The best hot dog in Winston-Salem comes from a converted A&W drive-in. The best tacos come from a counter wedged beside a gas station.
In this city, the plates worth remembering rarely announce themselves from the curb, you learn them from a coworker, a neighbor, or the line out a screen door at noon. Red dogs buttered on the griddle and buried in slaw. Hickory smoke you can smell three parking spaces away.
Fried chicken drowned in a sweet-hot sauce regulars will happily argue about. A quarter-pound of barbecue, a footlong under a painted sign, a plate of grits that cancels your lunch plans. Twelve of these spots are below, scattered from Southside storefronts to downtown office lobbies.
Come hungry, bring cash for the ones that still insist on it, and don't let the plain exteriors fool you.
1. Pulliam hotdogs, Winston-Salem, NC
A tiny hillside building has kept Winston-Salem happily supplied with toasted buns for generations. Pulliam hotdogs favors counter service, vintage character, and food without unnecessary fuss.
The landmark waits at 4400 Old Walkertown Road, tucked inside a wonderfully old-timey setting.
Start with a hot dog all the way, dressed with chili, mustard, onions, and slaw. Butter grilling gives the red dog and toasted bun extra richness.
House hot sauce can raise the temperature without hiding those familiar Carolina flavors.
Barbecue sandwiches provide a smoky alternative when another hot dog feels too predictable. Canned and bottled soft drinks keep the meal refreshingly simple.
Prices usually stay below $10 per person, making second helpings dangerously tempting.
No indoor dining room means outdoor seating becomes part of the adventure. Grab a spot outside, or enjoy lunch inside your parked car.
A free lot and nearby street spaces generally make arrival easy.
Pulliam serves lunch and early dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Hours run from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., with Monday and Sunday closings.
Friday and Saturday afternoons get busier, so earlier visits feel calmer. Bring a flexible attitude because reservations, delivery, and table service are not offered.
What awaits is affordable local history, tucked neatly inside a toasted bun.
2. P.B.'s Takeout, Winston-Salem, NC
Some neighborhood treasures announce themselves with fancy signs. P.B.'s Takeout uses a cheerful painted hot dog and lets lunch provide the fireworks.
Its compact home stands at 1412 South Hawthorne Road, serving familiar favorites from a simple counter.
Hot dogs arrive on buttered, toasted buns with fresh, generous toppings. Try mustard and chili, or add slaw for a fuller Carolina combination.
Thick burgers offer another hearty route, especially when hunger arrives with big plans.
Crinkle-cut fries bring crisp edges and plenty of potato comfort. Chili cheese fries turn that side into a meal-sized mountain.
Tater tots, barbecue sandwiches, chicken tenders, and pies broaden the choices without cluttering the menu.
Cash is required, so visit an ATM before joining the line. Indoor stools are limited, but outdoor picnic tables provide extra room.
Counter service keeps everything casual and works nicely for takeout.
P.B.'s opens from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday hours end at 5 p.m., while Sunday remains closed.
Weekday afternoons attract the biggest lunch crowds, making Saturday morning a quieter option. Expect to spend about $10 to $20 for a filling visit.
Skip reservation plans, bring cash, and remember napkins. A properly loaded hot dog rarely respects clean shirts or important afternoon meetings.
3. Slappy's Chicken, Winston-Salem, NC
Crispy chicken takes a flavorful bath at Slappy's, and the resulting splash deserves serious attention. The specialty pairs crunchy coating with a tangy sauce carrying sweetness, spice, and vinegar.
Follow that aroma to 200 West Acadia Avenue in Winston-Salem's Southside neighborhood.
Chicken stays tender beneath its crisp shell, even after meeting the signature sauce. Newcomers should consider a quarter-chicken plate for a balanced first order.
Sauce lovers can embrace the full dip, while cautious eaters can ask about available choices.
Southern sides bring comfort and enough variety to build a satisfying plate. Collard greens offer bold seasoning, while creamy macaroni and cheese softens each spicy bite.
Baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw, and chicken chili may also tempt hungry tables.
The dining room feels casual, cozy, and slightly quirky rather than polished. Outdoor picnic tables fit sunny lunches and relaxed group meals.
Counter service moves quickly, and free parking is commonly available nearby.
Lunch runs Monday through Saturday, although closing times change during the week. Monday through Wednesday service ends at 3 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday hours stretch until 8 p.m., making dinner possible. Budget around $10 to $20 per person, and expect weekend crowds.
Come hungry, choose sides wisely, and wear something that forgives one enthusiastic drip.
4. Real Q, Winston-Salem, NC
Real smoke cannot hurry, and Real Q makes patience taste like a Carolina celebration. Hickory-smoked barbecue anchors the menu inside a modest restaurant with nostalgic, slightly funky character.
The smoky trail ends at 4885 Country Club Road, beside another beloved local dining stop.
Chopped pork offers the classic introduction, especially beside slaw and golden hush puppies. Sliced barbecue delivers thicker bites and a clear hickory flavor.
Generous portions make either choice useful for serious appetites.
Burgers, barbecue chicken, ribs, and chicken tenders expand the field. Vegan onion rings and tater tots provide crisp, shareable companions.
Homemade banana pudding supplies a cool, creamy finish after all that smoke.
Counter ordering and table service are both available, depending on your dining plan. Families receive high chairs and a children's menu, while groups gain comfortable seating.
Takeout, delivery, curbside pickup, and catering make larger meals easier.
Real Q opens Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. Midweek evenings and later weekend periods can become lively.
A morning or early lunch visit may deliver a calmer room. Most meals cost around $10 to $20 per person, and reservations are not needed.
Follow the hickory scent, save room for pudding, and let your napkin earn its keep.
5. Duke's Restaurant, Winston-Salem, NC
Breakfast refuses to watch the clock at Duke's, which serves morning comfort throughout its daytime hours. Creamy grits, biscuits with gravy, eggs, and fried sausage build plates with staying power.
The family-style restaurant sits at 4875 Country Club Road, only steps from Real Q.
Large portions and quick service make Duke's practical for busy mornings. Fried pork tenderloin brings a crisp, hearty centerpiece to breakfast or lunch.
Meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, cabbage, and corn muffins continue the home-style theme.
Some selections appear buffet-style, while table service keeps the visit relaxed. Coffee arrives as an important supporting character, especially before noon.
Vegetarian choices and smaller plates help mixed groups find suitable meals.
The room feels cozy, clean, and comfortably familiar. Families can use high chairs or order from the children's menu.
Reservations are accepted, although most casual visits need little advance planning.
Duke's opens Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Saturday morning and lunchtime bring the strongest crowds.
Thursday afternoon often offers a quieter chance for a late meal. Expect prices near $10 to $20 per person, with free parking available.
Arrive early, order boldly, and avoid pretending one biscuit will be enough. Duke's serves the kind of breakfast that politely cancels small lunch plans.
6. Honky Tonk Smokehouse, Winston-Salem, NC
The smoker handles the slow work at Honky Tonk, leaving diners responsible for choosing sides. Brisket, ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, turkey, and sausage create an impressive savory lineup.
The smokehouse welcomes hungry guests at 145 Jonestown Road in a laid-back, quiet space.
Brisket brings a Texas-style influence, with tender slices and deep smoke. Plain smoked wings let the seasoning and cooking method take center stage.
Ribs and pulled pork offer familiar choices for anyone following Carolina traditions.
Fried sides and hush puppies add crunch beside those tender meats. Daily cobbler flavors and banana pudding provide two comforting dessert paths.
Peach cobbler makes an especially sunny ending when available.
Counter service keeps lunch straightforward, while ample seating works for groups. Families can request high chairs or use the children's menu.
Catering, curbside pickup, delivery, and takeout support gatherings beyond the dining room.
Honky Tonk opens Tuesday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday service continues until 8 p.m.
Monday and Sunday closings require a little weekly planning. Meals commonly cost $10 to $20, and reservations are accepted.
