Girlfriend and are are going to see Elton John Saturday night in Winston-Salem. We'd like to eat somewhere nice while we're there. We are actually gonna be staying a lot closer to Greensboo (GSO) because of price and availability of accommodations. But I'll drive anywhere within reason.

Any recommendations?

4/4/2013 3:37:51 PM

My husband and I enjoy Out West Steakhouse. And since its Kernersville, apposed to in WS, even on a Saturday evening/night I don’t think it’s that hard to get a table. Its definitely nicer than an Outback, but not quite a chop house level- steaks are about $25.

http://www.outweststeakhouseandsaddleroom.com/

Would you rather places in WS/ closer to LJVM?


[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 3:53 PM. Reason : question]

4/4/2013 3:51:53 PM

Quote :

"Elton John"

4/4/2013 3:54:10 PM

^^ I would like a little closer, a step or two up. So yes. Thanks for that recommendation though

4/4/2013 4:11:15 PM

I grew up in Winston and still live here. What tier of 'nice' are you looking for? And what kind of food?

4/4/2013 4:16:08 PM

If you're looking for a hole in the wall deli you gots to go to TJs Deli and get the super cham.

[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 4:43 PM. Reason : .]

4/4/2013 4:42:19 PM

^^I like cool, funky places with unique offerings and a neat, intimate atmosphere. Not holes in the wall, nor do I like your run of the mill steakhouses. Though a great chophouse sure floats my boat.

Doesn't have to be high dollar, but definitely high quality, good food, not your standard meat/potato offerings.

For example, a few places we frequent here in Raleigh: Poole's, Caffe Luna, Gravy, Betski's, 18 Seaboard, Mia Francesca, any one of a half dozen sushi places. Damn good Mediterranean food is always a win too. Open to a LOT of different things.

Just throw ideas out there!

4/4/2013 4:59:46 PM

For a nice in between, Hutch and Harris is good. It doesn't take long to get in and out but has good food and a nice vibe. Although since the weather won't be great it's not always the best option, since I like sitting outside. I ate there right before the opera, if that gives you some idea.

Fourth Street Filling Station is also a good choice, a little more intimate. Kind of a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Ryan's Restaurant is a good steakhouse.

I can give you others, but it would help if you could be as specific as possible, since there are a bunch of different options. Like, are you trying to get in and out pretty quickly, is location an issue, and do you want something that is more formal or just good food but casual (kind of like Outback casual).

[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 5:18 PM. Reason : b]

4/4/2013 5:15:12 PM

check out meridian, i think they only use local (relatively) ingredients. kinda pricey but really good

http://meridianws.com/

http://meridianws.com/wp-content/uploads/menu.pdf

nevermind, not all local, but that's part of their menu

[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 5:21 PM. Reason : .]

[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 5:22 PM. Reason : .]

4/4/2013 5:17:46 PM

Downtown Thai Sushi - modern, upscale atmosphere with quality sushi
Rooftop Bar & Grill - relaxed dining downstairs with some unique menu items, and rooftop bar upstairs
4th Street Filling Station - nice place with decent range of price. Warm and inviting.
Dioli's - Italian restaurant downtown in a popular area. Great service and good Italian food.

4/4/2013 5:21:50 PM

I figure as long as we can do dinner pretty early (say between 5:30 and 6) and get to the coliseum in time for the show, then I'm good.

I've looked at a lot of your suggestions. I do like the downtown angle; definitely has a lot of appeal.

So figure an hour and a half for food time.

4/4/2013 5:27:08 PM

Yeah, Meridian is a bit pricey, but if you do go, use a Restaurant.com gift certificate to help on that.

6th and Vine is also not bad, and that early there shouldn't be any of the bar crowd there. Bernardin's is also downtown, but may not make your hour and a half window, it's a little more formal.

There are others that aren't downtown, but a few minutes away and just off the highway.

Nobles is great, I've been there many times for lunch and dinner.

Also, I hear Willow's Bistro is good, but I have never been.



[Edited on April 4, 2013 at 5:36 PM. Reason : but does it have zx appeal?]

4/4/2013 5:28:13 PM

I'll entertain the idea of not downtown. I haven't been downtown W-S in a coon's age, thought it would be neat.

4/4/2013 6:06:41 PM

http://www.thehillbillyhideaway.com/

4/4/2013 7:06:48 PM

^ haha I've been there. When you're finished, you won't need to eat for the rest of the day.

4/5/2013 9:35:02 AM

http://theoldfourthstreetfillingstation.com/ - nice, good food

http://www.westendcafe.com/ - much more casual but tasty food

4/5/2013 9:38:03 AM

Thanks for all the replies. It actually looks like there are some cool places. I definitely like the uniquie, eclectic, funky, and there seems to be a bit of that. Keep 'em coming if you think of anything else!

