Hidden Gems: Winston-Salem’s Best Hole-in-the-Wall, Locally Owned Restaurants

If you’re tired of scrolling Google Maps for a decent meal only to end up with something “meh,” you’re not alone. A recent Reddit thread on r/winstonsalem caught my eye, where a road-weary traveler often coming through W-S for work, begged the local community for help: “Favorite hole-in-the-wall, locally owned Winston-Salem restaurants?” They were done with mediocre chain spots and craving the real deal—those unassuming, off-the-radar joints that locals rave about. After sifting through dozens of passionate responses, I’ve compiled the ultimate guide for Piedmont Triad Living readers. Whether you’re a visitor passing through or a local looking to shake up your routine, these spots promise food worth talking about. Let’s dig into Winston-Salem’s hidden culinary treasures!

Scroll to the bottom to see all of the restaurants listed alphabetically!

Why Hole-in-the-Wall Spots Matter

There’s something magical about a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Maybe it’s the no-frills vibe, the family-run charm, or the fact that the food feels like a secret only you and a handful of others know about. In Winston-Salem, these locally owned gems are the heartbeat of the food scene—offering everything from sloppy takeout to solo three-course dinners at the bar. The Redditor nailed it: they wanted flavor, authenticity, and a chance to support the community. Lucky for them (and you), Winston’s got plenty of that.
​

Mexican Magic: Tacos, Birria, and More

Mexican cuisine dominated the thread, and it’s no surprise—Winston-Salem’s got a knack for delivering south-of-the-border flavors that hit all the right spots. Los Juanes* on Jonestown Road topped the list with multiple shoutouts for their quesabirrias—think cheesy, beefy goodness that’s “fantastic” according to fans. Pair that with Los Dos Carnales*, where the sopes are “the best ever” and portions leave you full and happy. For a food truck fix, head to the green truck outside Compare Foods on Silas Creek—locals swear by its birria and tamales sold straight from someone’s trunk. Other standouts include La Perlita, Antojitos Las Delicias, and Don Taquila for carnitas that’ll make you forget every other version you’ve tried.

​Pro Tip: Craving variety? Que Viva blends Colombian and Venezuelan vibes, while Cuchifrito on Old Lexington keeps it real with Puerto Rican flair
​

Asian Adventures: Sushi, Pho, and Spice

If Asian cuisine is your jam, Winston’s got you covered with some under-the-radar winners. Mizu earned repeated nods for sushi that’s fresh, affordable, and rave-worthy—perfect for a quick lunch or a chill dinner. For Thai, Thai Sawatdee on Healy Drive outshines its sister location with killer dishes and a cozy, hidden vibe. New Sichuan on Silas Creek Parkway promises authentic Chinese that’s a cut above the usual takeout suspects—think bold flavors for the adventurous. And don’t sleep on What Da Pho downtown; their noodle bowls and banh mi sandwiches are a Vietnamese hug in food form. Bonus: pair it with a scoop from Dream Kream Ice Cream nearby.

​Honorable Mentions: Curry and Noodle for Indian-Thai fusion, 18 Malaysia* for Malaysian delights, and Don Express on Knollwood for Japanese that’s “freaking good.”
​

Southern Comfort: Hot Dogs, BBQ, and Chicken

No Winston-Salem list is complete without some Southern soul. Slappy’s is a fried chicken legend—locals debate the “dipped” style (not quite Nashville, but uniquely delicious), with collards and mac and cheese as must-try sides. For hot dogs, Pulliam’s on Old Walkertown Road is the hole-in-the-wall king—cash only, BBQ sandwiches, and a vibe that screams nostalgia. PB’s Takeout on Hawthorne keeps it simple with hot dogs and burgers that pack a punch, while Kermit’s Hot Dog House offers a an old-timey drive-up experience (Kermit’s has recently been offered for sale.  We’re hoping the new owners keep it like it is!). BBQ lovers should hit Real Q for coarse-chopped Lexington-style pork with hush puppies that hit the spot.

Hidden Gem Alert: Piedmont Aviation Snack Bar serves up the “best hamburger and hotdog in town” for a lunch that feels like a time capsule.  It's a little hard to find, but once you get there, you know by the line!
​

Global Bites: Italian, Greek, and Beyond

Winston’s diversity shines through with these picks. Dioli’s Italian Market is a go-to for sandwiches and pastries, while Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant boasts a cook straight from Italy—authentic doesn’t get closer than that. For Greek, Grecian Corner dishes out gyros and souvlaki that locals call “workhorses” of the scene, and Kalamaki skewers up fresh, bright flavors. Mojito Latin Soul Food brings Cuban flair with a side of personality, and Pizza Greco delivers pies that dodge the greasy norm. If breakfast is your thing, Young Cardinal Cafe and Co slings brunch like nobody’s business—think hot honey chicken sandwiches that’ll haunt your dreams.

​Offbeat Pick: Spaghetti Park in Clemmons for Italian with a twist--take out only!  Just a short drive away. 
​

Bar Bites and Pub Grub

Sometimes you need a beer with your meal, and these spots deliver. Putters wins hearts with its Buffalo chicken sandwich, French Dip, and the “Red Moon” beer combo (Red Oak meets Blue Moon—genius). Finnegan’s Wake offers pub fare from Wednesday to Saturday, though it skips lunch hours. That Place in the West End (yep, that’s the name) pairs its menu with delivery to Joymongers Brewery next door—talk about teamwork. And Waldo’s Wings hooks you up with Tuesday and Thursday specials that are “soooo gooood.”
​

Sweet Endings and Quick Stops

For a sweet finish, Bobby Boy Bakeshop—a James Beard semi-finalist—blends French finesse with killer sandwiches (not quite hole-in-the-wall, but too good to skip). Hot Dog City and King’s Hotdogs in Rural Hall keep it classic with fries and ice cream, while O’Brien’s Deli on Country Club piles sandwiches high. West Town Restaurant in Lewisville and Ronni’s Wings in Clemmons are worth the short trek for comfort food that feels like home.
​

Final Bites: Your Winston-Salem Food Adventure Awaits

This list is your ticket to dodging the “mid” meals and diving into Winston-Salem’s soulful, locally owned food scene. From tacos at Los Juanes to pho at What Da Pho, these spots prove you don’t need a big sign or a top Google ranking to serve up magic. Next time you’re hungry, skip the chains and let these hidden gems take your money—they’ve earned it. Got a favorite we missed? Drop it in the comments—let’s keep this tasty conversation going!

*Indicates no website or Facebook page found
​

Alphabetical Order

• 18 Malaysia 
• Antojitos Las Delicias
• BLL Rotisserie
• Bobby Boy Bakeshop
• Cuchifrito 
• Curry and Noodle 
• Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant 
• Dioli’s Italian Market
• Don Express 
• Don Taquila 
• Dream Kream Ice Cream 
• Finnegan’s Wake 
• Grecian Corner 
• Hot Dog City
• Joymongers Brewery 
• Kalamaki 
• Kermit’s Hot Dog House 
• King’s Hotdogs
• La Perlita
• Los Dos Carnales 
• Los Juanes 
• Mizu 
• Mojito Latin Soul Food 
• New Sichuan
• O’Brien’s Deli
• P.B.’s Takeout 
• Piedmont Aviation Snack Bar 
• Pizza Greco
• Pulliam’s
• Putters
• Que Viva 
• Real Q
• Ronni’s Wings 
• Slappy’s 
• Spaghetti Park
• Thai Sawatdee
• That Place in the West End
• Waldo’s Wings 
• West Town Restaurant 
• What Da Pho 
• Young Cardinal Cafe and Co 

​