Discover The Draftsman: The Ultimate Cocktail Bar in Asheville

Step into The Draftsman, the ultimate cocktail bar in Asheville, nestled in the cozy basement of The Restoration Hotel. This speakeasy-style lounge is the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern nightlife, offering a unique escape with its vintage arcade games, billiard tables, and bowling lanes. Whether you’re looking to unwind with live music, enjoy a game on one of the TVs, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, The Draftsman provides an eclectic and vibrant setting for all your evening plans.

At The Draftsman, the cocktail experience is as rich and varied as the entertainment options. Here, mixologists craft classic and inventive drinks that are perfect for sipping while you challenge friends to a game or relax to the tunes of live performers. With its inviting ambiance and a wide range of activities, The Draftsman is not just another bar—it’s a cornerstone of Asheville’s nightlife, offering a memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Cocktail Lounge in Asheville: Sophistication Meets Play at The Draftsman

The Draftsman effortlessly marries the charm of a sophisticated cocktail lounge in Asheville with the playful spirit of a lively entertainment hub. As you step into this unique downtown Asheville bar, you’re greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly balances upscale allure with a dash of fun. The lounge is designed with comfort in mind, featuring plush seating that invites guests to relax and stay awhile. Whether you’re settling into a cozy corner for an intimate conversation or gathering with friends around a high-top table, The Draftsman offers the ideal backdrop for any social scenario.

This cocktail lounge in Asheville goes beyond the standard bar experience with its array of entertainment options. Between rounds of vintage arcade games and strikes at the bowling alley, patrons can enjoy expertly mixed cocktails that showcase local spirits and innovative flavor combinations. The Draftsman isn’t just about having a drink; it’s about enjoying a full evening of engagement and relaxation. Here, sophistication meets play, creating a dynamic environment where every visit promises something new and exciting. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just looking for a fun night out in Asheville, The Draftsman delivers an exceptional experience.

Best Cocktails in Asheville: Signature Drinks at The Draftsman

The Draftsman is not only a hub for entertainment but also a beacon for cocktail enthusiasts searching for the best cocktails in Asheville. Here’s a taste of what makes their drink menu stand out:

• That’s a Strike! – A refreshing blend of white rum, dry curaçao, Giffard Peche, Batavia Arrack, with a splash of strawberry syrup, pineapple, and lemon. It’s as vibrant and striking as it sounds.
• Pedia-LIT – For a quirky twist, this cocktail mixes the Draftsman LIT blend with tropical fruit Pedialyte, lime, and Coke, creating a playful yet delicious concoction.
• 7 – 10 Split – A creamy mix of banana-infused Jameson, strawberry-pineapple syrup, condensed milk, Tempus Crème de Cocoa Vanilla, and cherry walnut bitters. It’s a bold, inventive drink that’s sure to impress.
• The Big Lebowski – Indulge in a dessert-like cocktail with cocoa puff-infused Absolut Vodka, Kahlua, and sweet espresso cream, perfect for coffee lovers.
• Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm – This creative cocktail features Fruity Pebbles-infused Absolut, Italicus, sloe gin, port wine, mixed with citrus and dairy for a nostalgic yet sophisticated flavor.
• Pirates Handshake – A daring mix of Bacardi spiced rum, pineapple-infused Fernet, coconut, Demerara syrup, and lemon, offering a tropical twist with a sharp finish.
• In Corny Fashion – A unique take on the classic Old Fashioned, featuring bacon fat-washed George Dickel Bourbon, salted caramel corn syrup, and cherry vanilla bitters for a smoky-sweet flavor profile.
• Bowl-evardier – A robust cocktail combining Elijah Craig, Amaro di Angostura, and Nonino for a deep, aromatic experience.
• Absinthe From Class – For the adventurous, this cocktail includes Absolut, Pavan, lemon juice, pink peppercorn syrup, and a spritz of absinthe, delivering a complex and layered drink.

Each cocktail at The Draftsman is not just a drink but an experience, crafted with care and creativity to ensure every sip is as memorable as the ambiance of this unique cocktail lounge in Asheville. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic or adventurous, The Draftsman’s cocktail menu promises a perfect match for every taste.

