The best casual, fancy and late-night black-owned eats in Winston-Salem

approximately 600 restaurants exist in the Camel City, while fewer than a quarter-million people call it home. That resident-to-restaurant ratio means that for locals, it’s possible to eat somewhere new every day — and still have places left to explore after a year. This article which was originally written in July 209, was meant to be a guide of where to eat to support black-owned restaurants during the National Black Theater Festival. Now, amidst the pandemic and the nationwide protests against police brutality, we think it’s important to shed light on the best black restaurants our fair city has to offer, from old standbys to the newer spots.

1. Ackingna’s Place
3066 New Walkertown Road 336.721.0270 (no website)
Located in the original Zesto’s location in East Winston, this takeout-only spot serves up breakfast all day and soul food-inspired dishes on weekdays only.

2. Cam’s Coffee Creations
930 S. Broad St.
What started as a pop-up shop now sells whole-bean coffee with lunch specials and creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.

3. Carolina’s Vineyards and Hops 
1111 S Marshall St.
One-hundred percent of the menu is dedicated to North Carolina vineyards, breweries, creameries and farms. Including small plates, charcuterie, artisanal cheeses and beverages.

4. Dr. Chops Soul Food Café
 4830 Old Rural Hall Rd 336.893.5356 (no website)
Home of the collard-green sandwich, this soul-food spot is known for its extensive menu which includes wings, chitlins, fish platters and chicken and waffles.

5. Downtown Bodega
140 W. Sixth St. (no website)
Downtown’s newest convenience store has all of your snack needs covered with products from local entrepreneurs like DJ’s Cheesecakes alongside fresh produce and cold drinks.

6. Forsyth Seafood Market and Café 
108 N Martin Luther King Jr Drive
Serving since 1984, this community staple offers more than 25 varieties of wild-caught fish and crustaceans in the market and fresh fried and grilled fish platters and meals in the café.

7. Hot Dog City
2300 Patterson Ave. (no website)
Known for hot dogs, cheesesteaks, hoagies and vegetarian-friendly options, the housemade Italian ice is a great way to beat the heat.

8. Meta’s Restaurant
102 W Third St 336.750.0811 (no website)
Grab some homemade favorites like turkey legs, smothered pork chops or fried chicken at downtown’s first black-owned restaurant.

9. Miss Ora’s Kitchen
605 Trade St.
This small enterprise is the sister restaurant to Sweet Potatoes and serves up cast-iron fried chicken, sweet potato biscuits and classic, housemade sides.

10. Simply Soul 
4339 S Main St 336.788.0400 (no website)
This lunch and dinner only restaurant is “simply” the best with daily specials including liver and onions, chicken pot pie and barbecued ribs.

11. Sweet Potatoes 
607 Trade St.
This Downtown Arts District staple serves lunch, brunch and dinner with the promise of unique, Southern-inspired uptown cooking.

12. Ta’Nisha’ Monique Cupcakes 
1318 N Liberty St.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a selection of cupcake flavors including Fruity Pebbles, white wine, red velvet or pink lemonade at this diminutive storefront in East Winston.

13. Taste of the Triad 
4320 Old Walkertown Road
This family-style cafeteria restaurant offers southern comfort cuisine, daily chef specials and a Saturday brunch menu.

14. Zestos Burgers & Ice Cream
2600 New Walkertown Road
This modernized and local version of a 70-year-old, fast-casual brand has burgers, shakes, fries and a convenient drive thru window.

15. Mayberry’s
216 W 4th Street
What began as a pop-up location during the National Black Theater Festival in 2019, this location serves a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and ice cream.

15. 3 Layers Cakery
521 N Liberty St
Owned by baker and caterer Pam Cager, cupcakes, pies, cookies, cheesecakes and other baked goods are all baked on site.

16. Prime Tyme Soul Café
2730 University Pkwy
This family-owned restaurant features traditional southern soul food featuring fried chicken, collard greens and candied yams with housemade desserts.