Wow and wow, again! Not on my list of restaurants to try in Asheville, but one of the locals suggested it, and we went all so glad he did. Beautiful, sultry decor with black painted brick walls and leather chairs. Sit by a window to see the French Broad River. The lamb kabobs were so good that I ordered a second one. The hanger steak and grilled fish of the day, which happened to be local trout were really good. The cornbread is not like any I ever had, but it was good, not too sweet, but topped with sorghum and butter. The cornmeal reminded me of a spice cake. Also, the NC crab beignets were a treat. Think hush puppies with crab, with powered sugar and remoulade on the side. Not surprised by the Michelin rating. Golden Hour was excellent! read more

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My husband and I finally got to try Golden Hour last month, and I'm a little late posting about it -- but it was such a memorable experience that it deserves a review! We had 6:30 reservations, and our experience started on such a great note. When we walked in, the host had briefly stepped away from the stand, but Executive Chef Kevin Chrisman spotted us from the expo line, came over himself, and checked us in. I loved seeing someone from the kitchen notice what was happening in the dining room and immediately step in to take care of guests. That kind of hospitality and initiative made an impression right away. Our server, Alexandra, was top-notch -- warm, genuinely friendly, knowledgeable, and wonderful at guiding us through the menu. She recommended that evening's special to start: Fish Collars, lightly breaded and fried and served with an incredibly savory, slightly spicy sauce - I think it might have been described as Nashville Hot, but to me it really wasn't too hot, just flavorful. Hands down, this was the standout of the meal. The contrast of the crispy breading with the incredibly tender, mild fish was unexpectedly heavenly. I even told Chef Kevin that these deserve a permanent spot on the menu! They set the tone for the entire meal and are still the dish I think about most. We also ordered the Heirloom Tomatoes with tonnato and pangrattato. The tonnato -- essentially a tuna and anchovy aioli -- added a subtle savory richness without overpowering the tomatoes, while the garlicky, herbed breadcrumbs brought just the right amount of texture and crunch. For our entrées, my husband ordered the Whole Grilled Fish, which was prepared a little differently that evening and served filleted. It was simply delicious, with a beautiful wood-grilled flavor complemented by blistered tomatoes and greens. I ordered the Smoked Half Chicken. It had that same wonderful wood-fired flavor, but the chicken itself was a little drier than I prefer. The salsa verde helped, but I still found myself wishing the meat had been a bit juicier. We also shared the Cast Iron Mushrooms, and if you're a mushroom lover, don't skip these. They were outstanding -- deeply savory, earthy and packed with an incredible amount of umami in every bite. One of those deceptively simple sides that ends up being one of the things you remember from the meal. We finished with the Popped Corn Tart, one of the more creative desserts we've had in a while. The corn-husk tart crust and popcorn-infused crème filling were really interesting, and we appreciated it for its originality. It probably isn't something we'd find ourselves craving enough to order again, but I'm glad we tried it. What stayed with me most from the evening was the warm hospitality, excellent service, beautiful atmosphere -- and those fish collars! Golden Hour feels thoughtful and special without being stuffy, and it's definitely a place we'd recommend for a date night or special occasion. And seriously... put those fish collars on the permanent menu! read more

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Food was awesome! My husband and I split the beignets and heirloom tomato's as an appetizer, and then we split an entree of the smoked chicken. We also added a side order of fries just to make sure we had enough food since we were sharing, but it was plenty even without the fries. All was delicious! We both agreed that the beignets and tomato's were our favorite and are definitely a must read more

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In spite of the sort of cheesy name and the fact that it's in a hotel (a very funky, chic hotel), this was one of the best meals I've ever had. It's a sophisticated place, beautifuly decorated, and the bartender who served me my delicious cocktail was helpful and professional. I had the dinner salad, which seems basic but it was unique and tasty the way they made it, plus the crab beignets, so creative. Just theses two dishes plus my craft cocktail was a great balance. High recommend! read more

