Asheville a top 10 city in US for outdoor dining: See how it rates

Asheville is famous for food, breweries and the great outdoors. And a recent study reflects that, ranking the city in the top 10 countrywide for alfresco dining.

Dating expert site DatingAdvice.com's Editor-in-Chief Amber Brooks ranked 150 areas, with Asheville coming in at sixth place in the nation.

"The urge to indulge in one of life’s most cherished rituals - alfresco dining - grows irresistible as the days grow longer," Brooks wrote. "Outdoor dining experiences in bustling city streets and tranquil countryside retreats are synonymous with the changing seasons, and American cities offer a unique blend of culinary delights perfect for couples wanting to spend a romantic evening together."

Downtown Asheville was praised for views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, plus the variety of options for outdoor dining, "from rustic beer gardens to rooftop restaurants."

Outdoor dining in Asheville

Outdoor dining options in Asheville certainly aren't difficult to find. You'll see tables and chairs of restaurants and bars along many sidewalks downtown.

Some new and notable restaurants and breweries from Citizen Times reporting include:

• Visuals at Burial Beer Co., with craft beverages and curated small plates.
• The Flat Iron Hotel Rooftop Bar.
• Terra Nova Beer Co. South Slope, with craft brews and pizza.
• Soprana Rooftop Cucina, with Italian fare.
• Highland Brewing Co., now featuring rooftop cabanas and plant-based soul food.
• El Patio by Guajiro, with cocktails and live music.
• Cooperative Coffee Roasters, with sustainably sourced coffee and more.

Best alfresco dining in the US

1. Historic District, Savannah, Georgia
2. French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana
3. West Village, New York City, New York
4. Ocean Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
5. Downtown, Charleston, South Carolina
6. Downtown, Asheville, North Carolina
7. Harbor Town, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
8. Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts
9. Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico
10. Waikiki, Honolulu (Oahu), Hawaii

Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.