Best Restaurants in Asheville with Cocktails: Discover The Exchange
Asheville, NC, is a hub for foodies, craft beverage enthusiasts, and anyone seeking an exceptional dining experience. Known for its vibrant restaurant and bar scene, the city offers countless options for food and drinks—but for those looking to enjoy a meal with top-tier craft cocktails, The Exchange is the place to be. The Exchange, a restaurant in downtown Asheville, combines elevated cuisine with an expertly curated cocktail menu, offering a dining experience that’s as unforgettable as the city itself.
In this blog, we’ll explore why The Exchange is the best restaurant in Asheville for craft cocktails, highlight its exceptional drink offerings (including mocktails), and showcase how it stands out as a must-visit destination for food and drinks.
Best Restaurant with Craft Cocktails in Asheville
The Exchange isn’t just a restaurant in Asheville; it’s a destination for culinary artistry and mixology. The team behind the bar has crafted a cocktail menu that’s as thoughtful and inspired as the dishes coming out of the kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of bourbon-based classics, refreshing gin concoctions, or smoky mezcal creations, The Exchange offers something for every palate.
Signature Cocktails at The Exchange
- Restoration OF: A refined take on the Old Fashioned, featuring Old Scout Barrel Proof Bourbon, Demerara, and bitters. Perfect for bold, whiskey-forward flavors.
- Strawberry Mule: A fruity twist on the classic mule with sloe gin, bergamot, lemon, and ginger beer for a refreshing, slightly tangy sip.
- Greyhound Saint: A complex, herbaceous creation with gin, grapefruit, elderflower, mint, lavender, cucumber, and lime. Aromatic and delicious.
- Pepo: A spicy-sweet masterpiece for tequila lovers, featuring watermelon syrup, muddled jalapeños, sage, lime, and bitters.
- Brittany’s Bad Habit: A light, bubbly crowd-pleaser made with Tito’s, grapefruit, pomegranate, ginger, lime, and soda. Perfect for any occasion.
- Smoke Tower: A smoky, savory mezcal-based cocktail with amaro, orange curaçao, lime, honey, and egg white. A must-try for smoky flavor enthusiasts.
Best Cocktails in Asheville
Asheville’s cocktail scene is thriving, but The Exchange elevates the experience with its commitment to innovation and quality. The Exchange is known for serving some of the best cocktails in Asheville, crafted with precision, using fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and premium spirits.
What Sets The Exchange Apart
- Creative Mixology: The Exchange’s bartenders are true artists, blending unexpected flavors and textures to create drinks that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
- Locally Inspired Ingredients: Asheville’s rich bounty of local produce inspires the cocktail menu, with seasonal fruits, herbs, and botanicals adding a fresh, regional twist to every drink.
- Pairing Perfection: Each cocktail is designed to complement the restaurant’s menu, ensuring that every sip enhances your meal.
Cocktail Bars in Asheville
While Asheville is home to many great cocktail bars, The Exchange stands out for offering a full-service dining experience alongside its exceptional drinks. Instead of hopping from restaurant to bar, you can enjoy world-class cocktails in a sophisticated setting while indulging in a thoughtfully prepared meal.
Why The Exchange is the Best Cocktail Bar in Asheville
- Atmosphere: The Exchange’s ambiance strikes the perfect balance between cozy and upscale, making it an ideal spot for date nights, celebrations, or casual gatherings.
- Expert Bartenders: The team behind the bar is passionate about mixology and always eager to recommend a drink based on your preferences.
- Signature Mocktails: For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, The Exchange offers an array of mocktails that rival the creativity of their craft cocktails.
Mocktails in Asheville
Mocktails are becoming increasingly popular, and The Exchange has embraced the trend with two standout non-alcoholic options that ensure everyone at the table can enjoy a crafted beverage.
- Clear Morning – A refreshing combination of Ghia Amaro, lemon, grapefruit, and soda spritz. Perfect for anyone seeking a light, citrus-forward drink.
- Phony Negroni – This non-alcoholic version of the classic Negroni delivers all the complexity and depth you’d expect, minus the alcohol. It’s even packaged for easy take-home enjoyment.
The Exchange’s mocktails are crafted with the same care and attention as their cocktails, making them a fantastic option for those abstaining from alcohol.
Best Restaurants in Asheville for Food and Drinks
A great cocktail is only half of the equation when choosing a restaurant in Asheville. At The Exchange, the food menu is as impressive as the drinks, offering a range of dishes that cater to every taste. From shareable starters to hearty entrees and decadent desserts, the food offerings perfectly complement the cocktail menu.
Why The Exchange is the Best for Food and Drinks
- Seasonal Ingredients: The kitchen prioritizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, ensuring fresh and flavorful dishes year-round.
- Diverse Menu: Whether you’re craving a perfectly cooked steak, a light salad, or something vegetarian, The Exchange has something for everyone.
- Perfect Pairings: The restaurant’s knowledgeable staff can recommend the perfect cocktail to pair with your meal, elevating your dining experience.
A Dining Experience Like No Other
What makes The Exchange truly special is the seamless way it blends exceptional food, drinks, and atmosphere. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick cocktail at the bar or settling in for a full meal, you’ll leave feeling impressed and satisfied.
What Guests Are Saying
“The Exchange is hands down the best place for craft cocktails in Asheville. The Smoke Tower was a revelation!”
“I love that they have such creative mocktails—it’s rare to find non-alcoholic drinks that are this good.”
“Every dish was incredible, and the cocktails made the entire meal feel so elevated.”
Plan Your Visit to The Exchange: The Best Restaurant in Asheville Serving Cocktails
If you’re looking for the best restaurant in Asheville with cocktails, The Exchange at The Restoration Hotel is a must-visit. With its expertly crafted drinks, inviting atmosphere, and outstanding food, it’s the perfect spot for any occasion.
Key Details
- Location: Conveniently situated in The Restoration Hotel in downtown Asheville, The Exchange is easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.
- Hours: Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night drinks—perfect for any schedule.
- Reservations: Recommended, especially during weekends and peak dining hours.
Asheville’s food and drink scene is second to none, and The Exchange shines as the city’s best restaurant for craft cocktails. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a great place to enjoy a meal and a drink, The Exchange offers an experience that’s both memorable and delicious.
From its innovative cocktails to its locally inspired menu and cozy ambiance, The Exchange is the ultimate destination for food and drinks in Asheville. Don’t miss the chance to sip, savor, and celebrate at this one-of-a-kind spot.
Make your reservation today and discover why The Exchange is the talk of Asheville’s dining scene!