Craft Cocktails in Asheville: A Taste of Innovation

The Draftsman’s craft cocktails in Asheville are a canvas for creative expression, where each beverage showcases a bold approach to mixology that captivates and delights. The “Absinthe From Class” is a perfect example of this inventive spirit, blending traditional elements with unexpected twists. This cocktail mixes Absolut vodka and Pavan with a subtle hint of absinthe, creating a sophisticated, layered drink that reinvigorates the classic use of absinthe with a contemporary flair. The cocktail is artfully crafted to balance the potent flavor of absinthe with the smoother, more nuanced notes of the vodka and liqueur, resulting in a modern classic that is both refined and approachable. Such creations not only highlight the skill of The Draftsman’s mixologists but also their ability to reinterpret traditional flavors in novel ways that surprise even the most experienced cocktail aficionados.

Meanwhile, the “Pebbles & Bamm-Bamm” offers a playful escape into whimsical mixology, embodying the fun and imaginative side of cocktail crafting. This drink marries the nostalgic flavor of fruity pebbles with the elegance of Absolut vodka, Italicus, and sloe gin, creating a vibrant and colorful cocktail that is as delightful to look at as it is to taste. The addition of fruity cereals infuses a sweet and fruity undertone that complements the sharpness of the gin and the herbal notes of Italicus, making it a popular choice among those looking for something uniquely cheerful and unexpected. Each craft cocktail at The Draftsman is designed not just to be consumed but to provide a multisensory experience that enhances the lively and eclectic atmosphere of the bar, making every visit memorable and every sip a discovery.

Cocktails in Downtown Asheville: The Heart of Nightlife

The Draftsman epitomizes the spirit of a classic cocktail bar in Asheville, particularly renowned for its standout location right in the heart of downtown. This speakeasy-style lounge, situated in the basement of The Restoration Hotel, is a magnet for both locals and tourists seeking top-tier cocktails in downtown Asheville. Its central location makes it exceptionally convenient for anyone looking to combine an evening of exquisite drinks with the lively ambiance of the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings.

At The Draftsman, patrons are treated to a meticulously curated menu of cocktails that feature both traditional and innovative concoctions, making it a celebrated cocktail bar in Asheville. The vibrant downtown setting further enhances your drinking experience, allowing you to easily transition from a relaxing drink to enjoying the nightlife and other attractions of downtown Asheville. Whether you’re starting your night with a signature cocktail or capping it off with a nightcap, The Draftsman offers the perfect blend of accessibility, quality, and atmosphere.

Best Bars in Asheville: Why The Draftsman Stands Out

The Draftsman stands out among the best bars in Asheville not only for its creative cocktails but also for its seamless fusion of high-quality entertainment and dining. This holistic approach caters to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that every guest finds something to love, whether they are there for the innovative drink selections, the nostalgic arcade games, or the vibrant atmosphere. The space is designed to encourage interaction and enjoyment, with arcade machines strategically placed to spark friendly competition among guests. The bar’s atmosphere is electric, filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft buzz of arcade games, creating a lively but welcoming environment perfect for social gatherings, casual meet-ups, or even solo visits where one can unwind in a lively setting.

The Draftsman’s ability to blend the classic allure of arcade games with the sophistication of a craft cocktail lounge makes it a quintessential part of Asheville’s nightlife. It captures the city’s eclectic and spirited essence perfectly, offering a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of mixology and the joy of arcade entertainment in one location. The bar’s central location in downtown Asheville makes it easily accessible and a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. Whether you are starting your night with a specialty cocktail or ending it with a high score on one of the arcade machines, The Draftsman delivers a unique and unforgettable experience that resonates with the dynamic energy of Asheville. It’s not just a place to visit; it’s a destination to experience, where every visit promises new flavors, fun, and memories.

Visit the Best Cocktail Bar in Asheville: The Draftsman

Visit The Draftsman, the best cocktail bar in Asheville, where expert mixology meets a uniquely engaging atmosphere in the heart of the city. Nestled in the basement of The Restoration Hotel, this speakeasy-style lounge offers a sophisticated escape with its extensive menu of both classic and innovative cocktails. Perfect for a night out, The Draftsman pairs its exceptional drinks with an ambiance that captures the historic charm and vibrant spirit of downtown Asheville, making it a must-visit for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a refined evening or a relaxed drink, The Draftsman delivers an unparalleled cocktail experience.