The Asheville Brewing Company is something of a local institution.

We’ve been there a lot over the years…the Merrimon Avenue location is a stone’s throw from UNCA, so we ate there a TON in college.  Plus, the $3 movies just can’t be beat (there’s a reason they call it Brew ‘n View!)  We hit up the Coxe Avenue location last week in a rather celebratory mood: Chelsea’s boyfriend Matt is from England, and his father just moved to Asheville to join him!  We headed out to toast his arrival with some of our favorite brews.

This location boasts the biggest covered patio in downtown Asheville (although you can sit indoors if you feel so inclined).  Even better, there are tons of games set up: wall chess and checkers, corn hole…everything you need to indulge your inner kid while you wait.  The menu is super-fun…all the items are named after popular movies and characters, so ordering is always a giggle.

We started with Cheech & Chong’s Chips & Salsa, a pretty solid appetizer with enough for the whole table to share.  The chips and salsa are both made fresh.  You can also upgrade with a side of queso for $1.99.

   

ABC serves their own handcrafted microbrews.  They’re so popular, some are even sold around town (like Shiva I.P.A. and Rocket Girl).  We say be bold and try something new…the Lemon Spacedog, a light wheat beer, was delicious and perfect for an August evening.

Chelsea and Matt split a pizza (more on that later) and a Movie House Salad.

   

Here’s the thing about ABC’s pizza selection…it’s huge.  Like, really huge.  And everything sounds so great that it might be hard to pick.  But power through and you’ll be on the receiving end of a seriously good meal.  Matt and Chelsea decided on the Tropicale, which is loaded with ham, bacon and pineapple.

You can drench it in house-made garlic butter and red pepper flakes like Chelsea…

Mattie chose the Zorba the Greek Salad, with some tomatoes and tofu thrown on top for kicks.  It’s really filling–you may struggle to finish it (especially if you’re having starters).  But it’s fresh and tasty and, in our opinion, one of the ABC’s best offerings.

Jessica went with the Buffalo Chicken Salad (one of the only items without a funky name…why?) and loved it.  Careful, though…this one is SPICY.  (Seems obvious since it’s, y’know, buffalo…but worth mentioning.)  It’s a must-order for all you heat-lovers!

Popeye’s Spinach Burger, known as the “Famous House Specialty”, is a blend of spinach and spices topped with Swiss, mushrooms, red onions and Thousand Island.  Carnivores, listen up–you need to try this one.  It’s hearty, satisfying and way more healthy than its beefy counterparts!  And if you’re a vegetarian, you won’t find a better burger substitute this side of the Mason-Dixon.  It normally comes with kettle chips, but for a little extra you can sub in pasta salad (like we did), tots, fries, onion rings, rice and beans, salad…the possibilities are endless.

Finish with a light cucumber cocktail and you’ve got yourself a perfect summer evening.  Welcome to Asheville, Pete!