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    Ben's Tune Up

    3.7 (365 reviews)
    Open 2:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Literally my new favorite spot in Asheville! My friends and I went for drag bingo and not only was it SO fun, the space was so cute, the staff was so nice (even went as far as to bring us a Saki flight to try), and you can't beat the Monday deals! ($9 for a beer and a well shot? Yes PLEASE). I really loved it and the queens were so gorgeous and fun. I can't wait to go back!

    Cranberry Spritz Sake
    Ava G.

    SO FUN! The bartender let us sample different sake flavors before committing to a full cup. I really enjoyed the Cranberry Spritz. It was like drinking a tart cranberry juice. They even have food here including dumplings, nachos, fries, and more! The vibes were great and so was the crowd. They had a DJ playing on a Saturday night and everyone was dancing and having a good time. Ambiance and vibe is a key factor in if I would return to a bar, and this definitely fits my criteria! I'd definitely return again.

    Gochujang chicken thigh sandwich and hand-cut fries.
    Tony S.

    Ever wanted to go to one of the Japanese back-alley restaurant bars like you see in the movies, but can't afford a trip to Japan? Well if you live in Asheville or are visiting, you're in luck: just go to Ben's Tune Up instead. Divey, but in a good way and a huge outdoor space in addition to a good-sized indoor area. We came here for both the food and the sake. I've only ever had sake in a Japanese restaurant and it is always served warm/room temperature. I didn't dislike it, but never anything to much like about it either. This place brews their own sake and serves it on their terms. No boring room temperature sake here. I got a flight of 2 traditional sakes (the natural nigori and black label premium) and 2 infused sakes (lemon ginger and painkiller nigori, which has pineapple, orange, coconut and nutmeg). All were served chilled. I loved the natural (so this is what sake is supposed to taste like!). The black label was good, but had more of a bite like drinking a straight shot of alcohol. The lemon ginger was very refreshing, like a beer from local brewery Ginger's Revenge. The painkiller was a great way to end the flight and the meal -- almost like a dessert in a drink. Complex flavors that really worked well together. Now to the food. I'm a French fry lover and theirs gave me some lovin' back. A little on the salty side (which I like), but crispy outside and potatoey on the inside. Some of the best fries in AVL. I had the gochujang chicken thigh sandwich. I have never had a thigh as tender and tasty as this one. Excellent. The sauce was nicely spiced -- not really hot spicy, but still a little zing. My husband had the braised pork shoulder sandwich. He said it was good, but was expecting a little more something-something from the blueberry sauce. Service was average. Now here's the thing about that -- and what kept me from giving them a full-on 5 star. I noticed on the bill that they automatically add a service charge. What? Is this Europe? And the default tip amounts set in their payment app started at 20%. Keep in mind you order at the bar and bus your own table. I have nothing but respect for hospitality workers and restaurant owners (my dad ran a restaurant). I tip 15-20% even when I order at the bar and bus my own table. BUT I don't like it when there is a service charge added and when my tip seems like an obligation, not a choice that I make to show the staff I appreciate their service and recognize they should make a livable wage here in AVL. I'll go back (great place to go with a group of friends I think), but I'll tip what I want and mentally include the service charge in the tip amount.

    Hannah D.

    Such a cool and unique venue, even for Asheville standards! This bar is tucked away and secluded but has such a fun vibe on the inside. They carry mainly sake, but also have beer and cider as well. There is plenty of room to sit, talk, or play ping pong. They venue also frequently hosts shows and charges a cover fee at the door for certain performances. Overall, it's a great venue with good drink options. I recommend!

    Brad L.

    We stopped here on the way to another brewery and was a very unique place and had many game options. I like the outdoor area, but it was a little colder the day we stopped. I've never seen a Scrabble board the size they made one out back.

    Unfiltered sake, and filtered sake
    Chelsea A.

    Came in to try the sake and wasn't disappointed! 3 different varieties and all were great (: Very chill atmosphere too. Nice local spot for sure!

    Karen N.

    Ben's has a cool vibe with great ambiance. It was a warehouse converted into a bar. It has indoor seating and outdoor patio. There is so much to see. They have a large selection of sake and flights. Their beer selection was decent. We ordered a few appetizers and was pleasantly surprised at how good they were. The potstickers were crispy and light, not overly fried. The sauce was soy based. We also tried the egg rolls. I liked the way they sliced them in half, but the long way. They also were very good, but the sauce was exceptional. Overall, a nice relaxed vibe for drinks and appetizers.

    Sake bar.
    Zachary L.

    My favorite Asheville brewery and it's not beer! The service is great. The ambiance is casual and fun. This is the best spot to bring people from out of town.

    Cannoli, tirano, macaroon and bread pudding
    Claudia A.

    Loved this spot. They have food till 2am, great music and solid drinks. I had wonton pork nachos and my date had bacon and cheese fries. I wanted something low key and it was perfect. I had a great time. When other places close up, they are still poppin.

    chris c.

    It's the dopest spot in Asheville, baby! Gulp down all the sake. I also recommend the beer. Amazing vibe. Have fun!

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    6 months ago

    Food gave me food poisoning, stay away.!!! Staff are very disrespectful too. Overall very bad experience would not return ever.

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    3 years ago

    Literally the worst service we have ever had. Everyone was so rude. There was a girl in a black beanie who gave us the double fingers.

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    Ask the Community - Ben's Tune Up

    They have three different phone numbers and each says they are disconnected or their can't leave messages. Why did they go out of business?

    I was there on 8/13/2017. There was no indication that they were closing. I think in this day and age, you may get a better response via social media. They have a "SEND A MESSAGE" link and a "CALL NOW" link on… Read more

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    Review Highlights - Ben's Tune Up

    The bartender was also very helpful in helping us decide on flavors based on what sake we normally like.

    Mentioned in 86 reviews

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    Ben's Tune Up - breweries - Updated May 2026

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