We live in a town where people are constantly raising glasses. Maybe that’s because Asheboro has a growing craft scene, or because local breweries pop up like dandelions. It’s also possible we need the extra cheer to make up for the quiet evenings after the factories close. Whatever the reason, these bars are a foolproof way to enjoy a night out.
Leo’s Whiskey Bar
$ | (336) 521-4007 | WEBSITE
This is essentially the holy grail of whiskey bars: a cozy nook where attentive bartenders pour perfect pours of bourbon and whiskey, offering seasonal cocktails like the incredible Bloody Mary and espresso martini that hit the spot like a software engineer once had to hit a deadline. We could sip an entire evening away in this intimate space.
Full Moon Oyster Bar – Asheboro
$$ | (336) 610-6620 | WEBSITE
This Asheboro spot is an oyster bar classic, and we’re huge fans of their newest fry basket. The Mooners fry basket is an open-house party of crunch, between perfectly fried shrimp, tender calamari, and golden hushpuppies. To freshen it up, there’s coleslaw and potatoes, which complement the seafood brilliantly along with zesty dipping sauces. It’s an ideally engineered bite of hot stuff before the snow crab hits the table.
Lumina Wine & Beer
$ | (336) 610-1060 | WEBSITE
Let’s all take a moment to appreciate a genuinely welcoming wine bar. Asheboro’s Lumina Wine & Beer offers a simple-yet-refreshing mix of friendly staff, terrific owners, and a nice selection of drinks in a cozy atmosphere. Pair it with the spot’s exceptional customer service and toast to the fact that it’s an ideal stop during the Art Festival, making it a place you’ll want to visit again.
Flying Pig Food & Spirits
$ | (336) 610-3737 | WEBSITE
Nobody’s arguing that fried pickles aren’t a great starter for bar food, but there’s life beyond crispy, batter-dipped spears. A perfect example is Flying Pig’s Pig Bianca—a cheesy pizza with a crisp crust, creamy white sauce, and just the right amount of garlic, tasting like garlicky comfort. Plus, it’s an excuse to eat more cheese as a prelude to wings.
Brewskie’s
$ | (336) 628-0515 | WEBSITE
There’s always a breakfast flatbread on the menu at Brewskie’s, and it’s always worth ordering, whether you get the classic version with sausage and rich gravy or the grilled chicken flatbread with a fresh side salad. More white chocolate cinnamon bun mocha with coffee, please.
Carolina Tap House
$ | (336) 610-7687 | WEBSITE
Chances are, you’ve had a disappointing chicken and waffles at a diner or brunch spot at some point in your life. But the Sam’s Favorite at Carolina Tap House—with its crispy fried chicken and absolutely scrumptious homemade waffle—will restore your faith in this classic comfort dish. The lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and great variety of beers make it a popular choice, especially for families and sports enthusiasts looking for a delightful Sunday experience.
Cantina Taco Loco
$ | (336) 628-0158 | WEBSITE
Spicy pork tacos can sometimes overwhelm with heat, but not the ones at this Asheboro Mexican spot. The fiery chili kick is balanced perfectly by fresh corn tortillas, a generous topping of cilantro and onions, and house-made salsa verde applied liberally for optimal flavor. Our sympathies if you’re on Team Mild—it’ll all be OK.
LA BAMBA CHARCOAL GRILL CHICKEN AND RIB
This temple of charcoal-grilled chicken, ribs, and Mexican staples has a steak fajita quesadilla that deserves its own fan club. It’s deceptively straightforward—just tender steak strips, melted cheese, peppers, and onions hugged by a crisp tortilla. But the smoky char from the grill, the perfect cheese pull, and that hint of spice from the peppers remind us why this place keeps winning hearts.
The patio offers a relaxed vibe with string lights and rustic wooden tables, making it ideal for a casual $15-20 meal. While the house margarita might not be for everyone, the food and atmosphere more than make up for it. Service is quick and friendly, keeping the experience smooth from start to finish. In short, La Bamba delivers exactly what you crave: hot, tasty food in a setting that feels both lively and welcoming.
The Rusty Rooster Pub & Patio
$ | (336) 610-7686 | WEBSITE
There are certain things at The Rusty Rooster that you must do every time you’re there. Most of them involve drinks, but you also can’t miss the Thursday special. The apple pie a la mode is always satisfying, we love the warmth of the cozy dive bar atmosphere, and you can bring in food from local places to make it a little more substantial.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (336) 629-4194 | WEBSITE
If you’re in Asheboro and looking for a satisfying meal that won’t disappoint, Chili’s steak is worth the visit. It’s a perfectly cooked cut served warm with sides—and you can (and should) pair it with their tasty chips and salsa. Accompanied by friendly service, this steak is immensely satisfying (even better than the chicken breast here), and an especially great choice if you’re grabbing dinner but plan to follow it with a dessert from their menu.
Coach’s Neighborhood Grill Asheboro
$ | (336) 626-3330 | WEBSITE
Coach’s Neighborhood Grill’s Monday special is like a magic trick. It tastes thoroughly satisfying, but the price is more like a steal. Despite this place being a haven for families and parties, the $5 cheeseburger is so juicy and delicious that it (almost) distracts us from the crispy fries and boneless wings. This simple burger cuts through the bustle of the friendly, kid-friendly atmosphere, with its pleasant lighting and comfortable booths where children color on worksheet paper.