The more classy and high end restaurants of Asheville get plenty of attention but our little local guys deserve lots of love too. Here are 5 places that I frequent while in town whether I am on a budget or not.

12 Bones

Pork. Pork. Pork. Cheap lip smacking pork. 12 Bones is a local favourite. You can tell by the ridiculously long line of people outside everyday waiting to get their oink on. Don’t be intimidated by the line though as the food is turned very quickly so you can get your grub on lightning fast.

12 Bones has two locations. The first location is located in the River Arts District which gained worldwide attention when President Obama stopped in to get his BBQ fill.             The address is at 5 Riverside Dr. The second location is in Arden (South Asheville) at 3578 Sweeten Creek rd. Open daily Monday through Friday from 11 Am to 4 Pm.

Bandidos Latin Ktichen

I think this restaurant has been flying under the radar for a while now. The food is incredible. They elevate tacos and quesadillas to something fresh and new such as the smoked trout taco (my favourite) and the duck confit quesadilla. They make interesting appetizers like the fried pork belly and serve local brews. They are located at 697 Haywood rd. Ste E. Open Tuesday-Saturday from 12-9.

HomeGrown

HomeGrown is where I go when I am in need of comfort food. Their food philosophy is making slow cooked wholesome food with a huge emphasis on sustainability and using local farms. The menu is really diverse too. Examples include the lamb & lentil stew, catfish po’boy, buttermilk fried chicken with mushroom gravy, BBQ tempeh and redneck pot pie.

The menu changes due to local availability. They are located at 371 Merrimon Ave and are open 7 days a week from 8 to 9.

Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company

This funky joint is well worth a visit. Not only do they make amazing brews in house but they also have $3 movies every day at 1pm, 4pm, 7pm and 10pm. You can eat your food in the theater as well. My favourite is the spinach burger and just about every pizza they make is downright delicious.

Located at 675 Merrimon Ave and open 7 days a week from 11AM to 12PM.

Lorettas Café

Best. Sandwiches. Ever. Seriously. Every time I go now I get the Big Bad Wolf which is loaded with smoked pulled pork, ham, bacon, pimento cheese, coleslaw, Cajun mayo and creole mustard. Need I say more? Everything they make is mouthwatering perfection.

Located in downtown Asheville at 114 N. Lexington Ave. Open Monday – Saturday from 10AM to 5PM.

Now go get your grub on!

Written and taste tested by Kate Randall