The Bywater

Really great atmosphere, and great view of the river.  But the parking leaves much to be desired.  Even allowing for the limited footprint, it's extremely difficult to get in and get a space.

ByWater is one of my favorite places in Asheville.We go there several time a week.BUT........my God,the staff has a sorry attitude.
If you're on the mailing list,you could assume it would be one of the chummiest beer bars in the world.If you were to drive by and see the place for the first time,you might think"French Broad River,great beer,coolest location,bring your own burgers,corn hole ,$5 lifetime membership......"

And then you step up to the bar and ask for a beer....you'd think you were asking a Tea Partier to vote for Obama.Sour,sour,sour dispositions  by most of the staff.(except Kate,at the door).

Yesterday,I saw one of the staff tell a mother to keep her kids under control.The mom was sitting 50 feet from her brood,watching them from the porch.I was watching them.They weren't doing anything.I've seen that behavior before there.Reminds me of the Catholic school I went to.

Lighten up,folks.Smile.We know you are monster hipsters.You don't have to prove that you're cool.Relax.We're your friends.Your customers...Make us feel welcome.

A year ago I wrote the above and over the last year I continue to hit the ByWater at least once a week.Has the staff's attitude changed? Not really.
Example.Last evening was the Summer Solstice,a spectacular early summer night.I stop by on my motorbike for a quick beer at about 10:00 pm.Paid my $5 for the band(ugh.Not the $5 ,but the band...) ordered by Green Man and wandered outside to enjoy the beautiful full moon lit evening.As I often do,I ended up walking toward the river-- remember it's called the ByWater .All the seats by the river are filled,so I'm standing on the tracks,uncharacteristically looking up at the clouds and moon,soaking in the calmness and beauty of the evening,about hallway down my first beer of the evening.And then......
An outside server abruptly walks up and says"It's against the law to stand on the tracks.You have to move!" Huh?
I look around.There are 50 people sitting on ByWater provided  chairs 10 feet away,across the tracks by the river.There are 8 other people sitting or standing on the tracks about 20 feet from me downriver.what the heck is this selective harassment about???
Yes,I assume there is a law or railroad regulation about standing on the tracks.I assume that the ByWater's insurance company requires them to require customers refrain from sitting/standing on the tracks,BUT the tracks are there! You have to cross them to get to or from the river.Hundreds of people do it every day!. Telling the beleaguered staff to harass customers to not stand on the tracks is like telling a two year old to not be pull ornaments off the Christmas tree.
Worried about liability? Put up a sign saying "It's illegal to stand ,sit or be within____feet of the railroad tracks" .Really worried? Put up a fence,closing off the river from the ByWater. That's what the Wedge did.Or their insurance company made them do....But don't harass customers.It's a shame the track is there.But it is.Put up a sign to fulfill your legal obligation,but selective enforcement of your policy is undermining the intent of the locale .It's the ByWater.You have to cross the track to get to the water,unfortunately.

First, it's important for visitors to know that they do not serve food, but do serve liquor, so they are licensed as a club. Someone in your party must pay $5 for a lifetime membership. Others can be guests of that person.  Now, quickly get over that (and relax and enjoy! For anyone that loves the outdoors, this place is amazing. Huge backyard area with games, etc., tons of seating outside and on the patio, and best of all...seating by the river. Grab a drink at the bar and head down there. A bartender will head over periodically to get your next order.

Mixed drinks were ok. I've had better "craft cocktails," but they were fine.  Small list. Beer list was pretty good. Included quite a few locals. Service was decent. The only complaint I have is some annoying patrons yammering at the bar, but that was solved by heading outside!

Go here. Now.