Nestled in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, Citizen Vinyl stands out as a vibrant blend of creativity, music, and gastronomy. This unique establishment is more than just a record-pressing plant; it’s also home to a welcoming café that has quickly become a local favorite for its innovative menu and lively atmosphere.
Guests are invited to unwind with the comforting hum of vinyl production in the background, enjoying a culinary experience that harmoniously combines local flavors, seasonal ingredients, and a passion for inventive food.
Within its sun-drenched walls, Citizen Vinyl’s menu reflects the spirit of the city—eclectic, approachable, and endlessly creative. Whether you’re a music enthusiast stopping by to see the record presses in action or a food lover hunting for your next favorite meal, Citizen Vinyl offers a dining experience that strikes all the right notes.
The menu’s thoughtful curation honors regional producers and showcases the artistry of its kitchen, ensuring every dish feels as handcrafted as the records being spun nearby. With a commitment to quality, community, and creativity, Citizen Vinyl invites every guest to linger, savor, and discover a fresh perspective on what a café can be.
The Philosophy Behind Citizen Vinyl’s Menu
The culinary ethos at Citizen Vinyl is deeply rooted in collaboration, sustainability, and local pride. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the creative energy that pulses through every corner of the establishment.
The kitchen team draws inspiration from Asheville’s rich agricultural tapestry, working closely with local farmers and artisans to source the freshest possible ingredients. This commitment ensures that every plate not only delights the palate but also supports the community’s broader ecosystem.
Emphasizing seasonality, the menu evolves throughout the year, adapting to the rhythms of Western North Carolina’s farms and foodways. Guests can expect bold flavors and inventive combinations, as well as comforting classics reimagined with a modern twist.
The result is a selection that feels both familiar and surprising, inviting diners to explore new tastes while honoring tradition.
At the heart of Citizen Vinyl’s menu philosophy is a belief in the power of food to forge connections—not just between people, but also between the land and the table. The kitchen’s open design fosters transparency, allowing guests to witness the artistry and care that goes into every dish.
This sense of connection is echoed in the café’s vibrant, communal atmosphere.
- Locally sourced produce forms the backbone of the menu
- Seasonal rotation ensures freshness and variety
- Community partnerships with regional farms and purveyors
“We want every meal to feel like a celebration of Asheville—its people, its land, and its creative spirit.”
— Citizen Vinyl’s Executive Chef
Breakfast and Brunch: A Morning Soundtrack
Mornings at Citizen Vinyl start with an inspired selection of breakfast and brunch options that set a joyful tone for the day. The café’s approach to the morning meal is playful and inventive, offering a mix of hearty classics and lighter fare, each crafted with a unique twist.
Whether you’re craving a leisurely brunch with friends or a quick bite before exploring the city, the menu caters to every appetite.
Signature dishes showcase the kitchen’s knack for elevating familiar flavors. Guests can enjoy everything from savory breakfast sandwiches layered with farm-fresh eggs and artisanal cheese to fluffy biscuits topped with seasonal preserves.
For those seeking something on the lighter side, house-made granola and vibrant fruit bowls bring a refreshing start to the morning.
The kitchen’s dedication to quality is evident in every detail, from locally roasted coffee to breads baked fresh each day. Morning visitors are often treated to the aroma of pastries emerging from the oven, creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages lingering over a second cup.
- Breakfast Sandwiches with local eggs, sharp cheddar, and house-cured bacon
- Buttermilk Biscuits with whipped butter and seasonal jams
- Vegan-friendly options like chia pudding and avocado toast
- Freshly baked pastries and scones
Comparing Morning Favorites
| Dish | Flavor Profile | Key Ingredients |
| Egg & Cheese Biscuit | Rich, savory, comforting | Farm eggs, sharp cheddar, house biscuit |
| Granola & Yogurt Bowl | Light, nutty, refreshing | House-made granola, local yogurt, fruit |
| Avocado Toast | Earthy, tangy, bright | Seeded bread, ripe avocado, microgreens |
No matter your choice, breakfast at Citizen Vinyl promises a harmonious start to the day, echoing the rhythms of Asheville itself.
Lunch Offerings: Midday Melodies
Lunch at Citizen Vinyl is a dynamic affair, reflecting the café’s commitment to hearty, satisfying fare with an artistic edge. The midday menu is designed to fuel creativity and conversation, offering dishes that are both nourishing and visually appealing.
Classic sandwiches, vibrant salads, and inventive bowls anchor the lunch lineup, each prepared with attention to detail and a nod to local flavors.
