Asheville News

Avenue M restaurant opens on Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville

Jason Sandford November 29, 2010

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

Press release here:

Long time North Asheville residents, Teri and Greg Siegel have purchased Usual Suspects, the well-known gathering place on the corner of Gracelyn and Merrimon Avenue in North Asheville.

Now called Avenue M (a play on Merrimon Avenue), the casual, eclectic restaurant is expanding the pub food menu by adding fresh fish, new dinner entrées and vegetarian choices.

The dog-friendly patio and full-service bar remain with 14 draft beers (11 NC brews) and an extensive, affordable wine selection with glasses from $5 and bottles from $19. The old game room has been transformed into a comfortable lounge, for eating, drinking, dining, Wi-Fi, watching the big screen and private parties.

“With a space as big and diverse as ours, Avenue M can be all things to all people,” says Greg.

Avenue M is open Monday through Saturday from 5pm to 2am and the kitchen is open until 1:30ish. And will soon be open on Sundays for lunch and dinner. Trivia night is on Tuesdays from 7:30pm to 9:15pm. There will be live music on Dec. 4th with Carolina Rex.

“You couldn’t ask for a better location, better community or better customers,” says Teri. “We are excited to see where this adventure takes all of us.”

Avenue M is located in North Asheville at 791 Merrimon Avenue. For more information go to www.avenuemavl.com and follow Avenue M on Facebook and Twitter account (@avenuem), or call 828.350.8181.

Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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9 Comments

Cassie January 5, 2011

very bad experience at avenue m,, i will never go there again. i will definitely miss usual suspects, and their amazing and attentive owners. i will never forget my second visit there a couple of years ago. i had been in previously one night to meet a friend for dinner and drinks, and i ordered vodka tonics. the second time i went into usual was probably a month or 2 later, and kathy was behind the bar, and she looked at me and said "vodka tonic, right?" i was floored. unfortunately these new owners, do not have this flare or what it takes. service is less than stellar…more like horrible. food is bland. the new owners will be lucky if their friends can support their business for more than a year.

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1. Walter Sobchak September 23, 2017
  
  Looks like you were wrong.
  
  Reply
Suzanne May December 10, 2010

I can't wait ! Teri and Greg are wonderful people. Good things have to be happening at Avenue M. I will venture there this weekend. Good luck Greg and Teri !

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eig December 6, 2010

the new owners have made that wonderful, classy, effortless spot into the north asheville olive garden. unfortunately for them, they offer nothing that can't be picked up at any other run of the mill restaurant/bar in this city or olive garden for that matter. the usual suspects – and it's gimmick free simplicity – is missed in a terrible way.

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Woody December 1, 2010

Vegetarian and dog friendly? Wasn't it both of those things before as well?

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McD's November 30, 2010

I agree with Julie. Kathy and Les built something special and the new owners are too busy breaking it down, bragging about themselves and 'trying to cater to all' while alienating their core. Avenue M… just past the Big M. I wish them well, but they really need to think about their operational style.

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David T. November 29, 2010

I was wondering if they would keep the old name… I like the new name and the logo is great! Hopefully they hired someone local to do it and didn't "outsource" it like the new owners of the Tourists did. Good luck! I will continue to eat and drink there a couple of times per month…as long as it is as good as it has been.

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J. Potter November 29, 2010

Vegetarian options and dog friendly! I'm there!

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Julie November 29, 2010

Very sad. In order to have a successful venture, the new owners needed to do one thing and one thing only – change nothing. I will give "Avenue M" a shot but my experiences so far since Kathy & Les departed have been underwhelming to say the least. Maybe the new owners just need more time. Let's hope that is the case.

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