I rarely post negatives. At Golden Hour, our table of Black and Brown women waited while white diners were served. Then we watched their dogs get water before we did. That's the image I left with. Overpriced, underwhelming food is forgettable. Being treated as though a dog deserved swifter care than we did, is not. Black and Brown diners deserve to know read more

I was shocked that this place wasn't packed to the rafters with folks. One of the best meals I've had in AVL. The food is fresh, presentation is beautiful and taste is spot on! I'm going to say it is must for locals and visitors alike. Wish I'd taken pictures. We had the beats, hanger steak, cabbage and potatoes. I had an old Fashioned with Maker's Mark and it was perfection!! Ambiance is the cherry on top. Do yourself a favor and GO! read more

Wow! We had a great time at this spot. I had never heard of it but my partner surprised me with reservations here and it was a delight! We sat outside and had the patio to ourselves - it was hot, but I wanted to be outside during sunset! The inside area is immaculate - clean, fancy, I would definitely be okay dining and relaxing there as well. Our server was very friendly and knowledgeable, answered all of our questions and gave us good recommendations. We ended up ordering an old fashioned and a citrusy cocktail to start. We also shared a bread and cheese board. Everything was delicious - fresh, soft, warm, gooey, all the best temperatures and textures. I also got a glass of bubbles to and it washed all the food down perfectly. It's edging on the pricey side, but definitely great value for the experience, atmosphere, and flavor. Definitely recommend! @azfitfoodfun read more

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Surprisingly good hotel restaurant! Actually made the hotel decision worthwhile and was a nice break from my drive.

I think I'm being generous with this review. Was looking so forward to the seafood beignets considering all the great reviews. Unfortunately they were very dense inside and mushy like the dough wasnt fully cooked. Went well with the powdered sugar. Slight hint of crab taste but no pieces of crab inside. The green and blue salad was delicious, although very overdressed the dressing was very good.The burger was delicious although very salty. The fries were hot, fresh and crunchy but sooo oversalted I asked then to redo without salt. Atmosphere and service top notch!. Rooftop bar beautiful! read more

Great atmosphere, drinks and service was good. Food had great flavor but price for serving size was not great. This is not a fine dinning restaurant where you have to order sides to make a meal for $48 . Or a pork chop for $41 that was 1/2 inch thick with no bone. That is a pork loin. One and done. Sorry guys read more

Nestled inside of The Radical hotel Golden Hours offers up phenomenal drinks. I've tried the wine I've tried the beers. The food is fantastic we always pony up to the bar for great conversation. Pro tip order a caviar bump with the head chef for unique dining experience. Parking is a pain the ass but drive around enough you will find a parking spot. Also go here during restaurant week to give them your support and try new menu items. 5 stars read more

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Suitcase Social Club Check-in: Walking into The Golden Hour Bar feels like stumbling onto Asheville's most seductive secret, a speakeasy that accidentally overdosed on aphrodisiac energy and decided to keep the mood going. Everything is velvet, low-lit, and a little too inviting in the best possible way. The bar doesn't just glow. It smolders. You sit down and suddenly your inner James Bond wakes up whispering, "Behave... or don't." And then there's Anderson. This man doesn't "serve drinks." He curates intimate experiences in liquid form. Forget cocktails. This is high-end tequila worth slow-sipping, wine pairings that feel like they were chosen after a background check, and pours so intentional you start wondering if he knows your secrets before you've said a word. The humor and conversation? Absolute chef's kiss. Anderson speaks in smart, sly little one-liners that feel halfway between flirtation and philosophy. Every exchange is a smirk wrapped in silk. He kept the conversation dancing, clever, warm, and just suggestive enough that you're not sure if you're being charmed or recruited into something thrilling. Talking with him is like: * sipping tequila with a wink * swapping banter that feels tailored to your IQ and your ego * and being gently nudged toward Asheville's underground-bar ecosystem, the hidden gems, the moonlighting dens, the places that only open if you knock twice and compliment the décor Anderson dropped insider local recs with the smooth confidence of someone handing you a secret dossier. If West Asheville has a pulse, he's got his fingers on it. Quick bite intel (because you shouldn't sip on an empty soul) The food deserves its own little slow clap. The Crab Beignets are southern perfection: golden, pillowy, and just rich enough to make you consider writing them into your will. They're the kind of bite that makes conversation pause for a second, not because you're rude, but because your brain is busy filing a formal complaint against every lesser appetizer you've ever tolerated. The Golden Hour is sensual without trying, refined without bragging, and just chaotic enough to feel alive. It's the place where you don't just have a drink, you catch a vibe, loosen a collar, and remember that life gets interesting when the lights get low. Suitcase Social Club Rating: 5/5 Speakeasy Energy: dangerously intoxicating Tequila + wine program: curated for slow-burn pleasure Crab Beignets: southern royalty Anderson's wit: legally should require a warning label Tim Albright, the Suitcase Regular read more

