Description:

About 10 minutes from Asheville right past Beaverdam Lake heading north on Merrimon Avenue stands one of our favorite Asheville dining spots:  Stoney Knob Cafe.

A word about the building itself. It is an older structure, nothing fancy but has excellent parking. No driving around and around the block here trying to give the bum’s rush required to acquire a parking spot. Parking is right in front of the building and the front door entrance is visible and handicapped accessible.

Once inside, depending on patronage that day there are several places you could stake out to sit. The Mediterranean Room is our favorite also known as the Saints and Sinners Room….Wait till you get there and the reason the locals dubbed it so will be obvious. It is a large area, whimsically decorated in everything from twinkling lights to a statue of the Virgin Mary & is located to the far right back aspect of the restaurant. If you are seeking a bit smaller, possibly more intimate area, head to your left from the main entrance directly to the Red Room. In season, there is a fireplace burning bright, some leather seating and it just feels homey in there.

To cut to the chase, the food, no matter what you choose is always fresh, perfectly yummy and delivered to your table while still hot by attentive and awesome wait staff many of whom have been there for a long, long time. We’ve been going there since 1999. I can think of nothing you might be in the mood for that Stoney Knob does not serve. Awesome pasta dishes, fresh fish delights, sandwiches, burgers, tacos and so much more. For a small-ish place their menu is extensive.

There is a full bar there so if you are feeling vino, some of the fine craft beer Asheville is known for or a mixed drink, you’ll be well served. Not to misrepresent though, it’s not a bar atmosphere in any way for those seeking that atmosphere.

Specialty is food. From really excellent, well crafted comfort food like meatloaf in gravy or chicken picata or marsala to artisan sandwiches. My very favorite choice there is Panini Michelangelo. Made using crusty ciabatta bread, this hot sandwich wraps fresh spinach with grilled chicken and smattering of mozzarella de bufala and some secret spicing creating a true renaissance of flavor using largely health conscious components.   It is wonderful and robust in flavor.

From Greek, to Cuban to Korean to Americana to a fine, fine green salad, nothing comes to mind that you might want to have for dinner or lunch that some representative specimen could not be found here. Add to that, the complete reliability of this establishment and it’s easy to see why it will long remain and Asheville local Go To Place.