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Asheville › Asheville › HomeGrown
HomeGrownBWorth Trying
371 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
· American restaurant, Breakfast restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (2250 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Casual Southern comfort spot with standout fried chicken, catfish, and solid vegan options; order at the counter, good value for quality, but ambiance is basic and some find portions uneven.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
HomeGrown delivers reliable Southern comfort food with strong food quality highlighted by crisp fried chicken and exceptional fries, paired with friendly, attentive service that keeps the counter-service experience moving smoothly. However, inconsistent execution on seasoning and portions, combined with basic ambiance in a small, sometimes uncomfortable space, prevents the grade from climbing higher. It's a solid neighborhood favorite worth visiting for cravings, not a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
Set in a small house on Merrimon, HomeGrown feels casual and welcoming with counter ordering and trays delivered to your table. Reviewers praise the team as friendly and quick, and more than a few call the fries "dangerously good." The look is unfussy—think paper baskets and a funky room—so come for the food, not fancy plating. The cooking leans Southern comfort with a from-scratch sensibility: crisp buttermilk chicken with mushroom gravy, a catfish po boy with snap, and desserts like banana pudding. Vegetarians and vegans are unusually well served here with tempeh and tofu plates that still feel indulgent. A few diners note uneven portions or seasoning now and then, but most leave happy and full. Families will do well: kids can latch onto fries, burgers, and chicken, and sides like mashed potatoes or grits. There is no dedicated kids menu, but the familiar flavors travel well for young palates. Note the small parking lot and that seating can feel tight during peak times.
At a Glance
- Crisp, well-seasoned fry work on chicken, catfish, and fries
- Strong vegan and vegetarian options for a Southern menu
- Ambiance is basic; some find seating tight and temperatures uncomfortable
- Portions and seasoning can be uneven according to a minority of reviews
- Fair pricing for quality; counter service keeps meals moving
What Sets It Apart
- excellent_fryer_execution
- broad_vegan_options_in_southern_context
- community_relief_support
What People Love
- That first shattering bite of fried chicken
- House fries that stay crisp even to-go
- Vegan tempeh and tofu that feel indulgent
- Neighborhood, independent vibe
Points of Concern
- Ambiance shifted to more disposable serviceware; some miss the older feel
- Temperature comfort issues noted in both warm and cold months
- Parking is tight out front
- Isolated reports of small portions or bland seasoning on certain plates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose blue plate buttermilk chicken with one or two sides for value
- Vegetarians: tempeh melt or BBQ tofu/tempeh plate
- End with banana puddin if you like classic desserts
Perfect For
- Casual lunch after exploring North Asheville
- Quick, comforting dinner without table-service fuss
- Mixed-diet groups needing vegan and meat options
- Takeout when you crave fried chicken or catfish
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial corridor in North Asheville serving locals and pass-through traffic; casual, everyday dining energy.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot and car traffic; basic storefront aesthetics noted by reviewers.
Nearby: Near neighborhood shops and services along Merrimon Ave; convenient for lunch and casual dinners.
West AshevilleWest Asheville is known for its eclectic, laid-back atmosphere with a strong local community and a growing number of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The dining scene here emphasizes casual, comfort food with a focus on local ingredients and Southern influences, appealing to both locals and visitors seeking authentic, approachable meals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–19:00
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday11:00–19:00
Friday11:00–19:00
Saturday11:00–19:00
Sunday11:00–19:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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