Wandering through Old Salem felt like stepping into an 18th-century Moravian village. I was captivated by the aroma of fresh Moravian sugar cake from Winkler Bakery and loved chatting with artisans in authentic shops. The period-dressed interpreters and beautiful gardens made history come alive. A peaceful, charming, and unexpectedly immersive visit—one of my favorite NC experiences!

There were very few people around on a Saturday afternoon in September. I’m told this is very different from mid-Ictober to December, as well as March-July. And 5 hours were not enough. The interpreters were very friendly and knowledgeable, and even though we could visit very few of them, we learnt a lot from each of them. We particularly enjoyed the passion each interpreter brought to their work, and the efforts they made to keep the materials and processes authentic. It was an easy day trip from the Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill area.

Another FIVE-STAR experience in Winston-Salem, strolling through Old Salem Museums & Gardens during the late afternoon hours. We checked into the Historic Brookstown Inn and walked three blocks up to the South Main Street entry point to Old Salem (the location of the historic Mickey Coffee Pot Maker). Easy! Old Salem is an immersive experience offering beautifully preserved and interpreted 18th-19th century history, I was surprised to see a marker on the property where the first Krispy Kreme doughnut store WAS located (see photo). Obviously not 18th-19th history, but still important NC history (love those doughnuts!). Old Salem is perfect for families, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates the heritage and period architecture. Be sure to check out Winkler Bakery, still in operation since 1800! Check out the shops, homes, schools, churches, and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts.

I enjoyed spending a day in Old Salem. The museums were interesting as was the architecture. Good way to spend half to a whole day.

Visiting Old Salem this past weekend was like stepping into a living time capsule, and it was pure magic. As a proud Salem College alum, returning to the community brought back so many cherished memories, but experiencing it through the eyes of my son and the rest of our tour group (which included a bunch of adolescent boys!) made it even more special. The historical interpreters—every single one—were phenomenal, keeping both the kids and adults engaged with their storytelling and knowledge. I want to give an extra special shout-out to Brother DJ and Sister Stacy in the Salem Tavern, who absolutely stole the show. Their passion, warmth, and authenticity made us feel like we had truly traveled back in time. Thank you, Old Salem, for preserving this history and sharing it in such a meaningful and memorable way. We'll be talking about this visit for a long time to come!

This building seems to be the visitor center for Old Salem its set up nicely with different historical displays and lots of information regarding Old Salem inside there's a gift shop and ticket Information desk as well as a auditorium great place to start your adventure on your walk through the historic moravian district of salem

Old Salem Museums & Gardens stands out for rigorous preservation and clear interpretation of Moravian town life. Winkler Bakery occupies a 1799 bakery that remains operational with a wood-fired oven and historic recipes, representing one of North Carolina’s longest-running bakery traditions and a rare working foodways site. The Single Brothers’ House interprets Salem’s organised communal economy. As residence and training ground for unmarried craftsmen, it anchors narratives about skilled trades, self-sufficiency, and town planning; today it functions as a core exhibit building within the historic district. Across these sites, Old Salem advances an inclusive mission that foregrounds the stories of Moravian, Black, and Indigenous peoples, strengthening its significance as a research-grounded, living-history museum rather than a static streetscape. I highly recommend people to stop by to experience and learn about the history of these lands.

A stunning FIVE-STAR self-guided tour of the Reynolda House Museum, built in 1917 as the family residence of Katharine Smith and R.J. Reynolds on a 1,067-acre estate. This comfortable and regal home is frozen in time, reflecting early 20th-century style, and is brimming with period furniture, artwork, accessories, and clothing/fashions—spanning 64 rooms and 34,000 square feet. Highlights include a pipe organ that fills the home with music, a swimming pool, a ping-pong room, a bowling alley, an indoor shooting range, a bank vault, a walk-in wine cellar, and more. The home sits adjacent to Reynolda Village, Reynolda Gardens, and Wake Forest University. We spent a full day exploring the property, but you can take two hours—or two days—to enjoy your visit at your own pace. Another must-see in Winston-Salem is Old Salem, just a short 4-mile drive from the Reynolda House Museum.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually a huge historical home fan so take my review with a grain of salt. I did think the home was beautiful though! It was $18 (before tax) and I felt like it was worth it. There are four floors total, though the attic is small. The outside of the house was my favorite with the white exterior and green windows. If you can swing it, I’d recommend going in the afternoon so you can hear the organ play at 2:45 PM (it’s not exact because I guess it takes a while to turn on) and is digitized. It’s pretty cool though to hear the music while you’re walking through the house. I’ll review it separately, but definitely check out the gardens while you are there! They are free!

