New & Notable - Summer 2025
New & Notable - Summer 2025: A west Asheville eatery founded by former employees of Tastee Diner, two restaurants/bars nestled within boutique hotels, and a cozy cocktail lounge catering to the before and after-dinner crowd.
The Watch & Kitchen Spirits.
THE WATCH KITCHEN & SPIRITS Asheville
Ensconced within the boutique Restoration Hotel, The Watch intends to build on the success of its flagship hotspot in Charleston, SC. The restaurant is renowned for its bold Lowcountry flavors, curated cocktails, and amiable atmosphere, notes Abbie Mueller, assistant brand marketing manager. Menu highlights include savory Southern comfort classics with a twist, such as crispy chicken sandwiches, seared crab cakes, and the shrimp & chorizo bowl, as well as merry cocktails like the Pebbles & Bamm Bamm, or delightful mocktails like the Cranberry No-jito. Also, check out The Watch’s extensive wine list. 68 Patton Avenue; (855) 568-6800; thewatchasheville.com
(Left) Färməsē & Brü; (Right) Over Yonder Boone.
FÄRMESĒ AND BRÜ Asheville
Färməsē is a fun pun, an interesting play on words, and a “farm to glass cocktail lounge targeting the before and after dinner demographic,” notes co-owner Layla Neuroth. She and her husband Justin opened the laid-back lounge in January. Open seven days a week and well into the night, Färməsē sources organically grown ingredients for the crafted cocktails. Brü complements Färməsē, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and also features locally sourced/grown ingredients. “The coffee drinks are exotic and will include adaptogenic supplements as well as house-made syrups, foams, and tinctures,” she notes. Enjoy unique fare such as a cinnamon roll French toast with crème fraîche and maple syrup and bourbon blueberry compote or a grilled three cheese sandwich made with gruyère, gouda, aged cheddar, and bourbon blueberry compote on sourdough with tomato bisque. 5 Biltmore Ave Suite C; (828) 220-1008; farmeseavl.com
OVER YONDER BOONE Boone
Situated in the recently renovated boutique hotel, Over Yonder enjoyed great success in Valle Crucis until Hurricane Helene’s devastation forced its closure. Over Yonder Boone continues the flagship restaurant's tradition of offering traditional, locally sourced Appalachian fare informed by contemporary culinary techniques. Chef Andy Long again takes over the reins, honoring the rich culture and flavorful cuisine long held in esteem by those living in the High Country. 1377 Blowing Rock Rd.; (828) 865-1110; rhodesmotorlodge.com
Hail Mary.
HAIL MARY West Asheville
Fans of the former Tastee Diner need no longer fret. Hail Mary, led by new owner Kelly Gable and several former employees of the aforementioned closed restaurant, has taken over Tastee’s space, with a revamped menu and new concept. Hurricane Helene dealt a blow to many restaurants in Western North Carolina, and the name “Hail Mary” marks a fresh start, Gable states. “It was our Hail Mary pass to save a small business and its employees; a Hail Mary pass to keep our community together so corporations couldn't swoop in and take the things WE built.” The decor brings to mind a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of the late 90s and early 2000s, and the patio was recently revamped for outside guests. Hail Mary’s cocktail menu exudes playfulness, with Rumbrella Ella Ella featuring plantation pineapple, campari, lime, and soda one of several crafted libations. Beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks are also in the mix. Expect sandwiches, burgers, and other comfort fare, weekly food specials, and desserts. 575 Haywood Rd.; (828) 424-7377; hailmaryavl.com