West End Cafe — Restaurant in Winston-Salem

We had intentions of dining at this establishment at the end of our newborn photography session that was next door. When we arrived at 9:30 am, the parking lot was empty. In the parking lot, to the right, were assigned spots for the restaurant. To the left were unassigned spots. Since we were not immediately going to dine, we parked in an unassigned spot. After our photography session, we put our bags in the car. We noticed on our windshield was a note advising us to "stop parking here". Additionally, dirt and trash was thrown on our cars. Since the note was written on restaurant ticket paper, we went inside and requested the manager. Upon advising that an employee left a note and vandalized our cars, she took ownership saying she wrote the note claiming we had no right to park there. When we explained there was no signage nor paint on the parking spot advising us not to park there she got irate and made it clear that we should have known not to park there because they "pay for those parking spots" and it is for those coming to eat at the restaurant. She then demanded we leave. Also, staff listening to our discussion were observed laughing at our expense.

There was no signage, how were we to know not to park there, especially when we were advised via email to park there? The restaurant management rents 8 spots from the owner of the parking lot, which are clearly marked for diners only--all others towed away. We were parked in spaces which were not restrictive and were also for patrons for the business we were using. The owner of the parking lot confirmed we had the right to park there. How childish can you be? We were going to eat there, but by treating our personal property with disrespect, and then the manager acting like a childish bully, we chose not to support that establishment as well as write...

Place hasn't changed much over the years. Hang around long enough -- particularly if you're over 50 -- and you'll see some folks you recognize and a friend or two. Comfortable, cozy ambience.

The peaceful coy pond beside the front door sets the tone beautifully. Exquisitely designed for the small space between curb and building, water lilies, huge coy, waterfall, surround of stones and foliage, create a calm respite from the surrounding urban noise. If there's a queue, which there often is, the privilege of absorbing the vibes from that pond eases the wait.

Since I don't like/can't eat seafood, I don't go for supper, as the menu is heavily slanted that way. BUT, their sandwiches are great, as are the salads, which is what I ordered for this visit. It is a modified chef salad, on spring mix or equivalent, assorted vegetables, a couple of meats, cheeses. I asked for no cheese, which wasn't a problem for our server. Vinaigrette dressing on the side. The salad was tasty and satisfying, even sans cheese.

We were a table of seven, which was smoothly accommodated. (We arrived after most of the lunch crowd had left, which easier the seating arrangement). Our server was, in a word, terrific. He had no problem with taking the individual orders, including all custom requests, remembered who got what, was attentive but not annoying during the meal. He handled the separate checks with élan.

I was with a group of people I had not known before, meeting around a common cause of dementia caregiving. The atmosphere and staff of the Cafe facilitated the meeting, which was an altogether...

We used to go to West End Cafe a lot when I was younger and I loved it. Back then I thought it was a chill atmosphere, even at a young age haha. Their waiting area outside consists of benches that go with the flow of the pathway to get up to the door. Those benches back up to a small pond. We visited the other day and I wasn't really impressed with the food. Atmosphere, again, was still pretty chill. They had candles going at each table which makes for an intimate setting when the sun goes down because it's a smaller restaurant. We heard some Red Hot Chili Peppers & nine inch nails come out of the speakers which was a definite bonus! Then for food...disappointed. I ordered a Reuben with pastrami/corned beef meat combo which came like usual on rye bread with thousand island dressing & sour kraut. The sandwich was $10 so I'm expecting a darn good sandwich because I can drive 10 minutes from my house to a "local (to my county)" restaurant & pay $6 for one that's very delicious. Well the rye bread tasted nice by it's self. I do believe the sour kraut overwhelmed the whole sandwich. I'm not saying it was bad, I just won't order it again. My boyfriend ordered the Carolina burger which he deemed "pretty good". It was a larger sized burger with chili, mustard, slaw and onions. Service was fair. We both had water and were sitting near the service station but ran out of water basically the whole time there. I was really hoping to get the hot bacon dressing because I LOVED IT when I was younger...it slipped my mind..happens with...