New pub in West Asheville nears opening

Jason Sandford

We've been waiting awhile for the Universal Joint to open on Haywood Road in West Asheville. I shot this photo in September 2008. Here's a little tidbit from a blog:

"So, I'm headed up to Asheville to help get the new U-Joint up and running. I'm excited to get my hands on a new kitchen. The new place is located in West Asheville if you're ever up there. The goal is to blend what we do here at Steinbeck's with what the U-Joint does. The result should blow away every other pub in the area. I hope. Wish us luck!"

Comments

[Small business owner]

This will be a turning point in West Asheville and should be a wake up call to all the other pubs and restaurants to clean their bathrooms and paint a little.

Like I have always said, competition is good for business and therefore good for everyone.

[BIG RIP]

So you want to blow away every pub in the area. Ah, that is a great way to fit into the W. asheville. Happen to own a restaurant in the area and the great thing about Ashevegas is that you don't try to "blow away" the comp. Just do what you do, get involved in the community and let the cards fall where they may. If your mindset is to blow away the comp. then i give you 6 months tops, no matter what your serving!

[Asheville Dweller]

Oh boy how diverse, yet again another Pub, well at least its not another coffee shop . . .

[Asheville resident]

All us locals are asking is that West Asheville stop taking their business for granted.

Also, this new pub just won't be a locals only joint like the rest that snub their noses to people from other parts of Asheville, but it will be everyones pub to enjoy and get together with friends. Trust me, I am sure everyone will feel more comfortable at this new pub then any other in the area.

BIG RIP: sounds like your scared of competition and that you might have to clean and paint the bathrooms

[Pixiedyke]

As a customer, rather than an owner, I feel the Westside pub scene could use a little blowing away, at least as far as the food goes. The Westville menu is over priced and unappetizing, the meat at LO always has gristle in it, and The Admiral is all the way down at the other end of the world. I say bring on the winds of change!

[Ashevilynn]

I think the Universal Joint will be a really cool place to hang out! My only question ... if you have to drive there, where is there to park?

[Asheville Local]

LOVE that outside patio area right on Haywood. Can't wait to get out there with a cold one.

[UJoint]

I wanted to take a minute to clarify and to apologize. Our goal is to be part of the community of West Asheville, much like we are in Oakhurst. We have no intent on working against the existing business community or trying to hurt anyone's business. We hope that our arrival and the arrival of other businesses will help everyone in the community. The comment about "blowing away" every other pub was taken from one of our sister restaurant's facebook account and was made out of enthusiasm for the new store and menu, not with the intent on hurting other businesses in the area. We were the first pub in Oakhurst and have welcomed the other pubs/restaurants that have come after us to the area. Our success has been the result of a strong, co-operative group of business owners working together. I would like to apologize to any business or person offended. We look forward to seeing you and working with you all soon.

[Doug Sahm]

Looking forward to it U-Joint. When is opening day?

[oldtruckguy]

Alright Westville Pub time to step it up. Your bar food is okay but it will not hold a candle to the Ujoint's fare. It will be a welcome relief to not have to listen to some jam band wanna be noodling (tuning) his guitar while I am trying to eat dinner and have a conversation with friends.

[mtnsport]

No need to apologize UJoint. We welcome you. Sounds like Big Rip is easily ruffled and a bit worried. Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable I say.

[Holly]

WoooW. Ate at UJ on Saturday night (9/12/09). Food was excellent; beer choice wide; bathroom clean; and a recycled building to boot. I love this place. The price is right for casual dining. This place will do very well. The smoked trout reuben sandwich was delicious. I have already sent a friend there. It will give Sunny Point a little competition.

[Beth]

I ate there Saturday (9/12/09) night with my two children (11 and 13) and we all loved it. Cleaned our plates! Nice addition to Haywood community.

[jay]

French dip was a bit too much. liked the fries... but there was myestery au jus that was... too much.

[cinco]

Excellent Gyro and parmesan fries - as good as any I've had at a place with Greek or mideast concentration on the menu. Love the tater tot option - such a good nostalgic spot in my culinary memories, but all grown up and updated with a killer burger and a beer!