Can we interest you in a post-work beverage? Gather your closest friends and colleagues (read: drinking buddies), and hit the town with this guide in tow.
Whether you’re hankering for a locally brewed IPA, a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc, or a gin and tonic featuring gin from Sutler’s Spirit Co. distilled right here in Winston-Salem, grab a drink at these 24 places around town.
Beer lovers
Dogwood Hops and Crops, 517 N. Liberty St. | Drink we love: 14 rotating taps make it easy to find something tasty
Grab a can or bottle of draft beer from the cooler or a beer on draft. A large selection of wine is also available. Open seven days a week, starting at 3 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. on Fridays.
West Salem Public House, 400 S. Green St. | Drink we love: Fonta Flora Mimosa City
You can make your own six pack from the cooler at the pub in West Salem. There are also plenty of non-alcoholic options you can choose from.
Recreation Billiards, 412 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: 16 rotating taps frequently feature a few local and regionally brewed beers
Known by many locals as “Rec”, this downtown pool and billiard hall has been around more than 75 years. The no-frills spot is perfect for grabbing a classic cocktail or a cold beer starting at 3 p.m. daily.
Swaim’s, 232 W. Acadia Ave. | Drink we love: Devil’s Son IPA
This Washington Park neighborhood pub is dog and kid-friendly. The selection of craft beers changes. Beers in the bottle, cans, and a selection of wines are also available for purchase. Drinks start flowing at 5 p.m. daily.
Stay for dinner
Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen and Bar, 450 N. Spring St. | Drink we love: Spring House Bramble
The restaurant’s library bar is perfect for a special occasion or when guests are in town. Seasonal cocktails, mocktails, house classics, and wines by the bottle or glass are available. Make a reservation to enjoy dinner on the edge of West End and downtown Wednesday though Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The Katharine Brasserie and Bar, 401 N. Main St. | Drink we love: Carolina Old Fashioned
Signature cocktails have a French flair — or you can pour your favorite spirit over a “cubism cube” for a throwback to the art deco era. The bar inside the Kimpton Cardinal Hotel opens daily at 3 p.m.
Jeffrey Adams on Fourth, 321 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: Blackberry Lavender Lemonade
Sip on house-made syrups in several of the signature craft cocktails. Two full bars in the restaurant will make sure you aren’t thirsty. Head upstairs for great views of downtown. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Meridian Restaurant, 411 S. Marshall St. | Drink we love: dirty martini
Get a peek into the extensive wine collection behind the restaurant’s wooden bar, or look out windows to watch the world go by in Brookstown. The restaurant opens at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Off the vine
6th and Vine, 209 W. 6th St. | Drink we love: Sparkling flights are $13 on Wednesdays
Reds, whites, and reserve wines are on this menu — or try a wine flight that includes sips of three wines. Champagnes, ports, beer, and cocktails are also available. The downtown restaurant is open starting at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
The Caviste, 1100 Reynolda Rd. | Drink we love: Vincent Roussely Orange Sauvignon
This wine bar is the place to go to discover hidden gems and to taste wines from around the world. The extensive list gives you something to try each visit. Pours start at 12 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Boutique Wines, 848 W. 5th St. | Drink we love: Tenuta Maccan Pinot Grigio 2022
This boutique wine bar has a spacious patio for sips with views of the city. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and has live music every Friday.
Sir Winston Wine Loft and Restaurant, 104 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: La Torretta pinot grigio
Find wines from near and far at this bar inside Hotel Indigo. There are also cocktails, mocktails, and beer available. You can grab a glass during breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.
Keeping spirits up
Whisky Box, 412 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: The Industry
Located in the basement of Recreation Billiards, this cocktail bar is a cozy spot to catch up. Head downstairs at 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday for a drink or two.
Footnote Coffee and Cocktails, 634 W. 4th St., Ste. 120 | Drink we love: espresso martini
Fresh house espresso is used to make the espresso martini and other creations offer house-made hot pepper tequila. Foothills beers are also on tap. The coffee shop opens at 8 a.m. weekdays and transitions to stiffer drinks later in the day.
Joyner’s Bar, 854 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: Camellia (but the menu changes)
The upstairs and downstairs both have bars inside this West End spot. It’s a good place to go if you’re looking for a specialty liquor. Leather chairs and dimly lit tables make for an intimate vibe. Craft cocktails are available weekdays starting at 4 p.m.
The Trophy Room, 517 N. Liberty St. | Drink we love: Berry Bourbon Smash
This bourbon bar is known for its extensive selection of whiskeys, but you can find spirits of all kinds. Enjoy straight pours, whiskey flights, or craft cocktails. A $50 membership gets you your own locker to keep bottles you purchase on hand for each visit. The bar opens at 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Tate’s Craft Cocktails, 279 W. 4th St. | Drink we love: El Diablo
Unwind in the spacious interior, on the covered outdoor patio, or in the upstairs loft while sipping on craft creations. At this downtown spot, you’ll find bartenders who enjoy whipping up classics and seasonal drinks starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Fun in the sun
The Tap, 473 W. End Blvd. | Drink we love: Moscow mule
This neighborhood bar boasts a patio that’s perfect for watching happenings in the West End. Order your favorite cocktail at the full-service bar — the spot is open daily starting at 4 p.m.
Fair Witness Fancy Drinks, 290 4th St. E. | Drink we love: Paradise Fizz
The ideal location in Innovation Quarter, this spot puts a twist on classic cocktails and menu changes will keep you coming back. Grab a seat outside around the fire pit starting at 4 p.m. every day except Monday.
Vintage Sofa Bar, 1001 Burke St. | Drink we love: Sangria ($5 on Tuesdays)
The lounge in West End has a patio made for soaking up the sun while sipping craft cocktails. You can also find plenty of seating inside. The bar opens at 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
The Remedy, 492 W. End Blvd. | Drink we love: Odes to Hatch
Come for a meeting over coffee, stay to catch up over cocktails. This spot in West End is also a coffee shop, which means several cocktails use house made cold brew and espresso. Grab a table outside to enjoy sips on the patio.
Mocktail musts
Theodore’s Bar and Market, 114 Reynolda Village Way, Ste. D | Drink we love: Thyme After Thyme
The full bar in Reynolda Village also serves up craft mocktails with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re abstaining or it’s just too early for a drink, you can sip on creations daily beginning at 11 a.m.
easytalk, 905 S. Broad St., Ste. 105 | Drink we love: i never went to thailand
Choose from eight cocktails on the menu, which can also be made without alcohol. Enjoy coffee by day and specialty drinks with or without alcohol starting at 5 p.m.
Dram and Draught, 480 N. Patterson Ave., Ste. 120 | Drink we love: Baby Asprin
The bar that has over 300 whiskeys is just as skilled at crafting non-alcoholic libations. If you see a seasonal drink or a local specialty on the menu you want without liquor, ask the bartender to make modifications — or order from creative mocktails on the menu.
