Normally I have a good idea what to expect before checking out a new (to me) spot, but not this time. Liberty House Coffee & Cafe (https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/) was close to a blank slate in my mind before heading over for lunch last week with my pal Barrie.
There was one article, probably old news written shortly after Liberty House opened three years ago, that talked about a lack of enough seating at the popular eatery. That was the main reason I nixed Liberty House for a last minute lunch with my two sisters, figuring none of us wanted to eat lunch sitting on stairs, the curb, or in our car.
We pulled up to the side entrance and patio, parking on Liberty Street. First impression: someone did a fantastic job transforming this cottage just outside downtown Asheville in to an adorable coffee shop/cafe!
Those red umbrellas really pop, adding so much to the overall exterior look.
As soon as we headed in the side door from the patio/terrace (not noticing the front entrance) we were impressed with the quality and creativity of decor and finishes. Even functional pieces like the water dispenser (bottom right in the image below) was special enough to be noticed, while not crossing the line in to kitschy territory.
Check out the ceiling boards, fixed transom window, dentil trim molding above, and casing around the door. Sit in the room where you order and you’ll be pulling yourself up to a live-edge counter on a wooden bar stool held together with with bright red metal fittings.
And here’s the extent of the kitchen, tucked in behind the counter where you place your order. The first person who told me about Liberty House was a chef. When I said I hadn’t been, he was insistent that I go, saying “they’re doing things with food that they shouldn’t be able to do in that space. You’ve got to give ’em a try!”
See the espresso machine on the counter? A full suite of espresso/coffee drinks are available. I was happy to see they were selling beans from Hendersonville roaster Independent Bean Roasters. Didn’t do my normal latte test this time. Too full. See their coffee menu and prices here.
Barrie and I both ordered a B.L.A.T. ($9). In between the toast you’ll find an heirloom tomato, avocado, heritage farms bacon, organic gem lettuces, dijonnaise, and a little pepper, served with a side salad or chips. I don’t remember being asked what kind of bread I’d like, so you may not have a choice? It was good, though.
We both thought this sandwich was great. Not that it was some amazing new creation, but that the ingredients were so fresh and tasty. The only issue was it got a little slippery with those pieces of avocado trying to escape from all sides. The side salad was also very fresh.
Y’all know my M.O. If there’s a non-mass-produced, delicious looking scone in my line of sight, I’m going to give it a try. This apricot ginger scone did not disappoint! I was going to take it home with me, but it didn’t last that long.
See their menu HERE. See their Blog and/or Facebook Page for specials and menu updates.
So, here’s the kinda’ funny part. Remember “Luscious Urban Oasis” in the title of this post? Coming in to Liberty House from the terrace, I had the impression (and had been told) that it was a small spot without a lot of space or seating.
Well, we walked out the front door and what did we see but an extensive organic garden, including fruit trees. And as far as not enough seating. Well, no problem there. Picnic tables run along the back side length of the garden along with a few other seats.
And again, attention to special touches like what looks like copper pipe railing all along a ramp up to a side entrance and logo metal cutout.
It’s tiny in the picture below, but see the small box between two posts in front of the brick building? That’s an active bee hive.
Their garden and local farms supply as much of the menu as possible.
Along the street side of the garden are more cut metal panels between brick pillars, each a different engaging design.
Cute mural on the side of what looks like some time of support/backup building, too.
Here’s the story, morning glory. Read owner Dylan’s story about growing up on Liberty Street at his parents bed and breakfast and converting the house his dad lived in for a few years into the now coffee shop & cafe.
Epicurean Notes:
- Monday – Friday: 7am – 4pm, Saturday & Sunday Brunch: 9am – 2pm (It’s a good idea to call any eatery and verify hours if it’s important that they are open when you get there)
- Wi-Fi is available
- Take some time looking around inside and out at Liberty House, noticing all the attention to detail, big and small.
Liberty House Coffee & Cafe
https://www.libertyhousecafe.com/
221 S. Liberty Street
Asheville, NC 28801
828-412-3225
