It’s the perfect place to drink at 4pm and finish answering emails, have a pre-dinner drink before eating at The Bull and Beggar, or simply have a girls' night and Uber home. The couches are cute and comfortable, the wine list is elevated and informed, the staff is fantastic, and the cheese plate has the best almonds I’ve ever had. are nothing short of fabulous and you’ll be glad you came. when they’re hosting one of their drag shows. (South Slope)ĬW: You can pop into Banks Ave any day of the week, grab a drink and play a couple rounds of pool or Skee Ball, but if you’re looking for a little more, make plans to visit Banks Ave. It's no wonder there have even been a few engagements on the tours! Banks Ave. There's a special place in their heart for hosting guests from the LGBTQ+ community. You’ll come away with not only numerous Insta-worthy photo opportunities but also a birds-eye view of the city. Guests on this tour will visit three different rooftops downtown and be treated to a different sample cocktail or mocktail at each location. Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours (Downtown)ĬW: They say it’s all about perspective, right? Well, how about a unique view of Asheville from some of the coolest rooftops in the city to help you take your Asheville experience to new heights (pun intended). The owners and staff are super friendly and you can’t beat their location in the River Arts District. Not only is their food and beer delicious but it’s served in a relaxed, chill spot with plenty of outdoor seating and easy parking. When someone asks what they should do when they come to Asheville I always include 12 Bones in my recommendation. Stay tuned! LGBTQ+ Friendly Businesses in Asheville, NC 12 Bones (River Arts District)ĮM: BBQ and beer … this is one of my favorite spots in Asheville. There are other places around town that also show up for the gay community and we hope to add more to the list at a future date. While there’s no guarantee that you’ll always have a positive experience, the places on this list will go out of the way to make sure that you do.Ĭaroline Whatley (CW): These aren’t the only places in Asheville where the LGBTQ+ community is welcome and safe but it’s a start. These are places where we feel at ease and comfortable. So when I'm headed out on the town, I'm looking for good vibes, great cocktails, and even better conversation.Įrin McGrady (EM): Going off what Jefferson said, we created a list of some of our favorite spots in and around Asheville that we frequent, know, and love. I've also become increasingly aware of how much that matters to me when exploring new places or celebrating big moments. Jefferson Ellison (JE): As a queer Black man, I'm aware that not every environment will be conducive to my desired form of expression.
Keep reading to see some of the best gay-friendly spots in Asheville. And while you’ll likely hear the phrase “Y’all means all” while visiting, there are some businesses that go above and beyond.
What with the live music scene, the outdoors, and the abundance of places to eat and drink, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot in Asheville for the queer community to enjoy.