Clingman Cafe - Get Away for Lunch

The Clingman Cafe has that small diner feel from the moment you walk in the door. Just to the right as you walk in you'll see a cork board full of business cards and fliers. In front of you is the counter and order taker with chalk boards full of daily goodies surrounding her. To the right through a door is the main dining room with hand made mugs on shelves around the room.

While it has that diner feel, it also feels like it belongs in the River Arts District. The art, pottery and look is very comfortable yet artsy - not the artsy fartsy afraid to touch anything or it'll break look though. Care is even given to art placed in the bathroom so you are surrounded by creativity during your entire visit.

Clingman Club

Once I decide on my meal and order I'm told to help myself to a seat and the staff were very pleasant and told me that they would bring the food to me. Great, it gives me a minute to scope out the place while I wait. The chairs are high backed and are comfortable also. The tables are all covered with vinyl but it doesn't look cheap or like Flo's Diner. Again you feel the creativity in the air and in how each aspect of the cafe are placed together. There was outdoor seating as well but with the temperature a little chilly I stayed indoors.

I ordered the Clingman Club ($7.95) and a cup of Black Bean Soup which I substituted for the chips that normally come with it. The Club was a ciabatta roll filled with ham, roasted turkey, bacon, cheddar cheese, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato and red onion. Very fresh and yummy sandwich. It wasn't too big or too filling. The cup of soup was inviting and excellent! Black beans with fresh tomatoes and a bit of chili powder - perfect for a December day in Asheville.

Menu Boards and Kitchen

I didn't meet the owners but they seem fun loving and a nice couple. Read about them on the Clingman Cafe website - Trip and Pamela Howell.

Contact Information

Clingman Cafe
(828) 253-2177
242 Clingman Avenue
Asheville NC 28801