Your Guide to Winston-Salem's Innovation Quarter

Once the backbone of R.J. Reynolds’ tobacco empire, Winston-Salem’s Innovation Quarter now stands as one of America’s fastest-growing urban research parks — a remarkable example of adaptive reuse. This 330-acre district on the eastern edge of downtown thrives with research facilities, startups, and educational institutions.

But it’s more than a place to work — it’s a place to connect and unwind. Stroll along walking and biking trails, explore diverse dining options, or snap a photo beneath the iconic Bailey Power Plant smokestacks. Add it all up, and few cities harmonize heritage and innovation quite like Winston-Salem — a transformation earning praise from outlets like Our State and The New York Times.

The following highlights the Innovation Quarter’s standout experiences — from inventive restaurants and lively bars to striking public art, special events, and more.

Where to Refuel

Cozy coffee shops, quick lunch stops, and award-winning fine dining — the IQ has something to suit every taste. Most dining options are conveniently clustered within a block or two of Bailey Park. 

Alma Mexicana is a contemporary restaurant offering hearty plates of Mexican fare, margaritas, and patio seating. Prices range from $5 for appetizers to $18 for dinner plates served with rice and beans.

Barcelona Burger sits inside the Bailey Power Plant South complex, offering award-winning burgers, hand-cut fries, salads, and a selection of craft beers in a relaxed setting. 

Cugino Forno offers Neapolitan-style pizza with classic toppings like Margherita and Bianca, as well as additional condiments to build your own pizza. Enjoy a slice or a cup of gelato inside the expansive dining room, or grab a seat on its expansive concrete-lined courtyard (aka, the Coal Pit).

DeBeen Espresso offers hip, laid-back vibes with one of Forsyth County’s largest selections of locally roasted flavored coffee beans. Routinely voted the area’s best coffee shop in various polls, it’s perfect for a midday pick-me-up or a cozy spot to unwind with great service and inviting seating.

Diamondback Downtown provides lunch options, including handcrafted sandwiches, deluxe salads, soups, and other made-fresh, on-the-go items. It's located on the ground floor of BioTech Place at the corner of Patterson and Fifth.

Krankies has been a staple of Winston-Salem's coffee and culinary scene since 2003, known for its house-roasted coffee, delicious menu (including incredible biscuits), and cool, quirky vibe. It serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch with vegetarian, vegan, and full bar options.

Six Hundred Degrees offers award-winning cuisine paired with an exceptional wine list in a relaxed yet upscale setting. Its spacious patio overlooking Bailey Park is perfect for outdoor dining. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot at this popular Innovation Quarter gem.

Sushi Rosè blends Japanese tradition with Peruvian flair, offering a unique dining experience in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem.

Where to Get a Drink

Whether you're craving a craft cocktail or a locally brewed beer, the Innovation Quarter has plenty of great spots to raise a glass. Each one offers a welcoming vibe, lively patios, and drinks that are anything but ordinary.

Fair Witness Fancy Drinks blends a distinctly Winston-Salem vibe with creative cocktails, friendly staff, and a colorful, eccentric atmosphere. Located across from Bailey Park, the bar offers indoor and outdoor seating with a cozy fire pit. Popular for after-work drinks and late-night karaoke, it’s perfect for unwinding with a French 75, espresso martini made with Vietnamese coffee, or anything else.

Dram & Draught boasts a selection of over 300 whiskeys from around the world, complemented by hand-crafted cocktails, draught beers, and a curated wine list. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a haven for whiskey enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike. 

The Dutch Light opened in 2024 inside the Bailey Power Plant South complex, offering a welcoming environment for enjoying good drinks. With Sunday specials like $6 Mimosas and Bellinis, and $8 Bloody Marys and Prosecco, it's a great spot for relaxation with a fantastic view of Bailey Park.

Incendiary Brewing offers a variety of craft beers in a vibrant setting. Located on the ground floor of Bailey Power Plant, it has an energetic industrial flair thanks to its massive shared patio area (the Coal Pit), making it a great spot for beer aficionados, families, live music fans, and everyone else.

What to See & Do

From free concerts to architecture tours to yoga in the park, there's always something going on in the Innovation Quarter. Here's just a sampling of things to see, do, and experience.

