Your votes are in. Congratulations to all of the WStoday’s Best nominees. We’re excited to announce our roundup of local winners who truly shine and make Winston-Salem a better place to live.
From high-level dining experiences and accommodations to places to unwind and relax, here are your top choices in each of our categories.
Psst — Scroll to the bottom of this article for a map view.
Food & Beverage
Breweries + Distilleries
Your locally crafted haven of small-batch spirits with a focus on quality and community roots.
🏆 First place: Foothills Brewing | With plenty of beer, food trucks, and board games, this local brewery was voted your No. 1 favorite spot.
🥈 Runner Up: Wise Man Brewing & Coffee Bar
Honoree: Old Nick Williams Co. Farm & Distillery
Brunch
Your favorite place for a mid-morning weekend indulgence.
🏆 First place: Young Cardinal Cafe and Co. | Dining on huevos rancheros and hot honey chicken is our city’s favorite way of perking up on Saturday mornings.
🥈 Runner Up: River Birch Lodge
Honoree: The Katharine Brasserie & Bar
Coffee Shop
Your go-to spot for the perfect latte, cold brew, or tea.
🏆 First place: The Remedy Cafe and Bar | Savor a cup of award-winning coffee and a slice of quiche at this chic, cozy coffee house.
🥈 Runner Up: Camino Bakery
Honoree: Louie and Honey’s Kitchen
Fine Dining
A place to savor exquisite dishes where every detail is designed to impress.
🏆 First place: Ryan’s Restaurant | With an intimate, cozy atmosphere, robust wine list, and delicious seafood and steak dishes, Ryan’s is a go-to for a special night out.
🥈 Runner Up: Mozelle’s
Honoree: Roosters
Food Trucks
Your fave mobile food businesses offering diverse, convenient, and freshly prepared meals.
🏆 First place: La Callejera Mexican Food | We’re always happy to spot this food truck around town — stop by for $2 Taco Thursday.
🥈 Runner Up: Taqueria Luciano’s
Honoree: South of Brooklyn
Happy Hour
Your relaxing choice for the best deals on drinks and appetizers.
🏆 First place: Joyner’s Bar | The warm, comfortable decor of this bar is second only to the espresso martini.
🥈 Runner Up: Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
Honoree: Campus Gas
Ice Cream + Desserts
A sweet spot for all ages, dishing out locally inspired ice cream made with fresh ingredients.
🏆 First place: Bobby Boy Bakeshop | This artisinal bakery is our city’s go-to for freshly made croissants, cinnamon rolls, and eclairs.
🥈 Runner Up: Dream Kreams
Honoree: Chill Nitro
Lunch Spot
Your midday choice for a good sandwich, soup, or salad for a quick light bite.
🏆 First place: Yamas Mediterranean Street Food | The modern Mediterranean food at Yamas makes a perfect lunch, whether you’re savoring a gyro or crafting a custom grain bowl.
🥈 Runner Up: West End Cafe
Honoree: Betty on Burke
Outdoor Dining
The best rooftops and patios for enjoying a meal while soaking up the sun.
🏆 First place: Village Tavern | Dining on the foliage-surrounded patio at this local favorite is a sure way to boost moods and soothe spirits.
🥈 Runner Up: Cugino Forno Pizzeria
Honoree: The Dutch Light
Sports Bar
Where you head to for the next sports game, a wide menu of drinks, and game-day cravings.
🏆 First place: Putters Patio and Grill | Game time is best paired with the craveable sandwiches and comfortable ambiance of Putters.
🥈 Runner Up: Earl’s Restaurant
Honoree: Mossy’s Eats Ales Spirits
Tap Rooms
A spot guaranteed to deliver a delicious, locally crafted beer.
🏆 First place: West Salem Public House | With a large patio and an inviting interior, plus plenty beer and wine, this spot was voted your No. 1 local tap house.
🥈 Runner Up: Brouwerij DuBois
Honoree: Tucker’s Tap Yard
Winery or Wine Bar
Your spot to enjoy crafted wine, offering a taste of the area’s unique flavors and traditions.
🏆 First place: Divine Llama Vineyards | Wineries without llamas just seem strange after a day spent sipping award-winning wines at this scenic vineyard.
🥈 Runner Up: Medaloni Cellars
Honoree: Little Pep
Community
Coworking Location
The best place in town to be productive and collaborate.
🏆 First place: Sparq | Jazz up your remote work by utlizing this spot’s coworking space, conference rooms, and networking opportunities.
🥈 Runner Up: Flywheel Coworking
Honoree: Pilot View Center
Dentist
Helping you smile brighter with gentle care and expert treatment.
🏆 First place: Shobe Pediatric Dentistry | Make going to the dentist a positive experience for kids with this family-friendly team.
🥈 Runner Up: Reynolda Smiles
Honoree: Winston Smiles Dentistry
Gym + Fitness Center
Your favorite place to pump iron and get a sweat in.
🏆 First place: Jerry Long Family YMCA | Group classes, a lap pool, kids’ camps, and more make this gym your go-to destination for activities and wellness.
🥈 Runner Up: O2 Fitness
Honoree: RideUnited WS
Home Service Provider
Your go-to for carpentry, flooring, and all things home improvement + repair.
🏆 First place: OmniVerus General Contractors | Reliability, quality work, and remodel expertise define an experience working with this provider on your home.
