A local’s guide to the best coffee shops in Winston-Salem

Searching for your new favorite coffee shop in Winston-Salem? We’re here to help. Peruse our guide to find the local coffee shop or cafe that works for you — from the cafes where you can get work done to on-the-go joe.

Roasts to boast

• DeBeen Espresso, 231 E. 5th St. | The name speaks for itself. Expect hipster, cool vibes once you walk through the doors. Voted best coffee shop in Forsyth County, DeBeen has one of the largest flavored coffee bean seOk Coffeelections roasted locally.
• Inti House Bolivian Coffee Bar, 500 W. 5th St. | Savor the imported Bolivian beans one coffee cup at a time at this pop-up espresso bar. Pro tip: Find the coffee bar behind the front desk at the business building downtown.
• Savage Roasters, LLC, 245 N. Main, Ste. B, Kernersville | The veteran and family-owned business specializes in ethically sourced, small-batch coffee.
• Okay Coffee, 505 N. Cherry St. | What started as a mobile coffee trailer is now setting ground downtown. The coffee shop opening Sunday, Aug. 17 serves chilled nitro coffee.

Photo by WStoday

Best bites

• Krankies, 211 E. 3rd St. | This is the type of place where you want to meet up with your friends to chat. Krankies offers a full southern breakfast menu + industrial vibes.
• Louie and Honey’s Kitchen, 401 W. End Blvd. | Get a taste of Europe without spending money on a plane ticket at this shop. Aside from coffee, but you’ll definitely have to try their famous Amish cinnamon rolls.
• Washington Perk & Provisions, 301 W. 4th St. | This coffee shop gives you the most bang for your buck with an all-day breakfast menu that includes avocado toast, sandwiches, and bagels. Pro tip: Look out for lunch specials.

Where to write your novel

• The Bookhouse, 120 Reynolda Village Way | Get inspired by the stocked books at this local independent store which features several NC authors. Grab your cup of coffee or wine and start writing. Who knows? Your book might be on display here one day.
• Lot 63, 614 S. Main St. | This historical part of Old Salem will inspire you as you write your next novel. Grab coffee and savor traditional Moravian baked goods to get your creative juices flowing.
• BYGood Coffee, 301 Brookstown Ave., Ste. 300 | You can find the owners brewing and serving coffee themselves as they make you feel right at home.
• The Coffee Mill, 6275 Shallowford Rd., Lewisville | If you’d like to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city, this shop is located just 15 minutes outside of downtown. Shop paintings on display by local artists and enjoy the scenic view from the patio.

Photo by WStoday

Events and pop-ups

• Coffee Bar @ Wise Man Brewing, 826 Angelo Brothers Ave. | See what’s brewing at this taproom whether you’d like the barista to whip up a new creation or stick to a classic.
• Sayso Coffee, 15 Brookstown Ave. | Whether it’s learning how to two-fold screen print on a shirt or drink and draw, this coffee cart-turned-cafe features tons of local businesses, including its Winter Market that hosts 20+ local vendors. Pro tip: Here’s where to park.
• Given Coffee Co., Various locations | Book Given’s coffee truck or head to the cafe located inside HopeCity — 100% of proceeds go to Hopefulls, Inc.

Photo by @theremedyws

On-the-go joe

• Dough-Joe’s Doughnuts and Coffee, 114 Reynolda Village Way, Ste. C | In a hurry? Dough-Joe’s has grab-and-go parking for those who order ahead. Bonus: The donuts are delicious.
• Camel City Coffee, 110 Oakwood Dr., Ste. F | Open seven days a week, grab your coffee, tea, or one of the various freshly made dishes on the go. Pro tip: Camel City goes all out with its seasonal decorations.
• Clutch Coffee Bar, Various locations | Hit the drive-thru for everything from the “Amped” drinks with two espresso shots to refreshers and iced teas.
• Curiouser Coffee, 206 W. Acadia Ave. | This cute coffee camper serves up hot or iced coffee drinks and tea.

Where to cool off

• Recess, 101 N. Chestnut St., Ste. 99 | Located at the edge of downtown, take in the view while enjoying your drink in the outdoor seating area.
• Be Kind Coffee Co., 3560 Clemmons Rd., Ste. B, Clemmons | Just ~15 minutes outside of Winston-Salem, you’ll be glad you made the trip to this shop, which has an inviting atmosphere and a nicely decorated patio.
• Local Roots Coffee, 247 N. Cherry St., Kernersville | The baristas will make you feel like you’re part of a family. Cozy up on the sofa, or soak in vitamin D on the well-decorated patio while sipping seasonal coffee creations.
• Footnote, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 120 | From brewing beer to coffee, Footnote began roasting and serving its own beans in 2018. Its signature cocktails, wine, and craft beer are also on the menu, so there are plenty of cool drinks to choose from.