Guests can choose from a variety of thoughtfully crafted sandwiches, from stacked turkey clubs with tangy house-made aioli to vegetarian paninis brimming with roasted vegetables. The emphasis on balance is evident—lighter options like grain salads sit comfortably alongside more indulgent plates, ensuring there’s something for every craving.
Lunch at Citizen Vinyl isn’t just about sustenance; it’s about savoring a pause in the day, reconnecting with friends or colleagues in a setting that invites relaxation and inspiration. The café’s open, sunlit space encourages diners to slow down and enjoy each bite.
- Signature Sandwiches featuring locally sourced meats and cheeses
- Creative salads with seasonal greens, grains, and house dressings
- Gluten-free bread and bowl options
- Daily soups made from scratch
“Our lunch menu is a canvas for seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. We want every guest to feel like they’re part of something special.”
— Citizen Vinyl Sous Chef
Lunch Pairings to Try
- Turkey Club with a side of sweet potato chips
- Grilled Veggie Panini and house salad
- Quinoa Bowl with lemon-tahini dressing
From crisp, refreshing salads to comforting classics, the lunch menu at Citizen Vinyl is all about celebrating the midday meal as an experience to be savored, not rushed.
Beverage Program: From Craft Coffee to Creative Cocktails
Citizen Vinyl’s beverage program is as thoughtfully curated as its food menu. The café’s coffee bar serves as a gathering point for both locals and visitors, offering expertly brewed espresso drinks, pour-overs, and seasonal specials crafted from locally roasted beans.
The focus on quality is unmistakable, with baristas trained to deliver consistency and artistry in every cup.
Beyond coffee, the beverage menu encompasses an array of teas, fresh juices, and house-made sodas that complement the kitchen’s offerings. An afternoon at Citizen Vinyl might include a sparkling lemonade infused with herbs or a robust chai latte, each crafted with the same attention to detail found in the food.
As the day transitions into evening, the café’s bar program comes alive. A rotating selection of craft beers, natural wines, and inventive cocktails provides ample options for winding down or celebrating with friends.
The bar team takes pride in sourcing regional spirits and creating drinks that echo the creative spirit of the space.
- Specialty espresso drinks with latte art
- Herb-infused lemonades and house sodas
- Rotating selection of local craft beer
- Signature cocktails inspired by classic vinyl albums
Beverage Menu Highlights
| Beverage | Description | Best Paired With |
| Pour-Over Coffee | Single-origin beans, expertly brewed | Morning pastry or biscuit |
| Citrus Mint Soda | House-made, sparkling, refreshing | Grain salad or light lunch |
| Vinyl Old Fashioned | Regional bourbon, bitters, orange twist | Evening charcuterie |
“Beverages are an extension of our culinary creativity. Each drink is crafted to elevate the entire Citizen Vinyl experience.”
— Lead Barista
Pastries and Sweets: The Art of Indulgence
The pastry case at Citizen Vinyl is a showcase of the kitchen’s creativity and skill. Each day, guests are greeted with a fresh selection of baked goods that range from classic favorites to seasonal specialties.
The pastry team is dedicated to using high-quality ingredients, ensuring every bite is a true delight.
Morning pastries—such as flaky croissants, tender scones, and fruit-filled muffins—offer a perfect complement to the café’s coffee program. As the day progresses, the selection shifts to include cookies, brownies, and inventive cakes, all made in-house.
The team’s approach balances tradition with innovation, often featuring unique flavor combinations or playful presentations.
For those with dietary preferences, Citizen Vinyl offers an array of gluten-free and vegan sweets, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a treat. The kitchen is always experimenting, introducing limited-run desserts inspired by the seasons or special events.
- Croissants—buttery, flaky, and freshly baked
- Vegan muffins with local fruit
- Decadent brownies and cookies
- Seasonal cakes with creative flavors
Pastry Comparison
| Pastry | Texture | Dietary Option |
| Classic Croissant | Flaky, buttery, airy | Traditional |
| Blueberry Muffin | Moist, fruity, tender | Vegan available |
| Chocolate Chip Cookie | Crisp edges, chewy center | Gluten-free available |
“Our pastries are an expression of our team’s passion for both flavor and artistry. Each one is made to bring a little extra joy to your day.”
— Citizen Vinyl Pastry Chef
Seasonal Specials and Limited-Time Offerings
One of the most exciting aspects of dining at Citizen Vinyl is the ever-changing roster of seasonal specials. The culinary team embraces the bounty of each season, collaborating with local growers to create dishes that highlight peak flavors and ingredients.
These limited-time offerings add an element of surprise to every visit, encouraging guests to return and discover what’s new.
