Camel City BBQ Factory offers a modern twist on classic barbecue, with their signature smoked brisket and pulled pork. Just outside downtown on Peters Creek Parkway, Mr. Barbecue is a no-frills local favorite, offering a variety of smoked meats, including their famous pulled pork and chopped barbecue.

For a slightly more modern barbecue experience, Little Richard's Bar-N-Que (seen left) is a must-try. Their authentic Lexington-style 'cue is pit-cooked to perfection, while the smoked meats are tender and flavorful, and their menu offers a fresh take on some classic favorites (plus a full bar!).

Lastly, for something a little unique (both in terms of flavor and ambiance), check out East of Texas. Located just south of downtown in the West Salem area, the open-air eatery is known for its juicy brisket and flavorful ribs, smoked on site Texas-style.

Pulliam's has been a local legend for decades, serving juicy hot dogs in a setting filled with racing memorabilia. (One tip: don’t let its official name, JS Pulliam Barbeque, fool you. Hot dogs are the star here.) For another vintage hot dog experience, check out Kermit's Hot Dog House, an old-school diner in the city's Southside (a mile from the stadium). It has no website and no drive-thru window, but it does feature a classic drive-in/carhop setup where food is delivered right to your car window, similar to a Sonic. While you can't go ordering a Carolina-style hot dog (chili, mustard, slaw), Kermit's is also famous for serving foot-long dogs topped with pimento cheese.

If you're looking for a quick dog on the way into town, local favorite Dairi-O offers a family friendly space with hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream. There are multiple locations in the area, including Kernersville, Clemmons, north Winston-Salem, and south Winston-Salem. If you have to drive through Rural Hall, located just north of Winston-Salem, be sure to pull off the exit for King's Hot Dogs for a no-frills family-owned hot dog joint that has been loved by locals for over 40 years.

Forsyth Seafood, a family-owned business located less than a mile from Bowman Gray Stadium, offers a diverse menu of fresh seafood, from shrimp and oysters to crab cakes and fish tacos.  In addition to their seafood platters (seen left) Their daily seafood market is a great place to purchase fresh catches for a home-cooked meal. 

Mayflower Seafood, known for its delicious Calabash-style seafood, has been a Winston-Salem favorite for decades. Located a mile south of downtown along Peters Creek Parkway, Mayflowers' popcorn shrimp, oysters, and fried fish are a must-try. As a bonus, the restaurant's cozy, come-as-you-are atmosphere makes it a great place to enjoy a meal with the whole family.

Burke Street Pizza, a downtown institution, offers classic New York-style pizza by the slice, perfect for a quick pre-race meal or a late-night snack. If you're craving a more sophisticated pizza experience, head to Cugino Forno in the Bailey Power Plant district. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven and they are located next door to local favorite Incendiary Brewing Company.

And speaking of tasty Neapolitan-style pizzas, Winston-Salem’s own Mission Pizza Napoletana has been named one of America’s Top 50 pizzerias by Food & Wine. Located in the Downtown Arts District, the upscale pizza joint is owned by Peyton Smith, a recent semifinalist for the James Beard Award.

For a historic backdrop with your meal, head to Muddy Creek Cafe along Main Street in Old Salem. Nestled in this living history museum, you can experience one of Winston-Salem's top attractions Old Salem, while enjoying their hearty sandwiches and fresh salads.

For some of the best burgers in the Southeast, Heff's Burger Club delivers with its quirky decor and mouthwatering smash burgers. This local favorite was a semifinalist for "Best New Restaurant" in the prestigious 2023 James Beard Awards.

If convenience is key, Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden in downtown's Bailey Power Plant district is your answer. Not only is it located in one of the city's buzziest spots (with several bars, breweries, and coffee shops nearby), it's food is also top notch. In fact, MSN.com has crowned their burgers some of the best in North Carolina. Pair their juicy patties with their famous sweet potato fries or other delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Slappy's Chicken in the Washington Park neighborhood recently earned the title of "Best Chicken in North Carolina" from voters on Yelp.com. Their crispy fried chicken and flavorful sides are sure to satisfy (don't miss the Cheez-it mac 'n' cheese). 

Looking for top-notch chicken wings? Many folks in Winston-Salem will tell you that the best wings in town can be found at a place better known for its beer, Foothills Brewpub. (We agree with the sentiment; the wings are fantastic, and the beer is mighty fine, too!) And if chicken wings aren't your thing, Foothills' Fish 'n' Chips dish is a winner as well. And don't sleep on the fried pickles.

Looking for legendary wings to go? Our pre-game go to spot, Mountain Fried Chicken, sits only five minutes north of the stadium (just off Highway 52). The no-frills diner sells its famed “Winston Wings” in quantities of 50 ($42) and 100 ($76), as well as all other fried-chicken favorites and delicious side dishes, perfect for to-go tailgate spreads.

