Family Recommendations
Insights from those who’ve been there.
Wake Forest families offer their top recommendations for dining, lodging, and things to do once you’re here.
Wisdom Shared by WFU Families
We asked current Wake Forest families to share their favorite local restaurants and hotels with incoming families, so you can experience Winston-Salem the way they do. From go-to brunch spots and dinner favorites to comfortable, convenient places to stay, these are the tried-and-true recommendations our families return to again and again.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended by Multiple Families
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Kimpton Cardinal | 51 East Fourth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Graylyn | 1900 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Courtyard Marriott (Downtown) | 640 West Fourth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Hotel Indigo | 104 West 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Name | Location |
|---|---|
| Brookstown Inn | 200 Brookstown Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| TownHill Suites | 1600 Westbrook Plaza Dr. Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Courtyard Marriott University Parkway | 3111 University Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 27105 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 1325 Creekshire Way Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Westin | 450 N Cherry St. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Holiday Inn at Clemmons | 6330 Jessie Ln Clemmons, NC 27012 |
Breakfast
Recommended by Multiple Families
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Bobbyboy Bakeshop | Artisanal pastries, breads, and sandwiches | 1100 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| Young Cardinal Café and Co. | Modern breakfast and brunch classics | 424 4th Street NW Winston-Salem NC 27101 |
| Krankies | Coffee roaster, Southern biscuits, and sandwiches | 211 East 3rd Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Mama Zoe’s | Southern comfort food and family-style staples | 2859 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Dough Joe’s | Fresh made-to-order doughnuts and coffee | 114 Reynolda Village, Suite C Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| First Watch | Health-minded breakfast, brunch, and lunch | 1602 S Stratford Road, Suite 140 Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Famous Toastery | Fresh and creative breakfast favorites | 770 Liberty View Ct. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Camino Bakery | Handmade pastries, breads, and coffee | 310B W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Midtown Café and Dessertery | Comfort food and scratch-made desserts | 151 South Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| Bagel Station (Whittaker Square) | New York-style bagels and deli sandwiches | 129 Oakwood Drive Winston-Salem NC 27103 |
| Louis and Honey | Artisan bakery and coffee house | 401 West End Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Another Broken Egg | Southern-inspired breakfast and brunch | 1220 Creekshire Way Winston-Salem, NC 2710 |
| Jojos | Casual breakfast & lunch diner | 440 West End Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Copain | European-style bakery and cafe | 232 S Liberty Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Pennypath | Sweet and savory French creperie | 122 Reynolda Village Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Breakfastime | Traditional homestyle breakfast | 2630 Peters Creek Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 27127 |
| Toasted | Modern breakfast and brunch | 3780 Reynolda Rd #100 Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
Lunch
Recommended by Multiple Families
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Village Tavern | American tavern fare | 221 Reynolda Village Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Theodore’s | Sandwiches, wraps, salads | 114 Reynolda Village, Ste. A Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Mozelle’s | Fresh Southern bistro | 878 West Fourth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Betty on Burke | Small plates, inspired entrees | 1016 Burke Street, Site D Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Dioli’s | Italian deli and bakery | 2898 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| West End Cafe | American cafe fare | 926 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| The Carving Board | Soups, salads, sandwiches, and more | 318 South Stratford Thruway Shopping Center Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Cugino Forno Pizzeria | Neapolitan style pizza | 486 N Patterson Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Cin CIn Burger Bar | Gourmet burgers, adult milkshakes, and retro speakeasy vibes. | 1425 W 1st Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Putters | Neighborhood patio and grill staples | 3005 University Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 2710 |
| East of Texas | Texas-style BBQ and tacos in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. | 907 S Broad Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Alma Mexicana | Modern Mexican cuisine with fresh cocktails and outdoor seating. | 492 Patterson Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Bossy Beulah’s | Famous fried chicken sandwiches and classic Southern sides. | 1500 W 1st Street Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| Quiet Pint | Gastropub serving local beers, burgers, and street tacos. | 1420 W 1st Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Mellow Mushroom Pizza | Pizza, salads | 314 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Real Q BBQ | Authentic, pit-cooked Lexington-style barbecue. | 4885 Country Club Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| TJ’s Deli | Deli sandwiches and more | 5017 Country Club Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| O’Brien’s Deli | Deli sandwiches and more | 4001 Country Club Road, Suite C Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| Mountain Fried Chicken | Traditional homestyle fried chicken and Southern comfort food. | 5954 University Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 27105 |
| Waldos Wings | Local favorite for crispy wings and a casual family atmosphere. | 2855 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Village Juice | Healthy juices, smoothies, grain bowls, and plant-based options. | 205-O S Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| CAVA | Mediterranean fast-casual bowls, pitas, and salads. | 205 S Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Elizabeth’s Pizza | Pizza, Italian | 2824 University Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Ramen Mafia | Authentic Japanese ramen and Asian-inspired small plates. | 271 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Hungry Palate | Mediterranean & American grill | 239 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| The Pitt BBQ | Traditional North Carolina BBQ | 300 Peters Creek Pkwy Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
Dinner
Recommended by Multiple Families