We're local and have been here a number of times. Outstanding hanger steak and wonderful cocktails. The menu changes and we've enjoyed a variety of dishes, all great. Service is excellent and the place has great vibes. Being in the ART district offers a perfect location after cruising the gallaries or an evening cocktail. read more

Golden Hour is a culinary oasis within the Radical Hotelier, a boutique hotel on Roberts Street in the River Arts District of Asheville. It is a feast for the senses. I would consider staying at this hotel to come to Golden Hour for Happy Hours and dinners, so I can completely be immersed in culinary happiness with views of the river that take me to a place of spiritual purity and strength. Strength and spiritual purity. As you descend the stairs from the stylish lobby, you are immersed in a world of post-modern art, setting the tone for an exciting and trendy dining experience. Three-dimensional artwork of scantily clad women during the Renaissance period stood from the lobby floor to the ground floor, where there was a reception area with seating before the entrance to the restaurant. A sign that says "Stay Gold" stood by. Golden is strength Stepping into Golden Hour, we were greeted by the bar area adorned with golden chains, instantly igniting our anticipation for the delectable food and drinks to come. Our table, located on the other side of the bar within the dining area, offered a perfect vantage point. As we settled in, the barrel-aged Negronis we ordered was nothing short of magical. My wife and I went to town on a plethora of culinary goodness, including duck confit, pork chops, and seasoned veggies. Any time I can enjoy duck confit, I feel better for it. I feel better about myself, and this was prepared and cooked wonderfully, served with sweet potatoes. The golden potatoes were additionally fabulous, so creamy and tantalizingly wonderful. The pork chop was also seared to perfection and tasted succulently from start to finish. read more

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Date of visit: September 18, 2024 Came here as part of a large group for a work outing and loved the ambiance and decor of the space! Staff was very friendly though they sometimes seemed a bit unsure of what some of the food items they were giving us were, which could be a bit concerning. The mashed potatoes had an interesting flavor to them and when I asked what kind they were, he just said they were mashed potatoes. I asked differently, suggesting maybe they were garlic, or cheese and garlic, but he doubled down on them just being mashed potatoes... I have been trying to get into mocktails more as a teetotaler and the hibiscus nojito was quite good, except for the large chunk of mint that came through the straw upon my first sip. The grand finale basque-style cheesecake was a bit of a mixed bag; the cheesecake was good, the lemon curd had an off flavor (maybe that was what was in the mashed potatoes?). Highlight of the meal was definitely the seafood beignets. The name sounds revolting but they were actually quite tasty and I would definitely have them again here or at another establishment. read more

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We went for Sunday brunch. We didn't like that the lobby of the hotel had strong artificial smells that we could also smell down in the dining room. The service was good. Didn't care for the food unfortunately. We both had steak and eggs. The side salad was strangely spicy and overly salty and there was a lack of any flavor on the steak and eggs itself. read more

Quite the scene this place is. Rather pricey too although probably no different than similar places. We were staying at the hotel where this restaurant is and it had started pouring rain so we were grateful for a very convenient place to go. My husband had a burger with lots of fries and I had a lamb kebab which was from their appetizer menu. Not much food for a lot of money but very fun people watching. read more

