On the hunt for a trendy date night spot in Asheville? You can’t go wrong with the Social Lounge, where you’ll find an inviting atmosphere, delicious drinks, and an enticing menu.
The venue provides plenty of cozy places to relax with your favorite cocktail. Inside, you’ll find a well-stocked bar and an early 1900s Gatsby vibe. When the weather cooperates, however, the rooftop is the place to be. There, you’ll encounter a lovely view of Asheville and the opportunity to make new friends with jovial people.
Arrive after 9:30 pm on a weeknight or after 10:30 pm during the weekend, and you can nosh on delicious snacks from the Social Lounge’s late night menu. Beware if you’re averse to crowds: while the establishment shouldn’t be too busy if you arrive around 9:30, that will quickly change. Weekend crowds arrive quickly after 11 pm.
Service can be excellent, but it all depends on who takes your order. Some visitors speak favorably of the Social Lounge’s servers and bartenders, while others complain that the staff members are less friendly than they could be. As is the case at most bars, service tends to be best outside of peak hours. The good news? Social Lounge’s knowledgeable and skillful bartenders can put together a killer cocktail.
A few of our favorite food menu items include:
Nightcap Burger
The term ‘nightcap’ doesn’t necessarily refer to a beverage. At Social Lounge, it’s the label of a delicious, albeit slightly adventurous burger. The juicy beef patty is dressed up with pecan wood smoked bacon, Fontina cheese, harissa spiced tomato jam, and pickled cherry peppers. Enjoy your daring burger with a decidedly safe side of fries.
Fig & Goat Cheese Pizza
This ten-inch pizza is perfectly filling for one, but can also be shared with a friend. The oil-based pizza features several delightful toppings, including goat cheese, mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, and figs marinated in sherry.
Fluffy Ricotta Pancakes
Options abound during Saturday and Sunday brunch, but you can’t go wrong with these simple, yet satisfying flapjacks. Order one or two pancakes; either way, you’ll also receive maple onion fries, fruit, or grits. Top your pancake with pure maple syrup, and your choice of whipped cream, chocolate chips, or fruit compote (for a small additional charge).
Our favorite beverage concoctions include:
Buttercup
A house original, the Buttercup has a long been a favorite among Social Lounge regulars. It features vanilla vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice, vanilla and cinnamon simple syrup, and a hint of rosemary.
Thalia
No trip to the Social Lounge is complete without ordering the acclaimed Thalia. This delectable beverage combines gin, lime, pineapple, and bay leaf syrup to great effect. The final touch? Basil and bitters.
New York Brandy Sour
Show your classy side with a delightful cocktail featuring brandy, red wine, citrus, and simple syrup.
Whether you order a cocktail, a meal, or both, you’ll be impressed by the Social Lounge’s affordable prices and attention to detail. Delicious food and drinks serve as only the beginning of a spectacular night out on the town.
Insider Tips
-Keep an eye on the live events calendar featured on the official website. Typically, live music is reserved for Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10 pm. Events may also be posted on the venue’s Facebook page. The fun doesn’t stop with live music; the Social Lounge regular hosts a variety of other special occasions. Past events include rooftop yoga, business networking, and burlesque performances.
-Head up to the rooftop on Tuesday evenings in the late spring and summer for Social Lounge’s Tiki Tuesday events. Highlights of Tiki Tuesday include unique glassware and specialty cocktails. You’ll love the island vibes of this weeknight tradition.