Quiet Pint Tavern in downtown's West End area offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious chicken sandwiches, perfect for a casual meal. Just across the street, Cin Cin Burger Bar serves up mouthwatering burgers and sliders, along with creative boozy milkshakes.

For a slightly more upscale experience, check out Earl's in downtown's up-and-coming Industry Hill District (seen left). Their Southern-inspired menu features a variety of chicken dishes, from fried chicken to chicken sandwiches, and an impressive cocktail menu to boot.

Just around the corner from the race day action is the Downtown Arts District, where the Twisted Pine offers a variety of flavorful options, from patty melts to trendy tacos to their famed hot honey chicken sandwich. With multiple TVs and an inviting atmosphere, it's a great place to watch sports while enjoying a delicious meal.

The O.G. of Winston-Salem’s breweries, Foothills pairs top-notch pub fare with over a dozen craft beers on tap, including fall seasonals like Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Ale. Located on Fourth Street in the heart of downtown, the brewpub is a short walk from other popular bars, including Recreation Billiards, a legendary watering hole that opened in 1947.

Anchoring the ground floor of the iconic Bailey Power Plant, Incendiary Brewing pairs industrial vibes with award-winning brews. Enjoy your pint inside amid the big screens and brewing tanks, or grab a seat on the brewery’s massive outdoor space (aka, the Coal Pit), one of the most popular patios in town. Hungry? Try a Neapolitan-style pizza or a scoop of gelato from Incendiary’s neighbor, the aforementioned Cugino Forno.

Located in the Downtown Arts District, ROAR is a four-story entertainment mecca that opened in 2022. It features a 50-game arcade, boutique bowling, golf simulators, and a 90-tap self-serve beer wall. The basement houses a digitized mini golf course (Twisted Putter), while the top floor offers a swanky rooftop bar and dazzling skyline views.

The Downtown Arts District is also home to two top-notch breweries — Wise Man and Fiddlin’ Fish (pictured) — and downtown’s beloved Irish pub, Finnigan’s Wake. There’s also Miller's on Trade, a new pub with pool tables, darts, and dozens of TVs. Right next to ROAR, Camel City BBQ Factory offers a full bar, cornhole boards on the patio, and a third-floor arcade with billiards, foosball, skee-ball, and more.

NOTE:  If live music is more your jam, check out our Guide to Live Music in Winston-Salem for tips on the best places to see a show.

For cozy comfort food: Cagney’s Kitchen. This local diner serves all-day breakfast at all its area locations, including its flagship location at Cloverdale Avenue, less than 10 minutes from Bowman Gray.

For pancake perfection: Midtown Café. Breakfast is served anytime at this venerable diner in the Five Points area. Go for the French Toast, Irish Oatmeal, Big Buckaroo special, or one of Midtown’s 10+ pancake specialties. (And ask about their mimosa flights.)

For grab-and-go pastries: Bobby Boy Bakeshop. Modeled after a French-style bistro, Bobby Boy pairs Instagram-worthy scenery with fresh-baked perfection. Favorites include chocolate croissants, morning buns, cinnamon rolls — and everything else. It’s less than five miles from Bowman Gray and a mile north of downtown.

For caffeine on the go: Coffee Park Airstream. The drive-up coffee shop sits in Silver Bullet Airstream on Reynolda Road, just north of downtown on Reynolda Road (next to Bobby Boy). Just pull up to the window, place an order, and you’ll be merrily on your way.

What about brunch? One of the best things about weekends in Winston-Salem? Waking up for brunch! You’ll find plenty of places downtown to start your weekend right, including standbys such as Mozelle’s, Fourth Street Filling Station, and Krankies (pictured right), the latter of which is famous for their house-brewed coffee and heavenly chicken biscuits.

Want to get an early start? Another favorite brunch favorite that opens early on the weekends (at least compared to most brunch spots) is Young Cardinal Cafe. Located along downtown's Restaurant Row (on Fourth Street), the cafe serves breakfast items from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  It's been a local gem for years, but it's starting to gain national attention, was recently named the best spot for brunch in North Carolina on Yelp.com.

A FINAL NOTE: There are countless other great places to eat and drink in Winston-Salem, and this is by no means a comprehensive list. Instead, it’s simply a few tried-and-true favorites all five miles or less from the stadium. That said, the downtown area is filled with great places to eat, drink, and unwind (more than we could possibly list in this story).  For a look at other nearby restaurants, bars, breweries, and more, check out the Food & Drink section of our website.

Lastly, it's also worth noting that there’s lots more to do in Winston-Salem than just eat, drink, and watch racing. To get the most out of your trip, make it a full weekend. If you need help mapping out an itinerary, check out our Ultimate See & Do Fan Guide to Winston-Salem.