Downtown Winston-Salem has made a name for itself as a foodie Mecca. Even though the city is somewhat small compared to nearby urban areas, the options always seem to continue. Here you’ll find a comprehensive overview of some of Downtown Winston’s highest-rated, most popular, and downright classic dining options.
The Old Fourth Street Filling Station
Nestled in Historic West End, The Old Fourth Street Filling Station is one of Winston-Salem’s best, operating for nearly twenty years. The Filling Station has something for everyone. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious lunch or a meaningful special occasion. The charming patio provides a cozy, old-style feel, but the cuisine is modern and upscale. They offer a full bar, a comprehensive wine list, a variety of menu options, and rotating specials. Their crab cakes are some of the best in the area, and you’ll be impressed with the portion sizes in contrast with other similar restaurants. If you go to the Filling Station for Sunday brunch, try the Crab Cake Eggs Benedict!
Foothills Brewing
Foothills Brewing started its operation in 2005 at its Downtown location, but over those years, they’ve built two additional sites, won numerous awards, and become a staple on Fourth Street. They have their tasting room location off Stratford Road, which is now their main brewing operation. You can also find their sister restaurant, Footnote Coffee & Cocktails, directly behind the Brewpub. Their beer is well-known and widely distributed across North Carolina. You’ll recognize their flagship brews like the Hoppyum IPA, People’s Porter, Torch Pilsner, and seasonal offerings. They’ve got some seriously elevated bar cuisine, compliments of Executive Chef Shane Moore. Check out the smoked dry rub wings and the Dirty South Burger, topped with pimento cheese and fried pickles!
Quanto Basta: Italian Eatery & Wine Bar
Chef and owner Timothy Grandinetti brought wine, elegance, and Italy to Winston-Salem! Quanto Basta is an upscale yet attainable Italian eatery. In addition to their standard dinner service, Quanto Basta also offers occasional chef-curated wine dinners in-house, and what a treat they are! Perfect for a date night, especially if you like wine. Their offerings are extensive, with over 200 wine options, with a concentration in Italian varietals. Their menu is undoubtedly Italian-influenced, but you’ll love the creative spins they add to these traditional dishes. The Beef Short Ribs Barbaresco is a must-try.
Mozelle’s Fresh Southern Bistro
Gourmet. Southern. Elevated. Mozelle’s is a woman-owned Winston-Salem staple and yet another Fourth Street gem. An elegant patio lines the exterior with a historic West End neighborhood view. Mozelle’s is serving up southern cuisine with a twist. They upgrade classic dishes like fried chicken and meatloaf with additions like peach chutney for the perfectly fried chicken and a tomato marmalade with Havarti cheese topping over the decadent meatloaf. They source from many local retailers, including Brasstown Beef, Camino Bakery, and Homeland Creamery. Don’t miss the shrimp and grits and the caramel peach shortcake!
Young Cardinal Café
Young Cardinal Café may be relatively new on the scene, but owner Adam Andrews is an essential restauranteur in Downtown Winston-Salem. Andrews owns renowned restaurants such as Jeffrey Adams on Forth, Dogwood Hops & Crops, and his newest upcoming venture, Twisted Pine. Young Cardinal is in what’s known as “Restaurant Row” on Fourth Street and holds its own. Their menu goes back to basics with breakfast classics such as Steak and Eggs or Huevos Rancheros, but the culinary flair they add is simply unmatched. Weekly rotating Eggs Benedict specials have fresh, in-season ingredients, and the originality of these gastronomic creations will keep you coming back!
Timmy’s Hot Chicken
Timmy’s is the sister restaurant to its next-door Fifth Street neighbor, Small Batch Beer Co. Though reasonably new on the Downtown scene, they have dominated the hot chicken market. The menu is simple and concise – Timmy’s knows hot chicken. You can get tenders, thighs, wings, sandwiches, and chicken and waffles, but one common denominator is the HEAT. You can choose your spice level, anywhere from medium to hellfire. Timmy’s does Nashville hot chicken slightly differently – no spicy oil, just a fiery, flavorful dry rub. If you can make it through an order of hellfire wings in ten minutes with no drinks, you’ll get your name on a victory plate on the wall!
Bobby Boy Bakeshop
Located just past West End in Buena Vista, Bobby Boy Bakeshop is an artisan bakery that takes pastries to the next level, serving Downtown Winston-Salem since 2019. Locally owned by John and Lucia Bobby,
this bakeshop produces seriously elevated pastries, bread, confections, coffees, and more. You’ll notice the interior is filled with bustling business most times, in a shared space with Caviste Wine Bar. Bobby Boy also has a sprawling patio with an herb garden where you can enjoy a cinnamon roll, lemon meringue éclair, or ginger molasses cookie sandwich.
Krankies
Three words are synonymous with Krankies for Winston-Salem locals: Coffee. Biscuits. Downtown. Krankies fits perfectly into the unique, artsy Downtown niche without being pretentious. They’ve staked their claim in WSNC, serving top-tier biscuits and the best house-roasted coffee. Their signature biscuit, aptly named the Krankies Classic, pays homage to another product originating in Winston-Salem – Texas Pete! You’ll find a fluffy, buttery biscuit topped with crispy fried chicken and a blend of honey and Texas Pete for a perfect pop of sweet and spicy flavor! You’ll also find rotating coffee specials, such as Orange Cream Nitro Cold Brew and Golden Maple Matcha, plus a creative weekly biscuit special!
The Porch Kitchen and Cantina
Tex-Mex in the Triad! The Porch Kitchen and Cantina offers an imaginative take on Mexican cuisine. The restaurant has an expansive back porch, perfect for enjoying one of their signature house-made margaritas. You’ll find options like strawberry habanero, blueberry basil, and lavender. The menu, as well as the interior, is colorful and creative. They offer standard burritos and tacos but take advantage of their specialties, such as the Texas Pete Chicken Flautas or the Dr. Pepper Pot Pie. The Porch is consistently named one of Downtown Winston’s best and most popular restaurants. You can also find tons of take-and-bake options at the restaurant and several nearby stores.
Yamas Mediterranean Street Food
Build your own Mediterranean concept comes to Winston-Salem! You’ll recognize Yamas Mediterranean Street Food as the brainchild of the Michael Family, who also own other Winston-Salem flagships, such as Waldo’s Wings and Cin Cin Burger Bar. Yamas delivers the same quality in a new and exciting format. The options are endless here. Choose anything from a grain bowl, salad, or pita. Mediterranean classics such as beef kofta meatballs, couscous, and tabbouleh grace the line as they pile your creation with all the delights your heart can take. Another Fourth Street gem, Yamas, has a delightful patio where you can enjoy an order of feta fries with a rose lemonade!
