Living in Clemmons

Living in Clemmons, a suburb of Winston-Salem, offers residents a local, small-town feel. There are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Stores and restaurants close earlier than more populated areas, but most residents choose Clemmons for the quietness and safety. Many families live in Clemmons due to the quality of life and highly rated public schools. Clemmons has had an incredible amount of development recently. Still, it retains a small-town feel that residents crave and a sense of southern charm with modern amenities.

EAT

Breakfast

Diners

Affordable diners are what’s for breakfast. The most popular diners in Clemmons are Pete’s Family Restaurant (closed on Sundays) and Clemmons Kitchen (closed on Mondays). Neither are fancy, but they offer great value, good service, hot coffee, and numerous menu options. 

BTW: Restaurants in Clemmons that are open on Sundays experience an after-church rush. On Sundays, expect a wait if you visit at noon or shortly after.  

Lunch

Ketchie Creek

Ketchie Creek is a modern bakery and cafe serving sandwiches, baked goods, sides, desserts, and coffee. It’s a trendy and casual local spot and perfect if you’re in the mood for a quality sandwich. 

Little Richards Barbecue

If you want some good North Carolina barbecue, try this smokehouse: Little Richard’s Barbecue. Do it right at Little Richards and order the chopped tray with crinkle-cut fries and white slaw—order ranch dressing for dipping your fries (they have the good ranch here), hush puppies, and a bottle of warm Lexington-style sauce to pour over the barbecue. There is seasoning on the table with the salt and pepper. Go ahead and sprinkle some of that over your fries. Enjoy.

BTW: I wouldn’t usually recommend getting a salad at a barbecue joint, but the chopped salad with ranch dressing at Little Richards is ‘chef’s kiss.’ 

Dinner

2520 Tavern

2520 Tavern is the most polished restaurant in Clemmons. The traditional menu has a good mix of chicken, beef, and seafood dishes. They offer delicious soups and salads. I highly recommend the creamy Italian salad dressing and oyster stew. Most servers and bartenders have worked here for years, so they know what they’re doing and will take care of you. 

Ronni’s Restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall, but wait to knock it until you’ve tried it. There’s a reason Ronni’s has been around since 1982. It is the place for a pitcher of beer, crispy buffalo wings, and pizza. 

BTW: Ronni’s is the most popular place for ordering food for big games, like the Super Bowl. If you plan to order takeout, place your order a day or two ahead. 


Clemmons might be a few hours away from the ocean, but Full Moon Oyster Bar serves some of the freshest seafood in North Carolina. The restaurant is a large sectioned seated bar serving fresh oysters that they shuck in front of you. Each meal has a side of red potatoes and slaw, which they will serve you before your meal comes out. 

BTW: At Full Moon, order a slice of cake for dessert. It’s some of the best you’ll ever have. 

BTW: There is half-price wine on Thursday nights. Don’t be afraid to order off the ‘Dockside’ seafood menu. The restaurant used to be a fried seafood place called Dockside, so their fish is delicious!

Ronni’s Restaurant

Ronni’s Restaurant is a hole-in-the-wall, but wait to knock it until you’ve tried it. There’s a reason Ronni’s has been around since 1982. It is the place for a pitcher of beer, crispy buffalo wings, and pizza. 

Clemmons might be a few hours away from the ocean, but Full Moon Oyster Bar serves some of the freshest seafood in North Carolina. The restaurant is a large sectioned seated bar serving fresh oysters that they shuck in front of you. Each meal has a side of red potatoes and slaw, which they will serve you before your meal comes out. 

BTW: At Full Moon, order a slice of cake for dessert. It’s some of the best you’ll ever have. 

BTW: Ronni’s is the most popular place for ordering food for big games, like the Super Bowl. If you plan to order takeout, place your order a day or two ahead.

Full Moon Oyster Bar

Clemmons might be a few hours away from the ocean, but Full Moon Oyster Bar serves some of the freshest seafood in North Carolina. The restaurant is a large sectioned seated bar serving fresh oysters that they shuck in front of you. Each meal has a side of red potatoes and slaw, which they will serve you before your meal comes out. 

