Citizen Vinyl in Asheville, NC, is a vibrant café that offers a unique blend of experiences. This multifaceted venue serves as a record-pressing factory, history museum, and laid-back lounge all in one. Visitors rave about the fascinating tours, like Paul, who found the history behind the space enriching, especially its transformation into a music haven. The pressing factory is a rare gem, providing an insider’s view of vinyl production—a treat for music enthusiasts.
The café boasts an exceptional atmosphere noted by many reviewers, including Paul Haynes, who highlights its inviting team and consistently fantastic coffee. With its eclectic music selection and cozy spaces, it’s perfect for studying or relaxing. Han Winogrond praises the vintage architecture and equally impressive food and beverage options, from artisanal coffee to inventive cocktails.
The menu is well-received, especially dishes like the Curried Cauliflower Bowl and Jerk Pork Sandwich praised for their bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you're seeking to unwind or immerse yourself in Asheville's rich music culture, Citizen Vinyl excites and charms. This spot is not just a café; it’s an experience that music and food lovers alike shouldn't miss.
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Reviews For Citizen Vinyl
Paul
Jun 13,2025
We elected to take the tour of Citizen Vinyl and are glad that we did. Not being from the area (or even the country) there was a history to the building that we hadn't appreciated, and it was nice to understand its origins before it became a music venue. The tour was nicely conducted and then covered its conversion to a music venue. It was nice to see up in the recording studios, but the highlight is seeing the pressing factory at work given how few are left in the world (especially that are independent). There's a good walkthrough on how the process works whilst you can see it all live in the background. We were there in AVL fest which meant we got to see some of the acts being interviewed in the main space, which just added nicely to the overall experience. If you're a music fan - especially if you collect vinyl - it's worth the hour!
Paul Haynes
May 11,2025
The team here at CV is extraordinary. Eric is so kind and thoughtful, El is so genuine and humble, Cassie is so sweet and dependable. 6 visits, and so many beautiful memories here. Consistently amazing coffee, incredible atmosphere, upstairs to study, chill, talk, etc.. plus the bonus of being in a record store, with record pressing production in the same space. Generous, eclectic mix of music playing all the time. AVL fest 2024 host - Jon Charles Dwyer, c’mon. Plus others. Wedding venue, private events, for real !!! Love, love, love this space.
Han Winogrond
May 5,2025
A bright, sunny multi level cafe, restaurant, bar, event space AND record pressing experience. The vintage building itself is worth a visit with its frosted glass block walls and open bar. The coffee is just as good as the cocktails. On top of all of that they support the Asheville Community, whether it’s for Hurricane Helene or hosting community events like Creative mornings Citizen Vinyl is a treasure.
The Asheville Googlist
Apr 27,2025
An innovative jewel in Asheville’s crown, Citizen Vinyl is part record-pressing factory, part history lesson, part cafe and part kick-back lounge. Loved the vinyl playlist, loved my Curried Cauliflower Bowl, loved the friendly service and easy vibe, loved looking around at years of time and music distilled into one inimitable concept. I waited too long to experience this place - don’t make the same mistake.
Cynthia R
Mar 30,2025
Amazing chill spot to relax, have a coffee, try a pastry or something on their lunch menu. It’s so quaint and love the old school feel of it. I have the jerk pork sandwich and it was amazing. Came out piping hot and seasoned so well. Great to pop in after a day of shopping and take a load off.
Jacie de Bullet
Mar 24,2025
What a wonderful spot — a must see if you’re in the Asheville area. Amazing atmosphere with lots of seating. Perfect place to meet friends. Oh and the breakfast sammies are top notch
Zarmond Goodman
Mar 20,2025
such a cool tour, Franco was our tour guide and he was so funny and made a good environment to ask questions! really cool that they allow tours and the info they share is really interesting! it’s free and not super long so it’s a fun short thing to do, plus they have good merch and a cute cafe in there
Ryan Panchisin
Mar 6,2025
What a gem Citizen Vinyl turned out to be. Immediately upon entering I recognize the throwback sounds of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill on record. This mecca has a quality coffee shop, record store, and record pressing which you can see through large windows. The staff here is very friendly and pleasant to deal with. Pricing is better than standard for a hip coffee shop, and the vibe makes it an even better deal. I didn't purchase any food, so I can't comment on the quality. However, the mocha latte I ordered was wonderful. The to-go cups are corrugated in a manner that mimics the sleeve on other cups so you don't burn your hand, which makes just carrying your coffee around so much more convenient. There is a balcony which is accessible by staircase right next to the service counter. This place is fairly spacious as well. Next time I'm in the Asheville area I'll for sure be back. Well done, Citizen Vinyl. Cheers!
Reviews For Citizen Vinyl