Winston-Salem, NC is extremely underrated, simple as that. Especially when it comes to restaurants and eateries.
Check out these 10 delicacies Winston-Salem has been hiding... You, and your stomach, will be sure to thank me later. Say bye-bye to the PIT, and hello Winston-Salem!
1. Tart Sweets
848 W 5th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
I discovered this gold mine of delicious-ness a few days ago on a Saturday afternoon while exploring downtown Winston-Salem. WHAT A DISCOVERY! I felt like Christopher Columbus himself. Known for their incredible macaroons, beautiful cakes and pasteries, and all paired with a strong cup of coffee—couldn’t get much better than that. For the next Sunday study-crunch time, you can find me in the large, Victorian-like house, home of Tart Sweets. Cya later Camino, because Tart Sweets is the new place to be!
2. Pulliam’s Hot Dogs and BBQ
4400 Old Walkertown Rd, Winston-Salem, NC
Oh. My. Yum. Pulliam’s Barbeque is an absolute must, y’all. And yes, I included the y’all to add a little southern effect. But seriously. Known as a whole in the wall joint with counter-top service and the city’s best hot dogs and barbeque, add an ice-cold glass of cheerwine, and you’ll be hooked. Established in the heart of Winston-Salem in 1910, Pulliam’s has been a neighborhood favorite. Stop on in and give it a taste yourself—and trust me, even your favorite baseball park hot dogs will never compare to good ole’ Pulliam’s.
3. The Flour Box Tea Room& Café
137 W St SW, Winston-Salem, NC
Pinky’s up, please! If you’d like something a little more fancy than good ole’ fashion hot dogs and cheerwine, take a trip down to the rustic village of Old Salem for tea-time at The Flour Box Tea Room and Café. Check out their facebook pages, as they wonderfully described the experience, “From steaming teapots to scrumptious scones, dainty sandwiches, colorful salads to bubbly wine we have everything you might want!” Well grab me a crown and call me princess, I’m heading down to The Flour Box Tea Room and Café ASAP!
736 South Main Street Winston-Salem, NC
Go even further than a cup of tea in Old Salem, and grab a meal at the Tavern. No Wake Forest students, this isn’t Village Tavern. This a traditional, Old-Salem favorite. Known for their restaurant style, located in a rustic home in the heart of Old-Salem, this is a Winston must. Family operated and inspired by 19th century history, one can experience the historic Moravian attire of the waitstaff during the day, and dining by candelight at night. Built in 1816, this historical dining spot is something one cannot pass up during their time in sweet home Winston.
300 S Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Not too adventurous and simply looking for a solid, American cuisine meal? Check out Willow’s Bistro. With a laid back feel—from the high ceiling lightening to the outdoor, torch-lit porch, this is a great place to grab a meal with friends one weekend. From delicious soups like loaded potato with country ham, chives, and cheddar to maple bacon wrapped scallops… Oh my, I’m starting to get a little hungry. This Saturday night head out with friends to Willow’s Bistro for great food with great company!
521 S Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC
One of the definite highlights of Winston-Salem, that’s for sure. Tucked in the heart of Old Salem, Winkler bakery has been open since 1807. With rustic wood-burning ovens, rhythmically cooking breads, sugar cakes, and more… Even just the experience of watching the bakers at work is a real treat. Don’t have any money on you to grab a sweet treat? Really, that’s not a big deal. The experience alone of heading down to Winkler Bakery is one you won’t want to miss. Yet, if you do have a buck or two… Go for their Moravian sugar cookies and cakes!
113 Reynolda Village, Winston-Salem, NC
Holy dumpling! Awesome prices, quick service, walking distance to campus… And did I mention, dumplings?! This little dumpling-joint is right up my alley. For all Wake Forest students: Check out May Way Dumplings for a change on your usual PIT menu of pizza and hummus. May Way Dumplings offers a variety of specialities including pork buns, fried chicken dumplings, noodles, and sweet and sour soup.
8. Mooney’s Mediterranean Café
101 W 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC
Falafal Tuesday = Life. Warm $4 dollar falafel pita for four dollars?! Well, in actuality, real Mediterranean cuisine = life, and Mooney’s is just this. The first time I experienced this downtown favorite was on a rainy afternoon and I ordered the Tripoli Chicken Salad. Warm, grilled chicken in a bed of cous cous, their signature house salad, feta cheese, tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing with a warm side of wheat pita. Even the description sounds delicious, right? Next time you find yourself strolling downtown Winston, stop by Mooney’s for a traditional Mediterranean meal.
9. Taco Riendo 3
3619 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC
Looking for a little more spice in your life? This little dive restaurant next to a gas station (I know, sounds a little sketchy) is some of the best Mexican food in Winston-Salem. I know for my own taste-buds, I stick to mild, but Taco Riendo 3 has it all. From spicy enchiladas to their famous platillos (special plates), you will want to try it all!
10. Mozelle’s
878 W 4th Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
And finally, for a not so secret, southern favorite: Mozelle’s fresh southern bistro. Okay, for all you northerners that came down to Wake Forest to experience the south, Mozelle’s does us southerners justice. From fried chicken with mac and cheese, spicy collards and bacon, cheese grits and more, it can't be beat. Needing a little comfort after… say… the Accounting Exam? Check out Mozelle’s for a delicious taste of sweet, southern hospitality.
