The Dutch Light — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

Preface: This is based on experiences from around the November 2024 timeframe. I hope it has improved.

The good: There is a lot of space to walk around. Good variety of seating. Good location.

The meh: Drinks are good, but do NOT live up to the price. White light seems like a huge interior design oversight; light should be much warmer. Otherwise, the interior is pleasant. Not loud, but not quiet either (personal preference).

The bad: The service. At least I haven't had a rude bartender (why I'm rating 2 stars instead of 1). But you can easily wait 30 minutes for a drink. That's with 4 to 6 bartenders working hard. I think the menu needs to be simplified and / or the workflows need streamlining. Maybe have a designated ordering location for beer? It took me over 30 minutes to get a beer poured one time. The long wait times really make me loathe this bar. I hope the owners see this and take some action. Do NOT blame the bartenders, they are not...

Update Oct. 2025 - We gave The Dutch Light another try tonight. We sat at the bar in front of two bartenders. Neither acknowledged our presence for 15 minutes - not even a welcome, we will be with you shortly. So, we left, and went downstairs to Dram and Draught where we were greeted promptly and served drinks quickly. We won't try this again.

Original Review - Dec. 2024 The space is beautiful and the drinks we had were good, though the menu was more limited than I expected for a cocktail bar. Service could be better. They asked what bourbon I wanted in a drink, but didn't have a list of what they had and suggested I walk around the bar to look at the bottles. When I asked for water I was directed to walk towards the bathroom to a water station with plastic cups. Simply not in-line with expectations for a place charging...

My husband and I were passing through town and loved the name so we stopped in- best decision ever! We had been to a few bars/restaurants in winston but this one was such a gem! We didn’t get food but the people next to us spoke very highly of the dip they got and it smelled amazing! The service was over the moon, our bartender Ella was so charming and knowledgeable! Per her suggestion, I tried the hydroponic tonic and loved it and my husband just got a negroni but he LOVED his drink too! I wish we could airlift this place back to Boston with us, but if you’re fortunate enough to pop in, please do...