For richer or pour over, Asheville's coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning. Asheville may be known as Beer City, but we've also got an impressive coffee scene brewing.

Take inspiration from our guide, which features local roasters, tours, and other specialty coffee experiences. If you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, these 35+ establishments are sure to get your mind percolating.

Sip while you shop

All is Well Cafe, 3445 Hendersonville Rd., Fletcher | Before getting lost in the endless array of vintage finds and handcrafted goods at Garage on 25, pop into the attached cafe for some fuel. The cafe has all the coffee classics, plus matcha, smoothies, and plenty of sandwiches and vegan pastries to offer.

Daymoon Coffeebar, 381 Old Charlotte Hwy, Fairview | Grab a latte and stop to browse the selection of art and books at the shop. But if you're in a rush, you can always hit the drive-thru.

Forage, 428 B Haywood Rd. | This coffee and wine bar is located inside the Flora plant and flower shop. Tote your latte around the store or find a comfortable spot to curl up in one of the cozy alcoves.
Sage and Spice Market, 1056 Patton Ave. | Grab a hot or iced espresso-based beverage while browsing the market's offerings of cheeses, olives, candles, and other locally made goods.

Shady Grove Coffee Co., Various locations | The coffee pop-up has taken up residency at the Antique Tobacco Barn. Sip on coffee, chai, or matcha while exploring antiques from 75+ dealers. Bonus: You can book the mobile espresso service for your next event.

Specialty sips

Antidote Coffee Bar, 151 Coxe Ave. | The bar is now serving up more than Chemist spirits — try unique, elevated coffee drinks inspired by classic cocktails. The Cold Brew "Mojito" sounds like the perfect way to kick off a summer morning, with fresh mint, lime, and club soda. Bonus: If you opt for a more traditional coffee, you can punch it up with housemade syrup flavors like miso honey or caramelized banana.

Bridge & Tunnel Coffee, Various locations | Track down the truck for unbelievable nitro cold brews that come in seasonal flavors, or head to A-B Tech's campus for a cafe with the full coffee menu and plant-based food.

MochaBox, 1050 Haywood Rd. | The newest spot to enter Asheville's coffee scene specializes in Yemeni and Middle Eastern coffee drinks. The shop also has a smoothie bar and an expansive food menu — plus, it's open late.

Plant Bar, Various locations | There's a menu of coffee, traditional teas, cacao, herbal elixirs, and zero-proof cocktails ready to meet any mood.

Summit Coffee Co., Various locations | Choose from a variety of creative cups on its rotating seasonal menu — although you can never go wrong with a no-nonsense cup of drip. ICYMI, Summit is back in the RAD, taking up daytime residence at Joyful Noise Listening Lounge.

The Times Bar & Coffee Shop, 56 Patton Ave. | Indulge in lots of seasonal picks or opt for a boozy coffee, like Texts from My Ex, made with toasted coconut, cardamom, orange espresso, milk, and dark rum.

Izzy's, Various locations | We're big fans of the Mexican Mocha, kicking the classic drink up a notch with cinnamon and cayenne pepper.

Rowan Coffee serves up delicious drinks and cozy vibes. | Photo by AVLtoday

Espresso yourself

Farewell, 11 Southside Ave. | The open-air shop always has a delicious espresso dialed in — plus, a delicious selection of natural wine if it gets too late for caffeine.

Odd's Cafe, 800 Haywood Rd., Ste. A-110 | Grab a seat and let the extensive menu of coffee, tea, and seasonal options fuel your workday.

Pollen Coffee + Flower Shop, 45 S. French Broad Ave., Ste. 150 | Brighten your day with a colorful bouquet and an espresso tonic at this aesthetically pleasing cafe.

Retro Coffee, 2619 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Hit up this community coffee shop in South Asheville for delicious pastries, good vibes, and a rotating seasonal menu.

Rowan Coffee, Various locations | From expertly crafted pour-overs to espresso-based mocktails, there's something for every palate in the moody downtown space or dreamy, bright West Asheville location.

The Daily Grind, 100 District Dr., #216 | This Biltmore Village shop is owned by Asheville natives, serving up coffee classics and specialty drinks (like the luxurious Cleo latte with organic salted caramel, dark chocolate, and cinnamon) using Dynamite Roasting Co. beans.

Wheelhouse, 225 Coxe Ave. | The cafe recently opened on the South Slope, serving up coffee by day and beer by night. Check the schedule for live music.

Woodfin Coffee Department, 126 Elkwood Ave. | You can find this new neighborhood coffee shop in the Lakeshore Drive neighborhood, right on the Asheville/Woodfin line. It's where co-owner Lucy Crown grew up, and it's exactly why she wanted to turn the cafe into a community hub with her husband Jared. Stop by for a caffeine kick, breakfast + lunch, and cocktails into the evening, like the "Merrimon Road Diet," made with tequila, fresh citrus, and agave.

The Da Vinci is a perfect pistachio-flavored cold brew. | Photo by AVLtoday

Best bites

After/glow, 95 Roberts St. | Specialty drinks and breakfast favorites will start your morning right — but keep your seat, because the cafe in The Radical Hotel will switch to cocktails at night.

Battlecat Coffee Bar, Various locations | BUD's Texas Fare is on site, serving up kolaches, breakfast tacos, chili, and Frito pie.

