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Asheville › Downtown › The Rhu
The RhuB+Worth Trying
10 S Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC 28801
· Cafe, Bakery, Market
· 4.6/5 Google (617 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Excellent pastries, biscuits, and coffee in a cozy downtown cafe, with counter-service waits that can be long during rush.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Rhu delivers exceptional pastry and bread quality with a devoted local following, but inconsistent execution—occasional stale items and quality dips—prevents higher standing. Slow service during peak hours and isolated food safety concerns further limit the grade, though the charming downtown setting and strong repeat-visit loyalty suggest solid neighborhood cafe appeal for those willing to navigate weekend waits.
Restaurant Summary
Mornings at The Rhu feel warm and bustling, the kind of downtown cafe where locals queue for biscuits while travelers hunt flaky croissants upstairs. One regular put it simply: "The pastry game is elite and the coffee always lands." Seating expands on the second floor, but counter lines swell at peak times, so patience helps in this cozy two-level space. The cooking leans classic bakery-cafe with Southern biscuit swagger: mushroom or sausage gravy over hefty biscuits, a juicy Rhu-ben on sourdough, and seasonal soups and salads. It is elevated traditional rather than avant-garde—quality bread and careful baking carry the menu. Most days deliver generously; on rare off-days, a pastry might skew dry or a salad underwhelm, but repeat visits suggest overall reliability. Families do well here: big biscuits, bagels with spreads, cookies, and hot chocolates mean easy wins for kids. The menu includes a vegan breakfast sandwich and vegetarian quiche; gluten-free biscuits are noted by reviewers though not headlined on the printed menu. Expect counter service and weekend waits—grab a table upstairs if little ones need space.
At a Glance
- Outstanding pastries, bread, and biscuits anchor the menu
- Comfortable upstairs seating great for lingering or remote work
- Weekend lines and slow ticket times during peak breakfast hours
- Occasional quality dips (stale pastry, wilted salad) on off-days
- Downtown parking and crowding can be challenging
What Sets It Apart
- exceptional_house_baking
- upstairs_workspace
- strong_veggie_and_vegan_options
What People Love
- Flaky croissants and big biscuits
- Rhu-ben and turkey melts on great sourdough
- House syrups and creative lattes
- Relaxed upstairs vibe with room to sit
- Vegan and vegetarian-friendly options
Points of Concern
- Lines and long waits common on weekend mornings; orders can be delayed or mixed up
- Some complaints about stale or underbaked pastries and wilted greens on isolated visits
- A few negative service encounters at the register; friendliness otherwise praised
- Pricing is downtown-cafe level; upcharges noted for substitutions
- Review patterns are consistent with typical organic cafe traffic; minimal coordination signals
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-36 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Quiche with greens or Deluxe Salad; add Seasonal Soup
- For vegans: A Hog’s Angel breakfast sandwich; pair with black coffee or dairy-free latte
- For hearty lunch: Rhu-ben or Turkepeno with soup
- Gluten-sensitive: Ask about gluten-free biscuits noted by reviewers
Perfect For
- Breakfast pastry runs and specialty coffee
- Casual biscuit-focused brunch
- Light lunch with quality bread
- Remote work with a pastry and latte
Location Insights
Area: Bustling downtown corridor popular with tourists and locals, indie shops and cafes, daytime foot traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, busy during the day; typical downtown congestion and limited curbside space.
Nearby: Near Patton Ave and local boutiques; good for stroll-in breakfasts, coffee breaks, and casual lunches.
Downtown AshevilleDowntown Asheville offers a dynamic dining environment with a range of eateries from casual cafes to upscale restaurants. The area is known for its farm-to-table ethos, craft breweries, and artisanal food shops, creating a welcoming atmosphere for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:30–14:30
Tuesday08:30–14:30
Wednesday08:30–14:30
Thursday08:30–14:30
Friday08:30–16:00
Saturday08:30–16:00
Sunday08:30–16:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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