Outdoor Dining Spaces Entice Foodies Year-round
Winter, spring, summer, and fall, Winston-Salem’s temperate climate draws diners outdoors to raise a glass and share a bite.
Whether cozying up near the fire pit on a cool, fall evening or enjoying the fresh air of spring, these top restaurants offer everything from inventive outdoor spaces to quaint patios for the ultimate al fresco experience.
Newcomer to the Winston-Salem restaurant scene, East of Texas is run by veteran restauranteur Claire Calvin and is inspired by her childhood in Texas. Comfort classics are smoked and served up daily (and there's even breakfast on Saturday!): from brisket to biscuits, grab a seat on their expansive patio (dog and kid friendly) and settle in for a good time. Follow them on social media to stay up to date on rotating food and drink specials, including favorites like $5 Margarita Monday and Winston Wednesdays. Looking for dinner out with some... extra sauce? They host events like live music, movie screenings, and open mic comedy nights. Open daily
James Beard Award nominee Bobby Boy Bakeshop has taken the Winston-Salem community by storm with their aesthetically pleasing bakery selection and storefront. While baked goods are their "bread and butter", so to speak, don't count them out when looking for your next lunch spot. A true hidden gem among locals, they offer daily lunch specials highlighting fresh baked breads and other locally sourced ingredients. With indoor seating, adjoining Caviste Wine Bar, and a grassy outdoor dining alcove, you'll love the food and the atmosphere.
Named for the temperature (in Celsius) of its wood-fired oven, Six Hundred Degrees features a chic space and spacious outdoor patio under the iconic smokestack of the Bailey Power Plant. Chef-owners offer creative small plates and entrees, wood-fired to perfection. Open daily.
Located downtown in the 200-year-old Zevely House, Bernardin’s is known among locals as one of the city’s finest dining experiences. Start with the goat cheese tart or escargot before moving on to scallops, prime steak, or ahi tuna. For something unique, the duck breast with fig sauce and North Carolina emu are expertly prepared. Bernardin’s recently renovated its patio for elegant outdoor seating. Closed Sunday.
Is there anything quite as refreshing as pizza + beer? Okay, maybe a lot of other combos hit the spot, but the combined outdoor space that connects Cugino Forno and Incendiary Brewing is something you just have to experience for yourself. Historic charm meets vibrant city life in downtowns' Innovation Quarter neighborhood, where you can find this dynamic duo tucked in the original coal pit of the historic power plant for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (today, just known as "The Coalpit"). Grab a cold pint from Incendiary Brewing then pop in for a fresh pie next door at Cugino Forno. When the weather is nice, look out for rotating events and live music. Open daily.
Family owned for more than 20 years, 1703 serves up classic French and nouvelle Southern cuisine in Winston-Salem’s Buena Vista neighborhood. The expertly sourced wine list pairs well with entrees like Boeuf Bourguignon, blackened swordfish, and the rack of lamb. The restaurant is also a go-to for group dinners and special events with an expansive outdoor area. Closed Monday.
Mozelle’s has been setting the standard for upscale Southern cuisine since 2008. With charming sidewalk seating, the West End bistro plates comfort food with an elegant touch. Choose from the shrimp and grits, fried chicken with peach chutney, tomato pie, or gourmet meatloaf. Save room for the bourbon pecan bread pudding with caramel sauce. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available. Closed Monday.
Just around the corner from Mozelles is vibrant Burke Street, with even more outdoor dining options. The newest on the dining scene is Betty on Burke, and their effortlessly chic yet casual patio is not one to miss. If you need something more laid back with a great beer selection, stop by the long-time local favorite The Old Fourth Street Filling Station. Their brick patio and classic pub far are a warm welcome to both visitors and locals alike.
Walking along the streets of downtown, you'll find endless options for outdoor dining. In the arts district, stop for a bite at Camel City Barbeque, The Twisted Pine, or Mojito Latin Soul Food for delicious food and good vibes. Head to Bailey Park and forge your own path with a romantic picnic in the park, or you can grab a table at Alma Mexicana or Barcelona Burger Bar.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and the last standing house on “Millionaire’s Row” — this beautifully restored 1920s Spring House features artfully designed cozy nooks and crannies that lend themselves to intimate conversations. Before scoring a table on the shaded garden patio, stop by the Library Bar for a seasonal craft cocktail. Closed Sunday-Tuesday.
Additional Options:
6th & Vine Restaurant and Wine Bar
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