Unwind in Bailey Park
The social hub of the IQ, Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre green space that's perfect for relaxing, connecting, or soaking up the sun. Whether you’re reading a book or tossing a frisbee, or soaking up the sun, the park offers something for everyone. Food trucks are onsite daily, and nearby restaurants make impromptu picnics easy. With a natural amphitheater and covered stage, the park hosts year-round events, including major gatherings like SummerLark, Gears & Guitars, and Juneteenth. Warmer months bring a string of recurring events, including:

• Sunset Salutations – Free yoga on first Thursdays, April to October.
• Picnic in the Park – Live music and food trucks on second Thursdays.
• Innovation in Cinema – Outdoor films on Friday nights, May to October.

Rock Out in Coal Pit
Catch a concert—or just kick back—in one of Winston-Salem’s most distinctive hangouts: The Coal Pit. Sitting in the shadow of downtown's iconic smokestacks, this concrete courtyard once held coal that powered nearby tobacco factories. Today, it’s a lively social space that hosts events year-round, including the Winston Vintage Market and the Coal Pit Live concert series. But even when there's no event going on, it’s a great spot to unwind with friends, sip a craft beer, and soak in the vibes. If you’re hungry, pick up a pizza from Cugino Forno, one of the pit's primary tenants. 

Stroll the Long Branch Trail
The Long Branch Trail is a 2.2-mile urban greenway that winds along the eastern edge of downtown, passing through the Innovation Quarter, under Salem Parkway, and over historic train trestles. Along the way, you'll spot public art and catch skyline views while passing over elevated walkways, creating a mini High Line-like experience in the heart of the city. The trail connects to the Salem Creek Greenway, creating a 27-mile loop linking Washington Park to Salem Lake—ideal for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. See a map of Long Branch Trial here.

Take a Walking Tour
Step into Winston-Salem’s past with Triangle Walking Tours, where history takes center stage — sometimes with a twist of mystery. The Downtown Industrial History Tour explores the factories, banks, and businesses that powered the city’s rise as an industrial hub. For something darker, the Winston-Salem True Crime Tour dives into unsettling local lore — from mysterious murders to infamous cult connections. Tours cover about a mile, last roughly an hour, and cost $14. They must be booked at least one hour in advance, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand. 

Admire Public Art
Winston-Salem’s creative spirit shines throughout the Innovation Quarter, where murals, sculptures, and installations transform the district into a vibrant open-air gallery. While you'll find impressive artworks sprinkled across the 330-acre campus, many pieces are conveniently clustered near Bailey Park. Below are a few of the public art highlights found in the IQ, moving north to south — all within a walkable mile. 

• Depot Street Renaissance (pictured): Leo Rucker’s masterpiece mural honors Winston-Salem’s once-prestigious Black neighborhood. Blending artistic expression with historical accuracy, it depicts the people, businesses, and institutions that shaped this community’s legacy. See on map
• Aspire to Inspire: Tucked beneath the Long Branch Trail overpass on Fifth Street, Aspire to Inspire bursts with color and energy. Created by Winston-Salem State alum Georgie Nakima, the mural celebrates diversity, creativity, and optimism. 
• Bowman Gray sculpture: Standing 9.5 feet tall, this bronze statue honors Bowman Gray, whose generosity brought Wake Forest School of Medicine to Winston-Salem. Crafted by the late Earline Heath King, one of the city’s most celebrated artists, it was moved from Baptist Medical Center to the IQ in 2016, occupying a plaza outside the Wake Downtown complex. 
• The Wall at Bailey Park: Completed in 2015 ahead of Bailey Park's opening, this vibrant mural decorates the park's retaining walls. Winston-Salem artist Laura Lashley adorned the blank canvas with her signature geometric blooms. 
• The Art Tower: Jointly created by UNC School of the Arts and The AFAS Group (Art for Art’s Sake), this 15-foot tower stands at the south end of Bailey Park. Its 12 painted panels are renewed annually by UNCSA students. 
• Triple Helix: This playful 20-foot sculpture by local artist Duncan Lewis stands in the One Tech Park courtyard near the intersection of First and Chestnut. Made of stainless steel and bronze, it honors Doug Maynard, a former president of the IQ. 
• #WinstonStrong: This 50-foot long mural along Long Branch Trail near the Salem Parkway underpass celebrates Winston-Salem’s resilience during COVID-19. Painted by local artist Jessica Singerman, it features landmarks like Pilot Mountain and Bailey Power Plant. 

Discover More in the IQ

From free concerts to community yoga, there's always something going on in the Innovation Quarter. Stay on top of all the happenings by checking our Events Calendar for the latest happenings. You can also stay in the know by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter, What's New in Winston-Salem, which details new developments and experiences in the city.