When locals crave something delicious in Winston-Salem, many point straight to Ardmore—a vibrant, tree-lined neighborhood with a small-town feel and a food scene that punches well above its weight. Whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee spot, a casual lunch, or an unforgettable dinner, Ardmore serves up everything from global flavors to southern comfort food. Join me as I walk you through my personal go-to spots and hidden gems on a tour of Ardmore’s best bites.
The Café Culture: Warm Cups & Sweet Treats
A comforting mug and a flaky pastry set the tone for any great neighborhood, and Ardmore boasts some stand-out caffeine purveyors and bakeries:
- Camino Bakery (1334 W. Clemmonsville Rd)
A true local favorite, Camino Bakery started downtown but brought their rustic breads, dreamy cookies, and thoughtfully-sourced coffee to Ardmore several years ago. The vibe is creative, with cozy indoor nooks and an outdoor patio perfect for people-watching. Try a seasonal latte with their signature shortbread, or snag a loaf of ciabatta to go.
- Bobby Boy Bakeshop (1100 Reynolda Rd, near Miller Street intersection)
Tucked away just off the main Ardmore grid, this bakery is the place for impossibly beautiful croissants, country loaves, and the city’s best kouign-amann. The menu changes with the seasons—look for fresh fruit galettes and savory scones. Don’t miss out on their weekend cinnamon rolls (they sell out early!).
- Southbound Sandwich Works (192 Hanes Mall Cir, just east of Queen St.)
Known for hefty sandwiches and old-school soda-shop vibes, Southbound is a lunch hotspot but also scores points for their homemade desserts. It’s affordable, fun, and the kind of place where the servers remember your order.
Dinner Destinations: Local Favorites With Big Flavor
Ardmore’s dinner scene hits all the right notes, from relaxed family hangouts to date-night favorites with a side of southern hospitality.
- The Porch Kitchen & Cantina (840 Mill Works St, at the intersection of Hawthorne Rd and Lockland Ave)
Colorful, quirky, and full of Tex-Mex energy, The Porch is always buzzing. The fish tacos and brisket enchiladas are legendary, but locals swear by the generously loaded nachos and the spicy margaritas. It’s laid-back, family-friendly, and great for groups, with a huge patio perfect for spring and autumn evenings.
- West End Eats (926 S. Hawthorne Rd, just south of First St.)
This casual but inventive spot blends comfort classics with global twists. The fried chicken sandwich is crispy perfection, while their vegetarian grain bowls are packed with roasted local veggies. Prices are mid-range, and the vibe is always welcoming—think neighborhood pub with foodie flair.
- Cagneys Kitchen (#2297 Cloverdale Ave, near Cloverdale Plaza)
Step into a timeless southern diner setting with Cagney’s. Known for incredibly hearty breakfasts and diner staples, it’s the go-to for giant pancakes and fluffy omelets. The prices are wallet-friendly, and you’re bound to spot neighbors lingering over another round of coffee.
Quick Bites & Hidden Gems
Some of the best eats in Ardmore come from little holes-in-the-wall, bustling lunch stops, or even food trucks parked in unexpected corners. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:
- Yamas Mediterranean Street Food (804 S Hawthorne Rd)
For a fresh, healthy option, Yamas delivers with customizable pita wraps, grain bowls, falafel, and an array of bright salads. It’s ideal for a quick lunch on the go or a casual dinner with friends. Vegan and gluten-free diners have tons of options here!
- Little Richard’s BBQ (109 S. Stratford Rd, near Cloverdale Ave)
No Winston-Salem food tour is complete without real North Carolina barbecue, and Little Richard’s is an institution. The chopped BBQ plate with hush puppies and slaw is a rite of passage—smoky, tangy, and utterly satisfying. Prices are moderate; portions are generous.
- Taqueria Luciano’s (Mobile Food Truck, often at 1355 S. Hawthorne Rd)
If you spot this cheerful red truck, stop immediately and order the street tacos. The al pastor and carnitas are local legends, topped with fresh onion, cilantro, and zingy salsa verde. Cash only, and a “blink and you’ll miss it” vibe, but worth tracking down.
Traditions, Clusters, and the Spirit of Ardmore
Part of Ardmore’s magic comes from its walkability and the way eateries cluster along Ardmore Boulevard, Hawthorne Road, and Cloverdale Avenue. It’s easy to build your own food crawl—from coffee at Camino, to a taco or two at Luciano’s, then a bakery treat to-go from Bobby Boy.
Locals love the occasional “Ardmore Food Truck Fridays,” where different trucks rotate in neighborhoods near Miller Park (off Queen St.), drawing crowds for impromptu picnics. And let’s not forget the neighborhood’s fondness for porch dining—when the weather’s good, patios and picnic tables fill up fast.
Price Points and Perfect Pairings
The food scene here is as diverse in pricing as it is in cuisine:
- Cafés and bakeries: Most offer coffee and pastries for less than $5, with whole loaves and breakfast sandwiches in the $6–$10 range.
- Lunch spots: Sandwiches, wraps, and BBQ plates hover around $10–$15.
- Sit-down dinners: Expect $15–$25 for an entrée, with much pricier cocktails (and full plates) at The Porch, or keep it thrifty at Cagney’s.
- Food trucks: Tacos are around $2–$3 apiece; a full meal won’t set you back more than $10.
Why Ardmore’s Food Scene Shines
Ardmore’s best dining goes beyond plates—it’s about people and place. There’s a sense of loyalty here: regulars know the bakers by name, neighbors share tips on which taqueria has the hottest salsa, and there’s always someone to say hello, whether you’ve lived here for years or are just strolling through.
With a mix of established favorites and new spots opening each year, the Ardmore dining scene balances tradition and innovation while keeping that welcoming, homey spirit. Next time you find yourself in Winston-Salem, let Ardmore feed you—it’s a bite-sized tour of southern charm, adventurous palates, and neighborly warmth.