In recent years, Winston Salem has changed significantly, becoming an attractive and fashionable location for young professionals. New bars have added their unique vibe, providing endless, diverse options. This guide will take you on a tour through some of the best Winston Salem bars and why you should visit!
Our Look at the Top Winston Salem Bars!
Bar Pina: Rooftop Oasis
Start your night at Bar Pina, an incredible rooftop bar that will transport you away from Winston-Salem for just an instant. Boasting an eclectic and chic ambiance reminiscent of Austin or New York, as you ascend its steps, an iconic neon sign greets you along with graffiti art that pays homage to Winston-Salem – making Instagrammable drinks and stylish decor make Bar Pina an absolute must for bar-hopping adventures in Winston-Salem!
Tate’s Crafts and Cocktails
Tate’s Crafts and Cocktails on Fourth Street is an unassuming hidden gem that captures the heart and spirit of Winston-Salem, yet stands out with eclectic charm. Locals love this cozy yet casual bar for its well-stocked bar on the main floor as well as balcony seating; string lights line the ceiling to add a magical atmosphere for creating memories and photos to share online; live music fills Wednesdays when Wake Forest University students flock in and don’t miss trying their Instagrammable unicorn cups that bring added magic into their evening events! A great Winston Salem bars selection!
Incendiary Brewing Company: Craft Beer and Pizza Delight
Incendiary Brewing Company should be on any beer lover’s visit list in Winston-Salem. Conveniently situated behind Alma Mexicana restaurant, Incendiary features high ceilings that create an exciting bar scene while outdoor tables adorned with string lights can make this space the ideal spot. They are in the hip power plant-turned-entertainment hub near Bailey Park in downtown Winston Salem.
Katherine: An Experience to Remember
If you’re seeking an elevated night out, The Katherine is an upscale bar within Kimpton Cardinal Hotel that will transport you into a big city setting. Boasting an extensive cocktail menu and delectable bar food options, The Katherine offers an indulgent experience sure to please every sense. Though prices may be higher than other bars, its atmosphere and attention to detail more than make up for any increases; with frequent crowd-pulling live music performances throughout each visit and an elegant ambiance that immerses its visitors completely, The Katherine promises an elegant night of sophistication for sure!
Fair Witness: Relaxed Atmosphere and Delectable Drinks
Fair Witness has quickly become a beloved establishment within Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem communities, thanks to its charming lounge and bar vibe blend. Offering candlelit rooms and firepit seating outside for year-round coziness. Famous for their innovative drinks with eye-catching visual appeal but tasty tastes alike – whether it’s classic cocktails or innovative creations that suit every palette, Fair Witness provides something perfect!
Wise Man Brewing
This craft brewery’s taproom features exposed brick walls and a laidback neighborhood vibe. The rotating selection shows off their IPAs, sours, and traditional beer styles. A local favorite among Winston Salem Bars!
Dram & Draught
Dram and Draught is an intimate bar in Bailey Park that boasts more than 300 varieties of whiskey from across the globe, along with cocktails, wines, and draft beer in a welcoming setting.
Dram and Draught offer their customers a rotating seasonal drink menu to keep them engaged! Many of their recipes came directly from customers!
Fair Witness Fancy Drinks
Fair Witness Fancy Drinks in Bailey Park offers an intimate setting to sip delicious cocktails while relaxing in its chill vibe. Plus, their bartenders are truly incredible!
Vintage Sofa Bar
The Vintage Sofa Bar is an unusual, quirky cocktail lounge in Winston-Salem’s Arts District. Housed within an abandoned vintage furniture store, its eclectic decor features retro pieces such as velvet sofas and mismatched decor, making this cozy spot popular with neighborhood locals. A sophisticated choice among the Winston Salem bars!
The Vintage Sofa Bar takes great pride in being innovative in its decor and drinks. Their cocktail menu boasts classic standards and imaginative concoctions.
The Vintage Sofa Bar provides original cocktails and an extensive list of draft beer varieties from North Carolina – particularly local craft breweries – along with shareable plates like pretzels, hummus, and flatbreads for bar bites. In addition, The Vintage Sofa Bar often hosts live music events and open mic nights or trivia nights to add fun, artsy spirit into its space and patrons’ experience.
The Vintage Sofa Bar’s laidback atmosphere and creative approach have quickly made it one of Winston-Salem’s favorite nightlife spots, drawing both locals and visitors alike to Winston-Salem for its nightlife scene. It exemplifies its vibrant arts and cultural background.
Burke Street Pub
Burke Street Pub can be found near Old Salem in Downtown Winston-Salem and opened its doors for business in 2004 in a restored 1905 building that once housed Twin City Motor Company. As part of its distinctive industrial character, this pub embraces this building’s rich past while honoring its past tenants’ legacy.
The interior has an open, lofty atmosphere with exposed brick walls and ductwork. The bar area features warm wood tones, stained glass lamps, and an impressive wooden bar top, while authentic decorations such as bicycle wheels, old gas cans, and street signs add character and create an antiquated ambiance.
Burke Street Pub hosts something exciting every night of the week at its cozy pub! They offer a variety of contests, themed evenings, open mic nights, and games throughout the week. Check out their website or social media for updated events.
Burke Street Pub features two floors of entertainment with board games or cards available until late at night. Live music is frequently scheduled.
