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Winston-Salem restaurants you miss most

WStoday readers shared which local restaurants + meals spark deep nostalgia — and we think you’ll agree.

Brick building on the corner of two streets with a stop light and sidewalk.

Ah, to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at The Lighthouse Grill one more time.

Photo by WStoday

We recently asked: Which Winston-Salem restaurant do you miss the most? Which restaurant or meal do you wish were still around?

Piece of cake, right? WStoday readers sent us food for thought — let’s stroll down memory lane, because we love a moment of local nostalgia.

Skippy’s Hot Dogs

Oh, those homemade pretzel buns. Reader Jon G. swears they served the best hot dogs in town with delicious hand-cut fries. Tom G. fondly remembers the Chicago dog. The hometown favorite on 4th Street closed in early 2018.

Rose and Thistle

This spot got longtime locals talking. Readers like Beverly H. recalled the casual and comfortable atmosphere, with Stephanie L. saying it was “the kind of place you went with a gang of friends.” Several readers like Steve G. said they miss the pizza.

Paul’s Italian Fine Dining

The restaurant on Robinhood Road brings back fond memories for readers like In H., who chose the dinner spot to celebrate their marriage proposal. Gladys V. says the pasta at Paul’s was the “best Italian food I ever had.”

WS Pauls Fine Italian Dining restaurants you miss most

The memories of pasta at Paul’s live on.

Photo via WStoday

The Lighthouse Grill

The restaurant in West End operated for more than 65 years before closing in 2020. Readers like Don A. remember the friendly atmosphere as much as the food. Annie J. said the burgers had great chili and slaw, and Katherine W. wishes they were still serving their vegetable plate, with “lima beans, mac and cheese, and cucumber salad.”

Bell Brothers Cafeteria

Several readers recalled this lunch spot close to Smith Reynolds Airport, with David K. and Nora M. praising its home-cooked comfort food. Wendy W. says they had “mouthwatering chicken n’ dumplings.” The owners moved operations to Old Richmond Grill in Pfafftown in 2011, a year after the restaurant closed.

Y’all understood the assignment. If you want to see more eateries locals miss + weigh in, check out our Instagram.

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