We were visiting Asheville for the first time. We were heading to a Shakespeare in the Park performance and needed a nearby dinner place pre-performance. Tall John's was the perfect choice! We had a reservation and were warmly greeted. I loved the seasonal offerings and the funky cocktail list. We split a few appetizers (Rolls and Croquettes, both yummy) and then ordered from the medium plate section of the dinner menu. I got the Summer Vegetables and my husband opted for the Eggplant. Everything was seasoned perfectly and we raved about the sauces. If I lived nearby, I would eat here every week, everything was so fresh and delicious. read more

See all

In a word, stellar! Sat at the bar where we were greated by a friendly and highly competent bartender. The Bar featured notable high end liquors but I was more impressed by the Rittenhouse Rye as their well Rye and the inclusion of Mellow Corn, a "bottom-shelf bourbon " that is strictly IYKYK... Croquettes were very nice but my wife's fava bean/asparagus with goat cheese gnudi was incredibly decadent and absolutely sublime. My steak with romesco sauce paired perfectly with a glass of Syrah. Highly recommend! read more

I really wanted to love Tall John's, and to be fair there were definitely some highlights, but overall, it didn't quite live up to the price point. We tried a variety of dishes. The mussels were easily the standout - absolutely delicious and something I'd come back for. The lamb was also very tender, and both the salmon and chicken dishes were good. That said, the chicken felt pretty basic, especially considering it didn't come with any sides or additional elements to round out the plate. Service was a bit inconsistent. It may have just been an off night, but our server felt a little scattered. One of our guests was initially served a lukewarm, flat Coke in a very small bottle, which was surprising for a restaurant of this caliber. To her credit, she replaced it with a Mexican Coke and didn't charge us, which we appreciated. Still, overall guidance on the menu and pairings would have elevated the experience. At the end of the day, the biggest issue was the pricing. The food was good, but not nearly good enough to justify how expensive everything was. For that reason alone, I'd likely explore other options in Asheville before coming back. read more

See all

I have been remiss and not writing a review for tall John's. And over-the-top meal with exceptional service, atmosphere and food. I highly recommend. read more

Tall John's is the creation of chef-owner Trevor Payne. The restaurant, named in part after his father, opened in 2022 and brings a lovely addition to the neighborhood. I recommend booking a table ahead of time through Resy or by calling in. The space is intimate, with roughly 16 bar/open kitchen high seats and then about 10 tables inside. When open, the outdoor patio adds plenty of room and is dog-friendly, offering around 36 additional seats. FOOD: The menu changes regularly with options for small (3 options), medium (8 options), and tall dishes (7 options). 1. Parker House Rolls with Whipped Butter (5/5): There were 4 rolls in one order. The rolls are perfectly warm, crisp outside, and impossibly fluffy inside. The whipped butter was nice but wasn't needed. A must-order. 2. Roasted Beets with Pears, Blue Cheese, and Candied Pecans (4/5): This salad is common, but the ingredients were quite fresh and well-balanced with flavors and textures. The sweetness of the pears and pecans played nicely with the blue cheese. 3. Striped Bass with Carrot Purée and Green Harissa (4/5): This was a beautifully cooked fish with a slightly crisp skin sitting on top of a silky carrot purée. The green harissa added just the right amount of lift. 4. Confit Lamb Shank with Mint, Curried White Beans, and Pickled Radish (4/5): A tender lamb paired with aromatic beans, which gave it an interesting twist. The mint and pickled radish kept the dish from feeling too heavy. 5. Ricotta Gnocchi with Roasted Grapes, Sage, and Walnut Sauce (4/5): A nice combination consisting of gnocchi with a rich, nutty sauce and sweetness from the grapes. This dish was unique and yet came together. The service was great. Our drinks did not touch bottom, and the food arrived in a timely manner. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness behind every dish. It strikes a balance, featuring high-quality ingredients prepared with intention: sophisticated yet approachable, inventive yet familiar. Bonus points: HH runs daily from 4-5 pm with 50% off small and medium plates, and Sundays feature 25% off wine bottles. Would I come back? 100% (to dine at the open kitchen seating). read more

See all

Tall John's was excellent. The meal was outstanding. And we had one of the best martinis we have ever had!