I have lived with 15 minutes of this Museum for close to 20 years and this was my first visit. What vision Katharine Reynolds had in the early 1900s. The house and the gardens are gorgeous. Walked out a Patron member. Thank you for making today a great day

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to reynolda house museum in Reynolda village. The walk to the museum was so peaceful and full of nature. I walked past turtles in the river, snakes in the woods, and so many different flowers along the way. It was so special to walk around and see. When I got to the museum it had an exhibit of cigarettes. The whole exhibit was full of history about cigarettes and how they were branded in society. It was really cool to walk around and see so much history. I was happy to get an understanding about how cigarettes were branded and how they came to be so popular in Winston Salem. I’m very happy with this visit to a museum and I totally recommend a visit by anyone who is interested in history, art, or museums.

Great walking trails and scenery. I wish there were more garbage cans throughout the park. I had to cary some trash on an entire 2+ mile walk because I couldn't find a trash can anywhere.

Free with NARM membership. Mansion that belonged to R. J. Reynolds family. Really nice art collection and the home is a gorgeous 4 story mansion.

I didn't get to do a complete tour because I was tirrrreeeed, it was so big and interesting lol But I will definitely go back

I went when there weren’t any events and it was a pretty and interesting place to walk my dog. Plenty of panels explaining ever stone mound and site which made it pretty educational and a step up from many old colonial ruin sites. All in all it’s not worth a 4hr drive but if you’re in the area it’s a cool place for a walk.

I drove a few hours to get here and was disappointed because I came for the lotus pond. When I got there found out the trail was not accessible. However, we stayed and explored the grounds. It was very educational and interesting. I did find another was to access the pond which was a short drive away.

Went to the Apple Festival on a beautiful fall day. The crowds were large and well-behaved. Vendors had a wide variety for sale, and all the historic buildings were open for tours. Bethabara was a sister town to Salem where the Moravians settled in 1753 to escape religious persecution. Eleven settlers, each chosen for their distinct occupation, left Bethlehem PA and covered 520 miles in 40 days. The pottery house and the blacksmith were particularly interesting, as was the petting zoo for children. The large barn has displays of various tools used by the Moravians in everyday tasks. There are a few good hiking trails, one of which leads across Minorcas Creek to their God's Acre burying ground. A lot of history here. The only complaint I have is that no one was selling apple cider! Besides that, it was a great time.

Lovely place with some interesting history. We made it on a candle making day and the kids were invited to help. It was pretty special for them, and of course we were sold on buying a few from the gift shop when we left. Could easily spend an hour or two just walking the grounds.

The historical structures are well marked. Had a lovely time exploring and walking around this Moravian settlement

If you're a history buff, the story of the Moravians and their history in NC is very interesting. We went during the week so there were more staff than the very few other visitors. All were very friendly and informative. The black smithing volunteers have us a personal demonstration and made us a souvenir pot hanging hook from a steel bar ... very cool and interesting. They also had an assortment of metal tools, etc that would have been used in the settlement and explained what they did. I loved it! We only spent and hour and half or so, so we didn't take the guided tour, but I'm sure it would been very interesting. We did watch the we 20 minute video and read a lot of the plaques in the visitors center. Highly recommend if you enjoy history.

Loved the staff here. They were all very helpful and informed.

The beer here is as close to fresh as it gets - brewed onsite! Outstanding selection of year around favorites & seasonal brews. Want some food? Great wings and things from the near permanent food truck, can be ordered from the bar on the same tab. TOAST TAB is the POS used. My favorite - FROSTBITE is a black IPA. Service is fast & friendly. Daily specials from Trivia, Music, Yoga, Run Club all meet different days. Consult website for exact schedule.

