A roundup of coffee shops in downtown Asheville, from where to pen your next great novel to a cash-only double decker coffee bus.
Coffee Shops In Downtown Asheville
This article highlights coffee shops in downtown Asheville. We also have a guide to Asheville’s best coffee shops if you are looking for our top places to get caffeinated around the city.
The best coffee craft in Asheville
Rowan Coffee is an absolute gem of a coffee shop in downtown Asheville.
Expect a perfectly designed coffee shop and somehow even better coffee.
Rowan typically has a few pour-overs on the daily menu in addition to seasonal specials, batch brew, and classic espresso drinks.
As for food, Rowan Coffee has a small selection of daily pastries available.
Flower bar + coffee shop in downtown Asheville
Despite its status as a local favorite, Pollen maintains a charming, hidden-gem status away from the downtown crowds.
This delightful coffee shop offers more than just exceptional coffee and fresh pastries; it’s also a destination for beautiful flowers, with the option to build your own custom bouquet.
Rounding out their unique offerings are various home goods and a selection of whole bean coffee from diverse roasters, including beloved local options like Rowan.
High Five Coffee
Local coffee shop serving Counter Culture
High Five is a local Asheville coffee shop with three locations. They brew with Counter Culture coffee beans and have a variety of baked goods and light bites to choose from.
Don’t miss their Barista’s Choice program for unique, limited-edition coffee creations dreamt up by their talented baristas!
Summit Coffee
Coffee roaster out of Davidson, NC with a downtown AVL location
Though its roots are in Davidson, NC, Summit Coffee has seamlessly become a downtown Asheville staple.
Customers love their creative drink menu, featuring unique concoctions like the Summer Camp with its delicious marshmallow cold foam, and the bright, citrusy Dreamsicle.
As an added bonus, you’ll get a free cup of coffee with any whole bean purchase.
Pastries, sandwiches, coffee in downtown Asheville
Downtown Asheville’s The Rhu is a true hidden gem, despite it’s amazing downtown location (tucked just behind Mast General.)
They’re especially known for their delectable pastries (including what’s rumored to be the “world’s best brownie”.) In fact, if you’ve enjoyed a pastry at other Asheville coffee shops, there’s a good chance it came from The Rhu!
The Rhu offers a full breakfast and lunch menu and has a large seating upstairs.
Bakery and coffee shop in downtown Asheville
Old Europe is a bakery in Asheville that specializes in decadent desserts and espresso drinks. Think: key lime pie, chocolate peanut butter mousse cake and macarons.
It’s a charming spot with a few sidewalk seats and windows that are open during nicer weather.
Local roaster off-the-beaten-path
PennyCup Coffee has great coffee, a very colorful mural and real penny tile in their bathroom!
Their downtown location is a bit off the main path, but that may be why we like it so much.
You’ll find a variety of baked goods, housemade granola + yogurt, bagels and bagel sandwiches. They also have gluten-free bread available.
Coffee, beer and wine bar in downtown Asheville
Asheville Club may not sound like it would be a coffee shop, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s a coffee, beer and wine bar and a fun place to spend an afternoon.
They serve espresso drinks, Counter Culture and have a great beer selection, locally brewed ginger beer and ciders.
It’s an especially great spot for people-watching!
Cash-only double-decker coffee bus
Double D’s is a double-decker bus parked on a corner in downtown Asheville that serves coffee and cocktails.
It’s a fun visit for tourists and kids! Just make sure to bring cash because it’s one of the few cash-only establishments in Asheville. There are nearby ATMs if you are in a pinch, though.
Izzy’s Coffee Den is a super laidback coffee spot in downtown Asheville. It’s a great place to pop in for an iced latte and hot bagel. You’ll find it on Lexington Ave, which is an excellent street for shopping. Nearby shops include Nest Organics, East Fork Pottery and Hip Replacements.