Free onsite parking usually removes one extra chore. Bring friends, compare barbecue favorites, and settle dessert disagreements by ordering both.
Smoke may start the conversation, but cobbler gets the final word.
7. El Rancho Taqueria, Winston-Salem, NC
A crowded taqueria often signals good things, especially when warm tortillas and bright salsas perfume the room. El Rancho serves generous Mexican plates without dressing the setting in unnecessary sparkle.
Its longtime counter stands at 613 East Sprague Street, welcoming diners every day.
Tacos provide an easy starting point because several marinated meats are available. Order different fillings, then compare each one with the selection of salsas.
Birria brings rich depth, while burritos wrap a larger appetite into one tidy package.
Huaraches, menudo, shrimp soup, and red chile plates reward deeper menu exploration. Chilaquiles combine sauced tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, eggs, beans, and steak.
Agua frescas, including cucumber with lime, cool the meal with clean fruit flavor.
Portions run generous, so sharing can prevent accidental leftovers. Counter and table service support quick lunches or unhurried dinners.
Families receive high chairs and children's choices, while reservations are also accepted.
Doors open daily at 10 a.m. Closing comes at 9 p.m., except Friday and Saturday at 10 p.m.
Weekend afternoons and evenings generally draw larger crowds. Weekday mornings offer a calmer window for exploring the broad menu.
Plan on spending about $10 to $20 per person. Start with tacos, sample every salsa carefully, and leave space for flan.
Your taste buds will appreciate the field trip.
8. Kermit's Hot Dog House, Winston-Salem, NC
Nostalgia comes with extra chili at Kermit's, where old-fashioned roadside dining still feels wonderfully normal. Footlong hot dogs, hamburgers, and milkshakes lead a menu built for simple cravings.
Find its historic setting at 2220 Thomasville Road, where curbside service adds genuine throwback charm.
Order a red hot dog all the way for the strongest Carolina experience. Chili, slaw, onions, and mustard create a messy combination that rewards careful handling.
Homemade pimento cheese adds another Southern touch to footlong dogs or juicy burgers.
Early birds can grab breakfast, including a filling fried tenderloin biscuit. Lunch brings more choices, while tater tots provide a crisp partner for almost anything.
Coffee and quick service help busy diners leave satisfied without losing their whole afternoon.
Indoor seating, outdoor tables, and drive-up spaces make the restaurant flexible. Families receive helpful options, including high chairs and a children's menu.
Parking is generally plentiful, although afternoon periods often become busier.
Expect roughly $10 to $20 per person, depending on appetite. Kermit's opens Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Reservations are unnecessary, so simply arrive, choose your favorite format, and let the hot dog time machine handle lunch.
9. Waldo's Wings, Winston-Salem, NC
Since 1991, Waldo's has treated wings like a full neighborhood tradition rather than an appetizer. Sauced, seasoned, and dry-rubbed choices make flavor decisions pleasantly difficult.
The longtime restaurant operates at 2855 Reynolda Road, inside a casual sports-themed setting.
Hot garlic wings deliver a lively combination for diners seeking stronger flavor. Dry rub lets crisp skin and seasoning shine without extra coating.
Boneless wings offer easier handling and come in portions large enough for leftovers.
Potato wedges are a trusted partner, with fluffy centers and seasoned edges. Waffle fries and vegan onion rings provide other crunchy possibilities.
Burgers, flatbreads, salads, and a footlong special broaden the menu beyond poultry.
Televisions keep sports fans connected while groups share sampler trays. Outdoor seating accommodates pleasant weather, and dogs may join outside.
Delivery and takeout work well when the couch has already claimed your evening.
Waldo's opens daily at 11 a.m. Sunday through Wednesday service ends at 9 p.m.
Thursday through Saturday hours continue until 10 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday evenings can become especially busy, while Monday mornings remain calmer.
Most diners spend around $10 to $20, and reservations are not accepted. Order several flavors for the table, claim your favorite early, and protect the final potato wedge.