Absolutely amazing. We came here for our very first dinner in vacation and it set the bar for the rest of the trip. The restaurant is hidden in a neighborhood in a cute house. It had such a cool vibe when you walked in. We had reservations and were seated quickly. We actually had a reservation for later, but they messaged us and asked if we would like to come in earlier. We sure did! We started with the bread service. It was yummy. Not spectacular, but I'd eat it again. I settled in the tilefish for my meal and my husband ordered the steak. The table next to us ordered the chicken and it was humongous. My fish was delicious and had a nice crispy, buttery skin. I loved it. It also had thick rounds of fried eggplant that I loved. I love eggplant. My husband ordered a steak, I believe. His was also amazing as he let me try a few bites. Such interesting flavors but oh so good. He had a few cocktails and I had a nice mocktail. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable. We would definitely come back. read more

Our group had dinner tonight (8/26) and we were underwhelmed. Menu lists tall selections and my wife selected one of these, lamb cutlets. Other than never having had cutlets with bones, there was little substantive meat and the side was roasted peppers, cucumbers and an olive. I ordered coconut shrimp which were good and their rendition of Caesar salad. Good amount of romaine, 3 actual anchovies, too much cheese and the dressing was overwhelmed by vinegar making the salad difficult to eat. We returned home saying we were still hungry. I guess we are not used to the "new" age menu selections that force one to order multiple items to get a full meal. read more

Another restaurant we've talked about and finally paid a visit. There are two long bars bordering the small dining room that can feel a bit cramped when it's busy. We were with others so had a table reservation though the bar seating is very inviting. Service was adequate. Our server described the menu and when asked about substitute the potato for another side, advised that none were allowed. I loved my bavette steak and mushrooms (extra instead of the potato), and another diner really enjoyed the large pork chop. We have our favorite spots around town, and this is a favorite of friends so will have no problem returning again sometime. read more

See all

Went to tall John's while on vacation and we're not able to make a reservation. We took a chance and walked in and were immediately greeted by the hostess. The bar was full however the hostess put us on a waitlist and was able to order us drinks while we waited. Only had to wait a few mins and got seated. The gin smash was delicious. We got the house rolls and coconut shrimp for an appetizer. Both were so good! The roll was so salty and yummy, you can really tell they made it homemade. For entrees we got the baked chicken and steak. This chicken is DELICIOUS! Moist, crispy skin and the sauce it's served in is buttery and lemony. This is a cute small place where it feels like they truly care about each dish that comes out. Would recommend! read more

Tall John's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Wow wow wow. For any review on here that says the food is not SUPERB or better im not sure what food you guys tasted but holy moleyyyy. Marissa thank you for an amazing first experience at Tall John's. First off the mussels sauce I can drink by the gallon (thats not an understatement); the burger had this velvety after taste I cant explain but my goodness. The lamb ribs were over this sauce that was amazing. And the rolls were unreal. This place not only does food right but the cocktails were 10/10 as well. Everything was so good!!! read more

We had an incredible meal at Tall John's for our anniversary! I couldn't recommend it enough. Service was top-tier and food was excellent. Maybe the best chicken I've had. The goat cheese dumplings were a must have as well - so happy our server convinced us! read more

See all

I'd give it 6 stars if I could. Everything on the menu is delicious. Even if you're looking at it and think "uh I don't know grapes and gnocchi?" Just don't question and trust the chef. I'm only visiting for a month and I'll have gone at least 3 times before I leave. read more

Tall John's - Gnocchi with grapes and sage - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Maybe if you're from Asheville you rate your restaurants high because a lot of restaurants at 4+ stars in town. Just like this place NOT 4 stars. Decided to give it 3 stars mostly because a few food items were above average. Service was below mid, seating/flow is wonky, hardly any parking and not wheelchair accessible. Host was clueless for sure didn't know password to wifi not much internet inside, and made snarky comment. Fairly loud inside. read more

Amazing food and service. Loved everything we had!!! Can't wait to go back!!!!!!!!!!!