Gatsby’s Pub
Gatsby’s Pub on Burke Street boasts an elegant bar of hand-carved oak and marble that welcomes patrons. They also welcome guests with open arms for shag dancing on Wednesday nights and karaoke on Fridays – offering guests a fun-loving atmosphere to meet friends for some enjoyable entertainment!
Gatsby’s Pub was Camel City’s inaugural neighborhood bar.
Gatsby’s Pub, found on West 4th Street in downtown Winston-Salem, has been a continuously operated pub for over 80 years. The two-story brick structure provides ample seating.
This warm wood paneling interior, vintage beer advertisements, antique leather furnishings, and the famed Dart Room with multiple dartboards, billiards, and shuffleboard tables combine for an inviting ambiance in this charming pub.
Eastern Standard
Eastern Standard Burke Street provides live music, delicious drinks, and regular dance nights – the ideal combination for an enjoyable outing with friends or family! This bar is sophistication personified and the perfect choice for an upscale evening out!
Eastern Standard is conveniently situated along West End Boulevard with easy access to many downtown attractions, opening its doors with its mid-century modern facade modeled after 1920s cocktail bars.
The interior & decor combine industrial and vintage elements such as salvaged wood flooring with plush leather booths, antique mirrors, and pops of brass and green to add interest. An intimate speakeasy bar can also be found off from the main area.
Eastern Standard serves handcrafted cocktails made with fresh ingredients and housemade juices and syrups from their kitchen, such as Penicillin with Scotch & Ginger or Gold Rush Bourbon Cocktail. They offer an impressive variety of specialty beverages like these as well.
Eastern Standard offers a small plate menu that is ideal for cocktails. Showing shareable items like flatbreads and charcuterie alongside signature dishes like Grilled Avocado Salad.
The Wrong Number
The Wrong Number on 4th Street is well known for serving drinks with creative names taken from telemarketer tactics such as “Student Loans” or “Auto Warranty.” With such refreshing options, mostly created from the minds of the talented and entertaining barkeeps, it adds to this dive bar’s irreverent and fun nature
The Wrong Number Bar can be found in downtown Winston-Salem at 1826 Trade Street and first opened its doors in 1993 within its 1906 building, which still maintains a vintage, old-school ambiance.
The cozy interior is decorated with wooden plank walls featuring band stickers on all surfaces and bikes bolted to the ceiling for decor. The decor includes vintage beer signs and local artwork; this bar also provides a pool table in its back corner.
The Wrong Number is an intimate dive bar accepting only cash payments, offering affordable beer, well-liquor drinks, and many draft selections.
The Wrong Number offers open mic nights featuring local musicians. Comedy and trivia nights also occur regularly at this inviting space that welcomes guests.
Bar NOLA
West End’s Bar NOLA provides an exciting New Orleans atmosphere with specialty drinks and dartboard games, perfect for an enjoyable visit.
Bar NOLA hosts live music performances nearly every weekend by local musicians or artists just starting out – many of whom may be newcomers or emerging talents!
The interior was carefully planned to evoke a New Orleans vibe with Mardi Gras decor, bead strings, an authentic barrel bar, and jazz playing softly in the background.
Bar NOLA specializes in creating handcrafted cocktails like the Sazarac, French 75, and Hurricane, made with small-batch liquors from small distilleries. There’s also an impressive bourbon and rye whiskey selection and beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options available on-site.
Reboot Arcade Bar in Art Park
Reboot is located just beyond Art Park on North Liberty Street and boasts pinball machines and various arcade games that will satisfy your inner kid!
Reboot’s drinks and lighting create an engaging space perfect for socializing with friends or relaxing after an exhausting workday.
Reboot Arcade Bar can be found just north of Downtown Winston-Salem.
Reboot is a retro arcade bar offering classic games such as pinball machines, skeeball, and duckpin bowling alongside craft beers, cocktails, and food.
With over 60 classic arcade and pinball cabinets from the ’70s through to 1990s, including PacMan, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Street Fighter, and an 8-lane duckpin bowling alley.
Reboot Arcade Bar stands out in Winston-Salem nightlife by providing nostalgic gaming, an eclectic craft beer menu, and fun special events – making for an unparalleled nightlife experience!
A fun and unique choice in our coverage of Winston Salem Bars!
Second & Green Tavern.
The Tavern sits in the location of the former R.R. Hinshaw’s grocery store, which opened for business in 1928. The building remains fully intact today, boasting many original architectural features that define its character and charm.
The decor features an antique oak bar, vintage North Carolina soda advertising signs from decades ago, and historical photos documenting how the building has evolved.
There are 16 rotating taps offering local and regional craft beers from local producers; wine from regional vineyards and locally inspired cocktails are also provided with their spirits.
Entertainment: Second & Green offers live music on weekends from local blues, rock, and Americana bands and open mic nights that showcase local talent.
They host trivia nights, beer pairing dinners, Sunday brunch, and beer releases like their annual anniversary party.
Second & Green Tavern has become an immensely popular neighborhood spot thanks to its historic building, craft beer and cocktails from small producers, live music performances by local talent and daily specials on tap.
Now that you have experienced Winston-Salem’s bar scene, it’s time to plan the ultimate bar-hopping journey! Winston-Salem boasts rooftop views, hidden gems, craft beer offerings, upscale experiences, and casual lounges to suit every preference; you are bound to make lasting memories in this bustling city and plan an incredible night out in Winston-Salem! Here’s to an unforgettable night in Winston-Salem!