***UPDATE*** ~ I called the restaurant Wednesday evening to request a call back from Daddy Mac's…read moremanagement and Benjamin returned my call within a couple hours. We had a productive conversation in which we were both able to discuss the experience and come to a resolution. I am very grateful for the quick response, being open to call, and listen further. Thank you Benjamin! On another trip to Asheville, we will try it again..... ********************************************************** My family and I were quite excited about trying an unique restaurant and seen great reviews, however, our experience wasn't so great! Upon arriving at the restaurant, we had seen some items we wanted to try, but the sanitation grade on the door was a 90, so that quickly changed our food choice and should have changed our food experience for the evening. We decided to try it anyway! The hostess didn't know the menu very well and couldn't answer many questions without having to go ask someone each time. Once we ordered, my brother tried paying for the food a few times and she kept walking away. While waiting for our food, the same hostess "cleaned" a table for waiting guests by wiping the food from last guest onto the floor and leaving it there and continued to seat the next few tables, and then decided to come back and get the food swept up. I guess it's normal because another server did the same thing and that never got swept up. Our food (wings and brisket) was ready. The pan lid was not closed all the way due to them putting all 36 wings that had different flavors in the same container. We continued to inspect our food and the wings weren't hot (fresh), all three flavors in the same container, sauce was clumpy, and wings were very dark and dry looking. We couldn't tell which flavor was which. My husband tried conversing with a young man (tall, dark wavy hair), who couldn't or wouldn't attempt any service recovery with my husband and pretty much told us everything looked good to him leaving my husband frustrated. I located a manager told her what was going on and she evidently didn't have any empowerment from upper management to decide resolution because she had to go ask the general manager to resolve. The general manager agreed to "remake" the order which they did separate the flavors this time and they were warmer. Considering this was a remake the GM brought our order out to us and should have been apologetic, making sure everything was correct and was satisfactory to us. He literally handed my husband the bag and took off. My husband had to make a comment to him in order for the GM to acknowledge him. We definitely would love to speak to a corporate member and or owner, and will make a phone call to them. This was very disappointing, concerning, and a disheartening experience in Asheville!

Driving by, my partner and I laughed at the name but it was very eyecatching and there were a lot…read moreof people and when we didn't know where to eat so late at night this place was still very busy! Their cod dip is very creamy and delicious, I love that it came with both crackers and toasted bread! My brisket Rueben was sooooo filling only able to eat one half and a hearty entree, collard greens were yummy with ham pieces and the brownie ice cream was massive and definitely worth it, highly recommend!!

Comfortably tucked away restaurant with 5-star personality and menu…read more We loved our visit to Copper Crown. Not knowing what we were in for, we were very, very impressed. From environment, to food selection, quality of food prep and cooking, and service, everything was spot on making for a night impossible not to enjoy. The fish dish we ordered = spot on! The salad with grilled chicken topping = delicious. Service, thanks to Sara, was impeccable. Sara was kind, funny, helpful, checked in regularly, and super friendly. We absolutely loved our experience at Copper Crown, and when we're in AVL next we will most certainly be stopping by again!

Cute, petite restaurant tucked away in a small shopping center. We had a reservation for a group of…read more7 on the patio which they changed to inside for us since it was warm outside. The wine selection was nice and they also had some interesting cocktails. There were several tapas-style plates, salads and entrees. We ordered the fried shrimp and the fried Brussels. The shrimp looked great but lacked any real flavor. The Brussels were delicious! Others in our group had salads and burgers which looked wonderful and received rave reviews. The service was excellent. Make sure to make a reservation which requires a credit card before going so you don't have to wait.

