Located among the dive bars, craft breweries, coffee houses and funky eateries that generate the bohemian vibe of West Asheville’s Haywood Road corridor, The Admiral is hands down the finest restaurant in the area. The old single level, cinderblock, converted body shop exudes great character and appears to have lived many lesser lives before 2007 when original partners Drew Wallace and Jonathan Robinson created this homespun yet elegant dining experience. The bar is inviting, a bit dark and sultry, and the main dining room tables are arranged in such a way as to create a warm, intimate environment; the perfect setting for those who regularly indulge in meaningful conversations over fine food and wine. The Admiral draws a select group of loyal regulars who reserve a table well in advance and commute from every corner of Buncombe Co. The menu is straight forward and fits comfortably on the front side of a single page of an 8 1/2 X 11 sheet of copy paper. There are several starters, large enough to share and include; a very nice cheese board, beef tartare, PEI mussels, Arugula or Little Gem salads among others. The house pastas, usually a choice of three, are apportioned generously and the entrees usually include a couple of prime steak selections, a fish, a chicken, and a pork chop. The sides are exceptional and on my last visit included Sorghum Tabouleh, Allium Risotto and Kilt Chard. As for spirits, the cocktail options are enticing and the wine list extensive and on Wednesday nights offered for ½ price. The Admiral is top shelf in every respect. I’ve not met Chef Chuck Baudendistle, but I’m sure he would never genuflect before the god of mediocrity.
Parking is scant so unless you plan to hang around and barhop after dinner, I recommend taking Uber.
Hours: 5:00pm – 10:00pm – Wednesday thru Monday – Closed Tuesday
400 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 – West Asheville
Website: http://www.theadmiralasheville.com
PH: (828) 252-2541