Leo's House of Thirst
Wine bar · Asheville
1055 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
Highlights
Inventive small plates & housemade pasta with natural wines
Inventive small plates & housemade pasta with natural wines
"This cozy wine bar delivers food that tastes as beautiful as it looks, with vegetable-centric small plates and housemade pasta dishes that arrive topped with edible flowers, fresh herbs, and pollen. Other, meatier menu hits include the smoked honey and bacon deviled eggs, steak tartare, and a BLT with an extra T—that stands for taleggio. Located in an artfully-renovated, historic cinderblock building, Leo’s also has a covered patio and garden lined with twinkly lights and wooden walls of ivy. On sunny days, it’s the perfect place to linger with friends and a bottle of natural wine, snacking away the day in cottage-core bliss." - laura hackett
"An outstanding wine selection, well-crafted seasonal food menu, and welcoming rustic outdoor space have helped make this second Haywood Road offering from the Admiral owner Drew Wallace a favorite neighborhood gathering spot. Popular dishes include deviled eggs with smoked honey and bacon or chicken liver mousse with blackberry jam and fennel pollen. Also, chef Austin Inselmann’s housemade pastas never disappoint. The popular weekend prix fixe lunch menu provides a choice of sandwiches, soup or salad, and something sweet." - Gina Smith
"Named among West Asheville spots that reopened and welcomed locals back as the city rebuilt services." - Kay West
"Listed as a 2025 James Beard Foundation semifinalist in the 'Outstanding Chef presented by Hilton' category, reflecting recognition for the beverage and/or culinary program at this Asheville establishment." - Erin Perkins
"“Small but mighty” may be the best way to describe both this West Asheville wine bar’s patio and its menu of mostly small plates — but the wine selection and food flavors are substantial and sophisticated. Its outdoor seating is cozy and intimate and includes a few roomy tables, a covered back porch, and a fire pit. The menu rotates, but save room for one of the richest grilled cheese sandwiches in the city and vegetable-centric dishes seasoned so well even certified carnivores will eat. Be sure to take advantage of the lunch special available Friday through Sunday, a $29 prix fixe menu with a gourmet sandwich, soup, salad, and a sweet treat." - Brook Bolen