4/5/2013 12:33:54 PM

^^^^Oh shit, I've been there too & completely forgot the name of the place!

4/5/2013 12:47:11 PM

Is that drive-thru jamaican place still there? it's been a long time, but i lived there for a few months and vaguely remember this. i think it had jerk-jicken sandwiches?

4/5/2013 12:51:13 PM

Quote :

"I definitely like the unique, eclectic, funky"

It's too bad you're not gonna be around for breakfast or lunch, because there's a place that fits that description perfectly, but they close at 3. It's called Mary's Breakfast of Course. They're always packed whenever I've gone, so the service is a little slow, but high quality. Funky, cool food too.

4/5/2013 2:22:17 PM

Funky food? Doesn't sound too good

I also remember some place that was kinda like a fast food place, but a little better. i think it had Italian vibe, served sandwiches and breadsticks. I think it was called Zanzabar or something like that.

4/5/2013 2:24:54 PM

^^there's always brunch Sunday, yes?

4/5/2013 3:09:46 PM

absolutely Sunday brunch

funky is a bad word. They just have cool, unique food offerings, like breakfast nacho's. It's a plate of nacho chips, eggs, melted cheese, diced tomatoes, olives, avacado, and sour cream. We get it every time.

It's one of those places that only use fresh, local ingredients. It has an artsy vibe to it, so they have stuff like organic milk, vegetarian sausage, and whole wheat pancakes.

4/5/2013 3:56:22 PM

Quote :

"Ryan's Restaurant is a good steakhouse."

Quote :

"Also, I hear Willow's Bistro is good, but I have never been."

Willow's is excellent.

4/5/2013 4:19:53 PM

Based on your desires I would recommend:

1. 1703 - very intimate
2. Springhouse - pork shank is amazing!

I have read everyone else's suggestions and have eatten at all of them. I recommend those top two over all of the others. IF you want a traditional steak house do go to Ryans. If you do decide to go to Willow's make sure you have a reservation - very small.

4/5/2013 5:23:02 PM

village tavern is pretty nice, it's right by wake. foothills brewing is downtown if you're in the mood for some drinks with dinner.

4/5/2013 10:22:22 PM

http://www.ronniswings.com/

4/5/2013 10:55:45 PM

http://www.citiesgrillandbar.com/

4/6/2013 10:09:33 AM

Anyone remember the restaurant in W-S that was a "school" for a cult and all of the food was free and you just paid what you wanted? I ate their a lot with my aunt but can't remember what it was. (this was maybe 10 years ago?)

4/6/2013 12:24:03 PM

so what'd you decide on?

4/6/2013 11:44:20 PM

Elsewhere collaborative is in Greensboro.

Sweet Potatoes - Brunch
Screaming Rooster - Breakfast

In Greensboro - Smith Street Diner - fantastic pancakes.

4/7/2013 12:28:51 AM

Mozelle's on 4th st

4/7/2013 8:58:25 PM

^^ Interesting (in regard to Smith Street Diner - fantastic pancakes.). I am currently living a couple hundred feet from there but have never checked it out.

4/7/2013 9:18:44 PM

I'm over behind the massive church on Friendly 2 blocks from Westerwood Tavern.

4/7/2013 9:35:06 PM

Willow's Bistro...really great atmosphere. But the food? Was so-so. I eat crab cakes whenever I can...so I got one. And it tasted like...absolutely nothing. Mussels? Let them steam for an hour or something? And when you have a list of signature cocktails, one of which is a grapefruit margarita, how the hell are you out of tequila? Early on a Saturday evening? Could have at least offered to sub a top shelf tequila, IF they even had one. And this was after not having one of the wines I wanted.

Man, the place has possibilities. Lots. Oh so close. But a fumble and turnover on the ten yard line.

We got back into town yesterday and decided to swing by Tony's at Macgregor Village. Much better crab cake. And everything else.

4/8/2013 10:48:28 AM

I'm sorry to hear it. I can't say I've been there before.

Did you get to stay for brunch?

4/8/2013 10:59:34 AM

Quote :

"I'm over behind the massive church on Friendly 2 blocks from Westerwood Tavern."

Oh yeah, I forgot you said you lived near there. I haven't gone to Westerwood Tavern yet. If I would have thought about it this weekend I would have said something since I was in town this weekend. One of the weekends I stay in town I'll let you know.

4/8/2013 11:02:19 AM

^^no, we bailed out and grabbed a biscuit on the road from good ole bojangles. We wanted to hit ikea for a while before coming home.

4/8/2013 11:10:38 AM

Man that sucks about Willow's, it's been great every time that I've been. It has been a few months since my last visit though. I hope it isn't going downhill.

4/10/2013 9:47:56 AM

I'm gonna try out Willow's tonight. Sounds like a hit or miss - wish me luck!

5/1/2013 2:43:23 PM