From spring’s tender asparagus and ramps to autumn’s heirloom squash and apples, the kitchen showcases the best of Western North Carolina’s harvest. Seasonal specials might appear as featured entrees, unique sandwiches, or decadent desserts, often drawing inspiration from traditional Appalachian recipes reimagined with a contemporary touch.
The specials menu also reflects the café’s playful side, with dishes named after classic albums, musicians, or local legends. This creative approach fosters a sense of excitement and discovery, turning each meal into an opportunity for culinary adventure.
- Farm-to-table specials featuring peak produce
- Weekly chef’s picks and tasting flights
- Specialty desserts tied to holidays and events
- Collaborations with guest chefs and local artists
Seasonal Chef’s Picks
| Season | Featured Ingredient | Sample Dish |
| Spring | Ramps, asparagus | Ramp and goat cheese frittata |
| Summer | Heirloom tomatoes | Tomato tart with basil pesto |
| Autumn | Squash, apples | Butternut squash soup with apple relish |
| Winter | Root vegetables | Roasted root vegetable bowl |
“Our seasonal specials are where we get to have the most fun—showcasing what’s fresh and telling a story with every plate.”
— Citizen Vinyl Executive Chef
Dietary Inclusivity and Customization
Citizen Vinyl is passionate about creating an inclusive dining experience that welcomes every guest, regardless of dietary needs or preferences. The kitchen takes pride in offering a diverse array of options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices, all prepared with the same level of care and creativity as the rest of the menu.
Customization is encouraged, with staff eager to accommodate allergies or special requests. Many menu items can be easily adapted, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.
The café’s open communication with guests makes it easy to navigate the menu and find dishes that fit specific dietary requirements.
In addition to clearly labeling menu items, Citizen Vinyl regularly collaborates with local producers who specialize in allergen-friendly ingredients. This dedication to inclusivity extends to the pastry case as well, where gluten-free and vegan treats are always available.
- Vegetarian and vegan options in every menu category
- Gluten-free substitutions for sandwiches and pastries
- Dairy-free milks and spreads for beverages
- Allergy-conscious kitchen practices
Menu Adaptability Table
| Menu Item | Vegan Option? | Gluten-Free Option? |
| Breakfast Sandwich | Yes (tofu scramble, vegan cheese) | Yes (gluten-free bread) |
| Granola Bowl | Yes (dairy-free yogurt) | Yes (gluten-free granola) |
| Pastries | Yes (vegan muffins) | Yes (gluten-free cookies) |
“We believe great food should be accessible to all. Our menu is designed with flexibility and inclusivity at its core.”
— Citizen Vinyl General Manager
Atmosphere and the Citizen Vinyl Experience
Dining at Citizen Vinyl is an immersive experience that goes far beyond what’s on the plate. The café’s design reflects the vibrant energy of the vinyl pressing plant, with mid-century modern furnishings, vintage album art, and natural light streaming through tall windows.
The ambiance is both relaxed and lively, offering a welcoming space for every occasion.
The open kitchen and visible record presses create a unique sense of theater, inviting guests to witness the creative process from start to finish. This transparency fosters a spirit of community and curiosity, as diners chat with staff, watch records being made, and listen to carefully curated playlists.
Events and pop-ups are a regular part of the Citizen Vinyl calendar, from album launches and artist talks to themed tasting menus and collaborative dinners. These experiences deepen the connection between food, music, and the local creative scene, making every visit feel special.
- Mid-century modern décor and abundant natural light
- On-site record pressing and live music events
- Community tables and cozy nooks for every mood
- Rotating art installations and vinyl listening stations
“Citizen Vinyl is more than a café—it’s a gathering place for creativity, connection, and inspiration.”
— Local Artist and Regular Patron
Conclusion: Savoring the Citizen Vinyl Menu
Citizen Vinyl’s menu is a testament to Asheville’s spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and community. Every dish, beverage, and pastry is crafted with intention, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and creativity.
By celebrating local producers, honoring seasonal ingredients, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere, Citizen Vinyl has established itself as a culinary and cultural destination.
The café’s unique setting—where music, art, and food converge—creates an experience that lingers long after the last bite. Whether you’re enjoying a leisurely brunch, sampling a seasonal special, or discovering a new favorite pastry, each visit offers something fresh and memorable.
The thoughtful approach to dietary needs ensures that everyone can share in the joy of good food, while collaborative events and pop-ups keep the experience ever-evolving.
For both locals and visitors, Citizen Vinyl invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and become part of a vibrant community united by a love of music, food, and creativity. The menu continues to evolve, but its heart remains the same—celebrating connection, flavor, and the art of gathering together.
