The Garage, a music venue with a funky tag sale vibe, is the underground refuge you didn’t think existed in Winston-Salem. This laid-back and intimate stage setting is chocked full of artsy character. The spacious interior where the audience can lounge is decked out with murals, Christmas lights and diner furniture. The Garage has a friendly staff, an eclectic crowd and a variety of brews at the bar. Manager Kathy Clark claims that it is “a listening room first, then a bar.” It provides a variety of music shows in a hip setting. The Garage is a place where anyone can come hang out, rock out or socialize while enjoying a live show and, age permitting, a beer.
While The Garage has not been a common Wake Forest hangout, Clark says she would really like to see more students.

The Garage opened six years ago and has music venues primarily on Friday and Saturday nights. They are working on setting regular hours, but currently are open only on evenings when shows are scheduled. A show is typically less than the cost of one meal from the Pit – not too shabby, eh? Live music (ranging from a quieter, earlier acoustic show put on by the Fiddle and Bow Society of Winston Salem to later venues of alternative, Americana and straight up Rock) only costs $5-$15. How badly is a break from the frat party gonna hit your wallet? And here’s the kicker: the Garage is right off of Trade Street, forming a sweet little triangle with two other downtown alternatives you should know about: The Silvermoon Saloon and Elliot’s Review. Hop back and forth between these places and you will have yourself an easy, affordable and entertaining evening out in Winston!

The Silvermoon Saloon, an intimate, colorful and funky little room, just begs you to become a regular. Loved the Garage show but are still up for more? Right across the street is Elliot’s Review, a coffee joint that is on its way to a liquor license. Elliot’s often has live music shows STARTING at 2 a.m. And you thought that Winston had a curfew of 10! So come check out the Garage on Trade Street. You’ll find me there!