Our hotel recommended Tall John's. What a great recommendation! It was the little things that mattered. From the shaved fennel and watermelon radish on the "Very Nice Green Salad"...yes, that's what it's called, to the way the dip paired with the Gruyère & Green Olive Croquettes...it was amazing. Braised Rabbit....seriously, how delicious! The vibe of the place also made our dinner special. Our host was second to none. We're here for a few days on a business trip. Looking forward to returning again before we leave. read more

Really tasty dishes and drinks, fantastic service, super cute space. Dishes I loved when I visited: - Parker House Rolls - Ricotta Gnocchi with sweet corn butter - Duck Breast served with spaetzle, corn, and blackberries Chef Trevor Payne, who spent time at Le Pigeon in Portland, Oregon under James Beard-winning chef Gabe Rucker, and later at Little Bird Bistro moved back to Asheville where he grew up and opened this spot. So awesome to have him in the city! read more

See all

A Disappointing Experience Despite a Strong Start Our meal started off on the right foot, but unfortunately it went downhill course by course. The appetizers were solid, and the mussels were fine, though the curry leaned a bit heavy. The real issue was consistency -- nearly every dish that followed was noticeably over‑salted, to the point where it distracted from the flavors. Ironically, the standout of the entire evening was the yellow squash plate, which was excellent and showed what the kitchen can do when everything aligns. Service, however, was where things really unraveled. We specifically asked our server whether ordering both the flounder and the steak would be too much food, and she assured us it was the perfect amount. Then the steak never arrived. When we reminded them, instead of simply correcting the mistake, they offered us dessert -- even though our 12‑year‑old was still hungry and still waiting for the entrée we ordered. They eventually brought the steak, which was just okay, but the timing and handling made the whole situation feel awkward. What added insult to injury was the check. After forgetting an entire entrée and delaying the meal, the only gesture offered was a 25% discount on that one dish. It felt more like a checkbox than an attempt to make things right. Overall, the pacing was off, the service was disorganized, and the food quality was inconsistent. With all the glowing reviews, I expected a far better experience. Instead, I left disappointed -- especially knowing the kitchen is capable of great things, as proven by a simple squash dish that outshined everything else. read more

Review: Tall John's - Refined Simplicity, Deeply Satisfying My family and I had the pleasure of dining at Tall John's in Asheville, and it absolutely lived up to expectations--ones I had built carefully after researching and targeting it as a key stop on our trip. I first discovered it just under a week ago, on a Tuesday, and by that point, reservations were nearly impossible to come by. After a sympathetic conversation with the hostess, I was fortunate to secure a 4:45 PM reservation, which turned out to be a hidden blessing. As it happens, Tall John's offers 50% off their small plates before 5 PM (they call them "small" and "medium," if memory serves), so this early dinner time gave us the chance to explore the menu in breadth and depth. We began with a couple of appetizers. I didn't try the fried squash myself--I'm on a low-carb diet--but I was assured by my family that it was outstanding. I did try the zucchini with pesto and zucchini blossoms, and it was a standout: a dish that captured what Tall John's does best--simple, elegant composition that lets seasonal ingredients speak for themselves. The pesto was vivid and fresh, the zucchini tender and subtly sweet, and the blossom added both a visual and textural flourish. It was, quite literally, summer on a plate. Next came the potato gnocchi in a sweet corn sauce with fresh herbs, which I didn't sample (again, low-carb), but my mother--who has dined at institutions like The French Laundry and Chez Panisse--said it may have been the best gnocchi she's had in her life. Lightly crisped on the outside and tender within, the gnocchi was described as perfectly balanced by the richness of the corn and the aromatic herbs. Our four-year-old son came along--a bold move, perhaps, for such a refined spot--but he held it together beautifully. In fact, by the end of the meal, the table next to us expressed surprise that we had a child with us at all. He called the French fries the best he's ever had (and he is a picky, self-proclaimed fry critic). They were deeply golden, crisp, and perfectly salted--French in the best possible sense. My wife, currently pregnant, was initially disheartened by the craft cocktail list, but quickly found joy in the non-alcoholic options. The cinnamon soda and orange soda were both creative and well-crafted--not mere substitutions, but beverages worthy in their own right. As for the rolls--you may have heard they're from "the mother's bakery." Believe the hype. We ordered two, and though I didn't indulge in the butter (diet again), the rest of the table declared them life-changing. Crispy on the outside, cloud-soft on the inside, and dusted with cheese--they're a reason to come back on their own. My parents split the swordfish, served with a sauce somewhere between a béarnaise and a sabayon. Egg-based, unexpected, and utterly delicious--it complemented the fish in a way that was both rich and delicate. We also had the duck, served with a corn sauce, blackberries, and a savory glaze. The skin was perfectly caramelized, the interior moist and flavorful--one of the best duck preparations I've had in recent memory. I ordered the pork chop, served in a fresh tomato and bean broth. It was hearty yet clean--a dish that respected the produce as much as the protein. It captured Tall John's ethos in a single bowl: Appalachian ingredients elevated by French and Italian technique, but always in service of flavor, not flash. At the end of the meal, I had a beautifully pulled espresso, followed by a glass of Vin Santo, the classic Tuscan dessert wine made from air-dried grapes. It was a gentle, warm close to a meal that felt celebratory in every course. Our son, in honor of his excellent behavior, was treated to a housemade ice cream sundae--the perfect note for him to end on. Final Thoughts: Tall John's isn't about reinventing the wheel. It's about sourcing exceptional ingredients, treating them with precision and restraint, and delivering meals that feel both familiar and elevated. It's Appalachian meets European, but more importantly, it's thoughtful food served with warmth. We'll be talking about this dinner for a long time. read more

