Dinner + Drinks

Kernersville may not be a late-night dining hub, but it has plenty of spots where dinner naturally turns into another round. All restaurants below serve until at least 10 p.m. on weekends, though the bar scenes often carry the night a bit further.

Blue Rock Pizza & Tap (pictured)
Opened in 2025, this is the largest of the Blue Rock locations and one of downtown’s most energetic hangouts. A 40-foot bar with dozens of taps, wall-to-wall TVs, and a menu stacked with pizzas, wings, and more make it easy to settle in and stay awhile.

Sixty Six Grill & Tap House
Located along Highway 66, this casual spot brings a strong sports bar feel with TVs, a full bar, and a wide-ranging menu of pizza, wings, burgers, and more. It’s a reliable option for a laid-back night that stretches beyond dinner.

The Gaslight on Main
One of Kernersville’s only true upscale options, this newer spot (opened 2025) brings a more refined night-out feel to the Shoppes on Main. Expect craft cocktails, polished plates, and a social bar scene that’s elevated without feeling overdone.

J. Peppers Southern Grille
A longtime local favorite for Southern classics, J. Peppers leans more restaurant than bar, but the full-service bar and steady evening crowd give it staying power. It’s the kind of place where dinner can easily turn into a second drink.

East Coast Wings
Founded in Winston-Salem, this regional favorite blends a family-friendly restaurant with a sports bar atmosphere. With dozens of wing flavors, plenty of TVs, and a lively crowd on game nights, it’s an easy place to keep the night moving.

Craft Beer & Breweries

For its size, Kernersville punches above its weight when it comes to craft beer. You'll find a trio of spots only a mile apart that double as social hubs, live music venues, and easy places to spend an evening.

Gypsy Road Brewing
Part brewery, part social gathering spot, Gypsy Road is one of Kernersville’s most lively hangouts. A spacious taproom opens to a large outdoor beer garden that regularly hosts live music, food trucks, and events from line dancing to seasonal festivals. It’s as much about the atmosphere as the beer, with a steady, welcoming crowd.

Little Brother Brewing
Right on Main Street, and just steps from Blue Rock Pizza, this boutique brewery brings a strong community feel to downtown. Known for its small-batch beers and creative programming, it regularly hosts live music, trivia, and its unique “Homebrewer Spotlight” series, giving local talent a platform alongside its own rotating taps.

The Brewer’s Kettle
Less than a mile from downtown, The Brewer’s Kettle is far more than a bottle shop. With a deep craft beer and wine selection, a laid-back taproom, and a spacious outdoor area, it’s a go-to for lingering into the evening. Live music, regular events, and late hours (until midnight) keep things lively. It’s also one of Kernersville’s most dog-friendly hangouts, with a covered beer garden where pups are welcome and often part of the scene.

Bars, Lounges, Late Night

When the night stretches a little longer, Kernersville leans into a mix of cocktail lounges, laid-back bars, and offbeat hangouts. Here's five solid late-night options, each with their own vibe and appeal.

Breathe Cocktail Lounge (pictured)
In the heart of downtown Kernersville, this Main Street lounge brings a more elevated nightlife feel to Kernersville. Expect expertly crafted cocktails, from smoked old fashioneds to seasonal creations, paired with a thoughtful menu of shareable plates and flatbreads. With its stylish atmosphere and rotating lineup of live music, comedy, and specialty events, it’s the closest thing to a true night-out destination in town.

Folly’s Draft + Snack
Folly’s keeps things casual in the best way. The Main Street hangout is known for its rotating craft beer selection, live music, and lively patio. While they don’t serve full meals, snacks, food trucks, and the option to bring your own food make it easy to settle in.

Social Habit
This downtown spot leans into the cocktail lounge vibe with handcrafted drinks, late hours on weekends, and a steady, social crowd. It’s a go-to for keeping the night going, with a polished but approachable feel that fits seamlessly into Kernersville’s growing after-dark scene.

The Emporium
Located off Main Street, The Emporium is a self-described “nerdy rock and roll bar” that adds a dose of grit and personality to the lineup. Known for its large beer selection, retro arcade games, and frequent live music, it’s a favorite for those looking for something less polished, with weekly jam nights and a rotating mix of local acts.

Wanna Explore More?

There’s more to Kernersville than its after-dark scene, and it’s just as enjoyable during the day. For ideas on what to see, do, and experience when the sun is up, check out our Kernersville Daytrip Guide.

Looking for more? Head to our Kernersville page for guides on where to eat, shop, and explore, plus helpful tips to plan your visit.