Although Winston-Salem has many attractions to offer in its increasingly popular downtown area, according to a recent survey by The Student many students seem to head out for a fun outing in the city and wind up... a bit lost. So, here is a mini guide to the growing downtown area of Winston-Salem, with information on restaurants, bars, attractions, parking and how to navigate all those pesky one way streets.

Restaurants –

1. 6th and Vine – Located, appropriately, on 6th Street, 6th and Vine is a wine bar and café located in the arts district of downtown. For more information, please click here.


2. Bistro 420 – Located on 4th Street, next to the Speak Easy Jazz Club, the French-American bistro has plenty to offer in terms of both ambience and food selection. For more information, read our Dining review here.


3. Twin City Chop House – A popular restaurant among students and parents alike, this steakhouse is located just off of 1st Street downtown. Read our Dining review here.


4. Sweet Potatoes – President Hatch’s favorite restaurant in Winston-Salem is located on Trade Street between 5th and 6th Streets in downtown, and serves Southern specialties such as red and white fries, fried green tomatoes and a “Carolina Crab Dip.” Read our Dining review here for more information.


5. Finnegan’s Wake – This Irish pub is located between 6th and 7th on Trade Street and features several sandwiches, steaks and a selection of traditional pub fare such as the fish and chips sandwich and the "Blarney Burger." For more information, please read our Dining review here.


6. Mellow Mushroom – A favorite for pizza among Wake students, this restaurant is located on the corner of 4th and Cherry Street. For more information, please read our Dining review here.


7. Downtown Thai – This popular spot for Thai cuisine is located on 4th between Cherry and Marshall Streets. Please see our Dining review here for more information.

Bars –

1. Foothills Brewery – Offering an extensive drink menu as well as three dining menus, and boasting a popular Thursday night trivia attraction, Foothills Brewery has become a popular downtown destination among many Wake students. For more information on Foothills and Thursday’s Trivia Night, please read our Leisure review here.


2. Camel City Café – This polished wine bar and café is a great spot to enjoy a glass of wine and time with friends. Please see our Leisure review here for more information.


3. Burke Street Pub – Located on Burke Street downtown, this pub has a full-service bar and “beach club” in warm weather.


4. West End Opera House – A bar frequented by many Wake Forest students, its location right off Reynolda Road makes the destination a convenient one, close to the University.


5. Elliott’s Review – Described as a bar which attracts a “melting pot” of clientele with a “diverse and fun atmosphere,” this bar is conveniently located on Trade Street, near other bars and attractions. Please see our Leisure review, here for more information.

Other Attractions –

1. Old Salem: Visit the historic Old Salem district, and stop by Winkler’s Bakery at 525 S. Main Street for some famous Moravian sugar cookies or a delicious Moravian sugar cake, fresh from the oven. Also take some time to explore the many historic buildings full of information about the original Moravian settlement in the area. Please see our review here for more information.


2. Millennium Center – Venue for concerts, parties and events.

Parking –

1. Fourth Street Parking Deck – hourly parking available.


2. Liberty-Main Parking Deck – hourly and monthly parking available.


3. Holly Avenue Lot – hourly parking available.


4. Piedmont Federal Lot – hourly parking available.

If you’ve been a bit confused or intimidated by the prospect of wandering aimlessly around downtown, unsure of which way to go, now you have your trusty “mini guide” to point you in the right direction. So, take a study break for an afternoon or evening and enjoy exploring the growing downtown area of Winston-Salem!