The Ultimate Guide to Downtown Asheville’s South Slope — 2026 Edition

Your walking, sipping, tasting plan through Asheville’s Brewery District

A Bit of Backstory: How South Slope Was Born

Once Asheville claimed the title Beer City USA, fans and local visionaries dreamed of a walkable, brew-centric neighborhood — somewhere you park once and stroll between breweries, good food, live music, and community energy. That dream gave birth to South Slope — just a hop south of downtown, starting near The Orange Peel, stretching past Asheville Yards, and wrapping around the area near the Tourists’ stadium.

One of the earliest pioneers was Dirty Jack’s, which became the original taproom for Green Man Brewery. Over the years, that little corner of Buxton Avenue transformed: breweries teamed with restaurants, locals and visitors alike began gravitating there, and soon the South Slope was no longer just a “brewery strip” but a full-blown brewery district.

Through its growth and even after Hurricane Helene’s chaos (which forced many businesses across WNC to rebuild), South Slope has bounced back, humming with energy, craft beer, and creative spirit.

📍 Must-Visit Breweries & Beer Bars (with Flavor and Story)

Here are some of the standout stops you should hit in South Slope and nearby — with insights and fun facts.

Breweries

Green Man Brewing + Dirty Jack’s
Green Man got started in 1997 as a brewpub and holds a sort of foundational role in Asheville’s beer scene.

Their original taproom “Dirty Jack’s” still survives on Buxton — it retains that classic, local pub feel.

Their expanded facility, The Green Mansion, is a three-story production and tasting hall, complete with views of the floor-to-ceiling brewing operations and a rooftop bar space.

Burial Beer Co.
Born in 2013 out of a renovated transmission shop in South Slope, Burial projects the “rough around the edges” charm with serious brewing chops.

They’ve got indoor and outdoor seating, a full kitchen menu, wine and slushies too, making them a multi-dimensional brew destination.

Their taproom also frequently hosts $5 flagship beer nights and events — a local favorite move to keep people coming in.

Twin Leaf Brewery
Situated at 144 Coxe Avenue, Twin Leaf brings crisp ales in a 10-barrel system and is one of South Slope’s more intimate, neighborhood-style breweries.

Terra Nova Beer Co.
While not always strictly in the heart of South Slope, Terra Nova has been gaining traction with creative brews, collaborations, and community vibes.

Wicked Weed Funkatorium
The Funkatorium (147 Coxe) is Wicked Weed’s sour and barrel-aged beer hub — a must for fans of wild ales.

Asheville Brewing
One of Asheville’s earlier breweries, Asheville Brewing dates back to when the local craft scene was far smaller. Over time, they’ve weathered changes, relocations, and expansions to remain part of the fold.

Hi-Wire Brewing
Hi-Wire has a presence on Hilliard Avenue and delivers a mix of lagers, sours, and experimental runs. Their South Slope footprint helps fill out the district’s diversity.

🍻 Beer Bars Worth Your Time

• The Whale — a laid-back taproom where beer geeks and casual sippers merge, known for rotating local taps.

• Ben’s Tune Up (+ Sake) — combines solid beer, live music, and good fun.

• The Barksdale — stylish but welcoming, with elevated bar bites and beer options.

• Banks Ave Bar — a smaller, cozy local spot near the brewery neighborhoods.

• Wheelhouse (Opening Soon) — expected to bring more brewery bar life to the area.

🍹 Cocktail Spots That Elevate the Night

• The Tiki-Easy Bar — tropical vibes, great cocktails, and a fun counterbalance to all the beer.

• Antidote — sharp, moody, inventive cocktails in a sleek setting.

• Bear’s Back Alley Bar — hidden gem status with approachable drinks and character.

🍽️ Food & Pairings Along the Route

These places make sure your beer crawl isn’t just about beverages — good food matters:

• La Pizza Party (Opening Soon) — pizzas made to share, ideal with beer.

• Bear’s Smokehouse Barbecue — BBQ and craft brew — classic combination.

• Little Chango — creative fusion, often mixing global flavors with comfort.

• Ukiah Japanese Smokehouse — sushi meets smoke, interesting pairings.

• Andale Way Mexican Grill — tacos, chips, tequila-adjacent offerings.

• Tiger Bay Cafe at Ben’s Tune Up — casual eats in beer bar proximity.

• PieZaa — pizza, always a good companion to beer.

• Mother Bakery & Cafe — breads, pastries, light fare to kick off or pause.

• Root Down at Terra Nova — restaurant inside a brewery — synergy at its finest.

• Chai Pani — James Beard Award–winning Indian street food that’s bold, vibrant, and unforgettable.

• Asheville Pizza — approachable, quick, satisfying.

• Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive — comfort food, dive ambiance.

• Good Hot Fish — fried/southern coastal fare, a fun twist.

• Easy Tiger (Opening Soon) — wood-fired pizzas, meats, beer-forward menu.

🔄 Other Fun Stops, Side Doors, & Extras

• The Chemist (Distillery) — cocktail-adjacent but worth the detour for spirits nerds.

• Urban Orchard Cider Co. — South Slope location for cider lovers.

• Boomer’s Bourbon & Cigar Bar — for those late-night whiskey or cigar moments.

• Vortex — donuts + beer synergy (you know we love that).

• Farewell — coffee stop to warm up or reset the crawl.

• South Slope Cheese Co. — cheeses + wine + beer pairings.

• VISUALS Wine Bar — chill, stylish wine bar among all the hops and suds.

We believe South Slope isn’t just a map of breweries — it’s a living, breathing culture of creativity, craft, community, and good times.

Whether you’re a local chasing your favorite hop, a visitor on a two-day tour, or someone simply curious what makes Asheville tick — this is your road map. Pour a pint. Walk a block. Try a sour. Meet someone new.

Stay tuned — we’ll be rolling out beer trail maps, event calendars, brewery interviews, and hidden-beer-gem stories all year long.