One of the many perks of living in Asheville is the city’s access to the French Broad River. The third-oldest river on Earth, the French Broad slices through the center of Asheville, offering plenty of opportunity for fun on, and along, the famed waterway – including an abundance of riverfront dining and drink venues. Visit one of these spots to take in some tastiness as you absorb the relaxing riverside atmosphere.
Zillicoah Beer Company
Zillicoah, located in Woodfin on the eastern bank of the French Broad River, specializes in open-fermented farmhouse ales and lagers. The brewery’s open-air tasting room rotates up to 12 taps, including in-house beers and guest taps. Zillicoah’s partnership with Taqueria Muñoz means you can savor tacos, tortas and tamales along with the river views. 870 Riverside Drive.
White Duck Taco
This restaurant’s flagship recently moved a block from its original location to the east bank of the French Broad River, with ample parking, indoor and outdoor seating, and pet-friendly waterfront access. Enjoy such fare as Banh Mi tofu, Thai peanut chicken, or mushroom, potato and romesco sauce tacos, as well as sides like green chile black beans and watermelon with mint. 388 Riverside Drive. https://www.loc8nearme.com/
High Five Coffee
This outpost of High Five offers a place to enjoy your coffee overlooking the water, and has a take-out spot if you’re paddling down the river. High Five offers classically prepared espresso drinks as well as house-made syrups for creative concoctions, and a variety of brewing methods for the cup, as well as whole beans. The café serves both savory and sweet, locally prepared fare, as well as several local beers on tap. 2000 Riverside Drive, in the Mill at Riverside
Salvage Station
This riverfront bar, restaurant, concert hall, and special events venue features a relaxed outdoor setting in the River Arts District along the French Broad River.
The restaurant boasts eclectic Southern and Appalachian-inspired choices of in-house smoked meats, sandwiches, and lighter fare. Full bar, vegan/vegetarian options, late-night menu, live music almost nightly, and a family-friendly atmosphere make Salvage Station a year-round favorite. Large sweeping open areas of grass for family outings and multiple viewpoints from the river’s waterfront location provide a unique opportunity to combine music, food and fun. 466 Riverside Drive
Smoky Park Supper Club
The largest shipping container restaurant in the U.S., Smoky Park Supper Club is situated on the French Broad River on close to 2 acres of land in the River Arts District. The restaurant features seasonal, wood-fired farm-to-table fare, craft beer, cocktails and live music. Arrive by bike, boat or car for riverside dining outdoors on the lawn or deck, or inside the creatively constructed eatery. 350 Riverside Drive.
New Belgium Brewing
Nestled along the French Broad River, New Belgium features a 5,100-square-foot tasting room, as well as a massive outdoor space comprising a large lawn perfect for picnic and play, a fire pit, plenty of picnic benches and high-top seating on a large deck, and Adirondack chairs facing the river with a view of the River Arts District and Chicken Hill neighborhood. A rotating roster of food trucks, live outdoor music in warmer weather, and the array of beers New Belgium is famed for mean you can make a day of it with family and friends. Extremely kid- and dog-friendly (although dogs are not allowed inside the tasting room), New Belgium is also an ideal stop after a bike ride along the greenway. 21 Craven Street.
HomeGrown West
Enjoy locally sourced and updated American cuisine across from the French Broad River Greenway in West Asheville, near Carrier Park. Favorites include such dishes as buttermilk fried chicken and catfish po’boys, as well as sides like sautéed sesame greens and grit cakes. Dine at outdoor picnic tables behind the restaurant, or get your food to go and amble across the street to the park for a riverside picnic. 219 Amboy Road.
For information about Real Estate in Asheville, contact Mosaic Realty owner Mike Figura at Mike@MyMosaicRealty.com, or call him anytime at 828-337-8190
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