Friendship is strong, but crispy potatoes test everyone.
10. Taco Riendo 3, Winston-Salem, NC
Excellent tacos sometimes hide beside fuel pumps, proving delicious surprises ignore ordinary real estate rules. Taco Riendo 3 serves traditional Mexican food in a low-key space beside a gas station.
Look for it at 3619 Reynolda Road, Suite 100, near a neighboring car wash.
Handmade corn tortillas give the tacos a warm, sturdy foundation. Al pastor brings seasoned meat and classic street-food appeal.
Ordering several fillings turns lunch into a useful, flavorful comparison project.
Gorditas arrive thicker and heartier, ready for diners needing more substance. Burritos bundle familiar ingredients into an easy handheld meal.
Menudo offers a traditional bowl for guests eager to explore beyond tacos.
The atmosphere stays quiet and casual, with dine-in and takeout available. Delivery and reservations are not offered, so keep plans simple.
Free parking generally makes the unusual location surprisingly convenient.
Taco Riendo 3 opens daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Mornings early in the workweek are usually quieter.
Afternoons and evenings become busier across much of the week, especially on weekends. A meal generally falls between $10 and $20 per person.
Check current menu prices before building a large taco lineup. Then embrace the gas-station setting because fancy walls cannot improve a handmade tortilla.
Here, the treasure map simply includes fuel pumps and a car wash.
11. Downtown Deli and Cafe, Winston-Salem, NC
Office buildings rarely inspire lunch excitement, but one downtown counter quietly breaks that rule. Downtown Deli and Cafe serves fresh sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps, and breakfast choices.
Find the somewhat hidden cafe at One West Fourth Street, inside a central office building.
Hot and cold sandwiches lead the menu, with homemade chips adding welcome crunch. Wraps provide a lighter handheld option without feeling like a punishment.
Burgers and potato salad continue the straightforward, satisfying lunch theme.
Morning visitors should consider a croissant breakfast sandwich with loaded potatoes. Coffee supplies the necessary downtown fuel before meetings begin.
A salad bar and full vegetarian menu make mixed office groups easier to please.
Counter service stays prompt, which matters during narrow lunch breaks. Seating and free internet access allow a slower visit when schedules permit.
Delivery, outdoor seating, and takeout create additional flexibility.
Hours are limited to weekdays from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Weekends remain closed, so save this stop for a workday adventure.
Street spaces can be difficult to find around downtown. Paid garages, lots, and metered spaces offer practical alternatives.
Expect a typical meal to cost between $10 and $20. Skip reservation plans because none are accepted.
Once you locate the entrance, reward your navigation skills with a sandwich and homemade chips. Hidden lunch accomplished.
12. The Porch | Kitchen & Cantina, Winston-Salem, NC
Finding The Porch feels like unlocking a colorful Tex-Mex bonus level inside an old industrial corner. Rustic details, bright rooms, and several dining areas create a playful setting.
The tucked-away entrance belongs to 840 Mill Works Street, where outside signs may require careful attention.
Taco plates make a flexible introduction to the kitchen's bold flavors. Tropical shrimp tacos bring sweetness and freshness to each bite.
Texas Pete chicken flautas add crisp shells and a familiar Carolina spark.
Porch queso can headline its own bowl or crown a pile of tots. The naked burrito bowl keeps everything fork-friendly without losing hearty ingredients.
Fajita salads, breakfast tacos, sliders, and vegetarian dishes expand choices for varied appetites.
Indoor and outdoor seating provide plenty of ways to settle in. Dogs may join diners outside, while families receive high chairs and a children's menu.
Reservations are accepted, and waits can happen during popular periods.
Monday through Saturday hours run from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sunday brunch lasts from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Friday and Saturday evenings are busiest, while weekday mornings feel quieter. Parking can require patience, although free and paid options surround the area.
Budget around $10 to $20 per person. Follow the signs, gather your taco crew, and finish the trail deliciously.
Winston-Salem's hidden tables are ready whenever curiosity gets hungry.