I was in Hot Springs for a couple of days on section hike of the Appalachian Trail. I stopped in to…read moreeat 3 different meals there over the course of three days. Day 1: Lunch. Another hiker and I decided to stop in as we got to town and have a late lunch. It had been a couple of days since we'd had town food and we were tired and hungry. The first thing I noticed was the wait to be seated. We waited about 20 minutes, and once we got to the dining area, there were several empty tables. Once we're seated and ordered, the food came out timely and was delicious. I had a cheeseburger and the cherry cobbler with ice cream. Day 2: Breakfast. Since the food was good, we decided to go back for breakfast again the next day. Again, there was a wait to be seated. We were a group of 5 so we expected there might be a wait. The waitress was friendly and our orders were placed quickly. it did take a while for the food to come out from the kitchen. I had a country breakfast plate with ham. Again the food was delicious. Day 3: Supper. We had a relatively short wait to be seated this time. We were seated and asked for some water. It took over 20 minutes to get the water. Finally a different waitress came out and took our order. I ordered the hungry hiker challenge. It is a cheeseburger with three 8-ounce burger patties on it. The menu says if you finish you get some free cobbler. While we were waiting for our food we noticed that a local who came in and sat down after we were seated had already been served and was done eating before our food arrived. I finished the burger, and some of the other patron's noticed and congratulated me. When the waitress arrived she asked if we needed anything else. I asked if the free cobbler came with ice cream on it. She said no, so I ordered ice cream to go with my cobbler. It was a peach that day. Again, the food was delicious. The main thing that I notice about the restaurant was that despite having great food, service was pretty slow. One of the hikers I ate with noticed that the waitresses seemed to have to seat the customers, take the orders, deliver the food, clean the tables, and handle the check-out at the end of the meals. It seems like the service would have been much quicker if they had someone handling the seating, check-out's, and possibly bussing and cleaning tables. The worst part of the experience was the long waits to be seated and for the food to come out. The food itself was great and I found the servers and other customers to be friendly. The furnishings were clean with a 1960's diner feel. Overall, I would hesitate to go back if I were in a hurry of any kind. If time is no object, the food is great.

While staying at Broadwing Farms, Smoky Mountain Diner was recommended to us. Not only was the food…read moreamazing, the entire experience was so nostalgic that I'm looking forward to booking another stay in Hot Springs again soon and enjoying more meals here. Next time, I'm leaving room for pie. I don't believe we had just one waitress. It seems that in this quaint little Diner, everyone is looked after and checked on as a whole by staff. My Ball jar of sweet tea was never any less than half full, and that sweet tea was *chef's kiss*. We both decided on the meatloaf, and I opted for cornbread, green beans and pickled beets. I felt like I had been transported back in time and was being fed by my great great grandmother. Sounds a bit dramatic, I know. But I haven't had cornbread, meatloaf or beets like this in so many years. It did not taste like restaurant food, it tasted like home cooking. We're already planning our next little "run away from life and parenthood" to Hot Springs, and Smoky Mountain Diner is top of the "will definitely visit again" list. Thank you for treating us like family.

Why is nobody here?! The service was fast, hot and friendly. Truffle fries - yes. Fried chicken…read moresandwich- yes. Sliders - yes. Kids chicken was huge. Great seating and so lovely! Would definitely come again. Free valet for reservations.

I don't like posting negative reviews, but I thought I would do so as a word of caution to others…read more We went to the Watch for the first time last night on a beautiful summer Saturday evening. Normally, restaurants in downtown Asheville are mobbed this time of year. Last evening, the Watch was practically empty. Here's why: Nearly every part of our meal was sub-standard. We first ordered a charcuterie board for the table. After about 25 minutes, I asked the server about it, and he candidly acknowledged that he had forgotten to order it. I cancelled it given that our main courses were soon to arrive. Unfortunately, our experience with the main courses was no better. First, the market price ($33), trout, which my guest had been assured would be sautéed rather than deep fried and accompanied by mashed potatoes, arrived deep fried and without mashed potatoes. It also had apparently been frozen - - a perplexing occurrence since trout is generally caught fresh locally and was a "market price"entree. Also, the missing mashed potatoes were replaced by fried square oily potato chunks that bore zero resemblance to the mashed potatoes we were told would come with the trout. Next, my friend who ordered a Smashburger medium received a burger cooked very well done that she said did not taste good; she wound up eating the accompanying french fries as her main meal. Finally, my grilled salmon was average at best, and I believe that my friend felt the same way about her blackened salmon. The dinner was so obviously disappointing that the server kindly provided a complementary glass of wine and, on his own, discounted the bill. To his credit, he was consistently nice during this debacle of a dinner. Given its ideal location, The Watch should be a gold mine. Instead, it is more like a beautiful broken clock, although given it how empty it was, I'm not even sure that it's right twice a day. I hope that the owners take a hard look inside the Watch and figure out what needs repair. The space is beautiful, and the location is ideal; it would be a wonderful addition to the Asheville dining scene if the owners could get the Watch ticking.

