Reviews for Banks Ave Bar: Drag Shows, Karaoke & More in Asheville’s South Slope

Absolute Highlight of My Asheville Trip! I hit up Banks Ave. Bar last Saturday night (February 14, 2026), and wow—what an incredible time! From the moment I walked in, the vibe was electric. The crowd was super fun, diverse, and welcoming—everyone was there to let loose, laugh, and enjoy the night. It's the kind of place where strangers quickly feel like friends. The drinks were spot-on: strong, creative, and perfectly made. They had some festive specials flowing (Mardi Gras weekend energy was already building!), and nothing was watered down or overpriced. Shoutout to the bartenders—they were genuinely friendly, helpful, and incredibly patient even as the place filled up. No rush, no attitude; they took time to chat, make recommendations, and keep everyone's glasses full with a smile. True pros who made the whole experience feel special. Between the upbeat music, pool tables, and just the overall inclusive, good-times atmosphere, it was impossible not to have a blast. If you're looking for a lively yet laid-back spot in Asheville with top-notch service and a crowd that's all about fun, Banks Ave. is it. I can't wait to go back—easily one of the best nights out I've had in ages.

What a super grand time at t-dance 2nd Sunday of the month. Finally found a very positive way out of my social closet, I absolutely enjoyed the very active friendly camaraderie among the patrons. Parking's a little sticky, but welcome to Asheville city! I've been back several times, greeting new and old friends and will certainly be back yet again. Hope to see you there. Live is about the journey you seek, and not the destination. Each and every patron has multiple opportunities to make this a positive decision toward meeting others.

This is a bar, music and drinks. No food. A large space with outdoor seating. They hold events so check the website and they have Skee-Ball, Cornhole and Billiards. The staff is great, service and drinks are always on point.

The DJ was the best DJ I’ve heard! He played the best songs and it was a vibe!

Staff here are really great & personable. Large open courtyard out front which is always a bonus. Beer selection somewhat limited but enough for most everyone in your group. Large liquor setup. Interior pretty large and open with high glass walks for views, nice sized L shaped bar & plenty of floorspace for seating and dance area.

We visit Asheville every year for a couple weeks. Usually it's just bike riding and sleeping when we visit but given we've started line dancing I found Banks Ave Bar has dedicated evenings for doing so and also adds in teaching to help us develop. Perfect. Tonight was our first visit and it was FANTASTIC. I cannot say enough good about the staff, the patrons, and everyone who was helpful. I would call them out here by name but that might be a little too intrusive for some. Did I mention how welcome I felt? It was truly a highlight of our trip ... which is just starting, ... which means there are two more line dancing nights while we are in town and oh yes, we're going back. Also, the bartender helped me select the one beer I would drink. They do have a lot available but I can now order what I want without delay and will certainly do so during our upcoming visits. A solid 11 out of 10.

Great little LGBTQ friendly bar in Asheville. The prices are excellent and the pours heavy! Had so much fun drinking and playing ski ball late night. Couldn't have gotten better service, either!

Amazingly the only place in town that offers regularly scheduled country western line and two step in a fun, bar setting, consistent dancing and two lessons each time! A gay scene to boot (my personal heaven!) A nice mix of genders and lots of women. Yeehaw! Every Thursday and most Sundays. The group that offers them are Steppin Out AVL. The drinks are great! The vibe is fun and inclusive and friendly. No one forcing you to dance either. There's pool tables and picnic tables if you just wanna watch. They just taught a partner barn dance that was such a good time! You kinda can't help but wanting to try -- they make it easy. There's mostly line dances -- easy ones to harder ones, for those that get things more quickly so there's literally something for everyone. I'm so happy this exists in Asheville!