After a long day of videos and photos, riding around in the tinted backseat of life, I needed one thing: food. It was Sunday night, late, and I braced for the usual Asheville disappointment — Google searches full of “closed” signs. But then I spotted a restaurant called South Paw. Open. Serving their full menu. Late on a Sunday. That was the destination.
Walking in, it looked cool and calm. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much — maybe a burger, a bite or two. But the menu? Incredible. I went big: Ahi Tuna Nachos to start, then Scallops with risotto and asparagus for the main.
And let me tell you: this food is delish. Cooked right. Plated right. Tasting amazing.
👀 The Experience
When I go out these days, I don’t just judge the food. I take it all in:
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The eyes and expressions of guests.
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The vibe between staff.
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The way servers talk to tables.
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The balance of energy in the room.
Here’s the truth: everything was awesome here. Southern American cuisine, without the pretentious vibe. Our server, Shaun, was on point — accurate, hospitable, knowledgeable, presentable, authentic. Felt like he could’ve gone to hospitality university, or maybe just has the gift. Either way, he nailed it.
🍽️ South Paw in the Neighborhood
Think about where this spot is located. Within a short driving distance, you’ve got:
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Pizza Napoli — across the street
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Stone Bowl Korean — across the street
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Vinnie’s Italian — across the street
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Fahrenheit Pizza — around the corner
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Abuela’s Little Kitchen — around the corner
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Mr. Sushi — down the road
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Chen Garden — down the road
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Biscuit Head — right next door
But here’s the kicker: none of them have what South Paw is doing. Their new American cuisine stands tall with any spot, even in Biltmore Park.
⚡ A Word to Asheville Restaurants
This is where I’ve gotta get real. Asheville has been hurt for years by so-called foodie “experts,” consultants, then the dietitian & epicurean snobs who think tearing down others makes them superior. That attitude has held this community back for decades.
Here’s the truth: a rising tide floats all boats. Even McDonald’s knows that putting a Burger King or Wendy’s across the street means more business for everyone. Use their million-dollar research. Learn true community.
When a new restaurant opens in your area, owners, chefs, and folks in the restaurant industry nearby should be the first to go in and support them. You don’t have to go to every place you consider a competitor, but if their offerings are different, show some love. It won’t take away from you — it will actually increase your worth and ROI.
Asheville isn’t ready for this conversation yet — but it’s time. Time to put behind the cages, the gossip, the mechanics, the slander. Time to grow into a community that thrives together.
✨ Final Bite
South Paw? Absolutely worth your time. Food, service, vibe — all on point. But beyond the plates, it’s a reminder that our food scene doesn’t have to be about competition. It can be about collaboration. And when we support each other, we all eat better.
So Asheville — let’s eat, let’s grow, let’s build a real foodie community.
It’s time to ditch the dietitian snobs, the epicurean elitists, and all the virtue-signaling that’s been holding Asheville restaurants and businesses back for years. Face-to-face, they’re fake — and it doesn’t matter which group or organization they hide behind.
What matters is real. Real food. Real stories. Real community. That’s what connects people. That’s what grows businesses.
Our media is here to uncage you. To give your brand the voice, the visuals, and the presence it deserves. The community is waiting — let’s show them the real you. 🚀
