20 Best Coffee Shops in Asheville, NC [2026]

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Are you looking for the best coffee shops in Asheville, NC? You’re in the right place!

I visit Asheville a few times a year and one of my favorite things to do when traveling is to find the best coffee shops.

My go-to drink is a mocha, but I do love it when places create fun seasonal specials. This funky city has no shortage of amazing cafés so it can be hard to choose which one to visit!

Hope this list helps you narrow down which ones to check out while you’re visiting Asheville.

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20 Best Coffee Shops in Asheville, NC

Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to set up and work or just want a shot of caffeine to get you through the day, here are some of the best coffee shops in Asheville that you shouldn’t miss.

☕️ Want to try multiple coffee shops in one day? Take this Asheville Coffee Tour! ☕️

1. Summit Coffee

I don’t typically recommend franchises, but Summit Coffee was started in North Carolina and their headquarters are still in Davidson, NC. Not to mention, their coffee is DIVINE and they come up with some amazing seasonal drinks.

During the summer, they had a Blue Skies drink that was blueberry iced coffee topped with blue, vanilla cold foam. It was seriously to die for. I wish I could have tried the Dreamsicle which was orange soda topped with vanilla cold foam and espresso. Yum.

They roast their own beans and in addition to coffee they have tea, hot chocolate, and lemonade. If you’re visiting in the afternoon you can also find beer and wine here.

Don’t forget about the pastries! There are two locations in Asheville – one in the River Arts District and another in the Grove Arcade.

The River Arts District location is in a brick building but the inside is very open, airy, and modern with lots of plants scattered around. Outdoor seating is available too.

The Grove Arcade location has very little indoor seating and some outdoor seating on the sidewalk. It’s great for a grab & go option as you’re exploring downtown.

2. High Five Coffee

With three unique locations, High Five Coffee has been a staple in the Asheville coffee scene since 2009. The flagship spot on Broadway in North Asheville is a lively destination that offers plenty of bar seating and a few outdoor tables.

The Rankin Avenue location, located downtown, charms with its exposed brick and hardwood floors; a cozy spot to work or meet up with a friend over a warm cup of joe.

If you want to relax in nature with your caffeine fix, the Woodfin location, just north of the city, offers to-go options and plenty of outdoor seating plus river access.

Each spot offers classic drinks, but don’t miss out on their specialties like the spicy mocha or the ever-changing barista’s choice. You’ll also find some light bites here if you’re hungry.

Grab a cup of coffee before you head out of town to the closest beaches to Asheville!

3. Vortex Doughnuts

Here you’ll find fantastic coffee drinks and some of the best doughnuts in Asheville. It’s a can’t miss for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Located in the South Slope neighborhood, Vortex offers classic coffee drinks as well as specialty options like nitro cold brew and seasonal drinks.

You can always find classics like old fashioned and glazed doughnuts, plus unique options like cream-filled doughnuts on the weekends.

There’s both covered and uncovered seating available outside, perfect for enjoying your coffee and doughnut on a nice day. Inside, you’ll find a few tables and bar seating as well.

4. Pennycup Coffee

You’ll find Pennycup coffee served in many of the coffee shops in Asheville but did you know they also have their own locations throughout the city?

They have four different cafés located in North, East, and West Asheville as well as downtown. Each is unique but all of them embody the funky spirit of Asheville.

The menu at each location is also a bit different but you’ll find the classic selections at all of them plus their specialty offerings. They also have delicious bagel sandwiches and pastry options.

5. Ultra Coffee Bar

Ultra Coffee Bar is a great little stop when you’re exploring the River Arts District in Asheville. It’s great for a quick breakfast – I visited right before my Asheville ebike tour, and I was impressed by the super quick service.

I had a mocha and a breakfast sandwich on a bagel but they had tons of items that looked good. The café menu offers a variety of food to choose from, and they even have a dedicated vegan menu.

When it comes to drinks, you’re spoiled for choice, with tons of options ranging from coffee to tea, and even hot chocolate.

One unique thing that stood out to me was their coffee cocktails.

There’s no alcohol – it’s coffee mixed with different sodas and flavors. They have lots of outdoor seating and a few indoor tables, making it an ideal spot regardless of the weather.

6. Farewell Coffee

Located on the south slope among many breweries, you’ll find this sleek and modern coffee shop that’s perfect for a meet-up spot or to bring your laptop and work. Or maybe you just need a pick me up after hitting the breweries.

Inside they have lots of seating and the plants give it more of a homey feel. They also have some outdoor sidewalk seating, though it’s uncovered.

They make their syrups in-house and in addition to regular coffee drinks, you can get all kinds of tea, wine by the glass, and beer.

