NASCAR Clash Food Guide: Where to Refuel on Sunday

If you're heading into town for The Clash on February 2, you'll likely have some free time on Sunday. The gates at Bowman Gray Stadium don't open until 4 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore Winston-Salem before heading to the race. And whatever you choose to see and do, chances are you'll need to eat at some point. That's where this handy guide can help. The following highlights some favorite restaurants in town, all less than 10 minutes from the race and open on Sunday. We've divided them into breakfast/brunch spots open early, and lunch spots to visit in the early afternoon. 

Breakfast Best Bets

When it comes to breakfast, chances are you'll be looking for something quick, casual, and delicious before heading into The Clash. From coffee shops to comfort food to sit-down brunch, here are some tried and true spots located only miles from Bowman Gray.

For grab-and-go pastries: Camino Bakery (open at 7 a.m.). With two downtown locations to choose from — the original downtown location (seen above) and the newer Camino Brookstown close to Old Salem — Camino combines classic coffee shop vibes with fresh-baked goodness. With coffee staples and a rotating seasonal menu, you can get your cappuccino or nitro cold brew with a slice of seasonal quiche or freshly baked bagel.

For cozy comfort food: Cagney’s Kitchen. (open at 7 a.m.). This local diner serves all-day breakfast at all its area locations, including its flagship location at Cloverdale Avenue, located less than 10 minutes from Bowman Gray near Baptist Medical Center.

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 great coffee (and amazing biscuits): Krankies Coffee (open at 8 a.m.). Eclectic, funky, and delicious, Krankies has grown from a coffee-only spot to one of the best breakfast joints in town. The Krankies Classic Biscuit is a local favorite, but the Dirty South (with bacon and pimento cheese) is our go-to. Best of all, it’s only a few blocks from the Innovation Quarter shuttle lot.

For early, award-winning brunch: Young Cardinal Cafe.(open at 8 a.m.). Located along downtown's Restaurant Row (on Fourth Street), this trendy cafe serves breakfast items from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The local gem is starting to gain national attention, having recently been named the best spot for brunch in North Carolina on Yelp.com.

For sit-down or grab-and-go: Acadia Foods. Part food counter, part grocery store, this local gem is tucked in the Washington Park neighborhood, less than three miles from Bowman Gray. Either pack it up to-go or grab a table and enjoy your brunch in-house. As far as what to order, the breakfast grilled cheese is a new twist on the classic, or you can go for nostalgic vibes with a fried bologna breakfast sandwich. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available.

For caffeine on the go: Coffee Park Airstream. (open at 8 a.m.). 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.

Sunday Brunch Spots (open later in the AM): If you’re looking for a satisfying Sunday brunch near the stadium, you’ll find plenty of great options. including standbys such a  Fourth Street Filling Station (opens at 10 a.m.), Tex Mex hotspot The Porch (10 a.m.), and Southern-inspired Mozelle’s (11 a.m.), and local go-to The Hungry Palate.

Sunday Lunch Hotspots

Looking for a pre-race meal Sunday afternoon? Here are some favorite spots within a few miles of Bowman Gray — all of which begin serving lunch at 11 a.m. on Sundays. 

FOR NC BBQ, BRISKET, AND SMOKED MEATS:

• Camel City BBQ Factory offers a modern twist on classic barbecue, with their signature smoked brisket and pulled pork. It’s colorful downtown location also features a bar-cade and is only blocks from the Innovation Quarter parking lot, making it a great spot for shuttle-riders.
• For a slightly more modern barbecue experience, Little Richard's Bar-N-Que 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!).
• For something a little unique (both in terms of cuisine and ambiance), check out East of Texas 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.

FOR TASTY SANDWICHES, PIZZA, AND MORE :

• For a historic backdrop with your meal, head to Muddy Creek Cafe in Old Salem (open 12-3 p.m.). 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.
• Barcelona Burger in downtown's buzzy Bailey Power Plant is convenient for any race fan parking in the Innovation Quarter lot. (It’s only blocks away). Pair their juicy patties with their famous sweet potato fries or other delicious sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Local favorite Dairi-O offers a family-friendly space with tasty hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream. There are multiple locations in the area, including Kernersville, Clemmons, and south Winston- Salem. So if you're looking for a quick bite, you’re bound to pass one on the way into town.
• 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.
• For uniquely delicious pizza, head to Cugino Forno in downtown’s Bailey Power Plant. Their Neapolitan-style pizzas are made with fresh and cooked in a wood-fired oven. Featuring tons of seating indoors and out, it’s conveniently next door to the popular brewery, Incendiary, and is a quick walk to the Innovation Quarter shuttle lot.

SIT-DOWN LUNCH SPOTS

• Quiet Pint Tavern in downtown's West End area offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious chicken sandwiches, perfect for a casual meal. Across the street, Cin Cin Burger Bar serves up mouthwatering burgers and sliders, along with creative boozy milkshakes.
• For a slightly upscale (but not fancy) experience, check out Earl's in downtown's up-and-coming Industry Hill District. Their Southern-inspired menu features a variety of chicken dishes, from fried chicken to chicken sandwiches, and an impressive cocktail menu to boot.
• Foothills Brewpub might be known best for its award-winning beer, but it has surprisingly tasty food. (Many locals swear they have the best wings in town.) If chicken wings aren't your thing, Foothills' Fish 'n' Chips or Pub Burger are also great options. And don't sleep on the fried pickles.

Looking for more things to explore on Sunday before the race? Our Clash See & Do Guide has details on some other things happening in town during race weekend (aside from food options).