Had a great dinner at the Golden Hour. The place has an industrial funky vibe in a pretty large space. We ordered a bunch of smaller plates. They were all good but the beignets really stood out. They were addictive. Service was super friendly and attentive. I will order bigger plates next time to see how they are. read more

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Great place and great food. This screams Asheville and is in the middle of the River Arts district. It was our first visit and was one of the most enjoyable meals I've had. The "3 Day Weekend" cocktail replaced my favorite Old Fashion as my go-to drink. Their hanger steak was a superb cut, done perfectly and now is my favorite steak. The lobster beignets are worth the trip by themselves. The staff is very professional, helpful and friendly. It has a speak-easy vibe which added to the experience. Easy walk to the increasing number of galleries and parking at the Wedge. The hotel itself is a creative creation within a repurposed building and reminded us of our favorite hotel in London. As locals we'll be back for more. read more

Incredible restaurant! Ate on the patio adjacent to the restaurant/bar. Had deconstructed potato salad that had tiny whole boiled potatoes with layers of dressing between them. For entrees, my husband had 1/2 roasted chicken and I had a sliced pork chop. Both were tender & juicy and presented well! The clincher was dessert... carrot cake with curry flavored frosting and carrot jam infused layers! Tasted incredible! Service was very friendly and personable and other dining patrons were very friendly! read more

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Sat at the bar for Friday night dinner. The chicken dinner was delicious. My husband got the pork steak he really enjoyed his as well. Service was quick & constant. The ambiance is neat & cozy good for a date night. read more

Golden Hour - Pork dinner - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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The vibe here is fancy but chill. The service is great! The seafood beignets and mushrooms are a must try!! read more

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It was a pricey outing, but worth it. Had a great spot at the bar where I had an espresso martini and then I asked about a seltzer but the bartender made me his own seltzer like concoction that was SO DELICIOUS! I'd recommend. read more

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PERFECT addition to the River Arts District! Golden Hour is located in the new, colorful, unique Radical hotel. Sensory overload (in a good way) upon entering the lobby. So much to see and multiple cozy spots to sit and admire the interior. From the lobby, head down the stairs to the restaurant. A large, beautifully decorated restaurant that blends old and new. Exposed brick walls and high ceilings with an impressive light fixture as the centerpiece of the expansive dining space. Delicious food and excellent service. Our server Jerry was patient with our group, and she was always available for questions about menu details. We ordered a variety of dishes for the table to share. Steak tartare, corn pone w/ heirloom beans, the lamb shank, mushroom skewers, a hanger steak and chess pie for dessert. read more

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Excellent food and service! We sat at the bar the tuna, hangar steak and crab beignets were excellent! Desert was ok.

They just opened and we had a stellar experience! Must try are the shellfish beignets. The hanger steak was also delicious. Service was friendly and pretty efficient, especially given it was day 2 after opening. read more

Golden Hour - 8 oz Hanger Steak - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Súper cool spot! The ambiente is awesome both indoors and with a great view of the River. The bartender is on point. Great drinks. And dinner is delicous. Plus because it's a hotel you can take a drink to go to the rooftop. read more

Lovely server (Alex?) redhead. Very helpful. Some yummy food. Shellfish beignets were fun and the blue and green salad was different and tasty. Loved that they serve, mock tails. Lamb shank fell off the bone. Dessert was a croissant bread pudding with orange ginger ice cream. But it really was more like a French toast. Very well flavored. my thumbs down is the gold chain hanging off the bar and the acoustics are really noisy. They need to hang some things from the ceiling to muffle the sound. I loved love loved the funky hipster ambience of the hotel above. Need to carry this through to the restaurant. read more

Golden Hour - Lamb shank cooked three different ways. - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Wow!! This place is gorgeous inside of the new Radical hotel. It's definitely fine dining for foodies. The lamb shank was well worth it, and the roasted mushrooms were divine. The vegan salad was super flavorful as well. And, the waitress told us that the whole menu is essentially gluten free except for a few items. And, she shared that a lot of the dishes could easily be made vegan. This place is definitely a gem. read more

