A Local’s Guide to Winston-Salem

Want to know where the locals eat, drink, shop, and play? Here are our favorite places, broken down roughly by location, with a focus on unique-to-Winston locations. There are so many good options, we guarantee you'll enjoy your visit to Winston-Salem!

Downtown Favorites

Everywhere we list here is either directly in the downtown area or right on the border of downtown.

Where to Eat

  • Louie and Honey’s Kitchen�- Two words: cinnamon rolls. Trust us, you won’t regret it, though everything that this Parisian-feeling cafe makes is delicious.
  • Young Cardinal Cafe�- The perfect place for breakfast or brunch downtown.
  • West End Cafe – For an easy lunch with tons of options, head to this cozy cafe.
  • Mission Pizza�- This award-winning restaurant is closer to an Italian osteria than American pizzeria. Mission makes the best pizza in town, hands down, but we also love their pasta! Open only for dinner Wednesday-Saturday.
  • Sweet Potatoes– Soul food at its finest, they make amazing fried chicken and other Southern classics.
  • Mozelle’s�- One of our favorite restaurants; they serve upscale Southern�food that feels fresh and inventive.
  • The Porch�- We go for their margaritas, but we stay for their tex-mex-inspired bowls and salads. Great for both lunch or a causal dinner.

Where to Drink

  • Camino Bakery – With 2 downtown locations, this is where you should get your caffeine fix.
  • Wise Man Brewery – They make some of our favorite beers in town; their tap room is definitely worth a visit.
  • Fiddlin’ Fish Brewery – Hit Fiddlin’ Fish for a pre- or post-dinner beer with a relaxed vibe.
  • Eastern Standard – A super-cool bar with a nice wine list and lots of seating.
  • Joyner’s Bar�- Joyner’s has a big-city feel and serves up some top-notch cocktails to match.
  • Fair Witness Fancy Drinks�- Fabulous drinks in an ideal location for taking in the ambience of downtown.

Where to Shop

  • Wood & Thread Boutique�- This women’s boutique offers a relaxed, younger vibe and trendy clothing.
  • Evelyn Rose Boutique�- Here you’ll find affordable women’s fashion to modernize your wardrobe.
  • Camel City Goods – If you love Winston-Salem, then here is where to buy a bumper sticker, mug, t-shirt, etc. – their designs make W-S cool.
  • Bookmarks – Winston’s only independent bookstore, it offers a great selection and lots of fun events.
  • Fiddle & Fig– This shop sells beautiful items for the home with a modern farmhouse vibe.

What to Do

  • Go boutique bowling at ROAR – Even if you aren’t normally a “bowler” you will enjoy this duckpin bowling option on the second floor of the entertainment complex ROAR.
  • Catch a film at a/perture – Located on 4th Street, a/perture cinema makes dinner + a movie fun and easy.
  • Gallery Hop on Trade Street – Browse the art galleries and shops along Trade Street, plus enjoy the street murals.
  • Go to a Dash Baseball Game – Family-fun right downtown, this is the quintessential summer activity.

Make sure to check our events page for a look at what’s happening in and around town this weekend!

Farther Afield – Outside Downtown

Everywhere listed below is within a 5-15 minute drive from central downtown Winston-Salem. We are seriously spoiled by a lack of traffic here, so no matter where you decide to go, it won’t mean much time in the car.

Where to Eat

  • Bobby Boy Bakeshop – Treat yourself to anything here, we aren’t kidding when we say everything they make is outstanding. They also serve excellent coffee drinks.
  • Dough Joe’s�- Enjoy delicious doughnuts, sweet treats, and coffee in Reynolda Village.
  • Acadia Foods – A neighborhood favorite with lots of vegan options, many people say they have the best brunch in town.
  • Village Tavern�(in Reynolda Village) – An upscale pub feel, they have a huge menu that offers something for everyone.
  • Rooster’s: A Noble Grille – Some of the finest dining in Winston, you can’t go wrong with Noble’s.

Where to Drink

  • Sayso Coffee / West Salem Public House – These 2 businesses operate in the same location, with coffee during the day and beer & wine at night. A very relaxed vibe.
  • Theodore’s Bar & Market – This newcomer in Reynolda Village is offering beautiful cocktails in the most charming location.

Where to Shop

  • The Caviste – An amazing wine shop, ask their staff for recommendations to find your new favorite wines.
  • Monkee’s�- Our favorite place for shoes and a pretty dress.
  • Southern Home & Kitchen�- The best place for gifts and home decor, plus everything you need for your kitchen.
  • Hive�- High-end fashion with a Palm Beach feel.
  • Rebecca’s & Co.– A mix of cocktail and casual styles for the modern woman.

What to Do

  • Tour SECCA – An art museum housed in a historic house, there are so many interesting exhibits that come through SECCA. Best of all, it’s always free.
  • Walk through Reynolda Gardens & Village – We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, don’t miss out on Reynolda! It’s a favorite with both visitors and locals alike.

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