Tavern In Old Salem
| Address: | 736 S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA |
| Phone: | +1 336-722-1227 |
| Site: | thetaverninoldsalem.ws |
| Rating: | 4.3 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3:30PM 11AM–3PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 7
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Amantha Lewis
DO NOT GO HERE. I had the most humiliating and racist experience in my life at this restaurant by the host staff and the manager of this restaurant (since he is a tall old white man who is standing at the door to greet customers). This happened last year during thanksgiving holidays. I visited Old Salem to experience the old American history with my friends. We just had a great time strolling around the town and decided to dine here since it was #1 on Tripadvisor. There were many people since it was thanksgiving holiday, so we had to wait for 40min to get a table. Since there were eight of us, they divided us into two groups which we didnt mind since the place was packed. Then after we sat at the table waiting to order, our next table just left, so when we requested the host staff (all dressed in old fashion dress) to use the next table so that we can sit altogether, she just said no. When we finally got food, it was tasteless like plastic, and it wasnt something I expected of Southern food. Moreover, the price was not cheap. But anyway we thought we paid for the history of the place. Then after the meal, I went to the manager to ask where the bathroom is, and he just stared at me and asked "Did you eat here today?" without any "excuse me" or "pardon me" or "sorry for asking" which at that time already surprised me by his rudeness, especially by the "front" guy of the restaurant. I said yes, and he told me its on the second floor. There was still no apology or excuse even after I said I just dined there and spent $30 for a lunch meal. At this point, I was wondering whether I took it in wrong way, so I came out to meet other friends and told them what just happened there. Then I found out that when one of my friends asked him, he didnt even ask whether she dined there but told her straight away to go out and use the public bathroom down the street. I have studied and worked in US for a few years, but this was the first time I experienced racism or simply very horrible hostility and service and food. So please DO NOT GO HERE.
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Susan Evans
The food was good and the server was excellent, but the host staff and management made me sorry I was there. We entered on a hot summer afternoon about 45 mins. before their closing time (they close in between lunch and dinner) and after being told there would be no waiting, then we were asked to sit and wait for a table. We requested an indoor seat (yes, people are seated outside in the back, even on a very hot day), and we were told, in no uncertain terms, that we had to take the first available table -- no choice. Seeing plenty of empty tables inside and plenty of servers, and requesting one of those empty inside tables, we were then told that the various dining rooms were closing and only two small rooms were available. We felt very unwelcome and a little put out at the thought of having to eat outside in the heat (we were willing to splurge a bit to escape the heat - this restaurant is not cheap). We decided to leave and eat somewhere else, but then found the only other restaurant in Old Salem has closed down, so we went back, but shared our concerns about the unfriendly host staff with the manager (owner) -- and he was even more rude and unwelcoming! Very unprofessional. Management acted more concerned with closing dining rooms than making their guests feel welcome. If you can get past the rude host staff and are lucky enough to be allowed to eat inside, you will probably enjoy it.
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amber ledford
I brought my 2 and 5 year old to Old Salem on the Fourth of July. They were very excited about everything and a little rambunctious as well as eager to get back out on the streets. However, being one of the only places to eat we stopped in and had average food. Like is said my kids are very young and were excited, Other than that they were just kids. No they didnt sit with their hands in their lap and my two year old did know over her drink (which has happened in much nicer placed than that). Some man, I dont know if he was manager or owner, came to me and asked if I could please control my children. Are you kidding me!!! The other patrons were giggling as my children talked and played with each other and were enjoying themselves. After he came to me, I apologized to everyone around me with replies such as: no need to apologize, weve all had children, been there, eat. This is by me means a 5 star reasturant and its in a tourist attraction. Get over yourself and how dare you tell a mother to get a hold of her children, you should be ashamed.
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Jen Yerkes
Cute historic place with great local beers and great food. Be careful if you are relying on the descriptions for allergies/dietary restrictions, youll want to double check what is printed as weve been in there several times with issues. Like when a soup with sausage in it was labeled as "vegetarian"! Waitress even said she had no idea why that said it was vegetarian as it had both chicken and pork in it. If you have issues, ask lots of questions as they are helpful and knowledgeable about the food. Also, call ahead to make sure they are open. We googled and it said they were open for lunch and when we arrived there were other people on the porch trying to get in as well. Besides those issues its a cute place, with old timey games to play while you wait and food is creative and fresh high quality. Drink selection is great but also can be disappointing as several times they are out of many of the items on it so be prepared with multiple selections.
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Anonymous
My second favorite restaurant in Winston. Lunch prices are incredibly reasonable costing an average of around $11. Dinner gets significantly more expensive. All the food here is truly amazing and cooked with local fresh ingredients only. This is one of the oldest restaurants in the area. George Washington himself slept in this tavern and the floors are all original. The staff dress in time appropriate clothing and this restaurant is open to the public. Staff is very friendly and professional. Some of the best food in Winston-Salem. Edit: I forgot to mention that you will NEED to make a reservation if you dont arrive almost as soon as they open. Ive eaten here on time without a reservation or arriving when the open and I waited an hour to get in.
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Tara Kirby
My future husband brought me to the Salem Tavern 26 years ago. We sat at table #43 (which has now been renumbered as table #44). Afterwards, he had a carriage waiting outside. On the carriage ride through Old Salem, he got down on one knee and proposed! Every year we go back to the same table at Salem Tavern to celebrate our Engagement Anniversary. The food and the service is always phenomenal! The staff go above and beyond to make sure we are satisfied with everything. So glad this restaurant was the place my husband chose 26 years ago!
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Catherine Green
I have eaten here three times since moving to Winston-Salem, lunch once and supper twice. The food and service have been consistently wonderful. It is a comfortable place to bring children as long as they are well-behaved (my 10 year old loves the pumpkin muffins). I also think that the price is commensurate with the quality and the commitment to local sourcing when possible and less expensive than other places that do the farm to fork thing. The wine list could be a bit more adventurous but that is a small quibble.