I decided to attend one of the music bingo hosted by Foothills Brewing. It was my first time, so I was not aware of how the game played. It looks like groups of people gather for this event as a hangout day with friends. They had all kind of beers. If you got hungry, stationed next to the place was a food truck where you can place your order on the phone. Once your complete your order they will text you when your order is ready. It was a cool atmosphere with good music. I will definitely return.

I’ve been to the tasting room a few times now to grab a beer and check out the live music. The food truck sells some pretty good food. The brews are always amazing. Live music has always been enjoyable. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a laid back vibe.

Great place. Many different beer choices from their brewery and others. They also have their own food truck on site. Food was awesome. We had the smoked wings, and the Reuben . Live music on Sunday afternoon was a nice treat. We also stayed in site with Harvest Host in our RV. The staff was very friendly and helpful.

My husband and I recently popped in on a beautiful Saturday. We loved the permanent food truck and we also purchased a bag of coffee (excellent merch selection too). Of course, tons of options on tap and in the case.

Live music this evening. Food was ok, and the vibe was nice

So glad this brewery is just 5 minutes from my house. I know a lot of people like to go to the downtown breweries, but this is a great spot here. Always has something going on....yet areas away from everything you can just chill with your beer if you want.

Fun nostalgic place. Old school candy, wooden floors that creak when you walk. 2 levels. Toys and jellies you won't find anywhere else. Books, postcards, magnets, shirts. There's a whole hiking section. Parking deck next door.

What a fun place! Great selection of nice clothing and shoes for men, women, and children. Great camping and hiking supplies too. There is also a fun old time candy store right there in the general store. For a trip back in time you have to check out the Mast General Store

Great modern day store with a old general store fill.. Have all the knickknacks and candies you'd expect with modern camping gear, clothes, knives, and other neat things. There are 2 stories, the downstairs is shoes, clothes and a knife section. Staff are super nice and helpful. Great place to just check out. We were told to and happy we stopped in.

We were excited to come in and shop but we feel we were treated differently because of our race. My mother stood at the register while the two store clerks who appeared to be following us most of the time we were there, all of a sudden didn’t see us. They finally came to help us check out and were rude and standoffish. We left feeling awful and disappointed.

Cool old fashion general store. Had to get some emergency supplies b/c I forgot them when I packed. They had toiletries, shoes, and clothes. Looked morr like an out doors type place, but had the things I needed.

Even though the mast general store in the city it is just like the others out in the country area. You will still be stepping back in time by squeaky floors and buckets of candy. I will always enjoy a mast general store.

An Appalachian institution! Flagship Mast Store is in Valle Crucis. W-S's Mast Store opened recently in a restored historic building. This store has the BEST loose candy selection of all Mast stores!

Katherine Brasserie and Bar was fantastic! Our server was so attentive and friendly, and the food was absolutely delicious. Great atmosphere too, definitely a spot I’d recommend and can’t wait to visit again!

I had dinner at the Katharine Saturday night and had an amazing experience! Our server for the evening was Gene, he provided excellent service and recommendations. There were also a lot of help at hand to keep our waters refilled and take our empty plates. The food was outstanding and we had the perfect wine to pair with our entrees. We had three boeuf bourguignon, and the duck breast, both were so delicious and didn't even require a knife. The valet service was very helpful and fast. Thanks for a wonderful Saturday night!

We had lunch here on Christmas Day at 1:45 and our waitress was great however our food was burnt. The toast was over done and the strata was completely black on the bottom and the top was also blackened. We also had oysters and deviled eggs which were actually very good. Service was great but was not that impressed with our main dishes being burnt, especially for our Christmas Day lunch.This was our third time coming

I rented out one of the igloos that's located on the side of the hotel. Was a great experience! I do recommend bringing 4 people (great double date idea) as the space is large enough to accommodate, and the food quantity was enough. There are board games and plenty of comfort items (pillows, blankets, etc.) to go around. I do recommend still dressing warm during the colder months as the insulation isn't the best, understandably. They do have both a space heater and a faux fireplace that helped immensely. The food (charcuterie board) was a great and we also had a salmon appetizer that filled us up. So, again, if you want to sample an entreé without feeling like you're going to explode, I'd recommend bringing more people. Either way it was a great experience to have for a special day ❤️.

