Ask any cyclist why they ride, and you’ll hear about the views, the challenge, and the freedom. But if we’re honest, many of us ride for the other reward: the food and drink waiting after the ride. That’s why Asheville, North Carolina, is such a dream destination. Not only does it sit in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains with legendary routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mt. Mitchell, but it also happens to be one of the best food-and-drink towns in the United States.
On an Asheville & Blue Ridge Explorer Bike Tour with Outfitter Bicycle Tours, you’ll work hard on the climbs, and then eat and drink like a champion afterward.
Why Asheville’s Food Scene Is Perfect for Cyclists
Cyclists know how to appreciate food. Hours in the saddle sharpen your appetite, and Asheville is the kind of place that rewards big rides with big flavors. The city has long been recognized as a hub for craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine, with chefs and brewers who treat their craft as seriously as cyclists treat their training.
The result? A food culture that is fun, creative, and best enjoyed after rolling into town on two wheels.
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Asheville’s Favorite Post-Ride Fuel Downtown
Wicked Weed Brewing
Few places say “Asheville” like Wicked Weed. Cyclists love it for its hoppy pale ales, sours, and relaxed vibe. There’s something satisfying about sipping a cold beer at the downtown brewpub while reliving the day’s climbs. And yes, the food lineup, from burgers to flatbreads, is worth the ride too.
Curate
For a sit-down meal, nothing beats Curate, the acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant run by chef Katie Button. It’s cozy, lively, and absolutely delicious. Think patatas bravas, piquillo peppers with goat cheese, and shared plates that feel celebratory after a long day in the mountains. Reservations are essential, so plan ahead.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge
Cyclists burn calories. Chocolate replenishes them. At least, that’s the excuse we like to use at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. From truffles to cakes to drinking chocolate, this spot makes a sweet finish to an Asheville evening. Try the Strawberry Balsamic Truffle for something uniquely local.
Beyond the City is Brevard, Hendersonville, and Beer Country
One of the joys of an Asheville bike tour is that you don’t have to stay downtown to eat well. Some of the most memorable meals and brews are found in nearby mountain towns where the cycling is just as spectacular.
Sierra Nevada Brewing
This brewery near the Asheville airport is practically a post-ride rite of passage. Known for its craft beer lineup, Sierra Nevada also serves a farm-to-table menu with ingredients grown on site. Their buffalo wings and beer cheese pretzels are the kind of hearty comfort food every cyclist craves after a big climb.
Bike Brevard & Hendersonville for Farm-To-Table and Breweries
Brevard is one of North Carolina’s most beloved cycling towns, and it shows in its food culture. MagPie Meat and Three serves southern comfort classics like pulled pork and deviled eggs, while Oskar Blues Brewery offers a laid-back space to swap ride stories over a pint. The rotating food trucks outside keep things fun and casual, don’t miss the legendary Chub Burger if it’s on the menu.
Hendersonville: Another charming cycling hub, Hendersonville offers plenty of post-ride spots, from casual breweries to upscale farm-to-table restaurants. It’s also a great place to stay if you want to ride quieter roads while still enjoying top-notch dining.
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Food, Cycling, and Asheville’s Unique Flavor
What makes Asheville special isn’t just the variety of its restaurants and breweries, it’s the culture that surrounds them. Much like cycling, Asheville’s food scene thrives on passion, creativity, and a sense of community.
On an Outfitter Bicycle Tours adventure, you’ll not only conquer climbs like Mt. Mitchell and the Blue Ridge Parkway but also discover the region’s culinary soul. Pairing a challenging ride with a well-earned meal is one of the simplest and greatest pleasures of traveling here.
Ready to Ride and Refuel?
Asheville is proof that the best cycling vacations combine effort and indulgence. Whether you’re sipping a craft IPA downtown, savoring tapas with friends, or devouring barbecue in a small mountain town, you’ll find that food and cycling belong together here.
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Learn more about our Asheville & Blue Ridge Explorer Bike Tour and plan your own adventure where every climb comes with a delicious reward.