See all

Love the venue. Parking can be challenging. Went for brunch, very limited options so I feel I didn't really get the full experience. French Toast was fine but ordinary. Blueberries and whipped cream on top. Added bacon which was good except for the 1 burnt strip. Excellent server. Good cocktail. Want to try dinner menu sometime. read more

Tall John's is that girl. Their small and medium plates are half off every day from 4-5, which is an insane deal for the quality. You have to be there right at 4 or have a reservation because this place fills up fast (and for good reason). It's hands down my favorite restaurant in Asheville. The execution, flavors, and plating are always on point. There's real craftsmanship behind the menu. Service is consistently great. The ambiance hits that sweet spot of cozy and elevated. Please don't ever change!! Must-orders on medium plates: the steak tartare and caesar salad. Skip the fried squash unless youre up for fries... The little gems salad had potential but could use a pinch of salt and some editing. It's a fun place to pick a bunch of things and share the flavors! read more

See all

Tall John's (love the name) with Chef Trevor is an Asheville gem and my friend Pat and I had the most marvelous experience there. Here's what Pat had to say, and she speaks for both of us: "Possibly the best cheeseburger I've ever had! And the "very nice green salad" was world class - fabulous greens, shaved fennel, gorgeous watermelon radish and the best vinaigrette in town. To top it off, the butterscotch cream puffs with chantilly cream were as delicious as any pastry in Paris. No wonder Michelin loves Tall John's. We did , too." Yeah, that salad! read more

Delicious meal at Tall John's! Walked in & got a kitchen side seat in less than 20 min. We had a beverage, mussels to start. Mains pork chop & Collette steak. All cooked well & very flavorful. The curry mussels were my favorite! No room tonight for dessert but they had several options. read more

See all

Very pleased with the service! They accommodated us even tho with made a reservation less than an hour in advance. The food was great! We loved their Sunday brunch. Shrimp and grits, fresh squeezed juice, salad!!! Just perfect to begin your Sunday. Also, the place is very clean including bathrooms, which not every food place can offer. Bravo Guys! read more

This was the best chicken I have ever eaten! I highly recommend the roasted chicken. The service was great and the atmosphere was cozy and inviting. You could go here for a date night or just a casual meal! read more

Tall John's - Duck - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

An awesome place and a must to include if you are in Asheville!! The staff is awesome up front and at the bar. The food will not disappoint. There is such a positive vibe during dinner. It can be packed but the noise is NOT overwhelming, it just creates such a positive vibe. read more

Tall John's - Calamari- love the fried lemon in there!!! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

We eat all over Asheville, and this was one of the best meals we've had lately. The roast chicken had me begging for that pan sauce recipe. And those Parker House rolls are worth it! If you can sit at the bar in front of the kitchen, do that, so you can witness the magic. read more

I'm in love with Tall John's. But when I stepped in which is around 4:15pm. We told the hostess table for two. It's very empty. Then she proceed to ask for my phone number, and full name. Taken back from it.. Because I feel like she will call us when there's a table ready when the whole dining room is empty. But when I saw how you can sit at the bar to watch the chefs make magic. I opted for that instead. And she can care less about my name or phone number. That night happy hrs was 1/2 price appetizers. So we went the mussels and Burrata. But were really good.. enjoyed every bit of it.. Main course, my date and I shared the trout. It was epic. Nicely paired with the kale, perfectly fried and seasoning was on point. And to top everything off. I had two espresso martinis. I have to make sure I come back here every time I'm in Asheville read more

