Dining on Downtown’s Patton Avenue (Part Two)—A Local’s Perspective

If you missed part one, read it here. Long story short: downtown Asheville’s Patton Avenue is jam packed with restaurants of the highest quality, localized in a certain segment between Pritchard Park and the intersection with Coxe Avenue. That’s exactly where we’re headed again this week, folks, focusing on the north side of the street.

I hope you’ve prepared yourself for some delectable reading, because we are diving in with gusto, grit, and first-rate gastronautics.

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1: Tupelo Honey

Serving brunch all day, here you can find thick waffles, honey-dusted fried chicken, and fried chicken on waffles. That last one is just a day-in-the-life of a Southerner such as myself. But most tourists I meet from up north are downright fascinated by chicken-and-waffles. So, I figured I'd mention it.

Also worth a mention are their salads, rich in avocado and hearty vegetables, as well as their blackened mahi-mahi. Tupelo Honey isn’t just a purveyor of fried-this and buttered-up that, but does have an eye for healthier options. Then again, you could stick to the bourbon-peppercorn meatloaf, with a side-order of biscuits. It's all fine by me.

Closed: 11am to 8:30pm Monday through Thursday. 9am to 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays. 9am to 8:30pm on Sundays.

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2: Claddagh Restaurant & Pub

Asheville, of course, has a great and longstanding reputation for having some of the best breweries and pubs in the Southeast. Naturally then, downtown's Patton Avenue has their own contender for one of the best spots in town to enjoy some killer brews and good food.

On the subject of food: shepherd’s pie, corn beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, and Guinness sausage stew. Paired with a glass of one of their thirty-two local drafts, and you’ve got yourself a worthy meal for any sporting event.

Asides from these Irish classics, Claddagh demonstrates a certain spirit of experimentality. Irish nachos, Rachel and Reuben eggrolls and chocolate wantons. It's these kinds of special touches which make dining on downtown Asheville’s Patton Avenue such a memorable experience.

Hours: 3pm to midnight, Monday through Wednesday. 11am to midnight Thursdays. 11am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. 11am to midnight on Sundays.

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3: Asheville Yacht Club

“AYC,” for those in the know; downtown Asheville’s only rock-and-roll tiki bar. For that matter, I think they’re the only tiki bar within a three-hour radius. Kind of astonishing, when you think of it. Certainly, they’re the only rock-and-roll tiki bar in town, thanks to live performances from Iggy Radio every Saturday and Sunday night, with other acts scheduled year-round.

Aside from your regular bar-fare (nachos, wings, tater-tots), AYC serves mojo steak atop black beans and rice, and pork marinated for eight hours in pineapple juice with—I quote—”secret Caribbean spices.” The interior is funky, and animated by a host of tropical cocktails and local draft beers. A good place for a night-on-the-town.

Hours: 4pm to midnight, Monday through Thursday. 2pm to 2am on Fridays. Noon to 2am on Saturdays and Sundays.

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4: Sonora Cocinca Mexicana

I first learned about Sonora on my hunt for Asheville’s best tacos, some two years ago now. Since then, my fondness for Sonora has only grown. Mexican food has a lot to offer and somehow Sonrora hits all my favorite dishes, handled with freshness and expertise.

We’re talking chilaquiles (from mild to spicy), tortas (on local telera buns), empanadas (rotating). And of course, tacos, piled high with shrimp, fish, pork belly, or steak.

It's all that and more. "More" in this case meaning bacon-wrapped hotdogs with chile verde and queso cotija, and frankly more varieties of tequila than I can wrap my head around. Brass tacks: Sonora is my number one pick for Mexican in downtown Asheville.

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5: Jack of the Wood Pub

Closing Patton Avenue out with another great local watering hole, Jack of the Wood's consistently one of the most happening spots not only on this great dining street, but in the entirety of downtown.

They pride themselves on three things: Irish whiskeys, local craft beers, and elevated pub fare, including their signature Philly cheese-steak. And if you're in the mood for desert after, then look no further than their Bailey's cheesecake. A more decadent concoction my mind can scarcely fathom.

All that said, I believe the real attraction here is the music. Jack of the Wood has been voted one of the best bars in Asheville for live shows, playing bluegrass and old-time folk practically every night of the week. Its simply some good ol' fashion Appalachian fun.

Hours: 4pm to 10pm on Wednesdays. 4pm to midnight on Thursdays. 3pm to midnight on Fridays. Noon to midnight on Saturdays. Noon to 8pm on Sundays.

Businesses Mentioned

Tupelo Honey

(828)-255-4863

12 College St, Asheville, NC 28801

Claddagh Restaurant & Pub

(828)-232-7282

4 College St, Asheville, NC 28801

Asheville Yacht Club

(828)-255-8454

87 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Sonora Cocina Mexicana

(828)-232-7370

89 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Jack of the Wood Pub

(828)-252-5445

95 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28801