This weekend, October 4th – 7th, is Family Weekend at Wake Forest. Wake students love Family Weekend. For first year students, it is often the first family reunion since August! For upperclassmen, it is a much needed break from midterm studying.
Moms, dads, grandparents, siblings, and even the family dog will be decked out in old gold and black as they stroll under the majestic magnolia trees on the quad, cheer on the deacs at the football game, and most importantly, take their little deacon out for the most delicious meal of the whole semester.
First year students (and lets be real, all students), bored silly of Pit food, love to dine out with their parents and lucky for them, HC has the perfect restaurant guide. Whether you are looking for a fancy steak dinner or a casual breakfast you can find the perfect place in Winston-Salem….
For dinner we recommend a restaurant with a great ambience, where families can catch up, relax, and enjoy each other’s company in a cozy, warm setting. The top choice here is River Birch Lodge located at 3324 Robinhood Road. River Birch has a great “lodge” feel complete with wood accents and fireplaces. There is even a beautiful patio to dine on if the weather is nice (the forecast says sunny and 87 for this weekend!) Favorites to try here are their cedar plank salmon, prime rib, goat cheese ravioli, or very berry salmon salad. River Birch specializes in classic American fare with a twist and, trust me, you can’t go wrong with any choice. They are also open for lunch and Sunday brunch!
A second option, and a great place to splurge for the perfect steak, is Ryan’s Restaurant on 719 Coliseum Drive. Nestled in the woods, Ryan’s is the perfect place for a fancy family dinner. One of the more expensive restaurants in Winston, Ryan’s is a great place for a special occasion. The filet mignon is always cooked to perfection and their dessert menu will leave you wishing you hadn’t eaten all that baked brie to start.
If your parents want to experience a taste of the south, head to Mozelle’s Southern Bistro on 878 West 4th Street, where they’re serving up authentic comfort food. Be sure to try the fried chicken or be adventurous and go for the super juicy pimento cheeseburger!
If you are looking for a breakfast option, look no further than Midtown Café & Dessertery, on 151 South Stratford Road. Midtown has a totally delectable breakfast menu but our favorites are the spinach and feta omelet, the cinnamon French toast, or any of their pancake specials — think banana crunch pancakes! They also have specialty desserts and gourmet coffees that are simply to die for.
A second popular breakfast option is Mary’s Gourmet Diner, formally known as Breakfast of Course, on 723 Trade Street in downtown Winston. Favorites here include breakfast platters, the make-your-own-omelet, and the classic biscuits and gravy. Mary’s Gourmet Diner also serves lunch.
Whichever restaurants you choose HC hopes you have an amazing weekend with your family. Say hi to mom and dad for us!