Can't-Miss Patios Downtown

Enjoy bustling patios, skyline views, and sidewalk charm in the heart of the city.
 

6th & Vine
A mural-lined alley leads to this hidden, multi-level patio at 6th & Vine (pictured), a staple in the Downtown Arts District. String lights, a fine-tuned wine list, and crowd favorites like crab cakes and smoked gouda mac & cheese make it a go-to for relaxed outdoor dining. Visit on Thursdays for half-price wine and rotating flights, or just grab a seat and soak in the Bohemian vibes.

Bernardin’s at the Zevely House
Dine in an home with a patio that feels like a fairytale—lush greenery, flowing drapes, and climate-controlled comfort. French doors open to garden breezes, setting the stage for dishes like filet mignon, maple leaf duck, and saffron sea bass. Elegant but approachable, it’s perfect for a romantic dinner or celebratory night out.

Betty on Burke
Polished yet unfussy, this chic spot features a bamboo-wrapped patio with heaters, greenery, and sleek design touches. It’s a serene escape for brunch or dinner, serving American fare with flair—think crab dip, burgers, and seasonal salads. The vibe is sophisticated but relaxed, making it a perfect fit for Burke Street’s evolving food scene.

Cugino Forno + Barcelona Burger (The Coal Pit)
Carved from the historic Bailey Power Plant, this massive 4,500‑sq‑ft concrete courtyard is framed by towering smokestacks and rail tracks that once powered a tobacco empire. Today, it’s a public‑park–like social hub downtown—think beer‑garden energy with dramatic industrial flair. Grab wood‑fired Neapolitan pizza from Cugino Forno, an IPA from Incendiary Brewing, or sink into smash‑style burgers and truffle fries at Barcelona Burger—all enjoyed amid picnic tables, cold drafts, and frequent live music.

Fourth Street Filling Station
Enclosed by brick and shaded by trees, this cozy patio feels worlds away. A koi pond trickles nearby, and heaters keep things warm year-round. Choose classics like their Carolina Shrimp & Grits or beef medallions and take advantage of drink deals—half-price wine Thursdays or $6 Tito’s Tuesdays. It’s beloved for a reason, with space to sprawl and food that satisfies.

Mozelle’s
With its umbrella-lined sidewalk patio and elegant comfort food, Mozelle’s is a favorite for date nights, brunch, and everything in between. The cozy tables make for great people-watching, and cool-weather extras like blankets and heaters make an option year-round. Signature dishes include fried chicken with peach chutney, tomato pie, and bourbon pecan bread pudding.

Spring House Restaurant
Set in a restored 1920s mansion, Spring House offers one of Winston-Salem’s most memorable dining experiences. While the elegant interior—especially the Library Bar—is a draw, the shaded patio steals the show with wrought-iron tables, garden landscaping, and a bubbling fountain. Savor seasonal dishes like duck breast or crab cakes with a side of local history.

Fourth Street / Restaurant Row
Stretching about a half mile along Fourth Street from Spring to Liberty, this downtown corridor—nicknamed “Restaurant Row”—is tailor-made for sidewalk dining and people-watching. Order up a pint and pub fare at Foothills Brewing, award-winning brunch at Young Cardinal Café, or a pastry from Camino Bakery. Other popular sidewalk spots here include Quanta Basta (Italian), Xcaret (Mexican), Oh Calcutta (Indian), Mellow Mushroom (pizza), and Hungry Palate (New American). Just thirsty? Slide into Recreation Billiards, a 75-year-old landmark bar with character to spare.

A snapshot of our favorite downtown patios:

More Downtown Favorites

• Alma Mexicana – Set beside lively Bailey Park, Alma Mexicana pairs inventive Tex‑Mex favorites with prime patio seating, perfect for people‑watching.

• Downtown Grille – Dine al fresco beside on-site herb planters in this hidden courtyard praised for elevated cuisine and attentive service.

• Finnigan’s Wake – This beloved Irish pub features a laid-back, backyard-style patio that’s shaded, relaxed, and ideal for sipping a pint outdoors.

• Sage & Salt – Located in a restored train station, the umbrella-lined patio complements upscale comfort food and handcrafted seasonal cocktails.

• The Katharine Brasserie – French-inspired with bistro chairs and string lights, this elegant patio offers dining domes in winter for cozy outdoor charm.

• The Spotted Cow – A casual favorite offering generous portions and a red umbrella-lined patio perfect for people-watching or easy solo meals.

• Twisted Pine – With beer garden energy, elevated bar bites, and crispy Brussels sprouts, the patio is a go-to for breezy, casual dining.

Downtown isn't the only place for al fresco dining in Winston-Salem. From West End to Reynolda Village, West Salem to Stratford Road, here are more outdoor dining favorites. 
 

