White Labs Brewing Co - Asheville Kitchen & Tap

Imagine a place where cutting-edge science meets the art of brewing and fine dining. White Labs Asheville Kitchen & Tap is not just another restaurant in Asheville, but a unique space located within a functional yeast production facility. Opened in 2017 in the USA, this establishment was the first full-service restaurant for White Labs, where the fermentation process is the star of every dish and drink.

The interior is infused with the spirit of discovery: you'll find pendant lights shaped like Erlenmeyer flasks, a nod to the project's laboratory roots. The space, spanning over 5,000 square feet, includes a cozy indoor dining area and a spacious terrace where guests can soak in the atmosphere of one of America's premier "beer cities."

The main highlight of White Labs is the opportunity to see firsthand how a single beer recipe can change beyond recognition depending on the chosen yeast strain. Here, they emphasize the influence of microorganisms not just on alcohol, but on food as well, offering a menu where almost every ingredient has been touched by the magic of fermentation.

For booking details or menu inquiries, you can contact the establishment directly. The White Labs team is always ready to answer questions about their unique beers and culinary specialties.

The main reason to visit White Labs is the unique comparative tasting experience. You can order several versions of the same beer style, such as the Tabberer IPA or Louis P Lager, fermented with different yeast strains. This allows you to perceive how the aroma shifts from banana notes to classic clean lager tones, turning a regular bar visit into a fascinating exploration.

The culinary side of the establishment is equally intriguing. Be sure to try the wood-fired pizza, made with dough developed using specific White Labs yeast cultures, or the signature burgers served on buns crafted with ale strains. Even familiar snacks like fries are served with a unique twist here, thanks to fermentation with lactobacillus.

For those who prefer the outdoors, there is a spacious terrace that can accommodate 100 guests. It's a great spot to relax with friends, admire the colorful mural dedicated to microbiologists, or try exclusive collaborations with other famous Asheville breweries. It is the perfect destination for "beer geeks" and anyone looking for a delicious meal in an extraordinary setting.

White Labs Asheville Kitchen & Tap is conveniently located at 172 S Charlotte St, right in the city center. If you are already exploring Downtown, it is an easy walk from popular hotels or nearby craft breweries like Burial Beer Co.

For those who prefer public transport, ART (Asheville Rides Transit) buses stop on Charlotte St in the immediate vicinity of the entrance. A taxi or ride-share (Uber/Lyft) from the center takes just a few minutes, while the journey from Asheville Regional Airport is about 20 kilometers (approximately 20–25 minutes).

If you plan to arrive by private or rental car, street parking is available nearby, as well as city garages downtown. However, spots can be limited during evenings and weekends, so it is worth allowing a little extra time to find parking.

The story of White Labs began in 1995 with an ambitious idea from a group of biochemists and homebrewers who aimed to provide the industry with high-quality liquid yeast. The company became a true pioneer, revolutionizing how live cultures are propagated and packaged, allowing brewers worldwide to experiment with new flavors.

The company expanded to Asheville in early 2017, opening a modern yeast production laboratory. A few months later, in October of the same year, Kitchen & Tap opened its doors—the company's first project where the science of fermentation was fully integrated into a complete restaurant menu.

An interesting feature is the series of beers named after great scientists. For example, the Pasteur Porter pays tribute to Louis Pasteur, who proved that yeast are living microorganisms, while Hansen Hefeweizen is named after Emil Christian Hansen, who first isolated a pure culture of lager yeast in 1883.

Today, the Asheville location serves not only as a restaurant but also as an important Research and Development (R&D) center. New yeast strains are tested here, and analyses are conducted to help professional and home brewers better understand the magic of turning wort into a noble beverage.

A typical visit to White Labs Asheville Kitchen & Tap usually takes between 1.5 and 3 hours. This is plenty of time to enjoy lunch or dinner at a leisurely pace and sample several beers to compare the impact of different yeast strains on the flavor.

If you are a true craft brewing enthusiast, you might want a bit more time to study the educational materials in the menu and perhaps chat with the staff about the nuances of fermentation. In warm weather, it's worth setting aside an extra half hour to relax on the spacious outdoor terrace.

The establishment is typically open daily: Monday through Thursday and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and on Friday and Saturday, hours are extended until 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM. This makes it an excellent choice for both an early lunch and an evening gathering.

Operating hours may vary depending on the season or special events, so we strongly recommend checking the official White Labs website or calling ahead to ensure your visit goes perfectly.

Asheville is famous for its rich history and unique architecture, so a visit to White Labs can easily be combined with exploring other iconic city landmarks. A walk through the neighborhood will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this creative and welcoming corner of North Carolina.