The Sizzle Behind Six Hundred Degrees

When Six Hundred Degrees opened in 2022, it wasn’t just aiming to be another great restaurant—it set out to be the restaurant. A place that brought something fresh, bold, and ambitious to Winston-Salem’s dining scene. A modern farm-to-table destination built around the primal allure of fire, with a live wood-fired grill at its heart. The name itself—Six Hundred Degrees—pays homage to the temperature (in Celsius) at which wood burns, a fitting nod to the flames fueling its culinary creativity.

Despite changes and challenges along the way, Six Hundred Degrees keeps bringing the heat. Not only has it lived up to its own lofty vision; it's solidified itself as a must-visit dining experience in downtown’s Innovation Quarter. From its commitment to high-quality ingredients to its lively, stylish atmosphere, here's a few things that set the restaurant apart.

A Wood-Fired Grill at the Heart of It All

At the core of Six Hundred Degrees—both literally and conceptually—is its centerpiece: a custom-built wood-fired grill that infuses every dish with the irresistible depth and character only open flames provide. Nearly everything on the menu touches fire, creating a dining experience as much about craftsmanship as it is about flavor.

The locally sourced hardwood stacked high outside is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to tradition and quality. Cooking over fire isn’t just a technique here—it’s a return to a primal way of preparing food, enhancing ingredients with smoky complexity. Crafted by Grillworks, a premier Michigan-based company, the grill brings the global trend of live-fire cooking to Winston-Salem. The result? Crackling embers, flickering flames, and an unforgettable meal.

Bold Flavors, Local Ingredients

Since opening, Six Hundred Degrees has remained steadfast in its mission to offer an approachable yet eclectic menu. Originally crafted by Executive Chef Travis Myers, the culinary vision has been seamlessly continued and refined by Chef Todd Martin since 2023. The restaurant presents four seasonal menus, blending Southern roots with global influences, including Asian, Hispanic, and Italian flavors.

The collaborative kitchen ensures the menu evolves thoughtfully, emphasizing local sourcing and wood-fired cooking, with the grill prominently displayed as guests enter. Chef Martin and his team continually refine the experience, focusing on seasonal eating and culinary creativity. Signature dishes include Korean-style pork short ribs and a perfectly seasoned Certified Angus Beef Filet Mignon. Appetizers range from chowder fries and bacon-wrapped venison to spicy cucumbers. Small plates like shrimp and grits or seared ahi tuna round out the diverse menu.

Prime Location, Timeless Style

Nestled in the heart of Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter, Six Hundred Degrees occupies over 5,000 square feet on the ground floor of the historic Bailey South building. This prime location offers a spacious patio overlooking Bailey Park, providing guests with a vibrant and scenic dining experience.

The restaurant’s design seamlessly blends the city’s industrial heritage with contemporary aesthetics. Original concrete walls are adorned with local artwork and a live moss installation, while reclaimed wood from a historic tobacco farm adds warmth and character. Crafted by local artisans at Sunnyside Millwork, features like the bar’s countertop highlight the commitment to local craftsmanship. A modern water-vapor fireplace, capable of changing colors, and a glass-enclosed wine cellar further enhance the ambiance. It's this fusion of old and new, past and present, that's established Six Hundred Degrees as a standout destination for locals and visitors alike.

Of course, that’s not to say the past three years haven’t had a few flare-ups. Along with an ownership and executive chef change in 2023, the restaurant faced an unexpected setback in August 2024 when water damage from construction above forced it to close for over a month.

But if any restaurant can handle the heat, it’s this one. Through challenges big and small, Six Hundred Degrees has kept things sizzling, thanks to its dedicated team, inventive menu, and prime location. With its unwavering commitment to wood-fired cooking and culinary creativity, it remains one of Winston-Salem’s most celebrated dining destinations.

WANT TO GO?

• Hours: Six Hundred Degrees is open Tuesday to Thursday, 5–9 p.m., and Friday to Saturday, 5–10 p.m. (closed Mon-Sun). NOTE: Hours are subject to change, so check their website beforehand for updates. 
• Reservations: Reservations are recommended, especially on the weekend, due to high demand. You can make reservations through OpenTable here.
• Parking: Free valet parking is available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Simply pull up to the front entrance, and the staff will assist you. For other times, the 4th/Church Street public parking deck is a good option. (See map)
• Private Parties: The restaurant offers a private dining area with A/V capabilities, accommodating up to 40 guests. See their website for more details.