Welcoming establishment, attentive service, subdued (low key?) and positive ambiance. They let the service and food speak for themselves. And both were excellent. Our reservations were for a Sunday evening. We were seated immediately. I particularly enjoyed several of the house drinks - they were very well done. Several of the tables around us lingered. People did not seem to be rushed out after dining. One table had a baby with them, another had two "tweens," yet another was full of retirees. Families of all ages were enjoying themselves that evening. The food did not lean too heavily on salt like some fancy spots do. Everything came together very nicely, flavors complimenting one another without letting any single thing make an unbalanced dish. We left more than satisfied and hope we have the opportunity to return!

A Delightful Evening at Katherine Brasserie & Bar Nestled in an inviting atmosphere, Katherine Brasserie & Bar provided a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. With a well-curated drink menu, I opted for the Obscurity, a cocktail reminiscent of tonic grapefruit water with a subtle yet satisfying kick from smoked jalapeño. It was a bold yet balanced choice that I’d definitely order again. My friend chose the Omen: Cabernet, a rich and smooth selection that paired beautifully with the evening. Skipping appetizers turned out to be a great decision, as we were treated to a fresh, warm bread loaf accompanied by heavenly whipped butter—simple but undeniably delicious. For my entrée, I selected the Saumon et Gruau de Mais: a perfectly seared salmon nestled on creamy stone-ground grits, bathed in a smoked garlic buttermilk sauce with black lemon, chervil, and chili oil. The sauce was the standout component, bringing a rich, smoky depth to the dish, while the grits had a wonderful consistency—creamy yet textured. I can see why they suggest pairing it with a Schlumberger Pinot Blanc; the bright acidity would complement the richness of the dish beautifully. My friend chose the Steak au Poivre, a pepper-crusted 12 oz N.Y. strip steak served with truffle pomme purée and crispy Brussels sprouts. The steak was well-executed, though I found the pepper crust to be on the intense side, whereas my friend thought it was just right. The Brussels sprouts were crispy and flavorful, a perfect side to the indulgent dish. We visited on a quiet Wednesday night, and the staff was attentive, friendly, and prompt without being intrusive. The overall experience was smooth, relaxing, and left us eager to return. With so many intriguing options on the menu, I’ll definitely be back to explore more. If you’re looking for a spot that delivers on both drinks and food, Katherine Brasserie & Bar is worth a visit.

We reserved one of their Snow Globes for 2 hours & we absolutely loved it! It was warm & cozy also the privacy was nice. Had our own record player to listen too.

First Visit to Krankies, Winston-Salem Stopped by Krankies for the first time and really enjoyed the experience. The place has a sweet vibe — set in an old tobacco-style warehouse downtown with a cool, relaxed energy that fits Winston-Salem perfectly. I ordered a Nitro Cold Brew, which was incredibly smooth — one of the better ones I’ve had in a while. For food, I tried the Egg & Cheese Biscuit (added sausage) and the Krankies Classic, their chicken biscuit topped with hot sauce and honey. Both sandwiches were full of flavor — the sausage and chicken were excellent, and the flavor balance was spot on. If I had one small critique, it would be the biscuit itself — a little dry and crumbly for my taste. But the contents more than made up for it. Overall, Krankies has great coffee, solid food, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to come back. I took a few videos while I was there — the space really has that perfect blend of history and charm.

Stopped in here on a whim for coffee. Didn't realize this seems to be a hot-spot. There were quite a few people there and a very long line. Instead of leaving I figured with a wait like this it must be good. So glad we stayed. The line move swiftly. The coffee and food were phenomenal! The chicken biscuit was huge and so good. The location is pretty cool too, an old historic building in the downtown area. There's a really nice park around the corner and you can jog via sidewalk and jogging path all the way to the Old Salem section, which was cool too.

