Local coffeeshops in Western North Carolina

Western North Carolina is the most beautiful region in the state of North Carolina. With easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, plus hundreds of miles of hiking trails and 200+ jaw dropping waterfalls, it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise. A number of attractive small towns populate the region. Most of these towns are home to a quaint Main Street which is lined with unique restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops. Before exploring any wonders of the Western North Carolina region, treat yourself to a cup of coffee at any of these great independent coffeeshops. No reason to hit a major chain when there are so many local businesses to support.

1. High Five

Location: Asheville

Everything Bagel with veggie cream cheese at High Five Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina

This wonderful Asheville favorite is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious bagel and drink before checking out the shops and galleries downtown. In addition to a popular downtown location, there is another scenic location on the riverfront in the small town of Woodfin, as well as a cafe in the quiet Five Montford neighborhood. High Five brews Counter Culture coffee, an award-winning roaster based out of Durham. The highlight of the menu is the delicious bagels and homemade cream cheese. Bagels are seeded on both sides which adds an extra bit of crunch and flavor. Visit the flagship Broadway Street cafe which features a beautiful brick patio and tranquil setting.

  • What to try: Everything Bagel with veggie cream cheese
  • What to do nearby: Check out Woolworth Walk, featuring the works of over 170 local Asheville artists
  • Address: 190 Broadway St. (Montford), 13 Rankin Ave (downtown), 2000 Riverside Dr (Woodfin)

2. Quotations Coffee Cafe

Location: Brevard

Bagel with veggie cream cheese and an Americano at Quotations Coffee Cafe in Brevard, North Carolina

This local gem is located along Main Street in charming downtown Brevard. Inside, the seating is spacious with big windows overlooking the downtown. The breezy patio is ideal for people watching during the warmer months. The laid-back vibe makes this the perfect cafe to relax with a great drink and a light snack prior to exploring the beautiful “Land of Waterfalls.” Hundreds of gorgeous waterfalls are located within an easy drive of the city. Start your morning off right with a delicious cup of coffee (also featuring premier Counter Culture). Food selections include bagels, sandwiches, and pastries.

  • What to try: Americano, Blueberry Muffin, Bagel with veggie cream cheese
  • What to do nearby: Hike to beautiful Courthouse Falls, a secluded gem. Or, opt to enjoy the roadside beauty, Looking Glass (no hike required).
  • Address: 147 E Main St, Brevard, NC 28712

3. Fletcher Village Bakery

Location: Fletcher

Chocolate Croissant and Coffee at Fletcher Village Bakery in Fletcher, North Carolina

This off-the-radar gem is a quick drive from Asheville but feels a world’s away. Here, you can enjoy great coffee (Counter Culture once again) minus the insane tourist crowds of Asheville. The original location (Flat Rock Village Bakery) receives more traffic, making the Fletcher location ideal for anyone seeking a quieter experience. The seating area is spacious and never overcrowded. The coffee is delicious (and includes one free refill!) and the pastries are the best in the area. So many goodies here daily – the seasonal Danishes are amazing! Also serving a full breakfast/lunch menu. Fresh baked breads available daily. Bonus – they work with many local healthy companies! Be on the lookout for half price day old pastries and bread.

  • What to try: Chocolate Croissant, Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish, Cinnamon Roll
  • What to do nearby: Take a stroll around Fletcher Park
  • Address: 235 St John Rd Suite 70, Fletcher, NC 28732

4. All Day Darling

Location: Asheville

Shashuka and Americano at All Day Darling in Asheville, North Carolina

This hidden gem in Asheville’s quaint Montford neighborhood stays pretty quiet due to its’ secluded location outside the downtown core. Featuring a beautiful patio, delicious coffee from Counter Culture, a variety of specialty drinks (try the Hemp Latte) and a diverse food menu, All Day is definitely one of the top independent coffee shops in a city known for its’ many great options. Many delicious pastries (muffins and croissants) and a full breakfast menu can be enjoyed. The Shashuka, a Middle Eastern dish consisting of poached eggs in a savory tomato based sauce, is the winner here. Take a seat on the shaded patio and enjoy a full breakfast before hitting the Parkway.

  • What to try: Shashuka, Blueberry Muffin, Bagel sandwich
  • What to do nearby: Check out the bonsai garden at the NC Arboretum and then enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Blue Ridge Parkway (entrance adjacent to the arboretum).
  • Address: 102 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

5. The Dripolator

Location: Black Mountain

Pumpkin Bread and coffee at The Dripolator in Black Mountain, North Carolina

Located along the small Main street of Black Mountain lies a popular local coffee shop known as The Dripolator. The prime setting amongst many local businesses and shops in the historic district makes it an ideal breakfast stop. The vibe here is very cozy and comfortable – a great place for meeting up with friends or relaxing on a weekend morning. Beans are roasted on-site for the freshest product. Note that their coffee is pretty strong, but also quite tasty. Food options include bagels and an assortment of homemade pastries. Lots of interesting drinks on the menu including a Stress Away Latte (Latte plus a shot of CBD oil) and Mayan Mocha (local chocolate, cayenne, and cinammon).