I was in town for a massive gathering of beer nerds for the homebrewers convention and needed a…read moresolid breakfast to reset my system after days of heavy tasting. I found Chestnut on Yelp and decided to wander in. The space has this elevated modern rustic vibe with a southern twist and a little bit of sass. They even sell shirts that say neither hoity nor toity, which cracked me up. Honestly, the atmosphere was great, but our waitress was the real star. She was absolutely phenomenal and looked after us perfectly. My palate was pretty fried, so I started with a Bloody Mary to wake up. Truth be told, it was just okay. The house mix had an odd flavor that nobody at the table could quite identify, and it seriously lacked spice. It was just kinda bland. I noticed a bottle of Firewalker hot sauce on the table, and splashing that in helped a little bit. After that, I transitioned to a mimosa. You really cannot mess up a mimosa too much, and it was a solid, reliable second drink. For the main event, I ordered the southern chicken and waffles. This came with a fried chicken breast sitting on golden malted waffles, smothered in sausage gravy, and drizzled with chipotle honey. It was a really great dish. The kitchen did a solid job with the fry on the chicken, and the gravy had a nice flavor. It leaned a little on the sweet side because of the honey, but it was not totally overdone. The real sleeper hit of the morning, though, was the side of cheesy grits. Those grits were absolute heaven. They were incredibly creamy and perfectly seasoned. If you go, you have to order them. Chestnut is in a great location, and despite the weak Bloody Mary, it was a stellar visit.

Worth Planning Your Asheville Trip Around…read more As a Bay Area foodie, navigating around San Francisco's incredible restaurant scene taught me to appreciate thoughtful cooking, quality ingredients, and genuine hospitality. Chestnut had been on my Asheville dining list long before I arrived, and after spending several days exploring Boone, Blowing Rock, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, I made it my dinner splurge before heading home. It absolutely delivered. A quick tip: skip the hunt for street parking and head straight to the garage across the street. The first hour is free, and downtown Asheville can be congested with both vehicle and foot traffic. I arrived around 5:30 without a reservation and was warmly greeted by the hostess, who offered me a table or a seat at the bar. Asheville was surprisingly hot and humid compared to the cool mountain weather I'd been enjoying, so the air-conditioned dining room was an easy choice over the sidewalk patio. The restaurant itself is beautiful. Fresh flowers, warm lighting, elegant stone countertops, comfortable booths, tables, and bar seating create an atmosphere that feels polished without being stuffy. What stood out most was the mix of guests. There were locals greeting staff by name, couples enjoying date night, families with children, and older guests gathering with friends. It felt welcoming and comfortable for everyone. As a solo diner, the bar was the perfect choice. I enjoyed all the energy of the restaurant while still having a peaceful dining experience. I started with a glass of Brut Rosé from Spain. Crisp, refreshing, and beautifully balanced, it was the perfect way to settle in after a warm afternoon. Then came the Lobster Bisque. As someone who has made lobster bisque from scratch, I know the work that goes into creating a great one. Chestnut's version, made with Oak & Grist Reserve Cream and finished with fresh chives, was outstanding. Rich, silky, velvety, and loaded with tender pieces of lobster. If I'm being incredibly picky, I would have enjoyed just a touch more sherry, but that's purely personal preference. The smaller serving vessel kept the bisque hot from first spoonful to last, which I appreciated. My only complaint was that I wanted a larger serving because it was that good. For my entrée, I ordered the 4-ounce Petite Filet. The steak arrived cooked a perfect medium rare with excellent flavor and texture. It was served with butter-whipped mashed potatoes, haricot verts, a crisp potato gaufrette, red wine demi-glace, and chive butter. Every component was thoughtfully prepared. The demi-glace added richness without overwhelming the beef, while the potato gaufrette provided a delicate crunch. My only minor critique was that the plate could have been served a bit hotter, but the quality of the food more than made up for it. One of the highlights of the evening was the service. Taylor, part of the management team, was personable, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. After my sparkling wine, he suggested a half-glass pour of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir since I was driving. Excellent recommendation. The wine was elegant, earthy, and beautifully balanced, pairing perfectly with the filet. As the evening progressed, the restaurant filled quickly. Watching the staff greet regulars by name and efficiently manage the growing crowd spoke volumes about how well-run the restaurant is. You could tell many guests were repeat customers, which is always a good sign. After dinner, I attempted to walk off my meal through downtown Asheville, but the summer heat quickly convinced me to head back to my hotel. I left full, happy, and already thinking about that lobster bisque. For a Bay Area foodie who plans entire trips around memorable meals, Chestnut exceeded expectations. Great food, thoughtful service, an inviting atmosphere, and a dining experience that felt special without trying too hard. If you're visiting Asheville, put Chestnut on your list. Life is too short for mediocre meals, and this one is worth making time for.

