It may sound like a honky tonk dive bar, but Leo’s in West Asheville is in fact a cozy, welcoming, and sophisticated eatery. Their impressive by-the-glass selection of wines and sparklers, vermouths and sherries, ciders and ales — many on tap — as well as non-alcoholic choices accompanies a tightly edited menu of tartines, pastas, cheeses, and desserts. Grab a seat at the open kitchen or in the dining room, or take it outside. You’ll probably end up making friends with the nearby tables. It’s that kind of spot.

Photo courtesy of Leo's House of Thirst.