Best Cafes in West Asheville—A Local’s Perspective
- Ian Wasserman
- Jun 2
- 5 min read
It's long been my claim that outside of downtown, west Asheville is one of the most exciting spots to be. You got a spray of fine shops, astounding restaurants, and local hangouts. Of course, it follows then that this hip and happening part of town has also got to have some great cafés.
Picture this: an afternoon walk through Carrier Park, on the banks of the French Broad River. You’re thirsty. Floundering like a fish, in fact. It’s times like these that a spot of refreshment really goes a long way. Just chilling out at a café with family and friends. I’ve had many afternoons just like this, and I got to say, they can’t be beat.
So whether you’re coming out to west Asheville for a river-walk, to unwind after a morning spent in the RAD, or simply to discover all the fine things there are to do out here, then read on and discover five of the best cafes in west Asheville.
Many years ago my sister introduced me to this little west-side café, telling me “OWL” stood for “Old World Leviathan.” I did not question her for many years, simply accepting that some of my favorite baked goods in Asheville were the product of a gargantuan fish.
As it turns out, the “L” is for “Levain,” referring to a specialized kind of sourdough starter. May seem an obscure reference, but here at OWL, it's all about the fine details, and I’ll tell you what: you can taste the difference.
From the crust of their croissants to the springy cream fillings of their delectable danishes, every pastry here is crafted with precision, care, and technical excellence. Truly, it's one of my favorite bakeries in town.
You may figure that I see the edibles as the star of the show here, but the bev isn’t anything to shake at stick at neither. Aside from your typical café-concoctions, OWL is a great place to try some more sophisticated and lesser-known refreshments. A lavender London Fog, perhaps. Or a dulce-de-leche cappuccino.
No matter the order, I always prefer to take my meal out in their backyard, al fresca. Seating is limited, so I suggest aiming your visit during their slower weekday hours.
Hours: 8am to 2pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
And now, for a very different kind of café. A reimagining, indeed, of the entire café concept. Not a morning place, for your inauguratory cup o’ joe. But a night place, a night-life place, centered around the ideas of art, community, and sober social gatherings sponsored by espresso.
A highly original idea, if you ask me. And don’t let the humble exterior fool you. Inside you’ll find a killer ambiance, great crowd, and stellar coffee. Really makes Haywood Famous feel like a true hidden gem.
With a calendar chock-full of events, from open mics to knitting circles, there’s few better ways to experience west Asheville like a local, than to spend a night here, indulging in coffee, culture, and good cheer.
Hours: 5pm to 10:30pm from Sunday to Tuesday. Open until midnight Thursday through Saturday. Closed Wednesdays.
If you’re more in the mood for a sit-down meal, in the mood, perhaps, for some biscuits or hotcakes to accompany your steaming cup of coffee, then Sunny Point Café is just the place for you.
It often pops up on my lists pertaining to west Asheville, and for good reason. It’s one of the very best restaurants on this side of town by any estimation, a local favorite, in fact, bolstered by its plentiful outdoor seating, garden-fresh ingredients, and comfort food that’ll make you want to stay a while and soak in the sun.
It’s a heck of a popular place, given all these assets. So if you want to get a table, especially on the weekend, I would recommend thinking ahead. Brunch-time on Fridays through Sundays are their busiest times, with space opening up into the afternoon. I believe it’s worth the wait, but if you’re in a rush, then a weekday brunch is definitely the way to go.
Hours: 8:30am to 2:30pm, every day of the week.
Here we have what you may consider the “day café” to Haywood Famous’s "night." Open from 8am? Check. Bagels and doughnuts? Check. Breakfast-food items as varied as chicken congee and huevos rancheros? Check. Here in west Asheville, even the most “by-the-book” local café is bound to have a few tricks up its sleeve.
Aside from their dazzling pastry cabinet, jammed full of scones and cinnamon rolls, I’d say what makes West End stand out is their breakfast menu. Representing culinary traditions from across the world, there’s a little something for everyone here. Combined with plentiful seating and a relaxed atmosphere, West End’s a great place for a casual cup of coffee and bite to eat before embarking on your day’s adventures.
Hours: 8am to 4pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
You know I had it coming. Dobra Tea is one of my absolute favorite teahouse micro-franchise in town, and indeed, in the whole world. Now I am partial to the hustle and bustle of their downtown location, perfect for people watching, but if I’m looking for a slower, more relaxed kind of day, then Dobra Tea’s west Asheville location is the way to go.
Not strictly a café, I suppose, in that tea is the star of the show here. But this is my list, and for my purposes, you can’t go wrong at Dobra.
Their extensive tea menu can be intimidating to first time visitors, so I recommend the Sweet Smell of Jerusalem or Memories of Prague for a hot, enriching black tea. Or, if you’re looking for a cold drink, then the fruity-foamy Staroborshov is the way to go.
To eat, I typically spring for a hummus plate, perfect for sharing, plus a selection from their pastry cabinet, sporting vegan and health-conscious alternatives so dang good that not even I can tell the difference.
It’s simply one of my favorite spots in town, and often my go-to choice when it comes to cafés in west Asheville.
Hours: 10am to 7pm, every day of the week.
Businesses Mentioned
OWL Bakery (West) (828)-283-0813
295 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Haywood Famous
(828)-417-2148
508 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Sunny Point Café
(828)-252-0055
626 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
West End Bakery
(828)-505-1234
757 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Dobra Tea (West)
(828)-505-4307
707 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
