24 Queer Friendly Bars and Breweries in Asheville

When I moved to Asheville from Boston, I quickly realized that there aren’t that many dedicated queer spaces. However, though this is just my opinion, we do have a large number of queer-friendly safe spaces where you’re likely to find a warm welcome.

The spots on this list are places I’ve personally visited and spent time at with friends and allies because I like their vibe.

Here are 24 bars and breweries in and around Asheville that welcome diversity.

7 Clans Brewing (Biltmore Village)

7 Clans Brewing is a Native American-owned brewery that specializes in crafting unique beers with indigenous ingredients. Their taproom is decorated with Native American art and artifacts, creating a cultural experience for visitors. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, making it a pet-friendly spot. Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and lemonade are also available. Follow them on Instagram @7clansbrewing.

12 Bones Brewing (Arden)

12 Bones Brewing is a popular brewery and BBQ joint that has been featured on the hit TV show “Man vs. Food”. They offer a variety of craft beers and delicious BBQ dishes, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Non-alcoholic options like house-made sodas and lemonade are also available. It is a pet-friendly location with a dog-friendly outdoor area. Follow them on Instagram @12bonesbrewing.

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours (Downtown)

Asheville Rooftop Bar Tours is a unique experience that takes you to some of the best rooftop bars in Asheville. You can enjoy amazing views of the city while sipping on craft cocktails and local beers. The tours are available for private events and special occasions. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Pets are not allowed on the tours. Follow them on Instagram @avlrooftopbartours.

Banks Ave. (South Slope)

Banks Ave. is a brewery and taproom located in the vibrant South Slope neighborhood of Asheville. They offer a variety of unique beers, along with indoor and outdoor seating. The taproom also has a cozy fireplace for cooler evenings. It is a pet-friendly location and non-alcoholic options like soda and kombucha are also available. Follow them on Instagram @banksavebrewing.

Bottle Riot (River Arts District)

Bottle Riot is a wine bar and bottle shop located in the River Arts District of Asheville. They offer a wide selection of natural wines, along with craft beers and ciders. The cozy and intimate atmosphere is perfect for a date night or a small gathering with friends. Non-alcoholic beverages like sparkling water and kombucha are also available. Pets are not allowed inside. Follow them on Instagram @bottleriot.

Burial Beer Co. (South Slope)

Burial Beer Co. is a popular brewery and taproom located in the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville. They offer a variety of unique beers, along with indoor and outdoor seating. The taproom also hosts live music events and food trucks. It is a pet-friendly location and non-alcoholic options like soda and kombucha are also available. Follow them on Instagram @burialbeer.

Catawba Brewing (Biltmore Village + South Slope)

Catawba Brewing is a regional brewery with locations in both Biltmore Village and the South Slope neighborhood of Asheville. They offer a wide selection of craft beers, along with indoor and outdoor seating. The taprooms also host events like trivia nights and live music. It is a pet-friendly location and non-alcoholic options like soda and lemonade are also available. Follow them on Instagram @catawbabrewingco.

Different Wrld (West Asheville)

Different Wrld is a funky, retro-inspired brewery located in West Asheville. This brewery offers a wide variety of beers that are brewed on-site, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a spacious outdoor patio that is perfect for enjoying a pint with friends. Different Wrld is pet-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as kombucha and sparkling water. Follow them on Instagram at @differentwrldavl to stay up-to-date on their latest brews and events.

Eurisko Beer Co. (South Slope)

Eurisko Beer Co. is a craft brewery located in the trendy South Slope neighborhood of Asheville. The brewery’s name means “discovery” in Greek, and true to its name, Eurisko is constantly experimenting with new beer recipes and flavors. Their taproom is spacious and industrial-chic, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors. Eurisko is pet-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as soda and cold-brew coffee. Follow them on Instagram at @euriskobeerco to see what they’re brewing up next.

Funkatorium (South Slope)

Funkatorium is a must-visit destination for sour beer lovers. Located in the South Slope neighborhood, this taproom is the dedicated sour beer facility of Wicked Weed Brewing. The atmosphere is hip and inviting, with rustic wood paneling and plenty of outdoor seating. Funkatorium is pet-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as kombucha and house-made sodas. Follow them on Instagram at @funkatoriumavl to see what sour beers they have on tap.

Highland Brewing (East Asheville)

Highland Brewing is a beloved Asheville institution and one of the city’s oldest breweries. The spacious taproom is located in East Asheville and offers a wide selection of beers, including the flagship Highland Gaelic Ale. Highland Brewing is pet-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as root beer and sparkling water. The brewery also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including live music and beer releases. Follow them on Instagram at @highlandbrewing to stay in the know.

Hi-Wire Brewing (River Arts District + Biltmore Village)

Hi-Wire Brewing has two locations in Asheville, one in the River Arts District and one in Biltmore Village. This brewery is known for its circus-themed branding and playful, experimental beers. Both taprooms are spacious and offer indoor and outdoor seating. Hi-Wire Brewing is pet-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as soda and cold-brew coffee. Follow them on Instagram at @hiwirebrewing to see what kind of circus-inspired brews they’re pouring.

