Hidden gems often have an unassuming storefront, perhaps off the beaten path, and most well-known to locals. Some may think these “best kept secrets” are best kept under the radar, but I’m here to give you the inside scoop straight from a Winston-Salem native.
Twin City Sweets
Located off the beaten path on the side of Clemmonsville Road awaits your new favorite small town ice cream joint. Twin City Sweets started as a small walk-up ice cream stand but has since grown into a new food trailer serving up Forsyth County themed ice cream sundaes. Cleverly named concoctions like the Clemmons Cotton Candy, Piedmont Peanut Butter and Stratford Strawberry are made with Hershey’s ice cream and pay homage to the city of Winston-Salem and surrounding areas. Patio seating and lawn games like cornhole make this a perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family! Make sure to grab a bag of their honey roasted pecans for the road.
Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant
Di Lisio’s is a family-owned Italian restaurant in a modest storefront on Brookstown Avenue in Downtown Winston-Salem. Though the space is somewhat small, it adds to the intimacy of the restaurant. They offer an elegant dining experience with house-made pastas, breads and confections. Owned and operated by the Di Lisio family, who hail from Naples, they aim to bring a taste of Italy to our city. Their menu offers authentic options like veal saltimbocca, chicken cacciatore, and linguine alla vongole, plus an expansive build your own pasta section. It would be a certain disservice to your tastebuds to skip the limoncello cake made in house!
Raku Ramen & Sushi
Raku Ramen & Sushi has brought something new and exciting to Forsyth County! Located on the outskirts of Winston-Salem in the Village of Clemmons, you’ll find Raku comfortably nestled in what used to be a Zaxby’s drive thru. While the location may be unassuming, the interior of the restaurant has been completely overhauled into a peaceful Asian eatery, complete with a full sushi bar. Raku’s sushi menu is extremely expansive, highly customizable and innately creative. Something there is not an abundance of in this area is good ramen, but Raku has it! Ramen options include red spicy oil, white tonkotsu, green veggie and more!
Café Gelato
A commodity that is surprisingly scare in Winston-Salem: gelato. Luckily, Café Gelato has 2 locations in Forsyth County, and they’re all you need to fulfill your gelato craving. This woman-owned business is well-versed in crafting sensational authentic gelato. The West End store front is small, but conveniently located nearby Hanes Park – take a short walk and enjoy your gelato outside! The owner brought her knowledge of this sweet treat straight from Europe and serves classic flavors like pistachio, hazelnut and coconut.
Waldo’s Wings
It’s easy to spread the word about a new business in the era of social media we live in. Waldo’s Wings gained notoriety among Winston-Salem locals in the 90’s the old-fashioned way – word of mouth. Locals know to order your Super Bowl wings from Waldo’s plenty of time in advance before the big game to make sure you’re able to secure them – they’re that good. Waldo’s is a staple of Forsyth County, and everything you need and more in a wing joint. – lots of TVs, cold beer, and wonderful, hearty food. The wings are the flagship, but the options certainly don’t end there. Don’t miss 79 cent wings on Tuesdays!
Penny Path Café & Crêpe Shop
A touch of France in the Triad! Penny Path is located in the historic Reynolda Village, which is somewhat of a hidden gem in and of itself. Quaint and unique, the beautiful gardens at Reynolda Village set the aesthetic for this little Café. You can grab a seat on their extensive patio or gather round the crêpe station inside – watch as they prepare what’s sure to be a beautiful vessel for any toppings or fillings you can imagine. The savory crêpes are cooked with a crispy parmesan outer shell, filled with anything from brie cheese, roasted red peppers and pesto. Split a sweet crepe for dessert – options range from bananas foster to Boston cream pie or Nutella.
Little Richard’s Smokehouse Bar-N-Que
Most Winston-Salem natives grew up eating at Little Richard’s Barbecue. The original location opened on Country Club Road in the 90’s as a small, cash-only joint with a down-home feel. There are several locations of the original Barbecue spot but taking it one step further off the radar is their new concept: Little Richard’s Smokehouse Bar-N-Que. Located conveniently off Salem Parkway on Stratford Road, Bar-N-Que is the perfect mix of classics and new creations. You’ll find all your usual meat options with that familiar Lexington style sauce, but don’t be afraid to branch out! They incorporate their famous ‘cue into dishes like brisket tacos, BBQ Cubanos, and a barbeque quesadilla.
West End Café
The historic West End neighborhood lends itself as the backdrop for many hidden gems in Winston-Salem, and their namesake Café is no exception. West End Café has been serving Forsyth County for over 30 years! They recently underwent an interior update, but the cozy, neighborhood feel is ever-present. You’ll be in the company of many regulars here, but their expansive menu would take ages to conquer. The Reubens are of note, and you can customize them by ordering it West End Style – swap out the sauerkraut for a tangy honey mustard slaw. West End Café has a full bar, great eats, and is ready to become your new go to.
Taqueria Los Juanes
Perhaps the most unassuming storefront on this list, Taqueria Los Juanes is located inside a small Mexican grocery store in a Jonestown Road shopping center. Don’t be fooled. They are serving up authentic Mexican eats and some of the best tacos in Winston-Salem at a great price. The tacos al pastor are a treat – house-made corn tortillas topped with the most flavorful marinated pork and fresh pineapple. You’ll find other authentic delicacies like chilaquiles, tortas de milanesa and mojarra frita. Don’t worry – they have classic options like quesadillas, enchiladas, and burritos, too!
Putters Patio & Grill
Putters Patio & Grill is another longstanding establishment here in Winston, opening in 1995 nearby the fairgrounds. Putters has a wraparound porch that hugs its humble exterior. Inside, you’ll find an old-style bar with plenty of drink specials. Putters does bar food and they do it well. They have elevated options like teriyaki chicken Philly sandwiches, bacon & garlic burgers, gorgonzola blue cheese fries, but they are also renowned for their steaks, which may come as a surprise by looking at the exterior. Putters is a prime example of why not to judge a book by its cover!
