January 15, 2023

Top Places to Eat in Asheville after your Elopement!

Picture this. You just wrapped up what might be the best moment of your life thus far! You eloped and married your best friend, on a mountaintop! You looked amazing, and you both felt incredible but now, it’s dark, you’re arriving at your car to drive back to town and YOU’RE SOOO HUNGRY!

We’ve spent many years helping couples elope on trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains and one thing that’s important is to make sure you bring snacks for the car ride there AND back! It is also a good idea to plan out dinner whether that’s bringing along a picnic or having solid dinner plans at a restaurant to eat-in, get takeout or even have a reservation lined up so you don’t have to worry about finding something when you potentially have poor cell service or are tired.

Keep in mind that sunset elopements will end around 7-8pm (depending on sunset time and time of year), and many Asheville restaurants will be closed when you return to town an hour or so after driving back.

Today we’re providing ideas of Asheville establishments that are open late-night (or at least past 9pm) so that you don’t have to rush back or miss dinner altogether.

Also keep in mind that you don’t have to plan a big fancy dinner for the night of your elopement. Plenty of couples have a more relaxed dinner and keep their focus on the elopement activities and instead have a nice dinner the evening after to celebrate.

*Please check the hours and current menus of each restaurant for the most up-to-date information. This article was published in January 2023 for reference!

Asheville-Elopement-Photographer

Fine-Dining

Curate | 13 Biltmore Ave.| Dinner is served daily until 10:30pm (closed Mondays)

Spanish Tapas in Downtown Asheville

A downtown Asheville staple for over a decade with cuisine by owner and famed chef Katie Button. The menu features small plates/tapas, cured meats, sherries & wine.

Reservations well in advance are definitely advised.

Red Stag Grille | 11 Boston Way | Dinner is served until 10pm

European Flavors With a Carolina Twist in Biltmore Village

Red Stag Grill is at once modern and rustic, lending a Carolina influence to European tradition across menus as unexpected as they are familiar. Gather, linger, and give in to wanderlust at one of the most unique restaurants in Asheville, NC.

You’ll find starters like Heirloom Squash Lobster Bisque to specialities like salmon and scallops and a full Chophouse steak menu.

Reservations are recommended.

Chop House Asheville Downtown | 22 Woodfin St, Asheville | Open until 11pm daily

Located in the Four Points by Sheraton Downtown

Elegant breakfast & dinner bistro serving steaks, seafood & gourmet American fare, plus local beer.

Reservations accepted for parties over 8 people.

The Chop House now serves the best BBQ and sides the Carolinas have to offer. Fine wine by the glass along with an extensive beer selection including many local drafts are available at the bar

Eclectic Eats

The Golden Pineapple | 503 Haywood Rd. | Open Tuesday until 12 a.m. (closed Wednesdays) Open Thurs – Mon til’ at least 12am

Cocktail Bar in West Asheville

A fun, welcoming neighborhood bar with no pretension, you can experience anything from small plates to sandwiches to house cocktails.

They have special pizza nights on Sunday starting at 6pm (yes they offer veggie pizza options too!) and Monday nights feature the best smash burger in town until 5pm.

The Malvern | 1478 Patton Ave. | Open daily til’ 2 a.m.

Eclectic Eats in West Asheville

Menu highlights include their top-notch fried chicken, creative plant-based options (General Tso’s tempeh salad and specialty street corn) + handhelds like the “Cuban burger” and “McRib.

Bens Tune Up | 195 Hilliard Ave. | Mon., Wed., Thurs., ‘til 11 p.m.; Fri.-Sun., ‘til 12 a.m.

Eclectic Eats in Asheville’s South Slope Neighborhood

Ben’s is a sake brewery located in a converted auto shop with an Asian fusion restaurant and beer garden.

From plant-based options like fried tofu to wonton nachos, pad thai and kim chi brat sandwich (beyond veggie sausage option) the menu is truly creative cuisine.

Nights also get fun here especially when there is a DJ. Give them a call to see what the evening holds.

Munchies

The Rankin Vault | 7 Rankin Ave. | Mon- Thurs Open until 12am; Open until 2am Fri & Sat., closes at 11pm Sunday

Cool bar with outdoor seating options in Downtown Asheville

From tacos to their award-winning burgers, this menu is well-rounded. They do not take reservations and offer casual, counter-style service.

There are lots of vegan and vegetarian items including tempeh and a black bean burger.

Foggy Mountain | 12 Church St. | Tues.-Sun Open til’ 11 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat Open til’ 12 a.m.

Convenient Downtown Asheville bar and grille

Their menu runs the gamut from wings to gyros to plant-based specials like the eggplant sandwich + hummus wrap. They also have a to-die-for mac and cheese. And they have Taco Tuesdays!

The Social | 1078 Tunnel Rd. |Open ‘til 12 a.m. on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends

Late night food & karaoke/game bar

The wings, sandwiches, salads, and made-to-order burgers are all tasty late night options. Plus, there’s darts and other fun bar games.

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall | 55 College St. | Sun., Tues.-Thurs., ‘til 1 a.m.; ‘til 2 a.m. on Fri & Sat, til’ 1am Sunday, (closed Mondays)

Bar Deli in Downtown Asheville

The One Stop is a concert venue and full service deli & bar that hosts live music Tuesday-Sunday nights. Tuesdays are reserved for an open jam and brunch sets for Bluegrass. This neighborhood hangout provides “great food and entertainment all week”.

Enjoy cheesesteaks, pizza, and cheesy bacon fries to name a few!