  • What to try: Americano, Pumpkin Bread
  • What to do nearby: Check out Europa, a European gift specialty shop. Take a stroll around Lake Tomahawk.
  • Address: 221 W State St, Black Mountain, NC 28711

6. Black Bear Coffee

Location: Hendersonville

Bagel and coffee at Black Bear Coffee in Hendersonville, North Carolina

Downtown Hendersonville is a great place to go antique and boutique shopping. The historic district is home to many unique shops. Before exploring all the great local gems, stop by Black Bear Coffee for a cup of coffee and a light snack. The coffee is always delicious (both medium and dark roast Counter Culture blends available) and the food is great too. Treat yourself to a bagel with cream cheese or something sweet (a variety of muffins and pastries are available). The best aspect of this coffee shop is its’ spacious layout and cute bear themed decor. This shop has a lot of personality and overall is an attractive place to spend the morning.

  • What to try: NY style bagel, Scone
  • What to do nearby: Enjoy fabulous mountain views via Jump off Rock
  • Address: 318 N Main St, Hendersonville, NC 28792

7. Sweeten Creek Coffee

Location: Asheville

Delicious coffee and pastries at Sweeten Creek Coffee in Asheville, North Carolina

This cozy local coffeehouse offers a laid-back vibe much different than most of the trendy coffeehouses in downtown Asheville. The setting far away from the tourist crowds in South Asheville is quite appealing. The regular drip coffee here is delicious, plus they offer all sorts of specialty drinks. Inside is super cozy and quaint, and outside there is a nice covered deck (although it’s a bit noisy with the traffic noise). Food options are limited and include local bagels and pastries. During the hot summer season, you will want to treat yourself to the Mocha Magic. This chocolate delight features a tasty mix of craft coffee, lots of chocolate, and mocha whip cream.

  • What to try: Banana Nut Muffin, Americano, NY style Bagel, Quiche, Chicken pot pie
  • What to do nearby: Take a hike at Collier Cove nature preserve.
  • Address: 330 Sweeten Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

8. Daymoon CoffeeBar

Location: Fairview

Banana Bread and house coffee at Daymoon CoffeeBar in Fairview, North Carolina

Daymoon is a cute local coffeeshop offering locally roasted beans (from Asheville roaster Pennycup) and scratch made pastries. It’s located in a pretty rural town about 10 miles south of Asheville. The setting is quaint and rustic, far away from the tourist crowds of Asheville. The vibe is super relaxed with cozy couches and a large porch for the summer months. Although the espresso is a bit bland, the house coffee is delicious. Do try one of their double seeded everything bagels (from local bakery Rise Above), a slice of quiche, or a slice of banana bread.

  • What to try: Everything bagel, House coffee, Banana Bread
  • What to do nearby: Challenge yourself up the 499 step climb to Chimney Rock
  • Address: 381 Old Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730

9. West End Bakery

Location: Asheville

Americano and Chocolate Chip Muffin at West End Bakery in Asheville, NC

Asheville’s premier coffeeshop in the West end neighborhood offers a spacious layout, a tempting selection of homemade pastries, and of course, a wide variety of delicious coffee drinks. Benefits of this cafe include convenient proximity to other notable restaurants including Biscuit Head (known for their giant cathead biscuits and jam bar) and Nine Mile, a Caribbean inspired favorite. Although this one can get pretty busy, they offer a super spacious seating area with cozy couches and big open windows. Everything is made with organic flour and there is always a gluten-free and vegan selection available.

  • What to try: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip muffin, Americano
  • What to do nearby: Enjoy old-fashioned gaming fun at the Asheville Retrocade
  • Address: 757 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806

10. Well Bred Bakery

Location: Weaverville

Breakfast Panini at Well Bred Bakery in Weaverville, North Carolina

This award-winning Weaverville Bakery has expanded to also include 3 Asheville locations. With a charming cafe on Main Street in downtown Weaverville, along with locations in historic Biltmore Village and The Grove Arcade building, it’s easy to squeeze in a trip to Well Bred on any trip. The great thing about this bakery is the diversity of options, from sweet to savory, to vegan and vegetarian. If you are craving something savory, go with the Tomato Quiche or a Black Bean breakfast burrito. Those with a sweet tooth will have a plethora of options including muffins, croissants, eclairs, and a variety of cakes, cookies, and assorted goodies.

  • What to try: Tomato Gouda and Scallion Quiche, Baklava, Breakfast burrito
  • What to do nearby: Take a stroll around Lake Louise Park
  • Address: 26 N Main St, Weaverville

And, be sure to check out a few of these wonderful WNC waterfalls while in the vicinity.