2011 Choice Winner: Village Tavern

I’ve had a “love affair” with Village Tavern for years now. It’s no secret, my husband knows it – in fact we were just there the other weekend. So when Village Tavern was voted “Best Restaurant for a Date Night” in our 2011 Choice Awards, I was not surprised! If you’ve never been, keep reading to see what you’ve been missing…

My infatuation with Village Tavern started years ago when I was living in Charlotte. Before I was married it was the go-to place for Happy Hour, especially when I worked at an office just around the corner. Then it grew to be a favorite for lunch and dinners with girlfriends and family – then to dates with the hubby – and I still remember celebrating my first Mother’s Day brunch at Village Tavern. When we moved to the Triad, I was elated to discover there were TWO Village Taverns in my new hometown (Reynolda Village, the first location which opened in 1984, and Hanes Mall Blvd.). Needless to say, it was one of the first places we checked out as newcomers to Winston-Salem.

To this day, we frequent Village Tavern as much as possible. When my brother and his family first came to visit us in Winston-Salem, we wanted to show them the town from a “local perspective” – and dining at Village Tavern at Reynolda Village (the original Village Tavern) was one of our first stops. Now we live within minutes to the Hanes Mall location, so making plans to eat at Village Tavern is not only a treat but also a convenience.

Talk about convenience – Village Tavern has THREE Triad locations! Two in Winston-Salem like I mentioned, plus one in Greensboro at the corner of Westridge Road and Battleground. I also just learned that my little favorite restaurant has locations all over: Atlanta (Alpharetta); Birmingham, AL; Denver; Pembroke Pines, FL; and Scottsdale, AZ!

What I love most about Village Tavern is that you can make your outing “fancy” or “casual” and it has entrees and an atmosphere to fit either. Its menu celebrates “classic American food” which includes aged steaks, chops and prime rib, fresh fish, chicken, specialty salads, pastas and pizza, burgers, and homemade desserts. My all-time favorite dinner entrées are either their crab cakes or signature pizzas. If I’m lunching, I usually order a salad so I can get one of their yummy apple walnut muffins. And if I’m brunching, I go for their popular Crab Cake Benedict. No matter what you choose, you can’t go wrong.

Village Tavern also offers an award winning wine list (they are a recipient of Wine Spectator magazine’s Award of Excellence), daily drink specials, bar snacks and small plates, a gluten-free brunch and dinner menu, and a very impressive children’s menu. We’re talking fresh salmon, prime rib and sautéed veggies for prices that are competitive with less “fancier” children’s menus.

Village Tavern’s extensive list of classic martinis, modern specialties, tropical delights and after-dinner cordials and liqueurs promises to provide an enticing and enjoyable beverage for your tastes. Every Wednesday night, Village Tavern has its “Wine and Dine Wednesdays” where all wines by the glass are half price. Plus if you live in Winston-Salem, you can enjoy this special along with live music on the patio. This month, Village Tavern on Hanes Mall Blvd is featuring the following musical guests:

April 6 – Currie Clayton
April 13 – Tin Can Alley
April 20 – The Ardmores
April 27 – Sweet Dreams

All I can say is book your babysitter now and make your reservation at the nearest Village Tavern (weekend nights book fast so reservations are encouraged). Village Tavern makes for a perfect date night (as you already know)!