BTW: Order a slice of cake for dessert. It’s some of the best you’ll ever have.

With Locals

Brick Oven Pizzeria

Go to Brick Oven Pizzeria anytime, and you’ll likely see families and Little League teams eating here. The Brick Oven is a large but cozy family restaurant. The pizza never disappoints. If you’re in the mood for an appetizer, their meatballs are tender and delicious! 

BTW: You may experience a wait here, but it moves fast.

Mi Pueblo

Mi Pueblo is a Mexican restaurant that has been a local favorite since 1989. There are multiple locations across the state, but the one in Clemmons was the first to open and is still the flagship location. Mi Pueblo may seem like an average Mexican joint, but its ingredients are fresh! You’ll find this out when they serve you with chips and fresh salsa.

BTW: If you like margaritas, try the Skinny-Rita. You may feel ridiculous ordering it, but you won’t feel silly drinking it. It’s made with fresh fruit and is much better than the house margarita.

Chang Thai

Chang Thai is lowkey the best restaurant in the area. The restaurant serves Thai and Japanese food. Even the sushi is good! If you like curry, pad thai, Asian soups, sushi, and spring rolls, this is where you need to eat!

Dessert

Cindy’s SnowCreamery

Cindy’s SnowCreamery is a hidden gem your kids will love. It’s a little hut on the side of the road serving snow cream better than your mama made it. The vast menu includes creative flavors like dill pickle and pumpkin pie. Please don’t fret; they also offer traditional flavors, which I recommend trying first. 

BTW: Order your snow cream ‘stuffed and fluffed’ for ice cream on the inside and whipped cream on top. Cindy’s has seasonal hours and closes at 8 p.m. during the off-season.

DRINK

Coffee

Be Kind Coffee Co.

Be Kind Coffee Co. brings people together through food and drinks with time-honored recipes and techniques from the owners’ families. In 2020, the owners opened Be Kind Coffee to bring the world more joy, even through something as simple as a cup of coffee and a smile.

Clutch Coffee Bar

Clutch Coffee Bar is CLUTCH for when you need good coffee fast and on the go. It’s a drive-thru-only local chain, and I highly recommend it over a chain drive-thru. 

Check out 14 Winston-Salem Coffee Shops For Every Occasion.

Adult Beverages

Village Square Tap House

Village Square Tap House is the local bar and go-to place to watch the game, play pool, throw darts, and see live music. The bar closes at 1 am and is probably the only place open in Clemmons at that hour. 

The Playground Golf and Sports Bar

The Playground Golf and Sports Bar is the place to visit if you want reassurance that Clemmons is “cool.” It’s a massive space with a lot to do besides drink. Watch the game on one of the big screens or relax on the giant sofas. If games are what you’re looking for, head to the simulators for a round of golf, get chased by zombies, or slow down and play a board game.

LIVE

There are many neighborhoods worth exploring in Clemmons. The best one for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. We recommend researching and visiting the communities in-person to determine the right fit for you.

Waterford
Waterford neighborhood in Clemmons, NC

Waterford is a residential community located 12 miles west of Winston-Salem. The first homes in Waterford were built in 1985. The development evolved in 2 phases: Phase 1, Waterford, on the east side of Peace Haven Road, and Phase 2, “New” Waterford, is one mile further on the west side of Peace Haven.

When it was a new development, Waterford was considered among the pre-eminent residential communities in the Piedmont Triad, with various red brick homes, grand entrances, and well-planned, spacious lots. Some properties even have scenic views of the surrounding countryside. Today, Waterford is a vibrant yet peaceful neighborhood where families grow to become friends. The pool, headquarters of the championship Waterford Stingrays swim club, hosts all the neighborhood action in the summertime. 

As Clemmons proper has evolved, Waterford has enjoyed being central to everything. One of the best YMCAs is just up the road. A state-of-the-art medical center opened in 2013 and is right down the street. If you’re a cyclist, you’re a pedal push away from excellent rural roadways (and bike shops), including the newly built Clemmons Greenway near Morgan Elementary. 