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RUN don't walk to this restaurant. 20/10. Seriously. The atmosphere, the service, the food. Exceptional. Get the hanger steak. I'll say it again, get the hanger steak. Sit at the bar and talk to the bartenders. I had the famous beignets, hanger steak and carrot cake. All of it, OUTSTANDING. read more

Golden Hour - a glass of orange juice on a table - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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We ate here with another couple last week. The food was excellent and the service was excellent. We found it to be a fun place for dinner. The one drawback - this applies to those of us members of the older crowd (like us - late 60's & early 70's) there is no sound absorption at all, so a 3/4 full restaurant makes it extremely difficult for the four of us to carry on a conversation and hear each other with all of the ambient noise bouncing off the hard walls and hard floors. Some thoughtfully placed sound absorption would turn our 4-star review into a 5-star review. read more

Folks, I'm in Asheville NC, have to try some restaurant and found Golden Hour, it was so good I vacuumed the food and forgot to take photos. The cocktail Barreled age old fashion, my God to die for, I can drink it all night. Our appetizer Deviled Blue Crab, a winner. And our shared entree was the lamb, it melts in your mouth. Just to die for. Price is reasonable. Excellent attentive service. read more

Golden Hour - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Had an awesome lunch brunch at Golden hour today. Cocktails were perfect. We cleaned our plates. We will certainly be back many more times. I had the pork Benedict. My wife had the quiche. read more

Golden Hour - Shaded patio. - Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Like many reviewers, I had mixed thoughts. In evaluating JUST the restaurant Golden Hour, I would say the food was ok tasting. The smashed golden potatoes? Just mashed potatoes, no better than could be made at home. The pork chop was tasty although lacked much of a side or topping to accent it. House fries had a good feel to them, voluminous to have a soft center and fried nicely for a crunchy exterior. Neither desert was one that I would order again. Not bad, but a restaurant's dessert needs to overcome that the fact that most people are capable of making great desserts at home for much cheaper, and neither of these did that for me. They also have a $28 hamburger. $28! The ambience was really cool, and the dishes are all East Fork, so I give props to the decorator and the support of local business. Probably wouldn't come back for food, but would for a drink. 3.5 review for me. They are a new restaurant and might improve with time. read more

Came here on a 2 night trip and stayed in the attached hotel. Took a VERY LONG while to get served or asked about drinks or what we were ordering. Maybe understaffed a bit but it wasn't too crowded. Ordered the NC crab beignets and it was good. Drinks were great, but the Just Peachy cocktail was a pre mixed drink with vodka added. Turns out all cocktails here have a premade mix. Overall good ambiance and nice vibes. Music was loud but not crazy. Only issue was that it took an hour to be asked what we wanted to eat or start with. read more

Pricey but food was excellent. Service was excellent. Decor was eclectic and ambiance was very noisy.

Wow! I took the wifey out for Valentine's Day and we were both impressed and delighted with everything about Golden Hour. The vibe was amazing from the moment we entered. The entire building inside and out stuns the eyes with beauty and pride. The staff were pleasant and apparently happy, setting the tone for the night. We were seated promptly and our server was just excellent. We order a white fish of the day, smash burger, and many other things (two salads, meatball skewer, sunchokes, etc.--all of which were delicious! I cannot say enough about how pleased we were with our experience. We're looking forward to our return. read more

Got served rotten trout. I heard other people did as well. The drinks were great though. I'd recommend sticking to them but avoid the food, no excuses! read more

The building is cool. The staff is nice. I paid 34 dollars for a tiny portion of tilefish and a sprinkle of white beans that took an hour to cook. Walked away hungry, unsatisfied, and feeling hosed. Could have gotten a big ole steak dinner with all the sides from literally anywhere else in town. Won't be coming back. Don't come here if you are actually hungry. Do come here if you're in a pretentious mood. read more

Excellent choice in RAD. Basement level of The Radical hotel. The atmosphere is well lit and trendy. Huge bar in the center of the restaurant with great selections, including a few high shelf bourbon pours. We had a great appetizer [Pork and Beans with Johnny Cakes] and both entrees hit the mark. This one will join our regular rotation of Asheville staples. read more