The Old Fourth Street Filling Station 

Heat up by the fire at Fourth Street Filling Station or grab a spot on the enclosed patio beside one of the heaters. The patio has its own bit of history—it once housed the gas pumps when the building operated as a service station. On the menu, the Carolina Shrimp & Grits stand out, served over a crispy fried grit cake for extra flavor and texture. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, check out the Soup of the Day, or share the ever-popular Buffalo Chicken Dip. 

Finnigan’s Wake 

What’s more welcoming than an Irish pub? Enjoy hearty favorites like Shepherd’s Pie or Bangers and Mash, or warm up with a bowl of Creamy Celtic Tomato Soup or their signature Celtic Chili. Surrounded by wood accents and soft, dim lighting, the atmosphere is as comforting as the food. 

Putters Patio & Grill 

For patio dining even in the colder months, Putters Patio & Grill has you covered. Their enclosed patio is lined with heaters so you can stay warm while you eat. The laid-back pub atmosphere makes it easy to relax, and the menu is full of crowd-pleasers. They’re known for having the “Best Steaks in Town,” a claim many locals would agree with, but the enormous subs are just as tempting and always come loaded with fresh ingredients. 

West End Café 

West End Café is a true local favorite, known for its casual atmosphere and menu packed with comfort food. Start with one of their three daily soups, often including the famous West End Chili, or go for a classic sandwich like their famous Reuben. Dinner brings hearty plates such as Chicken Parmesan and Pot Roast, alongside shareable starters like the Crab and Artichoke Dip. Be sure to save room for dessert, which are all made in-house. With a seasonal menu and daily specials, there’s always something new to try. 

Mama Zoe’s 

Mama Zoe’s is known for generous portions at a great price, with a menu that truly has something for everyone. Stepping inside feels a bit like visiting Grandma’s house, with cozy booths, black-and-white photos on the walls, and bits of historic memorabilia throughout. Their lunch and dinner menus feature an entire section of comfort food classics, from Chicken Pot Pie and Meatloaf to Southern-style Chicken Livers. You’ll also find Greek favorites like Chicken Souvlaki, hearty pasta dishes such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, and oversized sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak. And that’s just a glimpse of what they offer. 

Taste of the Triad 

When you’re craving a true home-cooked meal, Taste of the Triad is the place to go. As one of Winston-Salem’s top Black-owned restaurants, they have a community focus and serve up some of the best soul food in the city. Favorites include Catfish, Meatloaf, and Oxtails, paired with classic sides like Creamy Mac and Cheese and tender Collard Greens. The staff’s warm hospitality makes you feel right at home from the moment you walk through the door. 

Cagney’s Kitchen (Cloverdale) 

Cagney’s Kitchen may serve lunch and dinner too, but it’s breakfast that keeps people coming back. The portions are hearty, with plates like Country Fried Steak & Eggs or omelets packed with fresh ingredients. Pancakes and waffles are another crowd favorite, but for a true North Carolina specialty, try the livermush. It’s served as a patty and made from pork liver, trimmings, cornmeal, and spices. With its wooden accents and classic booths, the atmosphere feels just as homey as the food.

River Birch Lodge 

With its peaked ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and stone fireplaces, River Birch Lodge brings the feel of a mountain retreat to Winston-Salem. Even in cooler months, their enclosed and heated patio makes it possible to enjoy dining outdoors year-round. On the menu, comforting favorites like Tomato Basil Soup, the hearty Beast Burger, and Mama’s Lasagna are always popular picks. For dessert, classics such as Warm Banana Pudding and Five Flavor Pound Cake offer a sweet treat to end your meal. 

Ryan’s Restaurant 

Since 1977, Ryan’s Restaurant has been a favorite for romantic date nights and some of the best steaks in Winston-Salem. Window-side tables overlook towering oak trees and a quiet stream, while the glow of the fireplace adds an even more intimate vibe. The menu is full of standout dishes, but favorites include the C.A.B. Steak au Poivre, She-Crab Soup, and Four-Cheese Mac and Cheese. Diamondback Grill The Diamondback Grill screams nostalgia with black and white checkered floors and partially wood paneled walls. The menu, however, is anything but traditional, offering inventive dishes that change daily like Lump Crab Hushpuppies, the Quesadilla del Día, and an elevated Filet Mignon Napoleon. It’s a neighborhood favorite that focuses on farm-to-table fare and features the work of local artists throughout the restaurant. 

Village Tavern (Hanes Mall & Reynolda Village) 

Another spot with a lodge-like feel, Village Tavern strikes the perfect balance between elevated dining and casual atmosphere. The Hanes Mall location includes a heated, covered patio makes it a great choice year-round, especially in cooler months, while the lush garden vibes at the Reynolda Village location make it perfect for warmer weather months. Cozy favorites include starters like Pimento Cheese Dip or Hot Crab Dip, while the French Onion Soup and Grilled Meatloaf are delicous entrées. If you’re visiting for brunch, the Brie and Bacon Omelet is a must-try. 

This is just a small selection of the restaurants in Winston-Salem. Visit our website’s Food & Drink section to find a full list of great options!