BY ANNE GLENN, @BESTOFWINSTON
The West End neighborhood is one of the most diverse and exciting areas in Winston-Salem. Intermingled with the beautiful, historic homes are quirky strips of shopping and dining areas that showcase its vibrant personality. Originally built as a suburb of the city of Winston, the West End is now practically an extension of downtown. The can-do attitude and enthusiasm for new businesses is palpable, and business owners feel supported by the local community here.
You could spend an entire afternoon just exploring the area where Burke Street and 4th Street meet. Here, you’ll find the flagship store for Camel City Goods Co., whose iconic branding can be seen across town. “The West End is an awesome collective of thriving small businesses and is an essential part of the story of Winston-Salem,” says Dwayne Mitchell, brand manager at Camel City Goods. “There’s something for everyone here, from the historic homes and architecture to the variety of restaurants, shops, bars, and services.”
Across the street from Camel City Goods is The Humble Bee Shoppe, a dessert shop with the most artistic and unique confections in Winston. Brittany McGee, the owner, has made a name for herself with dreamy color palettes and delicious macarons. “I love being nestled into this perfect pocket of historic homes and small businesses. We truly do our best to support one another, and it feels so wonderful to be connected in those ways! It’s been a lovely experience being part of its growth, and I look forward to seeing its evolution!”
Down the hill (take note that the West End is extremely hilly!) is a newer section of retail and cafes that has exploded in popularity. The West End Locale is home to Lavender + Honey Kitchen, a Parisian-inspired bakery famous for their cinnamon rolls, Fiddle & Fig, a home goods store with a modern farmhouse vibe, and Poppyseed Provisions, a general store that hosts frequent pop ups. Give yourself an entire morning here for coffee, pastries, and browsing!
Slightly farther downhill is Joymongers Barrel Hall, a tasting room and barrel-aging facility for Greensboro-based Joymongers Beer. “When Joymongers Brewing Co was looking for a second home in the Triad, West End was the perfect neighborhood: historic, friendly, close knit, and in the heart of Winston-Salem,” says co-owner Jim Jones. Joymongers has since become a “neighborhood gathering place” with a regular crowd year-round.
There are many unique places, so if you want to spend some time in the West End, here’s a list of our favorite spots:
WHERE TO SHOP
- Camel City Goods: the place to go for Winston-Salem gear. With everything from super soft t-shirts to coffee mugs and stickers, you have to buy something. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm.
- Evelyn Rose Boutique: fun, feminine clothing at an affordable price. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm.
- Poppyseed Provisions: excellent to-go beer and wine selection, a choice of food items, bulk candy bins, plus bar and outdoor seating that encourage lingering. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm.
- Urbn Grl: funky, funny, cool gift shop that’s a strong supporter of small business in town. Open Wednesday-Friday, 12 – 4 pm; Saturday, 11 am – 3 pm.
- Fiddle & Fig: with on-trend home decor at a great price, you won’t walk out with empty hands. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
- Lavender + Honey Kitchen: go for the cinnamon rolls, but don’t miss out on trying at least one other pastry – they just can’t do any wrong. Heads up, there’s always a line on the weekend (and frequently other times). Open Tuesday-Saturday, 7 am – 5 pm.
- The Porch: the best Tex-Mex in town! Try a margarita flight, always order the queso, and enjoy a long meal with friends. Very kid-friendly, and their take-out is great. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 am – 9 pm; Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm.
- Joyners: one of the coolest bars in town with delicious cocktails. It’s always bustling with a rotating seasonal menu of featured drinks. Open Monday-Friday, 4 pm – 2 am; Saturday-Sunday, 12 pm – 2 am.
- Mozelle’s: fresh, Southern, seasonal food. One of the best dining experiences in Winston, the fish special is always intriguing and the tomato pie is a cult classic. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 11 am – 9 pm.
- The Humble Bee Shoppe: beautiful, unique confections. You’ll enjoy your desserts with both your eyes and mouth. Mostly operates on a special-orders basis currently. Open Friday-Saturday, 11 am – 6:30 pm.
- Joymongers Barrel Hall: where beer and community meet. This large space is perfect for crowds, and they frequently host food trucks at night. Open Mon-Tues, 4 pm – 10 pm; Wed-Thu, 4 pm – 12 am; Fri, 2 pm – 12 am; Sat, 12 pm – 12 am; Sun, 12 – 10 pm.
- West End Café: a classic neighborhood establishment with filling, delicious food and cozy vibe. Favorites include the salads, grinders, black bean burrito (only at dinner), and frequent specials. Open Monday-Friday, 11 am – 9 pm; Saturday, 12 – 9 pm.
