Inside the Blackbird Restaurant: Food Critics Review the Menu, Cocktails, and Ambience
By James H. Sterling
Q1: Are table reservations required at The Blackbird Restaurant?
A1: While the restaurant accepts walk-ins at the bar and in limited dining sections, advanced reservations are strongly recommended for weekend brunch and Friday through Sunday dinner service. Waits often exceed an hour during peak tourist seasons.
Q2: Does the menu accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dietary needs?
A2: Yes. The kitchen clearly marks gluten-free choices on its menus, including its pan-seared mountain trout, seasonal salads, and select sides. Vegetarian options are readily available, though strict vegan diners will find a narrower selection due to the kitchen's traditional Southern use of dairy and animal fats.
Q3: What parking options are available for downtown Asheville diners?
A3: Street parking along Biltmore Avenue is limited and metered. Guests can use the Biltmore Cabarrus parking deck or park at the adjacent Aloft Asheville Downtown parking garage, both of which offer covered paid parking within short walking distance.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
