Winston Faves

When we have visitors in town, we always like to show them around and give them a taste of our favorites; however, when that time comes, I usually have a major brain fart, and can never remember our "go-to" places. I know I know. It makes no sense. I guess I need a lot of reminders these days, hence my list. I love lists. I made it mostly for me (sorry not sorry), but hopefully you will enjoy it, too! Dislcaimer: this list is in no particular order of favorites. I just started typing as they came to me.

• Milner's: awesome brunch. awesome dinner. very charleston-ish. maybe i'm biased, but i think not.
• Diamondback Grill: excellent food in Buena Vista neighborhood. Truly for the locals.
• River Birch Lodge: i have never had anything bad there.
• Mizu: best sushi in town. also the prettiest sushi, despite their neon light-up toys they use to "decorate" the plates.
• Willow's: never had a bad dish here, either. always fresh and local. We are regulars there, and we may or may not receive special treatment.
• Mozelle's: cute little place near our house. Always a good atmosphere.
• Camino Bakery: excellent coffee (from Krankie's). good wine. oh, and their pumpkin bread is divine.
• Krankie's: they roast their own beans! best coffee in town!
• First Street Draught House: food is meh, but i love their beer selection. Located at the bottom of the hill adjacent to the hospital, it's a fun place to go after work. The majority of the crowd will be Baptist Hospital employees =)
• Fabian's: ahh, fabian's. this place is reserved for special occasions. such a fun atmosphere. not a place for kids. prepare to be there for at least 2 hours, but it is so much fun! reservations required, as dinner starts promptly at 7:30.
• Thai Sawatdee (sorry, no website): located inside Harris Teeter and another location off of Healy Drive. Such. Good. Thai. The Healy Drive location looks sketch, but we love to go there because the people are so nice and the food never disappoints.
• Burke Street Pizza: pies so big that the box does not fit into our refrigerator! So delish.
• Old Winston Social Club: a fun place to play pool or darts. They don't serve food, but customers are more than welcome to hop across the street to grab a pizza from Burke Street and bring it back to the social club.
• Rec Billiards: another fun place to play darts, but it can get really crowded on the weekends.
• 6th and Vine: excellent goat cheese salad and great wine list. I recommend outdoor seating!