Wondering where to find the best coffee in Asheville? It won’t be hard to find a coffee shop in Asheville, a city where it feels like there are hundreds.
But only a select few make up the best of the best. We’ve narrowed down where the best coffee shops in Asheville NC are!
The Best Coffee Shops in Asheville
Farewell Coffee Roasters
So you have already had breakfast in Asheville and now want more coffee, then head to Farewell! Farewell is a hip Asheville cafe with bright and minimal modern decor. Everything here is high quality from the espressos and drips to the small selection of light bites.
They offer a few different house-made syrups, of which the honey rose is particularly tasty, a nice variety of teas, and wine by the glass.
There are excellent alternative milk options and often the snacks are gluten-free and vegan. It tends to get crowded pretty quick so it can be hard to find a seat at the handful of tables inside and out. It may be on the pricey side, but as one of the premier coffee shops in Asheville, it’s well worth checking out.
Grind Coffee
Grind Coffee is actually one of the top-ranked cafes in all of North Carolina, and if you ask us it really does live up to all the hype as one of the best Asheville coffee shops. It’s located in the popular River Arts District, which is one of the best places to stroll in Asheville, and there’s always enough seating inside or out on the patio.
All the roasts here are high quality and organic and the dairy products and baked goods are all fresh and locally sourced.
It also functions as a coworking space proudly supporting the Black Wall Street Community. They have a simple but well-curated menu of hot and cold coffees and teas, though the Dalgona drink is a fan favorite here.
Summit Coffee
Summit Coffee is surprisingly a chain that can be found all across North Carolina, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it. The one in downtown Asheville is tucked away in Grove Arcade, giving you the feeling of stumbling upon a little secret gem. The outdoor seating is delightful, and though the space is small it’s light and airy.
They roast their own beans, with a strong focus on sustainability and fair trade, and strive to make coffee that’s accessible for everyone. Get the cold brew here to really find out what all the fuss is about.
Battle Cat Coffee Bar
- Cuisine: Coffee and well crafted drinks
- Address: 373 Haywood Rd, Asheville (GPS)
Battle Cat boasts a funky bohemian vibe that’s all it’s own. It’s such a unique environment set inside a refurbished home, and the decor is decidedly whimsical. The patio is rustic perfection and their logo depicts the eponymous cute fighting creature. It’s worth checking out some of their swag while here.
They serve up all the classic cups of joe but are known for their more distinctive drinks like the traditional Vietnamese Coffee. Tiger Bay is right next door if you decide you’re craving a hearty breakfast dish with your drink.
Trade and Lore Coffee
- Cuisine: Roasted coffee & light bites from area purveyors.
- Address: 37 Wall St, Asheville (GPS)
- Website: Link
If you are looking for a chill place to head before tackling an Asheville Hike, head to Trade and Lore Coffee. This is hands down one of the prettiest places to pop in to for a drink and they have some of the best coffee in Asheville.
Even if you’re planning on getting it to go, the dreamy space is likely to draw you in so that you’ll want to stay awhile. It’s the epitome of a third-wave cafe and the ambiance is everything here for anyone with a strong appreciation for aesthetics.
Their focus is on local specialty coffee and craft beer, and they do both extremely well. We adore the house-made syrups since they come in such unique flavors like cardamom or hibiscus, making it easy to customize your own creation.
They also have well-curated goodies to buy like bottles of wine, totes, cute mugs, and of course all the best bags of beans.
Izzy’s Coffee
Izzy’s is a quaint and cozy coffee shop staple in downtown Asheville. The walls are adorned with local art and the atmosphere is simple and inviting. They have options for all kinds of allergies and preferences including lactose-free and soy-free milks.
They offer a few from-scratch treats and snacks to pair with your drink of choice, which could be coffee or tea as well as beer and wine if you’d like something a little stronger. The Mexican Mocha and Lavender Chai are some of our favorite caffeine fixes here.
They change it up a little each day so there’s always something new to try. It’s definitely a local haunt with a laidback neighborhood feel.
High Five Coffee
High Five Coffee is a family-owned fixture of the Asheville coffee scene with a total of three locations around town, so you’ll have plenty of chances to try these brews. The beans are roasted by legendary North Carolina outfit Counter Culture.
It’s the go-to spot for bespoke classic beverages from chai lattes to cortados. Their ethos is community-driven and their spaces are cozy and inviting. Some have sunny outdoor sections for sipping and soaking up sunshine.
If you consider yourself a cup of joe connoisseur, or even just really appreciate a super fine brew, this is the place to check out.
Double D’s Coffee and Dessert
- Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Address: 41 Biltmore Ave, Asheville (GPS)
- Website: Link
It may be a bit touristy, but Double D’s is a downtown Asheville favorite that’s super fun to visit. It’s actually set inside a refurbished red double-decker bus and the novelty alone makes for a cool coffee experience.
Luckily, the drinks happen to be delicious as well. You can sit up top when the weather allows or in their enclosed outdoor patio. The decor is definitely instagrammable with adorable vintage flair everywhere.
They make their own signature drinks, like the Red Hot Chili Mocha, which have become quite popular, along with teas, frappes, smoothies, and milkshakes. For any sweet tooths they offer tempting and indulgent desserts made fresh each day. Be sure to bring cash for this one!
Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe
Malaprop’s is a must-visit iconic institution in Asheville and one of the best coffee shops in Asheville. I particularly love heading here after a day out among the waterfalls in Asheville.
It’s known for its selection of indie titles and local authors as much as for its impressive java. What better way to spend some time in the city than grabbing a handcrafted espresso drink and browsing the seemingly endless stacks of good reads?
They host a lot of literary events, so bookworms should be sure to check their schedule online. It’s a simple menu offering signature lattes using Counter Culture coffee, such as the Optical Conclusion ginger mocha or the Civil Serpent salted caramel. It’s a cute and lively environment for community gatherings or sacred solitude.