🥈 Runner Up: Sutton Brothers
Honoree: Pest-X Exterminating
Local Influencer + Celebrity
Your passionate leaders and trendsetters who are driving community awareness.
🏆 First place: Triad Today (WSJS Radio) - Jeffrey Griffin (Host) | Where would Winston-Salem be without the sound of Jeffrey Griffin coming out of our radio during our morning commutes? We don’t want to know.
🥈 Runner Up: Kelly Murrell (@whathappensinwinston)
Honoree: Such-N-Such Media
Medical Center
Facilities offering a range of healthcare services, including diagnostics and specialized care.
🏆 First place: Novant Health Clemmons Medical Center | Offering emergency, orthopedic, and surgical care, this trusted medical center was voted your No. 1 pick in the area.
🥈 Runner Up: Winston-Salem Pediatrics
Honoree: Lyndhurst Gynecologic Associates
Photographer
High-level creatives who knock how to capture compelling images through artistic vision.
🏆 First place: MJS Live Productions | This media production company is your go-to for capturing corporate events and showcasing your business’s story.
🥈 Runner Up: Joanne Frost Photography
Honoree: Misner Media
Real Estate Agent + Group
Nominate the real estate agent or group that helped secure your dream home.
🏆 First place: Micaela Wall - The W Group Real Estate | Buy or sell your dream home in Winston-Salem with the help of this experienced, savvy group.
🥈 Runner Up: Amethyst Key Real Estate, LLC- Cecilia Gonzalez
Honoree: Nathaniel Birdsong - Salem Realty
Spas + Salons
The best option for hair care or a spa-day to unwind and treat yourself.
🏆 First place: Pure Hands Massage Therapy | Your massage will be in trusted, caring hands when you book with this expert therapist.
🥈 Runner Up: The Tiny Spa
Honoree: Friendly Nails
Sports Medicine
Expert care for athletes of all levels—helping you recover, perform, and stay in the game.
🏆 First place: Winston-Salem Massage and Bodywork | Book a sports massage and feel the benefits at this bodywork treatment center that helps you prevent injuries and recover faster.
🥈 Runner Up: Renew Wellness
Veterinary Clinics
Where pets are treated like family—offering gentle, comprehensive care for your furry pals.
🏆 First place: Reynolda Veterinary Hospital | Your pets will be looked after with care, compassion, and understanding at this No. 1 local choice in veterinary clinics.
🥈 Runner Up: Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital
Honoree: Oldtown Veterinary Hospital
Entertainment & Retail
Arts + Craft Store
From projects to crafts, find everything you need to create and make memories together.
🏆 First place: Hobby Lobby | Why argue against a classic? The Winston-Salem Hobby Lobby was your No. 1 choice in craft stores.
🥈 Runner Up: Sawtooth School for Visual Art
Honoree: The Art SHAC
Bookstore
Your curated selection of literature, cozy reading nooks, and a community for curious minds.
🏆 First place: Bookmarks | Your favorite new page-turner is waiting at this beloved bookstore — be sure to check out its book clubs.
🥈 Runner Up: McKay’s Winston-Salem
Honoree: The Bookhouse
Golf Course
A little birdie told us that this is your favorite golf course.
🏆 First place: Tanglewood Park Golf Course | Book tee times at this challenging, scenic Clemmons course. Psst — Be sure to check out the annual Christmas light display.
🥈 Runner Up: Maple Chase Golf & Country Club
Honoree: Old Town Club Golf Course
Museum
The places to explore history, culture, art, and science through curated exhibits.
🏆 First place: Old Salem Museums & Gardens | Learn old Salem’s history, take a guided tour of the garden, and grab a treat at Winkler Bakery when you spend a day at this local gem.
🥈 Runner Up: Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Honoree: Kaleideum
Music Venue
A vibrant hub for live performances showcasing local and touring artists.
🏆 First place: The Ramkat | From the sound to the lighting to the guest lineup, this venue puts on memorable shows against the historic backdrop of the Sixth Room.
🥈 Runner Up: Muddy Creek Cafe & Listening Room
Honoree: Busted Barrel Cocktail Bar
Party Venue
A dedicated space designed for hosting celebrations, events, and gatherings.
🏆 First place: Airbound Trampoline Park | Booking your kid’s next birthday here is a no-brainer for built-in fun activities including trampolines, a rock wall, and arcade games.
🥈 Runner Up: Miller’s on Robinhood
Honoree: Whiskey Taps and Tails Saloon
Pet-Friendly Venue
Your favorite place to eat, drink, play, or stay with your furry friend.
🏆 First place: Tanglewood Park | Enjoy all this beautiful local park has to offer, including an off-leash dog park with designated big and little dog areas.
🥈 Runner Up: Tucker’s Tap Yard
Honoree: Reynolda Trails
Theater + Performance Venue
Your venue of choice for live artistic performances and award-winning shows.
🏆 First place: a/perture cinema | This cozy movie theater screens something for everyone, including new releases, foreign films, and documentaries — stop by concessions for wine and specialty treats.
🥈 Runner Up: The Little Theatre of Winston-Salem
Honoree: University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Vintage + Resale Shops
Where to shop sustainably and stylishly with handpicked pieces that celebrate the past.
🏆 First place: Elizabeth’s at Hanes Park | Furniture and home good treasures are waiting to be found around every corner of this vintage store.
🥈 Runner Up: The Boho Depot
Honoree: Sweet Repeat Consignment & More