If you’re hungry, they have various pastries and light food options but they are also located right beside South Slope Cheese Co. where you can pick up charcuterie boxes to go.

7. The Rhu

This cute coffee shop is tucked away on a side street downtown and an absolute gem among Asheville’s cafés.

Not only does it offer a fantastic selection of drinks, including your usual coffee & tea, but they also have fun seasonal specials. Their drinks aren’t the only thing that are delicious though.

They also serve café style fare and have a huge assortment of pastries to choose from. Perfect way to start your day, especially if you’re headed on one of the tours in Asheville like we were.

One part about The Rhu that I loved – they also sell local goods from seasonings and sauces to eggs and meat.

The downstairs area can get quite busy and has limited seating, but there’s always the second level, which offers much more seating.

8. Grind AVL

If you need a shot of caffeine while visiting the galleries of the River Arts District, then you can’t go wrong with Grind AVL. The building itself is a repurposed textile manufacturing warehouse which is now known as Pink Dog Creative.

It’s home to many artist’s studios, retail, and restaurant spaces so the perfect place to grab a drink and browse.

They have regular drip coffee as well as cold brew, matcha, chai, and more. They also have fun flavor shots like toasted marshmallow or seasonal drinks like strawberry lavender lemonade and mint mocha matcha.

Seasonal drinks change often, of course.

9. Old Europe Pastries

Old Europe has recently moved into a new space and wow, is it impressive. The front of the building has a large opening where you can sit on either side of the marble countertop.

There are two-person tables along one side and bar seating on the other side. There are three small tables outside as well. It almost reminds you of a Parisian cafe.

Of course, they are still serving the same delicious pastries. I recently went for the second time and it’s always so hard to decide what to get!

They have a huge counter full of various pastries to select from and a traditional coffee menu. I wound up with their Sweet Cheese & Citrus Croissant and a Vanilla Cold Brew. Both were absolutely delicious.

This is the perfect spot for a quick breakfast in Asheville if you’re on the go!

10. Asheville Coffee Roasters

Tucked away in Woodfin, just north of Asheville, is the quaint and homey Asheville Coffee Roasters. It’s a warm, living room-like space where you can relax with a good book or a group of friends.

Known for roasting their own beans, they serve a wide variety of coffee drinks, and every choice can be served iced.

If you’re looking for a refreshing alternative, they also offer smoothies. And don’t miss their breakfast sandwich items. From bagels to sausage & egg offerings, they’ve got you covered for an early morning visit.

11. Izzy’s Coffee Den

Another downtown Asheville coffee shop, Izzy’s Coffee Den, is a local favorite that radiates a unique vibe. This spot is perfect for a quick grab-and-go coffee on a day of city exploration.

They use a variety of different coffee roasters for their drip coffee, and always have classic favorites and innovative specials that are always changing.

If you’re in the mood for something other than coffee, Izzy’s offers a selection of teas, blended drinks, as well as alcohol. You can also find baked goods and bagels here for a snack.

Izzy’s also has a location in West Asheville in an adorable yellow house with much more room to spread out. Both locations feature unique art lining the walls available for purchase.

12. BattleCat Coffee Bar

At the heart of West Asheville, you’ll find the charming BattleCat Coffee Bar, a bohemian-esque spot renowned for its robust classic coffee and unique specialty items.

One of the biggest draws is their location within the same building as Tiger Bay Café, making it an ideal place to grab a hearty breakfast while you wait for your brew.

They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for setting up your laptop and working. From frozen beverages to Italian sodas, BattleCat offers a diverse menu that caters to a wide array of tastes.

13. Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe

One of the most popular stores in downtown Asheville, Malaprop’s Bookstore & Cafe is a truly unique experience, offering more than just a caffeine fix.

This bookstore and café combo serves a selection of coffee drinks, including creatively concocted specials by talented baristas, and an array of teas. The coffee beans are sourced from Counter Culture Coffee, so you know it’s delicious.

Grab a freshly baked goodie from local bakeries while you’re there, adding a sweet note to your visit. The café area provides some seating, but the real charm is in browsing the bookstore’s unique finds with a warm cup in hand.

14. Rowan Coffee

Along Broadway Street downtown, you’ll find Rowan Coffee, an upscale coffee shop that exudes a sophisticated vibe but still has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Known for its quick and personable service, Rowan Coffee offers a selection of regular coffee drinks plus an ever-changing daily menu that always surprises visitors.

Apart from its exquisite beverages, the shop is also renowned for its delicious pastries. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to treat yo self.

Rowan also opens before 8am so it’s a great spot to grab a bite if you’re taking a walking tour in Asheville.