Clemmons West

Clemmons West is an established subdivision known for its well-maintained properties and spacious yards. The mature trees and plantings in the neighborhood create a welcoming and at-home feel. It is convenient to I-40 and Hwy 158, just a five-minute drive from Winston-Salem. 

Clemmons West pool, a community pool with optional membership, is home to the Clemmons West Aqua Demons swim team for kids ages 4-18. 

Salem Glen

Salem Glen is a beautiful golf course community split between Forsyth and Davidson Counties. The neighborhood features stunning homes, the first built around 2000, and picturesque golf course views. It’s a ten-minute drive from Winston-Salem and a twenty-minute drive from Lexington. For those who enjoy an active lifestyle within a tight-knit community, it’s an excellent place to live. 

Salem Glen is the Triad area’s only Nicklaus Design Course. The 18-hole championship course has gained national acclaim, earning the prestigious four stars by Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play and being rated as one of the best golf courses in the area year after year. The Grille at the Glen Restaurant, located at the Salem Glen Clubhouse, is open to the public. The pool is home to the Salem Glen Swordfish, a summer swim league for ages 4-18. 

DO

Axe Throwing

Tap That Axe Throwing is one of the largest axe-throwing clubs in North Carolina and is locally owned and operated. Axe throwing is a trend in indoor sports – a great activity for date night or meeting friends. Sip on a beverage while others in your group are taking turns throwing axes. 

BTW: You must wear closed-toe shoes (no heels). Plan your visit and make a reservation. 

Shop

Hip Chics Boutique is a large boutique with more than clothes and shoes. They have a children’s gift shop and some home decor. They have different clothing sections that cater to a diverse clientele. The young adult section is in the far-right area of the store and is where you’ll find popular fashion trends. The middle of the store has styles that are both casual and work-appropriate. They carry labels like Spanx, Sheila Fajl, and enewton. The far left area of the store has the store’s baby gifts and home goods. 


Carolina Vintiques has refinished furniture pieces, antiques, and seasonal flower arrangements. It’s a fun place to browse if you enjoy looking for unique items for your home. 

BTW: The store can help you with delivery for larger furniture pieces. Their delivery fee is reasonable!


Chameleon Kids Consignment is an upscale baby and kids clothing consignment store. It’s a great place to shop for name brands at a discount. The owner is choosey about the items she sells – much of what she sells looks brand new. 

BTW: The store has a toy section. Your kids will love looking at and playing in the toy selection while you browse.

Jerry Long Family YMCA

Jerry Long Family YMCA has loads of options: walking and running tracks, basketball courts, pickleball courts, racketball courts, two pools, and a fully-equipped weightlifting room. The workout classes include Tao Chi, Pilates, chair yoga, high-intensity training, low-impact aerobics, RPM, and body pump.

Tanglewood Park

Tanglewood Park is one of the best parks in the state. The park offers fishing on two lakes, paddle boats, tennis courts, a public pool, picnic shelters, walking trails, hiking trails, horseback riding, trail systems, a dog park, BMX biking, horse stables, gardens, golf, and SoftGolf. The Arboretum and Garden at Tanglewood showcases plant varieties from around the world. The park is unique in that it offers accommodations. Stay at the Manor House Bed & Breakfast. If you like to camp, there are cabins by one of the lakes. For those with RVs, visit the RV park. 

For 30 years, the Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park has attracted visitors near and far as a famous holiday display of lights. For 2023, the Festival of Lights is open every night from November 17 to January 1, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Check out 15 Favorite Tanglewood Park Activities.

Locals think you should know:

  1. At Lowe’s Foods of Clemmons, the grocery carts have cup holders for beer and wine, which you can purchase at the bar. 
  2. Part of Clemmons is within Davidson County, which has lower taxes than Forsyth County.
  3. Your kids will love growing up in Clemmons, NC. 
Picture of Jeff Valentino
Jeff Valentino

Hi, it’s Jeff Valentino. In 2019 my 2 sons and I packed up and moved to Winston Salem from the suburbs of Chicago. We didn’t know one person here. I wished there was a resource for people like me who are considering a similar move, so I decided to make one!

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