Whether you’re in the mood for a classic griddled cheeseburger, a creative and customizable burger creation for the ages, or a good ole smash burger, Winston-Salem is the place to go. Each of these locally owned establishments provide their own take on an American classic. Here are some of the best places to grab a burger:
Cin Cin Burger Bar
If you’re looking for an incredible, unique, and customizable burger – look no further than Cin Cin Burger Bar! This First Street burger joint has a speakeasy vibe and tons of options. Cin Cin is great for people with dietary restrictions as they offer gluten free and vegan burger bun options. They have a giant “Build Your Own Burger” section including everything from bison and garbanzo bean patties to toppings of mac and cheese, grilled pineapple, and feta cheese. For the more adventurous, I recommend one of their expertly crafted burger combinations. Try the Nutty Butter – topped with American cheese, candied bacon, bread and butter pickles, and spicy chipotle peanut butter. A unique and perfectly executed burger creation!
Small Batch Beer Co
An indulgent burger and beer experience, Small Batch Beer Co is a downtown Winston-Salem classic. These burger creations are imaginative and gourmet with signature presentation. Burgers are served in a small metal pan topped with a skewered olive and pepperoncini. Their craft burgers include the fan favorite Figgy Piggy, which combines goat cheese, bacon, grilled onions, and fig jam. You don’t want to miss the burger whose name is a nod to our city, The Winston, topped with pimento cheese, grilled onions and potato chips! All of that combined with a great patio, relaxed vibe, Fifth Street view and house brewed beers, Small Batch is a must for any best burgers list.
P.B.’s Takeout
After serving the Triad for over 30 years, P.B.’s has become a Winston-Salem essential spot. Nestled on Hawthorne Road in the historic Ardmore neighborhood, P.B.’s is a humble takeout spot serving up classic burgers and hot dogs. There are a few seats inside, where you’ll find metal, diner-style stools, and vintage Pepsi-Cola wall hangings, or you can opt for a picnic table outside. Juicy, griddled beef patties atop a perfectly buttered and toasted bun (this is the key!) – a native North Carolinian would encourage you to order your burger “all the way”. Also known as “Carolina Style”, this combination of chili, mustard, onions, and slaw is a Carolina classic not to be missed at P.B.’s Takeout.
Bobo’s Deli
Bobo’s may appear to be new on the scene, opening on Robinhood road in 2017, but they are anything but amateurs. Bobo’s is a New York inspired deli that took over the space previously occupied by Teddy G’s. Andrew Bobotsiares, nephew of Teddy G himself, purchased the restaurant and carried on the family tradition. You will certainly feel at home in this cozy, family-owned spot. Bobo’s Deli has several burger creations on their expansive menu – everything from the classic Carolina style Gus Burger to the creative Jammin Dallas Burger, topped with pepper jack cheese, bacon jam, crispy fried onions, and avocado. These patties are juicy and filling, all at an affordable price!
Heff’s Burger Club
Fine food. No Fuss. This is motto here at Heff’s Burger Club, a newcomer to the Downtown Winston-Salem food scene. What started as a burger pop up, gained notoriety around the Triad, and opened their brick-and-mortar burger spot on Fourth Street, in the heart of Restaurant Row. Owner and Chef Justin Webster, who named this restaurant after his wife and her affinity for burgers, is serving up delicious smash burgers and incorporating lots of local ingredients into unique gastronomic burger creations, each seemingly more insanely delicious than the last. Check out their flagship burger, the Ladykiller, smashed Joyce Farms patties, white American cheese, red onion, lettuce, local Niki’s Pickles, and black garlic sauce. Heff’s offers a “buy a meal” program as well, for $8 you can purchase a meal for the unhoused community through the Winston-Salem rescue mission.
Foothills Brewing
Foothills Brewing is synonymous with Downtown Winston-Salem. You’ll certainly recognize them for their acclaimed brews, but what you may not know is they also have some of the best burgers around. Executive Chef Shane Moore cooks up some excellent eats, and his burgers are among the best. They have three offerings including a classic cheeseburger, a pub melt with sautéed mushrooms and onions with bacon and melty cheese atop sourdough. Arguably the flagship burger is the Dirty South. It truly encapsulates the south! A sizable juicy patty cooked to order, topped with pimento cheese, bacon, tomato, and fried pickles! You’ll have no trouble here at Foothills Brewing finding a perfect beer to pair it with!