Leo’s House of Thirst (West Asheville)

Leo’s House of Thirst is a laid-back neighborhood bar located in West Asheville. The bar is known for its impressive selection of craft beers, including many local Asheville brews. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, with indoor and outdoor seating available. Leo’s House of Thirst is dog-friendly and also offers non-alcoholic options such as soda and kombucha. Follow them on Instagram at @leoshouseofthirst to see what’s on tap.

New Belgium Brewing (River Arts District)

New Belgium Brewing is a craft brewery located in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. They are known for their flagship beer, Fat Tire Amber Ale, as well as their commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. In addition to beer, they also offer non-alcoholic options such as soda and sparkling water. This brewery is dog-friendly and has a large outdoor patio area for visitors to enjoy. Check out their Instagram account here.

o.henry’s (Downtown)

o.henry’s is a popular bar located in the heart of downtown Asheville, NC. They offer a wide variety of craft beers, wines, and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic options such as coffee and tea. This bar has a cozy, laid-back atmosphere and often features live music from local musicians. o.henry’s is not pet-friendly. You can find them on Instagram here.

Olde London Road (River Arts District)

Olde London Road is a brewery and taproom located in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC. They specialize in British-style beers and cask ales, and have a cozy indoor space as well as a large outdoor patio. This brewery is dog-friendly and often hosts food trucks on site. You can find them on Instagram here.

One World Brewing (West Asheville + Downtown)

One World Brewing has two locations in Asheville, NC: one in West Asheville and another in the downtown area. They offer a wide variety of beers, including their popular “Saison of the Witch” and “Stout of the Union”. Both locations are dog-friendly and have outdoor seating options. In addition to beer, they also offer non-alcoholic options such as kombucha and soda. Check out their Instagram accounts here and here.

Oyster House Brewing Company (West Asheville)

Oyster House Brewing Company is a brewery located in West Asheville, NC. They specialize in Belgian-style beers and have a cozy, rustic indoor space as well as a large outdoor patio. This brewery is dog-friendly and often hosts food trucks on site. You can find them on Instagram here.

Sweeten Creek Brewing (Biltmore Forest-ish)

Sweeten Creek Brewing is a family-owned brewery located in the Biltmore Forest area of Asheville, NC. They offer a variety of beers, including their popular “Sweeten Creek IPA” and “Mountain Mosaic”. This brewery has a cozy, welcoming atmosphere and often hosts live music events. Sweeten Creek Brewing is not pet-friendly. Check out their Instagram account here.

The Odd (formerly known as The Odditorium) (West Asheville)

The Odd is a unique and quirky bar located in West Asheville. Formerly known as The Odditorium, this establishment is known for its offbeat atmosphere and live music. The bar has a vintage carnival vibe, with colorful decor and a stage that resembles a sideshow tent. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of craft beers, spirits, and cocktails, and the bar is also pet-friendly. Non-alcoholic options include a variety of sodas and juices. (The Odd Instagram)

Interesting fact: The Odd has a variety of unusual artifacts and curiosities on display, including taxidermied animals, vintage medical equipment, and oddities from around the world.

The Whale (West Asheville)

The Whale is a cozy and laid-back bar in West Asheville that specializes in craft beer and cider. Visitors can enjoy a rotating selection of local and regional brews, as well as a variety of classic cocktails and wine. The bar has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of seating options, board games, and a pet-friendly outdoor patio. Non-alcoholic options include a variety of sodas, teas, and kombucha. (The Whale Instagram)

Interesting fact: The Whale has a unique and ever-changing selection of rare and vintage beers, including some that are difficult to find elsewhere in the area.

Wedge Brewing Co. (River Arts District)

Wedge Brewing Co. is a popular and award-winning brewery located in the River Arts District of Asheville. The brewery specializes in Belgian and American-style ales, and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as seasonal and limited-release brews. The bar has a relaxed and casual atmosphere, with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating options, including a pet-friendly patio. Non-alcoholic options include a variety of sodas and juices. (Wedge Brewing Co. Instagram)

Interesting fact: Wedge Brewing Co. is located in a historic building that was once a meat-packing plant, and still retains much of its original industrial charm.

Wicked Weed Brewing (Downtown)

Wicked Weed Brewing is a popular and well-known brewery located in the heart of downtown Asheville. The brewery is known for its innovative and experimental beers, as well as its dedication to sustainable brewing practices. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beers on tap, as well as a full food menu and a variety of spirits and cocktails. The bar has a spacious and modern atmosphere, with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Wicked Weed is pet-friendly and offers non-alcoholic options, including a variety of sodas and juices. (Wicked Weed Brewing Instagram)

Interesting fact: Wicked Weed Brewing was founded by a group of friends who started out as homebrewers and eventually turned their hobby into a successful business.

Zillicoah Beer Company (North Asheville)

Zillicoah Beer Company is a small brewery located just outside of Asheville, in Woodfin, NC. This brewery offers a unique experience with its focus on traditional European-style beers, using open-fermentation techniques, and local ingredients. The brewery is housed in a beautifully restored 1950s-era warehouse along the French Broad River, and offers indoor and outdoor seating options. Zillicoah is pet-friendly and offers non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer not to drink alcohol. (@zillicoahbeer/)