Mayfel's 22 College Street, Asheville NC, 28801

FOOD: ★★★ - DINING AMBIANCE: ★ - PATIO BAR AMBIANCE: ★★★ - PRICE: MODERATE

Mayfel's is an interesting place. Second to Doc Chey's Noodle House it's the restaurant in town I frequent the most, usually for brunch, when I'm not eating at the B&B of course. Hands down I think it's some of the best breakfast food in Asheville, and much better than the renown Tupelo Honey which is only 3 doors down the street.

They have 4 or 6 different Eggs Benedict dishes that are fantastic, and they serve up good coffee and some decent beignets. Their shrimp and fried oyster Poor Boy sandwiches are another favorite. The service, too, is some of the nicest in town.

And they have the best and perhaps only Sunday night bar scene in Asheville. You wouldn't know it unless you happened upon the hidden outdoor patio in the rear of the restaurant, which is accessible from the bottom of Wall Street near the Big Iron. The bartender/DJ always has an awesome playlist. The crowd is usually local, young and boisterous crowd. But very friendly too.

And yet more often than not Tupelo Honey is packed and you can wait an hour for a table, while Mayfel's goes wanting. Why, if the food is better and the staff nicer? The only reason I can think of is it's decorated like a rummage sale exploded inside. I guess you could call it quaint and eclectic, but in reality it's kind of a disaster. There's no real ambience to speak of. Locals know the food is good and don't really care. But I think the average tourist doesn't know what to make of it.

I've watched people stop, look at the menu, look inside the restaurant, look at the menu again, look inside again, then smile and continue on their way. I could see that they wanted to try it but........

DON'T JUDGE A BOOK BY IT'S COVER. The food is good and the patio bar is one of THE COOLEST places to drink in town.

-JW

Mayfel's in downtown Asheville, 22 College Street

http://mayfels.org/