In the past seven months, I have become fond of visiting Winston-Salem. The city, often referred to as “the Dash” for its hyphenated name, is undergoing a food and beverage renaissance. Winston-Salem, with its old warehouses and cobblestone streets, has the backbone and character to support and embrace chef-driven restaurants, breweries, and artisans. The city has character and the food scene is increasingly growing to reflect the environment they reside in, complementing the city’s growth as a whole. Less than 80 miles from Charlotte, the hour and a half drive to Winston-Salem is a great day trip to enjoy new foods and experiences in a small town with big city feels. —Justin Burke-Samson 

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Morning

Dough-Joes

A doughnut and coffee food truck that pops up around town has gained a following for their yeast doughnuts with refined flavors. These doughnuts are not over-the-top gourmet doughnuts; their flavors are bold but approachable. My favorites are apple cider, raspberry drizzle, and vanilla glaze with sprinkles. Follow them on social media to know where they are going to be located the day you visit. 

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Afternoon

Krankies

If you like an artsy coffee shop and cafe, Krankies will fit the bill. Available for both breakfast and lunch, Krankies is a good option to start your morning or recaffeinate in the afternoon while enjoying their now-famous chicken biscuit smothered in Texas Pete and honey. I have been known to eat a donut from Dough-Joes and immediately head over to Krankies for their chicken biscuit sandwich — no judgement.

Sweet Potatoes

Owners Vivian Joiner and Stephanie Tyson’s Southern comfort restaurant in the Downtown Arts District is a must visit when in Winston-Salem. Their approach to traditional Southern food and hospitality is comforting, inviting, and heartwarming. Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch, I enjoy lunch at Sweet Potatoes because it fills me up for afternoon drinks and fuels me for walking around the city. Don’t skip their fried green tomato and okra basket served with sweet potato aioli. Their sandwiches are all delicious, but if I am feeling like an extra cheat day I splurge for the fried bologna sandwich with pimento cheese. 

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Evening

Alma Mexicana

If you like more casual evening dinners in a fun and vibrant environment, then you will enjoy Alma Mexicana. Their evening menu is an upscale and seated version of their fast-casual lunch menu. The margaritas and cocktails are reason enough to stop in Alma Mexicana, and if you’re lucky and catch them on a night they hold their salsa dance social, you might end up staying at Alma all night long. 

Spring House

Sometimes you need a grand dinner and if your day trip is with a loved one, then Spring House is a great punctuation your date day trip in Winston-Salem. The restaurant is in the former 1920s Bahnson House and the culinary program is led by award-winning chef Timothy Grandinetti. The menu and environment are grand — think Gone With the Wind extravagant, it takes you back to the old South with modern dishes and drinks. The menu changes seasonally, and Grandinetti leads the kitchen with classic technique and includes local ingredients from around the Carolinas. If you arrive a little early before your reservation, you can enjoy drinks in the Library Bar with some of their craft cocktails made with their house-made syrups, shrubs, and bitters. 

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Late Night 

Incendiary Brewing 

Located in the lower level of Bailey Power Plant, Incendiary Brewing is set in a fun and chic industrial building. The taphouse is open-aired, looking out onto their patio under enormous concrete arches. Start the evening with a flight or two before picking your beer of choice. My favorites are the Ritual Pilsner and Milk Stout. An added bonus to Incendiary Brewing is its location next door to Cugino Forno Neopolitan Pizza. Grab a slice or two and bring them back to the taphouse to continue your evening of beers. 

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