Amazing breakfast spot if you want good chicken or biscuits. We tried a few chicken biscuits (The Hangover Helper, Dirt South, and the Bluebird) and had the wedges as well. The green sauce for the wedges was delicious. No fountain sodas but they have coffee options and drinks in the can or bottle. The fruit cup was a good value for the kiddos.

Krankies is the quintessential Winston Salem dining experience—families, couples and individuals flocking to the place on weekends to grab either a quick bite or to lounge around slowly sipping a drink. We visited on a Saturday afternoon for lunch and weren’t disappointed. We got their biscuits—Krankies Classic and Nashville Hot—the former being your traditional southern style chicken with honey, and the latter being your usual hot Nashville style fried chicken. Both hit the spot. A lot of their biscuits come with bacon, but I guess you can ask them to get rid of bacon if you don’t eat it. The chai latte was decent, it was nothing to write home about. Their drinks menu is quite extensive with your usual coffees to creative takes on hot beverages to interesting cocktails. Parking area is quite small, but you can find parking nearby if you’re willing to wait. The seating area inside is comprised of a main hall with 2 auxiliary smaller seating areas adjoining it. You walk up to the counter, order your food and they call your name when it’s ready. Overall, it was a pretty decent dining experience.

I had been wanting to try this place for awhile- I came here a year or so ago with a friend but the line was out the door and we didn't have time to wait. This time, I came on a Sunday around noon, thinking I might have come after the early morning brunch rush, but that was not the case! The line was still pretty long but I was committed to finally eating here! I brought a book and waited in line. It's a nice, open concept space with some outdoor seating available as well. The line moved quickly though, it took me about 20 minutes to get to the counter and place my order. I ended up going with the brown sugar latte and the hangover helper biscuit sandwich. I sat at a high top inside and my order came out in about 10 minutes. The latte was decent and the biscuit was gigantic, even after cutting it in half. It came with a side of sausage gravy that was great for dipping. Unfortunately, I felt the sandwich didn't quite deliver on flavor. Not bad by any means, and like I said, great portion, but it was just missing something. I added a bit more hot sauce to it. I do wish the egg were fried! The gravy too was nice and thick but somewhat bland as well. Price wise, it's pretty standard, about $17 for the sandwich and coffee before tip. Given the relatively long waits, not sure I will be back here soon - but I would be interested in trying a couple other biscuits and coffee specialty drinks to see if the flavor profiles deliver.

Krankies was good, their hot honey chicken biscuits were very good and the chicken was both moist and crispy. The caramel corn coffee was not too sweet and had a great flavor. However, the lines and waiting time were insane and the blueberry biscuit was dry and stale. I will probably not be coming back but this was a good once-off experience.

I was visiting for a day and decided to try this place. It was INCREDIBLE!! The Dirty South biscuit was my favorite.

The restaurant itself is lovely and the place settings are all very curated and cute. I would give five stars for service even though our waiter forgot about us at the end of our experience... but another gal stepped up and she gave me a candle and lit it for me and wished me happy birthday! The food was good and I think it was worth the price; we just went at a very busy time. I would give the atmosphere 3.5 stars because inside the restaurant is very cramped and you can hear, well, everything that goes on while cooking and your neighbors' conversations, too. I do understand why people love this place though. It's an elevated take on southern comfort food in a bougie part of downtown Winston.

Delicious tomato pie, homey and healthy. The indoor dining area feels cozy but a little hot. The burger is delicious, feels like a mix of shake shack and in n out, definitely worth it for $16. Would recommend it if you run out of options in Winston Salem

Pleasant ambience with outdoor seating available. Fried pickles are lightly fried - just how I like them. Fried chicken and mac and cheese were delicious.

I had a ribeye sandwich with French fries. The steak was tender and delicious. The sweet peppers were a great touch! It was served on. “Cuban” hoagie roll. I wouldn’t classify it as Cuban bread but it was delicious! I had heard so much about the Tomato Pie that I took one home to try. This is my first Tomato Pie experience and I must say: YUM! Highly recommend this spot for a delicious meal and excellent service!