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts, 41 Biltmore Ave. | Satisfy your sweet tooth with an affogato or opt for a classic brewed coffee to go alongside one of its decadent treats.

Filo Pastries, 1155 Tunnel Rd. | The East Asheville spot has something for everyone. Grab your go-to coffee order with a flaky Greek pastry, breakfast sandwich, or even plenty of wheat-free options.

Flour, 40 Wall St. | What started as a stall in the S&W building has grown into a full-fledged brick and mortar on Wall St. with killer biscuits + coffee.

Liberty House Coffee and Cafe, 221 S. Liberty St. | This 1920s cottage-turned-cafe is a neighborhood favorite for simple + delicious breakfast and lunch fare. Editor Grace loves their seasonal cold brews and espresso tonic specials.

Momento House Cafe, 145 Charlotte Hwy Ste 60. | Over near Fairview on Charlotte Highway, the folks at Momento are dishing out coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, and some very scrumptious sweets. Pro tip: It's a great place for remote work, and it even has a shaded patio area.

Old Europe Pastries, 18 Broadway St. | This cafe has been serving Asheville since 1994, and its coffee is just as delicious as its sweets. We recommend pairing your drink with a croissant, macarons, or a slice of cheesecake, but there are no wrong choices.

OWL, Various locations | Name a better breakfast than a dulce de leche cappuccino (made with Folk Saints) and a savory danish. I'll wait.

Recess Coffee and Baked Goods, 107 Black Mountain Ave., Black Mountain | The aroma of baking breads and striking pastries fills the air at this nostalgia-inducing shop, so don't fill up on coffee — you'll want room for a snack.

Sweeten Creek Coffee, 330 Sweeten Creek Rd. | Beyond its coffee menu featuring a myriad of flavored drinks, the coffee shop also offers breakfast and lunch sandwiches on Joey's bagels.

Trout Lily Deli & Market, 1297 Charlotte Hwy., Fairview | Order your favorite pick-me-up from the coffee bar, then browse the amazing artisan offerings. The deli specials are always delicious, like a beef bulgogi sandwich with Apple Brandy Beef, Serotonin Ferments kimchi, cheddar, and Duke's on a ciabatta bun.

Ultra Coffeebar, River Arts District and Arden locations | Come by for custom-roasted coffee + all-day breakfast and lunch, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options.

Yellow Mug Coffee Lounge, 113 N Main St., Weaverville | Stopping by this electric teal cafe is sure to brighten your day. And the breakfast burrito is sure to fill you up.

Recess Coffee's pastries are as attractive as they are appetizing. | Photo by AVLtoday

On-the-go joe

Bad Manners Coffee, 697 Haywood Rd., Ste. G | Settle down at one of the little pink shop's seats or take your coffee + treats to go around West Asheville.

Dripolator, Various locations | Swing through the drive-thru at the Candler location, pop by the South Asheville or East Asheville cafes for java with freshly roasted beans, or make your way to Black Mountain for a cozy cup.

Earthling Coffee + Espresso, 3 S. Tunnel Rd | Go to the food court at the Asheville Mall for an out-of-this-world coffee to fuel your shopping trip.

High-Five Coffee, Various locations | Stop by the Broadway Street, Rankin Avenue, or Riverside locations for a brew made with Counter Culture Coffee — or ask for the barista's choice if you're feeling spontaneous.

Some of the selection at Cooperative Coffee. | Photo by AVLtoday

Roasts to boast

Deep Time, 587 Haywood Rd. | The specialty roastery is rooted in faith, employing and creating community with people impacted by incarceration. The team recently launched the Deep Time cafe so you can stop in and sip.

Cooperative Coffee, 210 Haywood Rd. | This West Asheville roaster sources green coffee beans that finish with a sweet, bright, and clean flavor profile. Visit the new cafe for cold brews, lattes, pastries, and grab-and-go bites.

Penny Cup Coffee Co., various locations | This small-batch roaster and coffee shop has four local cafes and also sells its beans wholesale. It offers single-origin roasts, as well as custom blends + espresso beans.

High Noon Coffee Roasters, 191 Charlotte St., #101 | This women-owned business places special importance on ethically sourced beans, such as the Sumatra Ketiara batch from a women-run cooperative in Indonesia.

Dynamite Roasting Co., 3198 US Highway 70, Black Mountain | Located just outside Asheville in Black Mountain, this organic Fairtrade coffee shop + roaster is a local favorite. It sells beans by the bag and also offers wholesale.

Asheville Coffee Roasters, 85 Weaverville Hwy. | Many locals swear by this Woodfin roaster, which has offered fresh beans for 15+ years. Its signature product is a French roast named the "Pitbull on Crack."

Round Earth Roasters, 518 Hendersonville Rd. | Find beans from Brazil, Colombia, Panama, Peru, and six other countries at this quaint spot near Biltmore Village. We've also heard great things about the Colombia Decaf blend.

Short Sleeves Coffee, 222 Whitson Ave., Swannanoa | Sip coffee roasted right on site at this cozy cafe housed in a restored 1920s gas station. They've got craft coffee on lock, but they also have plenty of fun with slushies, tea, and matcha.

Dynamite Roasting also makes a mean iced coffee. | Photo via @dynamitecoffeebar

Tours and tastings

Asheville Coffee Tours | Join barista Jarika Johnson on a walking tour featuring six local coffee shops that highlight micro-roasters, independent cafes, and historic Asheville landmarks.