Wake Forest’s dining scene punches above its weight, anchored by a walkable historic downtown and a growing roster of breweries. This guide highlights notable Wake Forest, NC restaurants — from longtime institutions to local favorites. Restaurants come and go and hours change; confirm before you go.
The heart of Wake Forest dining runs along South White Street in the historic downtown, with a tight cluster of locally owned spots within a short walk of each other:
The Burger Shop (Wilkinson Building, 111 S. White St) — Handmade, never-frozen burgers, hand-cut fries, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. (Facebook · Instagram)
George’s Pizzeria (238 S. White St) — New York-style pizza, calzones, strombolis, and classic Italian dishes like chicken parmesan and penne vodka. (Facebook)
Lil Hombre (535 S. White St, Suite 125) — Live-fire tacos served three different “Hombre styles” with your choice of protein; a newer addition to downtown. (Instagram)
Shorty’s Famous Hotdogs (214 S. White St) — A downtown institution since 1916, this nostalgic hot dog joint serves grilled dogs, burgers, and sandwiches amid billiards and memorabilia-covered walls. (Facebook · Instagram)
The Soup & Salad Shop (Wilkinson Building, 111-113 S. White St) — Sister concept to The Burger Shop serving homemade soups, paninis, a salad bar, and homemade desserts, Tuesday–Saturday for lunch. (Instagram)
White Story Cafe (113 S. White St) — Family-run breakfast and lunch spot blending homestyle American favorites with the owners’ Thai background; popular for eggs Benedict, chicken and waffles, and omelets. Opened 2025 in the former Lemon Tree space. (Facebook · Instagram)
Coffee & Bakeries
Downtown’s coffee, dessert, and bakery scene has grown alongside the restaurants:
The Lemon Tree (415 Brooks St, Suite C, in a downtown shopping center) — Cafe with a rotating menu of sandwiches, soups, quiche, prepared salads, and desserts; previously located on White Street. (Facebook · Instagram)
Lumpy’s Ice Cream (216 E. Roosevelt Ave) — Wake Forest favorite since 2001, now under new ownership and operating from an ice cream truck with seating at the Roosevelt Avenue location; open Tuesday–Sunday, 1–9 p.m. (Facebook · Instagram)
Plant Cakes Bake Shop (410 S. White St) — Plant-based bakery and dessert bar with fresh-baked vegan and gluten-free doughnuts, muffins, cupcakes, and more from organic ingredients. (Facebook · Instagram)
Wake Forest Coffee Company (156 S. White St) — Community coffeehouse in a downtown building dating to 1919, with specialty coffee, espresso drinks, and a relaxed work-friendly atmosphere. (Facebook · Instagram)
Breweries & Pubs
Downtown’s brewery and pub scene is a social hub:
The Cardinal Bar (535 S. White St, Suite 120) — Casual neighborhood bar in the 535 Warehouse complex serving beer-steamed Nathan’s hot dogs (including a veggie option) alongside a rotating craft beer list; dog-friendly with a big balcony patio. Part of a small chain with locations in Raleigh, Clayton, and Wilson. (Facebook · Instagram)
White Street Brewing Company (218 S. White St) — In the heart of downtown, pouring a Main Street series alongside seasonal taps spanning IPAs, Belgian tripels, Scottish ambers, and kölsch. (Facebook · Instagram)
Norse Brewing Company (203 Brooks St) — Viking-inspired taproom a block off White Street, with Nordic-meets-Southern food and standouts like Mjölnir Stout and Ragnar’s Red Ale. (Facebook · Instagram)
Over the Falls (419 S. Brooks St) — Downtown American gastropub serving award-winning specialty salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, and wings, with a bourbon bar of 33+ bourbons and house infusions. (Instagram)
Beyond Downtown
Outside the historic core, locally owned independents are tucked along Wake Forest’s main commercial corridors. The list below skips national and regional chains and highlights notable local spots by area:
Capital Boulevard & Heritage
Heritage Grille & Wine Barrel (1228 Heritage Links Dr) — Upscale American grille with a speakeasy-style wine-and-bottle bar; a date-night standby in the Heritage area. (Facebook · Instagram)
Sabatino’s Ristorante (131 Crenshaw Corners Dr) — Scratch-made Italian in a full-bar ristorante; the cacio e pepe and pappardelle bolognese are signatures. (Facebook)
Tikila Tacos & Mezcal (1000 Forestville Rd, Suite 100) — Tiki-themed Mexican spot with handmade tortillas, mezcal cocktails, and a tropical vibe. (Facebook · Instagram)
El Chapin (109 Capcom Ave, Suite 11) — Family-owned Guatemalan restaurant with tamales, maduros, and a small Latin grocery corner. (Facebook · Instagram)
Farm Table (960 Gateway Commons Cir) — Farm-to-table New American kitchen with seasonal menus, a garden patio, and private dining; part of Triangle-based Giorgios Hospitality Group. (Facebook · Instagram)
Gatehouse Tavern (960 Gateway Commons Cir) — Neighborhood tavern with 30 craft taps, house-ground burgers, and flatbreads; sister concept to Farm Table. (Facebook · Instagram)
Stadium Drive & Durham Road (NC-98)
Backfins Crabhouse (1009 Stadium Dr, Suite 100) — Locally owned Maryland-style crab house with steamed crabs, crab cakes, and fresh seafood in a casual setting. (Facebook · Instagram)
Rivera’s Pupusas (927 Durham Rd, Suite 107) — Salvadoran family spot known for handmade pupusas stuffed with cheese, beans, or pork. (Facebook · Instagram)
Rogers Road
Real McCoy’s (3325 Rogers Rd, #112) — Lively American bar and grill with 52 taps and live weekend music; the smash burger and ribs are go-tos. (Facebook · Instagram)
Shuckers Oyster Bar & Grill (3309 Rogers Rd, Suite 245) — Locally owned seafood spot with live music Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; fresh oysters, steaks, and ribs. (Facebook · Instagram)
Stewart’s Bistro (3652 Rogers Rd) — Cozy family-run breakfast and lunch cafe with gourmet espresso; weekdays only. (Facebook · Instagram)
This is a working list of independent spots — if we’re missing one of your favorites, drop us a tip.
Nearby Town Restaurant Guides
Wake Forest sits at the edge of a cluster of small NC towns with their own indie dining scenes. See our companion guides:
Rolesville restaurants — Main Street and Southtown Circle independents just south of Wake Forest.
Historic downtown along South White Street is the dining and brewery hub, with longtime spots like Shorty’s and newer arrivals like White Story Cafe and Lil Hombre, plus White Street Brewing, Norse Brewing, and Over the Falls within a short walk.
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Are there breweries in Wake Forest?
Yes — White Street Brewing Company on White Street and Norse Brewing Company on Brooks Street are both downtown, with taprooms and rotating taps. Over the Falls also pours craft beer alongside a deep bourbon list.
Where can I get coffee or breakfast downtown?
Wake Forest Coffee Company (156 S. White St) and Black & White Coffee Roasters (314 Brooks St) anchor the downtown coffee scene, and White Story Cafe (113 S. White St) is a popular breakfast and lunch stop.
Wake Forest Matters is an independent, nonpartisan local newsroom covering Wake Forest, NC — town government, schools, development, business, and community life. Founded by Wake Forest native Tom Baker IV, it is free to read, reader-supported, and committed to transparent ethics, standards, and corrections. Fearless. Local. Loud.
