{"id":28154,"date":"2019-08-20T17:00:24","date_gmt":"2019-08-20T17:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=28154"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:21:27","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:21:27","slug":"cheap-eats-in-asheville","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/cheap-eats-in-asheville\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Find the Best Cheap Eats in Asheville"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are so many reasons people love to visit Asheville<\/a>. Its tranquil natural beauty, thriving arts scene, picturesque architecture, and good old-fashioned Southern hospitality make Asheville one of North Carolina\u2019s must-see cities.<\/p>\n

Any good taste of the city must include a detour to sample the food Asheville is known for\u2014without spending a fortune. Check out our suggestions for some of the best cheap eats in Asheville.<\/p>\n

1. 12 Bones Smokehouse<\/strong><\/h2>\n

North Carolina takes pride in its barbecue. What makes Carolina barbecue unique is its sauce, which tends to be mustard-based and tangier than the ketchup-based sauces found elsewhere. At 12 Bones Smokehouse, they serve up different homemade rib flavors daily. As a bonus, most of the items on the menu are gluten-free, too. Dive into a plate of ribs without stressing about your budget.<\/p>\n

2. HomeGrown<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Few foods have as deep a Southern-fried reputation as fried chicken, and there are plenty of places to try this down-home delicacy in Asheville. The aptly named HomeGrown, which promises \u201cslow food right quick,\u201d is a must-eat Asheville restaurant for its affordable prices and great selection of quintessential Southern cuisine. Here, you can get fried chicken on a biscuit, drenched in gravy, or on a sandwich.<\/p>\n

3. Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Asheville may be inland, but North Carolina is a coastal state, and some of the best food in Asheville can be found in its seafood restaurants. Harbor Inn Seafood Restaurant is extremely affordable and serves up its seafood a number of ways: raw, broiled, fried, and as part of surf & turf plates.<\/p>\n

4. Biscuit Head<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Biscuits are a classic Southern comfort food, and it\u2019s not hard to see why when you dive into a fresh, hot biscuit at Biscuit Head. With a handful of gravies to choose from and even a gluten-free\/vegan biscuit option, Biscuit Head serves pure and simple happiness. Try the gravy flight for a taste of several house specialty sauces at once, or order a side\u2014maybe grits, brisket, or pimento cheese\u2014from the extensive, and inexpensive, side menu.<\/p>\n

5. Sovereign Remedies<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Sovereign Remedies is an award-winning restaurant that serves delicious foods and handcrafted cocktails using local, organic ingredients. Despite its quaint interior and inventive menu, few items exceed $20, making Sovereign Remedies a great choice among Asheville restaurants downtown. Must-try selections include the house sarsaparilla soda, a seasonal gin & tonic, and bone marrow tater tots.<\/p>\n

6. Vortex Doughnuts<\/strong><\/h2>\n

North Carolina has a deep history when it comes to doughnuts\u2014after all, the first Krispy Kreme started in the nearby town of Winston-Salem. While you should absolutely stop by the Asheville Krispy Kreme for a fresh-off-the-belt hot doughnut, you should also try a single-shop doughnut seller like Vortex Doughnuts. This bakery serves high-quality, handmade doughnuts made from regional growers and suppliers. Classic flavors such as vanilla glazed and apple fritter are on the menu, as well as innovative flavors like sour cream cake and blackberry chocolate.<\/p>\n

7. Bojangles\u2019 Famous Chicken \u2018n Biscuits<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Looking for good places to eat in Asheville, NC when you\u2019re in a rush? Bojangles\u2019 Famous Chicken \u2018n Biscuits is your answer. This Southern favorite was founded in North Carolina in 1977 and has grown into a substantial chain throughout the South. The menu features low-cost meals and sides, such as savory biscuit sandwiches, crispy fried chicken, and \u201cfixin\u2019s\u201d like dirty rice and coleslaw.<\/p>\n

8. Laughing Seed Caf\u00e9<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When it comes to places to eat in Asheville, NC, many of them serve meals that are meat or flour based. Fear not, vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free gourmands! Laughing Seed Caf\u00e9 is a vegetarian restaurant \u201cwith an international flair,\u201d as they proudly claim. Delicious, satisfying, unique (and affordable!) dishes, safe for people with dietary restrictions, include jalapeno onion fries, Thai green curry, and even fried green tomatoes.<\/p>\n

9. O\u2019Charley\u2019s of Asheville<\/strong><\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been searching for a spot where kids eat free in Asheville, you can stop looking. O\u2019Charley\u2019s, a chain restaurant, has an Asheville location where kids meals are free with the purchase of an adult entree. Children will love the chicken tenders, mini corn dogs, and cheeseburgers on their menu. Their parents will love the ribs, pasta dishes, and seasonal selections on theirs.<\/p>\n

10. French Broad Chocolate Lounge<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no better way to end the day than indulging in a sumptuous, locally-made dessert, without breaking the bank. French Broad Chocolate Lounge is packed with artisanal truffles, brownies, cakes, and chocolate-based beverages. Indulge in a cup of their Liquid Truffle hot sipping chocolate (you can even add a flavor like rose or maple + smoked salt) or a rich slice of olive oil chocolate cake.<\/p>\n

With eats for every budget, palate, and dietary need, Asheville might be your new favorite city for food tourism. But don\u2019t leave town without exploring some of the other amazing things to do in Asheville<\/a>:<\/p>\n