Located along the banks of the French Broad River in Asheville, The Bywater is a popular destination for boaters during the summer months. Photo by Jake Frankel.
A recent story in Paste Magazine declared that The Bywater in Asheville is the “World’s Greatest Bar.”
But the best thing about the World’s Greatest Bar is that it’s next to a river—a big, slightly dirty, Southern river—with canoe access right there at the bar, so you can put in upstream and paddle a few miles down, then take out and get a beer in your bathing suit. In my mind, this is the best of what America has to offer. And it’s truly glorious.
Naturally, a lot of people tube the river during the summer, so there are women walking around the huge outdoor park-like bar in bikinis, drinking beer and playing lawn games. Did I mention that this is the World’s Greatest Bar?
What do you think Asheville – do you agree that The Bywater is the World’s Greatest Bar? Share your thoughts in the comments field below.
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Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.
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10 thoughts on “Is The Bywater the ‘World’s Greatest Bar’?”
Steven
Sanchez (the dog in the photo) is like, “Man, I can’t wait to get out of this boat and see what kinda hamburgers and hot dogs peoples got cookin up there.”
When my dad came to visit, I took him to The Wedge. He hated it. I took him to Sunny Point. He called it “weird hippie food” and poked around at it with his fork. I took him walking around downtown. Too many people; hated it; didn’t want to go in anywhere. I made him try a local IPA. Not Budweiser; made a face; hated it. Took him to Biscuit Head. He said, “Pulled pork on a biscuit? This is weird.”
When I took him to the Bywater, he sat by the river with a whiskey ginger cocktail and said, “This is nice. I like this.”
I think that says something.
ashevillain7
“I think that says something.”
That The Bywater caters to the lowest common denominator?
Big Al
Get off my lawn, hippie!
No
In a word. No.
drdr13420
what??…they failed to mention all the little kids screaming and running around unsupervised whose parents use the place as a “suds n sitter”?? …used to be a great place…like so many other “pre-invasion” places around town…
Sanchez (the dog in the photo) is like, “Man, I can’t wait to get out of this boat and see what kinda hamburgers and hot dogs peoples got cookin up there.”
Yeah he is!
I think I agree. The ByWater is unique.
When my dad came to visit, I took him to The Wedge. He hated it. I took him to Sunny Point. He called it “weird hippie food” and poked around at it with his fork. I took him walking around downtown. Too many people; hated it; didn’t want to go in anywhere. I made him try a local IPA. Not Budweiser; made a face; hated it. Took him to Biscuit Head. He said, “Pulled pork on a biscuit? This is weird.”
When I took him to the Bywater, he sat by the river with a whiskey ginger cocktail and said, “This is nice. I like this.”
I think that says something.
“I think that says something.”
That The Bywater caters to the lowest common denominator?
Get off my lawn, hippie!
In a word. No.
what??…they failed to mention all the little kids screaming and running around unsupervised whose parents use the place as a “suds n sitter”?? …used to be a great place…like so many other “pre-invasion” places around town…
yes!
totally boring place