Photo by Sayso coffee via Instagram

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

• Camino Bakery, Various locations | Camino offers Wi-Fi and plenty of tables near outlets to charge your laptop. Pro tip: If parking downtown stresses you out, try the Brookstown location near South Marshall Street and enjoy a more laid back atmosphere.
• Anchor Coffee, 486 Patterson Ave., Ste. 135 | Located in Innovation Quarter, Anchor also provides a lunch menu that’s perfect if you’re coworking the entire day. It has impeccable WiFi and a quiet environment so you can zone in on your work.
• Our Coffee Shop, 3508 Yadkinville Rd. | Coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, frappes — you name it. This coffee shop offers a wide variety of beverages and plenty of space to work or chat with a friend.

Perfect for a date

• West Salem Public House, 400 S. Green St. | The shop serves espresso drinks until 3 p.m. + you can enjoy draft beer and wine any time of day. Bonus: The sunset views are breathtaking.
• The Remedy, 492 W. End Blvd. | Get two in one: a cafe + a bar. The Remedy offers an upscale atmosphere with live music on Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Bobby Boy Bakeshop, 1100 Reynolda Rd. | Located in Buena Vista, what better way to wow your date than by treating them to delicious, fresh-made pastries? You can also choose from a wide range of wine at The Caviste Wine Shop inside, if you prefer something besides coffee.
• Melrose Coffee and Wine Lounge, 1608 S. Stratford Rd., Ste. C | This trendy shop is the perfect spot to wind down — despite the caffeine. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and don’t forget to grab that Insta-worthy photo op.

WStoday team

Specialty drinks

• Dog-eared Coffee Company, 6770 River Center Dr., Clemmons | Located ~10 minutes outside the Twin City, the shop offers a variety of seasonal crafted drinks. Pro tip: There’s plenty of space for kiddos to entertain themselves.
• Chad’s Chai, 617 N. Liberty St. | While it’s not exactly a coffee shop, we would be remiss not to share this spot, which features an endless array of tea flavors and sleek modern designs with a calming atmosphere.
• Ardmore Coffee, 1316 S. Hawthorne Rd. | Visit this cozy and intimate space to grab delicious seasonal coffee drinks + shop artwork on display to support local artists.

Coffee Trailers

• Coffee Park Airstream, 1206 B + 1208 Reynolda Rd. | Located just on the edge of the Buena Vista and West End neighborhoods, get your cup of joe from the 2023 No. 1 drive-thru coffee joint in the nation.
• Grandma’s Coffee, various locations | Owner Arianna says her grandmother was the inspiration behind the stand. Stop by for Matcha Monday or BOGO50 Friday for discounted specialty organic coffee.
• The Struggle Bus, Various locations | This mobile coffee shop has taken home the “Best Drink Award” for multiple years at the Carolina Classic Fair. Pro tip: Don’t forget to ask for the owner, who is sure to bring you a laugh served with your cup of joe.
• Sippity Sips, various locations | On the menu: matcha, cold brews, lattes, iced tea, and fizzy dirty sodas. Grab your drink and relax, sitting on the outdoor chairs set up.
• The Hive Greek Donuts, various locations | Forget that plane ticket to Greece, savor authentic loukoumades with frappes guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• The Dapper Bean, 2594 West Clemmonsville Rd.| Lemonade slushies are back for the summer — get your caffeine fix with menu items like the berry white topped with a raspberry cold foam.

Be the barista

Shop our favorite coffee essentials to turn your house into our city’s next great coffee destination.

• For a French Press that lasts, avoid breakable glass options and opt for stainless steel — this Secura French Press is highly rated and comes in multiple colors.
• Bloom pourovers like a pro with elegant gooseneck design of the COSORI Electric Gooseneck Kettle.
• These double walled glass espresso cups or these handmade ceramic espresso cups will set your home cafe apart.
• Hide coffee stains under espresso makers with this absorbent drying mat that sucks up coffee drops like magic.
• For the sleekest coffee accessories imaginable, shop the Fellow collection for coffee bean grinders, kettles, and carafes.
• Ready to go all in? The Breville Barista Espresso Machine is a best-selling espresso machine that makes coffee shop-worthy lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso at home.