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    Imperíal

    4.1 (97 reviews)
    ModerateCocktail Bars
    Open 4:00 pm - 12:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    Imperíal Photos

    IMPERÍAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups

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    Stacey P.

    My recent vacation / cocktail tour of Asheville brought me to The Imperial Life after bartenders all over the city kept staring this was one of their favorite locations. If a bartender recommends another bar it is worth checking out but if every bartender recommends a bar after several days of bar hopping it is a must! The Imperial Life is a fun second floor cocktail bar. The ambiance is this worn in look which made it felt comfortable to me. The bar was fairly busy but the wait wasn't too long. The bartenders were great - friendly, approachable, and willing to experiment and go off menu. Personally I found going off menu suited me better. Most of their menu drinks were spirit forward, which was very nice but I found when I started asking for the bartender's recommendations with the type of spirit and flavor profile I was seeking I enjoyed the results more. The drinks were more balanced when I went that route. I enjoyed my time here! It was very nice!

    Tequila Shots !
    Monica M.

    Soooo much fun! Went here with my fiancé and his parents for some Kate night fun. DJ played such fun dancing music and the vibes were so fun. Great prices for the drinks as well! Bartenders were very friendly. Would definitely return!

    Perfect daiquiri
    Tim S.

    A pleasant spot to pop into. I t's upstairs but you won't miss it, there is a sign outside to give you a heads up. We were going to a restaurant downtown and we were a little ahead of schedule, so we stopped in this cocktail specialty bar. the downstairs was interesting but the actual bar was up a flight of stairs. we grabbed a couple spots at the bar and checked out the offerings on the menu. There was a daiquiri martini which I didn't think I had ever had so I got that. It was a great drink, with excellent presentation. It was an elegant way to start the evening. My gal didn't see a drink she liked so she asked for a couple ingredients and the bartender went to work. He made a great drink that hit the spot. I followed up with a Gallo Margarita. The presentation could have been better but most fancy bars don't have margarita glasses that I have seen. But the drink was great. I think its already known locally as a spot to hit, but I will add my 2 cents that it's a great spot to start the night.

    Stephanie J.

    The perfect break from the brewery scene in Asheville (there is beer available if you are looking for that). All cocktails are $13 each unless you order the special. We ordered two rounds of cocktails: Round no. 1- Lavender Fields and Banarand Round no. 2- Handsome Devil and Smoke & Fire The cocktails were good, the only one I did not care for was the Handsome Devil. If you are hungry, food is available during certain times. Cheers.

    a bar with hanging plants and lights
    Ani P.

    Very fun cocktail bar! The perfect vibes for those looking for a city/cocktail ambiance. The DJ was incredible! Drinks were strong and delicious! Highly recommend if you're in the area looking for a vibey bar!

    a glass of milk stout next to a can of milk stout
    Brooke H.

    Good service with a chill vibe. We stopped in for a drink before dinner and there were only a few people there so no waiting for drinks or a table. By the time we left 30 minutes later, it was starting to fill up. E sure to check out the wallpaper in the bathroom.

    Catherine W.

    Mixology. Craft cocktail. Terms thrown around with such reckless abandon that they don't really mean much. The Imperial Life, an upstairs bar that is modest, yet glamorous in its own right, pretty much epitomizes what craft cocktails are supposed to be. From the enormous array of housemade syrups, garnishes, ingredients that line the front of the bar, to the aproned bartenders deftly spending 10 minutes to meticulously craft your drink - this is the bartop equivalent of a chef's table. Waiting and watching is part of the experience. The hand sawn ice, the careful application of fire to a citrus peel, the finished drinks are almost too precious to drink, but when you do, it is an "elixir" in every sense of the word, "a magical, medical potion." We came here last night for a quick drink before we headed home after our anniversary dinner. I dug everything about it. Rum old fashioned was so rich and amazing. My Odd Four seasonal cocktail with a bubbly hit of pilsner was so complex. I was in my happy place. While pricey, it's a one of kind experience.

    Rashauna H.