Everything was delicious and the service was spectacular. Sat at one of the tables outside for my husband's birthday and the summer breeze paired perfectly with the port spritzer 😉 definitely try the Southern egg rolls, the pulled pork and collards was a stellar combo. The fried chicken with compote was some of the best fried chicken I've ever had.

If you are looking for a cute brunch location on a beautiful Sunday then Mozelle’s is worth checking out. We sat outside and enjoyed the fall colors in the distance. Loved how there were blankets and a space heater incase we got cold. I got a mimosa and an omelette with breakfast potatoes. The food was delicious and great service.

The shrimp and grits were excellent. Great atmosphere and attentive service. I would definitely come here again.

I have been two other times . I need to say we went on a Thursday night and the restaurant was only 1/3 to 1/2 full which provided a nice chill atmosphere. Music was really loud, especially for my mom with hearing aids. Hostess was professional and kind, pointing out step hazards on the way to the table. We were not approached right away but I don't know how many servers were working. Our server was nice and I liked her but she seemed distracted and disassociated a bit. This would continue until about 2/3 way through service where she seemed to click in. I got bread service which was nice but I don't love the butter presentation. The slices (thin) are nice, but as soon as you try to get your own butter, it all smashes together. All of the bread was good, although I would have liked the biscuits to be more flaky. The foccacia was excellent. We also ordered the street corn dip which was fantastic. Honestly I secretly wanted fritos but the chips that came with it were okay. My daughter and I ordered onion soup and even though common sense dictates soup should be hot, this was boiling hot. My daughter burned her tongue and face so let your soup cool! Most soup is served too cold so nice to be served hot soup although I had to wait 10 minutes to eat it. It was VERY good however. A lot of flavors layered in there. My dad got the special Salmon and it was impressive with a large variety of flavors and sauces. Really nice herb presentation of the salmon and he said it was cooked nicely. My mom had the shrimp which were fresh (not fishy) with a nice stuffing. This was served with alfredo pasta which was fine, but the sauce was no existent and had been absorbed into the pasta. My son in law had the duck and he about ate the plate so that's all I'm going to say about that. He said the green beans were the best green beans he had ever had in his life. My daughter had the chicken gnocchi and she said she couldn't taste the lemon and didn't seem wild about it, but I didn't taste it. I did taste the pasta and shrimp dish. And I did taste the salmon special. I didn't have time to taste the duck. I forgot to mention I ordered a blueberry lemonade from the bar while we were waiting for my kids to arrive and it was forgotten by the server and I had to ask for it 20 minutes later (no big deal) but not what I would expect in this type of restaurant. We also had to ask for a carafe of ice water which my parents were drinking even though another table was brought one automatically. Not sure there is a process for the water though. It's summer and the glasses are small for water. I also didn't like the small mason jars as glasses. They are akward to drink out of in my opinion (larger mason jars would be easier). I know its supposed to be cute and themed but I just found them difficult to hold and drink out of. The iced tea was amazing and I"m super picky about my tea. Like seriously. What the heck do you guys do to that? Probably the best I've ever had anywhere. I had the regular salmon which was slightly overcooked but I like it that way so it was all good. I didn't like the lobster sauce it was too rich for me but it tasted good and had good flavor. The cabbage was wonderful. I really liked the contrasting flavors. Overall, the food was amazing, fresh and a hit and I would have happily given five stars but my parents thought the service was really sub par. They are very very generous with large portions. You will not leave hungry. Regarding the server, I thought she picked it up toward the end, maybe she was less busy. Of course I would come here again as its fun to try the seasonal menus and the chef in my opinon is excellent as well as his kitchen. Also, nothing to do with the restaurant but please be careful. There was a deal happening on the street outside the restaurant. Lock your cars if you park on the street or even in the parking lot. It is downtown Winston and thats interesting sometimes.....Gorgeous garden, patio and history. Very fun date place, would be a cool wedding venue as well.

I was at this restaurant for a pharmaceutical dinner so my review is based on that. I love the location and ambience, and the food was good. Though the menu I had was limited, I wish their protein options included meat and not just fish and chicken. Granted, I did not get the chance to look at the full menu, but most places for pharmaceutical dinners had beef options. I ordered the chicken and waffles and this was delicious. The lobster bisque was also excellent.

