Bens Tune Up - Asheville

Have you ever wanted to experience a Japanese-style back alley restaurant bar like in the movies, but couldn't afford a trip to Japan? Well, if you live in Asheville or are visiting, you're in luck because you can visit Ben's Tune Up instead. This place has a divey atmosphere, both indoors and outdoors, which adds to its charm. We came here for the food and sake. Unlike traditional Japanese restaurants where sake is served warm or at room temperature, Ben's Tune Up brews and serves their own sake chilled. We tried a flight of traditional and infused sakes, all of which were delicious and refreshing. The food was also excellent, with standout dishes like the French fries and the gochujang chicken thigh sandwich. The service was average, but we were disappointed to see a service charge automatically added to the bill and the tip amounts preset in the payment app. While we respect hospitality workers and always tip generously, we prefer to have the freedom to choose our tip amount based on the service received. Despite this issue, we would still return to Ben's Tune Up, especially for a fun night out with friends.

I visited this restaurant to try their sake and I was not let down! They had three different varieties and all of them were excellent. The atmosphere was very relaxed and it's definitely a nice local spot to visit.

Such a cool and unique venue, even for Asheville standards! This bar is tucked away and secluded but has such a fun vibe on the inside. They carry mainly sake, but also have beer and cider as well. There is plenty of room to sit, talk, or play ping pong. They venue also frequently hosts shows and charges a cover fee at the door for certain performances. Overall, it's a great venue with good drink options. I recommend!

Very nice vibezzz with beer options as well as house-made sake. My first time trying the sake seltzer. DJ started playing at 8? Saturday night. The crowd seemed friendly. I think they start charging cover later in the night so if you want to go earlier, there was no cover to get in.

We had an amazing time at this restaurant during our weekend in Asheville. We enjoyed a sake flight and my boyfriend tried some beers, although we're not sure which ones. The atmosphere was very relaxed and the music playing was all 90s hip hop and r&b, which we loved. Bailey was excellent! She made sure our drinks were always full and gave helpful suggestions for sake and food when my boyfriend wanted to order something to eat. We will definitely return next time we visit.