Asheville, North Carolina

Join me as I explore Rowan Coffee & Pollen: two must-visit specialty coffee shops in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina.

Dear coffee lovers,

Over the summer, I visited Asheville, North Carolina—a mountain town with a thriving café culture in the heart of the Blue Ridge. The city carries a creative, laid-back energy that naturally spills into its local businesses.

Two cafés in particular stood out: Rowan Coffee and Pollen. While distinct in style, both felt deeply connected to Asheville’s spirit. Beyond serving excellent coffee, they highlight how cafés can bridge culture and craft, creating spaces that bring the community together.

Rowan Coffee

Just outside downtown Asheville, Rowan Coffee has settled into a cozy new spot at 785 Haywood Rd. The interior hits a sweet spot between Scandinavian farmhouse and modern warehouse. Wooden pews and booths line the walls, white wood beams stretch across the exposed ceilings, and smooth concrete floors tie it all together.

Rowan roasts their own coffee but is also a multi-roaster shop, so their espresso and pour-over menu always has a wide variety of options. On top of that, they serve Scandinavian-inspired bites— like salmon dip, Danish pancakes, tinned mussels—and even have a full bar with natural wine.

The atmosphere at Rowan feels kind of dreamy—King Krule playing in the background, voices carrying through the big open space, and olive-green tiles wrapping around the bar that tie it all together. It’s one of those spots that just works, whether you’re an Asheville local or just visiting for the weekend.

👀 Visit Rowan Coffee →
👀 Learn more about this café →

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Pollen

Now picture a vibrant New York City flower stand that also serves incredible coffee. This is Pollen. The space radiates life, with greenery spilling from every corner, displays of handcrafted ceramics, and locally made goods that add even more character.

Pollen is a multi-roaster café that brings in coffee from all over the world—whether you’re after a classic espresso drink, a pour-over, or just a solid drip, they’ve got you covered. They run a floral service out of the same space, offering fresh, seasonal arrangements that make any occasion feel special.

The café itself is filled with light thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, and the space has this calm, inviting energy where both people and plants seem to thrive. Some folks pop in quickly for a to-go order, while others linger a little longer working, catching up with friends, or just soaking in the greenery.

👀 Visit Pollen →
👀 Learn more about this café →

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Rowan Coffee: A Closer Look