15. Liberty House Coffee & Café

Situated in a unique 1920s cottage on the north side of town, Liberty House Coffee & Café is well known for its exceptional breakfast in Asheville.

With a large outdoor patio that provides an ideal spot to begin your day, the service is always quick and friendly and you’ll find all your favorite coffee options and a selection of tea here.

Some breakfast favorites are the sourdough pancakes, breakfast sandwich, and avocado toast and you can’t go wrong choosing any of them.

This is a great spot to fuel up if you’re taking a hiking tour in Asheville since they have hearty options!

16. Odd’s Cafe

Another fun West Asheville coffee shop is Odd’s Cafe, a distinctive coffee spot that lives up to its motto of being “a little different… just like you.”

With a range of coffee and tea options, along with unique “Local Favorites” drink creations and seasonal specials, there’s always something new to discover here.

You can also treat yourself to their delicious smoothies, frappes, and Dreamsicles made from fruit puree. Don’t forget their baked goods and bagel selections.

Its cozy atmosphere, complete with both indoor and outdoor seating, makes it a perfect place for work meetups or friendly gatherings.

17. French Broad Chocolate Lounge

If you’re looking for coffee with a sweet treat, then look no further than French Broad Chocolate Lounge.

Not only do they make their own chocolates from bean to bar, but they also have all kinds of options to satisfy your craving, from bonbons to brownies and cookies to handmade ice cream.

Just because this is a chocolate shop and bakery doesn’t mean they skimp on the coffee. They offer any kind of coffee drink you might want, and Methodical Coffee roasts the beans in Greenville, SC.

There’s plenty of seating as well – both indoor and outdoor – so everyone can enjoy a treat.

18. Double D’s Coffee & Dessert

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts is a truly one-of-a-kind experience, operating out of a vibrant double-decker bus that injects a distinct touch of British charm. It’s probably one of the most iconic coffee shops in Asheville.

The cash-only spot offers a wide variety of coffee and tea options – from traditional favorites to refreshing iced drinks and indulgent frappes.

For those with a sweet tooth, you’ll also find creamy milkshakes, smoothies, and a tempting array of baked goods including muffins, brownies, and cookies here.

You never know what to expect with their daily dessert special and a selection of ice cream options, making every visit a fun surprise.

19. Trade and Lore

Trade and Lore is a popular coffeehouse located on Wall Street, one of Asheville’s cutest streets downtown. The space is inviting, with exposed brick walls and cozy hardwood floors.

The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can take your pick. Coffee lovers rejoice in their diverse drip coffee options and traditional espresso drinks on offer, while those looking for an alternative can find a variety of non-coffee beverages.

They also serve a tempting assortment of baked goods, breakfast sandwiches, and bagels to satisfy any appetite.

For those in search of an afternoon beverage, Trade and Lore also has a selection of beer and wine.

20. Session Cafe

Located within Citizen Vinyl, a record pressing factory and recording studio, Session Café is a fun space blending music, food, and delicious drinks.

This standout café and bar features an assortment of coffee offerings, from the classic espresso drinks to barista specials and flavored lattes. For those who prefer a cup of tea, a diverse selection is also on hand.

Beyond the coffee and tea options, Session Café flaunts a full bar specializing in aperitivo cocktails.

The food menu varies, offering a delightful range of pastry and food options that change weekly, or even daily, adding an element of surprise to each visit.

FAQs on Best Asheville Coffee Shops

Is Asheville known for coffee?

The coffee scene in Asheville is often overshadowed by the breweries and outdoor offerings near the city but there are truly some amazing coffee shops in Asheville. Each one is unique and offers a different experience from the next.

Is beer served at coffee shops in Asheville?

Some of the Asheville coffee shops also serve beer or wine and some serve cocktails. Summit Coffee, Farewell Coffee, and Trade and Lore are just a few that serve beer and Session Café has a full bar.

Are coffee shops in Asheville dog-friendly?

Asheville in general is a very dog-friendly town and you’ll find many dog-friendly coffee shops here – especially those with outdoor patios. A few on this list are Vortex Doughnuts, Double D’s, Ultra Coffee Bar, and High Five Coffee.

Wrap Up: Best Coffee Shops in Asheville, NC

This vibrant and artsy city in the North Carolina mountains is brimming with an eclectic range of coffee shops, each offering their own unique charm and diverse selection of offerings.

Whether you’re a caffeine aficionado seeking a perfectly brewed espresso, a tea enthusiast looking for new flavors, or an adventurous traveler that needs a quick coffee to go, there’s undoubtedly a coffee shop in Asheville that has what you need.

So, when you find yourself in Asheville, take a moment to explore these cute cafés. Take a minute to stop and relax during your busy day and take it all in!

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