Great experience at Spring House. We were late to our reservation and last patrons in the restaurant, but the staff and kitchen accommodated us. The service was attentive and the food was delicious, although that had a fairly limited gluten free options.

If you have never had a chef's tasting here, DO IT! You will be tremendously rewarded for leaving the decisions of the meal in the hand of an expert like Chef Tim, and his staff. We had so many thoughtful courses that offered a glimpse into where the chef is currently being creative with seafood and pork. Who knows...maybe there will be a surprise aperitif (the surprise is that there will be more food after you drink it) Don't even get me started on the chocolate cake and ooey gooey cake dessert course that none of us thought we had room for. After one bite, we knew we had to find a way. So many incredible presentations, our server was wonderful, and everyone was helpful, warm and inviting. Such a special meal. Such a special place.

Delicious, unique flavors. A different atmosphere.. great service from Shelby. Drinks, food, atmosphere, service = 5 stars. We would love to return. I will say, I read a few responses from the Owner and it’s almost enough to change my view. Stop trolling customers. Put a smile on and relish in the success and happiness of your returning customers.

We went here for the first time for our anniversary and loved everything about the evening. The venue is just beautiful, and our server was so warm and welcoming! As for the food, we found it creative and delicious. The seasonal menu highlights all the best of summer. Looking forward to going again, perhaps in cooler weather when we could eat on the patio.

Super disappointed with this place. For such a tiny menu, way too many things were sold out. That left us with barely any options to choose from, which already felt like a bad start. We ended up with one appetizer and three entrées, plus one soda and one non-alcoholic drink. The bill came to $189, which would’ve been fine if the food was actually good — but everything was bland and totally lacking flavor. For that price, I expected a lot more. Between the small menu, the number of items unavailable, and the underwhelming food, I honestly wouldn’t go back. Definitely not worth the money.

Kind of hard to find- no clear marking from the road, parking is unclear. Food was good, although expensive. Margarita was also good. Atmosphere was quirky, quaint and cute. Although the tall tables have backless stools so there’s no where to put jackets, etc.

The Porch Kitchen and Cantina is hands-down one of my favorite spots in Winston! The atmosphere is fun, welcoming, and full of character. The staff was friendly and attentive from the moment we walked in, and our server went above and beyond to make sure we had a great experience. The food? Incredible. Everything we ordered was bursting with flavor, especially the Coca-Cola Carnitas Flautas and the Sweet Pete Puffy Tacos—so unique and delicious. And don’t even get me started on the margaritas! The Blood Orange and Spicy Avocado ones were next level. It’s the perfect place to grab dinner with friends, enjoy a date night, or just chill on the patio with a drink. Highly recommend—this place truly brings the Tex-Mex vibes with a creative twist!

I would give the service 5 stars as the waitress was very nice and attentive. Love that they are dog friendly which is a huge plus ! The only disappointing part is the food which has potential to be so good if only it weren’t so bland. Both my partner and I were disappointed about the lack of flavor. We both ended up adding salt to our food which didn’t really help. Overall though great atmosphere and aesthetic.

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Porch – Kitchen and Cantina, and I must say, the experience was a mix of highs and lows. Atmosphere: The ambiance was truly the standout. From the moment I walked in, I was struck by the vibrant and welcoming vibe. The décor had a stylish, rustic-chic charm with warm lighting, inviting colors, and a modern Southwestern feel that instantly put me in a good mood. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual night out or on a dinner date, the atmosphere here makes you feel like you’re in the right place. There was a definite energy to the space — lively but not overwhelming — which made the dining experience feel special. Space/Layout: That being said, the space was a bit tight. The tables are placed fairly close together, and during busier times it felt somewhat cramped. If you value personal space or are dining with a larger group, you might feel slightly boxed in. A bit more breathing room would’ve elevated the comfort level significantly. Food: Here’s where the experience fell a bit short. While the menu offers a promising variety of Tex-Mex-inspired dishes, the execution didn’t quite live up to the expectation. Some items arrived lukewarm, and the flavors didn’t quite pop as much as I had hoped. It wasn’t bad by any means — just lacking that bold, crave-worthy taste that would make me rush back. A little more attention to seasoning, temperature, and presentation could really take the food up a notch. Service: Now to the shining star of the evening — our waitress. She was absolutely phenomenal! Attentive without being overbearing, friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and incredibly accommodating. Even when things weren't perfect with the food, her excellent service made us feel taken care of and appreciated. She brought an energy that matched the atmosphere and truly made the visit worthwhile. Final Thoughts: The Porch – Kitchen and Cantina has tons of potential. With its incredible atmosphere and top-notch service, it creates a space you want to love. While the food could use some refining, especially in flavor and consistency, the overall experience was still enjoyable. I’d be willing to give it another shot — especially if they tweak a few things in the kitchen.