See all

Tall John's is a fantastic spot in the Montfort neighborhood of Asheville. Close to downtown, but mostly a locals joint. There is a kitchen bar (our favorite), regular bar seating and tables if the bar is not your thing. Always an interesting and diverse menu with something for everyone. Parker House Rolls is a must and great cocktails and wine list. The staff and service are top notch. read more

Tall John's - Entrance - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

What a neighborhood gem! Everything from the Little gem salad to the grilled octopus to the famous roasted chicken and Parker House rolls was to die for! We only wished we had room for dessert! read more

See all

Very nice place. Good menu good service. very neat location pretty much right in the middle of the neighborhood. read more

Tall John's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Outstanding food and excellent service! Tall John's is a must. Can't wait to go back! read more

Tall John's - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

See all

Have you ever had a meal that you can't stop thinking about? Tall Johns was that for me. It's in the cutest old church in Montford and it's tiny and cozy which makes for a great ambiance to have a glass of wine and a good meal in. Everyday from 4-5 you can get all their small and medium plates half off. $8 steak tartare, yes please! Their croquettes were packed with ham and cheese and came with a tangy dipping sauce. Their little gem salad was one of my favorite things. It had sweet snap peas and a creamy dressing which brought everything together. We finished with the cheeseburger and steak tartare which were also top notch. Trust me, you'll be thinking of this meal for awhile! read more

See all

We visited this restaurant while visiting Asheville. Love the building and the warm atmosphere. We started with a small (when you look at the menu you'll understand)...Gruyere and Green Olive Croquettes...creative and delicious. Then a medium...mussels in a creamy sauce...I was looking forward to having the sourdough bread but they had tomato bread instead, still very good. Then came our talls. My husband ordered the Roasted Half Lemon Chicken, he said it was the best chicken that he has ever eaten. I thought about the big pork chop but it sounded like too much for me to eat so I had the Flat Iron Steak. Perfectly cooked, smothered in mushrooms and Diane sauce. Service was excellent. I definitely recommend Tall John's. read more

Great atmosphere and helpful service. Excellent, creative food. Intimate, yet fun environment.

Smallish place with walk ins welcome, which was us. They sat our party of 3 at the counter facing the kitchen which was really cool. Impressive to watch the chefs do their magic. Cocktails very good. My daughter raved about the cucumber margarita. We each got a different "medium plates." The burrata was especially good. Creamy and full of flavor, especially from the charring of summer squash. We shared the olive oil cake for dessert - delicious. Service great. Pleasant atmosphere. We will be back next time we are in Asheville! read more

After all the rave reviews and wanting to try this place for a long time we were very disappointed! To start off the 2 cocktails we got for $12.00 each were a very tiny pour, cant remember the last time we ordered a drink that was so small about 1/4 of the glass with the ice. My husband who never complains commented about it. The mussel broth had a good flavor but a small portion considering that the mussels were tiny as well. They didn't have any specials and we opted for the cheeseburger and fries. As a saltaholic the burger was so completely oversalted that that was all I could taste. Same with the fries. Although they came out hot I believe they used the fine salt and again couldn't taste the fries and had a hard time getting them down! ( should have asked for no salt but didn't know) To top it off there was a kitchen service charge. So we spent $115 for drinks, 1 salad. Mussels and a burger for a meal that didn't leave us wanting to come back read more

A gem of a neighborhood bistro in Montford. Like much of Montford it is a pricey, classic example of its genre populated by many affluent retirees. The meats and veg were all very fresh and well prepared. The only thing I didnt like was the homemade Mayo served with the pork schnitzel. It was too runny. The staff was the best in town. Intelligent, engaged and friendly with non of that smirk you get in downtown tourist restaurants. This is the sort of place that you find in nice hotels in larger cities serving folks on a business travel budgets. I wish it was a touch cheaper but excited it is here. read more

This is a true neighborhood gem! Warm and inviting a great place to meet friends for food and or drinks. And the service is impeccable.

We've been long-time customers of TJ's, but I think their success has caused them to slack off--the quality of dishes is no longer "fantastic" or "great". Instead, it's "adequate" and "acceptable" but not like it used to be. At the same time, it is expensive and if the quality had been maintained, that'd be OK...but it hasn't. We have given this restaurant several recent attempts each time assuming we just had a bad night, but no longer. We're done...there are many other good places in Asheville. read more