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mozelle’s | Fresh Southern bistro | 878 West Fourth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Ryan’s Restaurant | Upscale steakhouse and seafood | 719 Coliseum Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Fratelli’s Italian Steakhouse | Italian steakhouse | 2000 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen | Wood-fired, artisan cooking | 380 Knollwood Street Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Name | Cuisine | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Village Tavern | American tavern fare | 221 Reynolda Village Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| The Porch | Innovative Tex Mex | 840 Mill Works Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Cibo Trattoria | Craft cuisine from the northern and southern culinary traditions Of Italy | 601 N Liberty Street Winston-Salem, NC, 27101 |
| Diamondback Grill | Sports bar with casual fare and delicious dinners | 751 N Avalon Road Winston-Salem, NC 27104 |
| Quiet Pint | Gastropub serving local beers, burgers, and street tacos. | 1420 W 1st Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| East of Texas | Texas-style BBQ and tacos in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. | 907 S Broad Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Tuscani | Italian pasta and family-style favorites | 140 W Fourth Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Milners | Southern comfort food and regional staples | 630 S Stratford Road Winston-Salem, NC 27103 |
| Jeffrey Adams | Farm-to-table contemporary American | 321 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Di Lisios | Family-owned Italian favorites | 301 Brookstown Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Spotted Cow | Casual pub food and burgers | 2037 S Hawthorne Road Winston-Salem, NC 2710 |
Museums, Art and Culture
| Name | Overview | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Reynolda House Museum of American Art | The Reynolda House Museum of American Art features a renowned collection of American art, restored interior rooms, and is surrounded by a 170-acre estate with gardens and shops. | 2201 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Reynolda Village and Gardens | Reynolda Gardens are located in Reynolda Village, adjacent to the Reynolda campus of Wake Forest University and the Reynolda House. The gardens are open daily with free admission. While in Reynolda Village, guests can visit several shops and eateries. | 100 Reynolda Vlg Way Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Old Salem Historical Tour and Winkler’s Bakery | Take a journey through time at one of America’s premier history attractions. While you’re here, be sure to visit Winkler’s Bakery—a wood-fired bakery offering sugar cookies and other baked goods, plus gifts. | 521 S Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| NC Museum of Art Winston-Salem | NCMA Winston-Salem (formerly SECCA) offers a front row seat to the art of our time through exhibitions, experiences, and education programs with a focus on regional working artists. | 750 Marguerite Drive Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Ardmore Art Walk | Annual neighborhood event featuring local artists and makers. | Ardmore Neighborhood Winston-Salem, NC |
| Kaledium | Immersive STEAM-based children’s museum for interactive learning. | 120 W 3rd Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
Nightlife, Breweries, and Bars
| Name | Overview | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fiddlin Fish Brewing Co. | Family-owned craft brewery and taproom with mountain-inspired vibes, a spacious patio, and live music events. | 772 N Trade Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Wise Man Brewing | Popular brewery located in a historic downtown building, featuring an ever-changing lineup of craft beers and a lively atmosphere. | 826 Angelo Bros. Ave Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Joyner’s Bar | Elegant, speakeasy-style cocktail bar in the historic West End neighborhood with a vintage atmosphere. | 854 W 4th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Incendiary Brewing | Industrial craft brewery with a massive outdoor taproom. | 486 N Patterson Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Vintage Sofa Bar | Chic cocktail lounge with plush seating and unique small bites. | 1001 Burke Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Campus Gas | Neighborhood bar and grill | 1231 Polo Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Burke Street Pub | Classic local pub and sports bar | 1110 Burke Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Earl’s | Country bar with live music and Southern food | 121 W 9th Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
Outdoor Recreation
| Name | Overview | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Mountain State Park | Iconic geologic knob with 360-degree views, offering hiking, rock climbing, and camping across its mountain and river sections. | 1721 Pilot Knob Park Road Pinnacle, NC 27043 |
| Winston-Salem Dash (Baseball) | High-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox; fun, family-friendly minor league baseball at Truist Stadium. | Truist Stadium 951 Ballpark Way Winston-Salem, NC 27101 |
| Salem Lake | A scenic 365-acre lake with a popular 7-mile trail for walking, running, and biking, plus fishing and boating. | 815 Salem Lake Road Winston-Salem, NC 27107 |
| Hanging Rock State Park (Hiking) | State park offering miles of hiking trails, stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and a lake for swimming and boating. | 1790 Hanging Rock Park Road Danbury, NC 27016 |
| Tanglewood | Expansive park featuring golf courses, an aquatic center, horse stables, trails, and the famous seasonal Festival of Lights. | 4061 Clemmons Road Clemmons, NC 27012 |
| Piedmont Environmental Center | Nature center with miles of trails and wildlife exhibits. | 1220 Penny Road High Point, NC 27265 |
| Reynolda Trails (near Reynolda House Museum of Art) | Scenic walking and running trails through gardens and campus. | 100 Reynolda Village Winston-Salem, NC 27106 |
| Jolo Vineyards | Award-winning estate winery nestled at the base of Pilot Mountain, offering fine dining at End Posts and breathtaking views. | 219 JOLO Winery Lane Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 |
| Divine Llama Vineyards | Enjoy the rolling mountains, quiet forests, and fresh air—all made even better in the company of a llama companion. | 4126 Divine Llama Lane East Bend, NC, 27018 |
Checklist
Refer to the new student checklist to stay on track of all your summer tasks leading up to move-in.
Before You Arrive
Here’s what to prioritize over the summer to ensure you have a smooth transition to college life.
Once You’re Here
Learn about how students experience campus and how to make a home at Wake Forest University.
Academic Success
We have a robust suite of academic support offices to help students succeed in the classroom.
New Deac Week
Learn more about our in-person Orientation experience for students as well as parents/families.
Campus Resources
Explore our vast network of campus departments and resources that students will use at Wake Forest.