimental styles. |
Food Truck Scene | Vibrant, with a variety of options, often parked outside breweries. | Iconic, with a huge variety of food carts offering global cuisines. |
Asheville leans into its Southern roots, while Portland is more avant-garde. Both, however, have cultivated vibrant food scenes heavily influenced by their brewery cultures.
Benefits of Asheville’s Brewery Scene
The Asheville brewery scene provides numerous advantages to the city, its residents, and visitors alike. It’s basically a win-win-win situation.
- Economic Growth: The brewery industry supports a significant number of jobs and attracts tourism, boosting the local economy.
- Community Building: Breweries serve as social hubs, fostering a sense of community through events, partnerships, and a shared love of beer.
- Culinary Innovation: Breweries encourage culinary creativity by partnering with food trucks and restaurants, promoting local ingredients, and hosting food-related events.
- Increased Tourism: Asheville’s brewery scene is a major draw for tourists, contributing to the city’s popularity and economic prosperity.
- Support for Local Businesses: Breweries often support local farmers, food trucks, and restaurants, creating a collaborative and sustainable ecosystem.
Conclusion
From the local breweries serving up amazing food to the innovative pairings that elevate the entire experience, Asheville’s brewery scene is a testament to the power of collaboration and community. It’s a place where craft beer and culinary creativity collide, creating a dynamic and delicious landscape. So, whether you’re a seasoned beer aficionado or simply looking for a great meal, Asheville’s breweries are ready to welcome you with open arms (and full plates).
Go out there and enjoy the best of Asheville!