3 cocktail bars not to miss in Asheville North Carolina

Cocktails are a big part of being a foodie in the Asheville community. Walking through the downtown area, I remembered all of the "hot spots" of years past. The was back before the craft beer subculture took over much of the local scene.

Having a good cocktail is not only about the drink. It is about the atmosphere, service, and other people present. Here are a few bars that several of us have personally been to in Asheville, and would go back again for a higher end cocktail experience. And with some crowd sourcing, we have 1, 2, and 3... and all of these are close in quality, but they are in proper preferential order as listed.

1. Sazerac - this bar is the atmosphere that you expect in a big city. A line of about 15 bar seats and about 10 cocktail tables. They are located right on Broadway in the heart of the downtown area. Wine, beer and food also available. My favorite drink is the Erato, pictured above.

2. 151 Boutique Bar - this bar has a cool contemporary atmosphere. The bar seats 8, they have 12 tables and booths; all reflecting the ambiance of the Hotel Indigo. There is an outdoor patio area with 10 two top tables. Wine, beer and food also available. My favorite drink is the Caipirinha, but has since been discontinued because ABC has stopped carrying the liquor to make it.

3. Red Stag Grill - this bar has classy European hunting lodge decor and matches much of the Grand Bohemian Hotel of which it is a part of. They have about 20 seats with the bartenders in center, allowing some interaction among the whole crowd. In the lounge area there are 7 tables. Beyond the bar is the main restaurant which has another 35 tables. Wine, beer and food also available. My favorite drink is the Kamikaze. See the video interview of Chef Adam.