East of Texas (West Salem)
A mile south of downtown, East of Texas (pictured) brings a taste of Texas-style barbecue to Winston-Salem, pairing smoked meats and margaritas with a giant cantina-style setup where even ordering feels outdoors. A lively, family-friendly vibe shines with string lights, yard games, live music, salsa nights, and summer movie screenings. Try the the brisket, sampler platter, hot honey wings, or signature habanero grapefruit margarita.

1703 Restaurant (Buena Vista)
Tucked in Buena Vista, 1703 offers refined Southern and French-style fare on a covered patio with heaters. It’s beloved for its elegant yet relaxed feel, seasonal dishes, and upscale entrees like rack of lamb or Boeuf Bourguignon. The patio makes an ideal backdrop for special occasions, group dinners, or a quiet weeknight splurge.

The Porch Kitchen & Cantina (West End)
Anchoring the West End Mill Works, a restored flour mill, The Porch lives up to its name with standout outdoor seating—covered porch nooks strung with lights and an open-air stretch of tables out back. Heated “bubbles” make it a favorite year-round. Pair the festive vibe and colorful décor with Naked Burrito Bowls, Tres Amigos dips, and Friday Margarita flights.

Quiet Pint Tavern (West End area)
Located near Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, this friendly gastropub pairs elevated comfort food with one of the city’s most versatile patios—spacious, dog-friendly, and built for all seasons with covered sections, overhead fans, and winter enclosures. Dig into loaded nachos, stacked burgers, and rotating drink specials while soaking up the laid-back neighborhood vibe.

River Birch Lodge (Sherwood Forest)
Located in Sherwood Plaza on Robinhood Road, River Birch Lodge offers rustic-meets-refined charm with a covered patio surrounded by greenery. Cozy up to a bison burger, wild mushroom flatbread, or weekend brunch in a setting that feels like a mountain getaway.

Rooster’s: A Noble Grille (Thruway area)
This upscale favorite pairs wood-fired Southern fare with a lush, garden-like patio that can seat up to 65 diners. Expect string lights, live music in warmer months, and standout dishes like shrimp and grits, spit-roasted chicken, and celebrated small plates.

Ryan’s Restaurant (Coliseum area)
Nestled above a wooded ravine, Ryan’s forested back deck feels like dining in a treehouse. Known for prime rib, fresh seafood, and lobster, it’s a romantic, special-occasion mainstay minutes from downtown and a mile from Wake Forest’s campus.

Village Tavern (Reynolda Village)
A perennial patio favorite, the original Village Tavern features a charming, tree‑shaded dining area draped in twinkle lights—breezy, scenic, and full of historic character. Enjoy year‑round outdoor dining thanks to an enclosed, heated setup in winter. Come for lunch, brunch, or dinner, and stay for scratch‑made favorites like shrimp and grits or French onion soup..

Village Tavern (Hanes Mall area)
While not as iconic as its Reynolda Village counterpart, Winston-Salem's "other" Village Tavern impresses with a quiet, beautifully landscaped patio—some covered, some open-air. With a fireplace, magnolia trees, and garden ambiance, it’s perfect for relaxed meals year-round.

More Favorites Around Town

• Cin Cin Burger Bar (West End) – Retro flair, gourmet burgers, and boozy shakes shine on a sunny patio just steps from Baptist Hospital.

• District 924 (West Salem) – This modern soul food gem serves generous brunch plates like chicken and waffles on a sunny, relaxed front patio.

• Midtown Café & Dessertery (Stratford/Five Points area) – Family-friendly with shaded tables, a relaxing water feature, and an all-day breakfast menu.

• Muddy Creek Café (Old Salem) — This beloved deli pairs gourmet sandwiches, soups, and Moravian chicken pie with one-of-a-kind historic charm.

• Putter’s Patio & Grill (Coliseum area) – Just steps from Wake Forest stadiums, this pub-style patio is known for wings, steaks, and friendly game-day vibes.

• Fratellis Italian Steakhouse (Reynolda area) – Spacious and inviting, this patio is perfect for sharing hearty Italian classics or steak dinners with a crowd.

• The Sherwood (Sherwood Forest) – A welcoming neighborhood tavern with a leafy patio, hearty comfort fare, and a mini arcade for added fun.

• Reynolda Village (multiple options) – Village Tavern may be the favorite, but plenty of other outdoor options await in Reynolda Village (below). Enjoy sweet or savory crepes at Penny Path, hand-rolled dumplings at May Way, gourmet sandwiches at Theodore’s, or artisan doughnuts at Dough Joe’s—all in a historic, one-of-a-kind setting.

Savor More in Winston-Salem

This is just a taste of Winston-Salem’s patio dining scene—not a comprehensive list. With hundreds of restaurants across the greater Winston-Salem area and dozens offering al fresco options, there’s a patio for every plan—whether it’s a laidback lunch, romantic dinner, or weekend brunch with friends. Discover even more in our Food & Drink section.