    I absolutely loved this little bar. Space was at a premium but it was very cute. Had an old fashioned and it was made just right. My bartender was super friendly and for a short vacation this was just what I needed. There were a couple of djs and was able to dance the night away. Not great to go to alone but with a friend this has the right vibe.

    2 meats, 2 cheese

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    3 years ago

    Our favorite cocktail bar in Asheville! We love the mezcal and we love mezcal monday! They have dj's every night starting at 9pm!

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This bar is fantastic and I've visited it twice now. I love the imperial gin and tonic!

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    4 years ago

    Great atmosphere to enjoy a quiet solid drink by yourself or with your love ones. Bartenders are friendly and cordial

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Imperíal

    Review Highlights - Imperíal

    The folks at The Imperial Life have their art down to a science, but they're willing to explore and create.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    The Times Bar & Coffee Shop - Hot Cider and Cider Donuts

    The Times Bar & Coffee Shop

    4.6(201 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    The Times is easily my favorite bar in Asheville -- truly a five-star, can't-miss spot. On my first…read moretrip back in July, I found myself coming here every night for a drink, and on this work trip I did the exact same thing. That alone should tell you everything you need to know. Their espresso martini is probably the best I've ever had -- perfectly balanced, smooth, and dangerously easy to drink. Every bartender here is incredibly knowledgeable. They can make anything you ask for and then walk you through the history and origins of the cocktail like you're getting a mini masterclass with your drink. The bar itself is beautiful, with an impressive selection of spirits and a menu full of creative cocktails featuring ingredient combinations you'd never expect to work together -- but somehow they absolutely do. It's also one of the best places in the city to sit back and people-watch while enjoying a perfectly made drink. Do not skip The Times -- honestly, it's worth going out of your way to stop there.

    We came to the Times Bar and Coffee Shop just for a night cap. I got the thai tea specialty drink…read morewith mezcal. It was super good- even if you dont like mezcal you would like this! Service was good, it wasn't very busy so pretty easy to walk up and order. I would have loved to try an espresso martini from here but I didnt want to risk not being able to fall asleep (Im getting old). They have indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor is pretty casual with small tables. Indoor decor is fun, halloween-y, and dark. They have a huge selection of liquor, so everyone will be able to find something they like. Sounds like they change their menu frequently so there is always something new to try.

    Photos
    The Times Bar & Coffee Shop - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    The Times Bar & Coffee Shop - Espresso martini

    Espresso martini

    The Times Bar & Coffee Shop

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    The Crow & Quill - Support Live Music

    The Crow & Quill

    4.3(183 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Walking into The Crow & Quill feels like stepping into a moody, time-warped speakeasy -- antiques,…read moredark corners, and soft lighting all set a tone that's equal parts gothic and cozy. Inside, the bar's massive spirits collection (over 1,000 bottles, including some rare whiskies) backs up its reputation for top-tier, creative cocktails. Drinks like my favorite " Jack Treehorn" come highly recommended, and the bartenders seem to know their craft -- delivering drinks that are balanced, thoughtfully made, and sometimes theatrical. If you're in Asheville and in the mood for something atmospheric, unique, and whiskey-forward -- somewhere to soak in character and good drinks rather than sleek modern bar polish -- Crow & Quill is absolutely worth checking out.

    Crow & Quill is one of Asheville's most unique cocktail experiences -- a moody, vintage speakeasy…read morefilled with antiques, soft lighting, and hidden nooks that make it feel like you've stepped into another era. The bar is known for its craft cocktails, creative cocktails that are often praised for their balance and craftsmanship. Drinks like their smoked mezcal cocktails or old fashioneds tend to stand out, and live music on select nights adds to the intimate, atmospheric charm. It's a cozy, often crowded space, so seating can be limited and service may feel slower on busy nights. T If you enjoy rich cocktails, rare spirits, and a one-of-a-kind vibe, Crow & Quill is absolutely worth the stop.

    Photos
    The Crow & Quill - Lounge

    Lounge

    The Crow & Quill - Great service

    Great service

    The Crow & Quill - If you like the art of an artist craft made cocktail, this is the place for you.

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    If you like the art of an artist craft made cocktail, this is the place for you.

    Imperíal - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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