Overall a very good experience. We ate here around 3pm on a Monday. It was very slow so we expected the best service which we received. Food was very fresh and pretty authentic. We would recommend trying!

Would have given 2 stars, but after speaking with a manager about my concerns, they offered a discount to be refunded - so I'll add a star. We dined outside on the ground floor with 6 adults and 4 kids between us. This was our first time eating here for my family. •Service: apps came before drinks (only soft drinks and water were ordered), and silverware/napkins came after the main course. But only after we had to ask multiple people for them multiple times. P.s. eating with kids means we need napkins stat, folks. •Food: meh. I ordered the 3 taco plate; I chose the fried chicken, shrimp, and Houston beef as my proteins. The shrimp were naked and very bland, with no seasoning or sauce on them and only shredded cheese on top. The fried chicken was simply thin strips of what looked like fried cutlets + shredded cheese. The beef was pretty flavorful, best out of the three, I suppose + the shredded cheese. The plate did come with a spoonful of guacamole, sour cream, and pico on the side. Also, they got my tortilla preferences wrong (they ask upon ordering). For the record, this food did not taste like Tex-Mex, save the yellow cheese dip, and we have lived in San Antonio. My husband got the breakfast tacos and said they were completely underwhelming. •Misc: our children were enjoying playing next to our table (we dined outside and no one was sitting close by), when they found some extra outdoor chairs in a stack by our table and chose to arrange them to sit around together in the grass, when an employee came to the table to tell us pretty bluntly "can you ask your children to stop playing with the chairs?". (Umm, they moved them and then sat in them, so I'm not sure what the problem was.) After the chairs were stacked back up in the original spot, another employee came out to retrieve them and swiftly took them away. After we paid, I decided to go inside to discretely address some of my concerns with the manager. I mentioned the service issues to which they told me they were short staffed this day. Then I asked about the chairs. They said the kids were being rough with the chairs. When asked what they were supposedly doing, they said they were seen dragging them by the legs and flipping them on their side. I told them I didn't see any of that occurring even though I was sitting right there watching (and I wouldn't let ours be rough or inappropriate with someone else's property anyway). They mentioned something about their "policy" about the chairs that I can't precisely recall. They ended up offering me a discount to help make up for the service (I didn't even mention the food). We don't plan on returning.

Not sure what happened to this place. I remember when there was a waiting list almost every day it was open. We haven't eaten here in several years, super busy life, and were excited to try again. Initially we noticed only a few tables were taken, I wondered why and thought maybe because its a Monday. My daughter ordered fish tacos and I ordered the veggie burger. The fish on the tacos were fried way too long, they were burnt, dark brown and dry. My burger fell apart, taste was okay but it was apparent there was no love when preparing, and my tator tots were still cold on the inside, and very light in color, not cooked long enough. The gentleman who brought us the food slammed our plates down and immediately asked if we had everything we needed. I'll never understand why servers ask you if you have everything you need before having a few moments with your food. Anyway, our server went MIA for a while, so long that it didnt make sense for us to order something else for my daughter. We asked for the check and left. It appears the owners must not be involved as much as before, I dont think they would have allowed the food to leave the kitchen the way it did. So sad to see a really good restaurant go down hill, especially in our area and we are very limited to decent restaurants.