We have heard nothing about good things about Pack Tavern, so today we decided to give it a try…read more Let me just say Wow! With a family of 3, our son being 12, it is not always easy to find someplace that we can all enjoy and get why we want. But here, that is exactly y why happened. We each ordered something different, which ended up being 4 different things with the added soup, and everything was great. Not just good or ok, but great. Hot, fresh, and genuinely good. I can see why they have such a high rating, and with so many reviews. It is definitely going to be on our short list of preferred restaurants.

Our server Jack was awesome. Very personable and wanting your experience to be fantastic!…read more We were just looking for a spot to chill for a while and Pack's is that kind of place. In the 30+years of coming to Asheville we always seem to find our way there! Today came in for a few brews, mozzarella sticks & a pizza. The beer was cold the mozzarella sticks had a nice crunchyness on the outside and a hot cheese middle and the pizza was very good! Thanks for making a couple of hours go by effortlessly and fun!

Josh is the best server we have ever encountered. Truly. And that's not even discussing the food…read more Ok where to begin? The best falafel (a daily Benedict special) and that's saying something given I've eaten falafels in Israel, Turkey and NYC. The bed of arugula and hollondaise sauce was chef's kiss. Then there's the side dish of the feta potato salad. OMG! The server called the chef "young, hungry, and polished..." and truly I agree. My honey is a meat and potatoe dude and the burger he had was sumptuous. A hint of horseradish (he thinks) with the smoky bacon and perfect seasoned fries. In summary... total gastronomic taste gasm. We will be back. Many times. This is what makes Asheville worth the trip.

Adorable, hip, friendly, and tasty. Corner Kitchen is oozing with local charm and flair. Located…read moreinside of an old house, you'll feel comfortable dining in the front room, atrium, upstairs or the covered patio. I feel like this is kind of a place to be seen. The menu is Southern creative. We started with the biscuits and gravy appetizer which might have been a mistake because I was almost too full for my entree after sampling it. The signature gravy was heavenly! We scooped it up with our forks when we ran out of biscuit. The coffee is excellent and we all enjoyed the fresh squeezed juice. (Those are important touches for breakfast.) the service is super friendly. Maybe could use a more extensive child's menu. My older son eats like a little adult but my younger kid is a typical "kid" eater. Although he loved his waffles and the picture provided for coloring. If I lived in this neighborhood, I'd be walking down here all the time.