Your guide to Winston-Salem coffee shops

Updated July 2024

For richer or pour over, Twin City coffee shops are what keep us going in the morning.

Winston-Salem has no shortage of masterful baristas, aromatic roasts, and foamy lattes. But if you’re having trouble deciding on a spot, gather some brews clues with our guide to some of the best coffee shops in the city.

Pro tip: If you need to refine your order, review the different kinds of coffee before stepping up to the counter.

Espresso yourself

• DeBeen Espresso, 231 E. 5th St., Winston-Salem| 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 selections 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: this pop up coffee bar is located 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.

Photo by WStoday

Best bites

• Krankies, 211 E. 3rd St., Winston-Salem | This is the place you want to meet up with your group of friends to chat. Krankies offers a full southern breakfast menu + industrial vibes if that’s what you’re into.
• Louie and Honey’s Kitchen, 401 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | Get a taste of Europe without spending money on a plane ticket at this shop. It not only serves coffee, but delicious European pastries made from scratch.
• Washington Perk & Provisions, 301 W 4th St., Winston-Salem | This coffee shop gives you the most bang for your buck with an all-day breakfast option that includes avocado toast, sandwiches, and bagels. Pro tip: Look out for lunch specials.

Where to write your novel

• The Bookhouse, 120 Reynolda Village Wy., Winston-Salem | Get inspired by the stocked books at this local independent store which features many North Carolina authors. Grab your cup of coffee or wine and start writing. Who knows? Your book might be on display there one day.
• Lot 63, 614 S. Main St., Winston-Salem | 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.

Photo by WStoday

Events and pop ups

• The Remedy, 492 W. End Blvd., Winston-Salem | Get two in one: a cafe + a bar. The Remedy offers an upscale atmosphere. Enjoy live music Friday and Saturday evenings.
• 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., Winston-Salem | Whether it’s learning how to two-fold screen print on a shirt or drink and draw, Sayso features tons of local businesses, including its Winter Market which hosts 20+ local vendors. Pro tip: Here’s where to park.
• The Struggle Bus, Various location | This mobile coffee shop has taken home the “Best Drink award” for the third year in a row 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.

Art lovers

• Ardmore Coffee, 1316 S. Hawthorne Rd., Winston-Salem | Visit this cozy and intimate space to grab coffee + shop artwork on display to support local artists.
• 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 art paintings on display by local artists, plus enjoy the scenic view from the patio.

Photo by @theremedyws

On-the-go joe

• Dough-Joe’s Doughnuts and Coffee, 114 Reynolda Village, Ste. C, Winston-Salem | In a hurry? Dough-Joe’s has grab-and-go parking for those who order ahead. Have we mentioned the donuts are delicious?
• Coffee Park Airstream, 1206 B + 1208 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | Located just on the edge of Buena Vista and West End neighborhoods, get your cup of joe from the No. 1 voted drive-thru coffee joint in the nation.
• Camel City Coffee, 110 Oakwood Dr., Ste. F, Winston-Salem | Open seven days a week, grab your coffee, tea, or select from the variety freshly made dishes on the go. Pro tip: Camel City goes all in with its seasonal decorations.

Where to cool off

• Recess, 101 N. Chestnut St., Ste. 99, Winston-Salem | Located at the edge of downtown, take in the view while enjoying your drink on the outdoor seating.
• 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 are part of a family. Cozy up on the sofa, or soak in vitamin D on the well decorated patio while sipping on seasonal coffee creations.

Plenty of outlets and internet connection

Photo by Sayso coffee via Instagram

• Camino Bakery, 310B W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | 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 less than a mile away (near South Marshall Street) and enjoy a more laid back atmosphere.
• Anchor Coffee, 486 Patterson Ave., Ste. 135, Winston-Salem | Located in Innovation Quarter, Anchor also provides a lunch menu perfect if you are coworking the entire day. It has impeccable WiFi and a quiet environment so you can zone into your work.

Perfect for a date

• West Salem Public House, 400 S. Green St., Winston-Salem | The shop serves espresso drinks until 3 p.m. + you can enjoy draft beer and wine anytime of day. Pro tip: The sunset views are breathtaking.
• Bobby Boy Bakeshop, 1100 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem | Located in Buena Vista, what better way to wow your date than by treating them to delicious, fresh-made pastries? Plus, choose from a wide range of wine at The Caviste Wine Shop inside if drinks are more your speed.

Trendy and new

• Our Coffee Shop, 3508 Yadkinville Rd., Winston-Salem | Coffee, energy drinks, smoothies, frappes — you name it. This new coffee shop offers a wide variety of beverages and plenty of space to work or chat with a friend.
• Melrose Coffee and Wine Lounge, 1608 S. Stratford Rd., Ste. C, Winston-Salem | The ambiance is perfect for studying and winding down. Enjoy the chic atmosphere and don’t forget to grab that Insta-worthy photo op.

WStoday team

In-house roasted beans

• BYGood Coffee, 301 Brookstown Ave., Ste. 300, Winston-Salem | A calm and quiet environment will get your creative juices flowing. You can find the owners brewing and serving coffee themselves as they make you feel right at home.
• Bitty and Beau’s Coffee, 411 W. 4th St., Winston-Salem | Baristas use dark roast coffee to create espresso, giving its taste a special kick.
• Footnote, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 120, Winston-Salem | From brewing beer to brewing coffee, Footnote began roasting and serving its own coffee beans in 2018. Its signature cocktails, wine, and craft beer are also on the menu.

Specialty drinks

• Dogeared 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., Winston-Salem | Not exactly a coffee spot, but we would be remiss in not sharing this spot, which features an endless array of tea flavors and sleek modern designs with a calming atmosphere.

Be the barista

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

• It all starts with the beans — for the best coffee (and tea), skip the big brands and shop this collection of coffee from local roasters. For a whole bean coffee, try Methodical Coffee’s Pink Lady, while these Loveland Coffee K-Cups are a great Keurig option.
• 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.

What’s your favorite spot to grab your morning cup of joe? Send us your favorite recommendations here.