2 for $25 - Meal good enough for another trip

By: SUSAN GILMOR | Winston-Salem Journal
Published: October 06, 2011

NAME: First Street Draught House

ADDRESS: 1500 W. First St., Winston-Salem

PHONE: (336) 722-6950

DAYS/HOURS: 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily

WEBSITE: www.firststreetdraughthouse.com

TYPE OF RESTAURANT: Bar and grill, with appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizza

WHAT WE ATE/COST: I had the Thai Chicken Wrap ($7.95), with grilled chicken, onions, mushrooms, cheese, lettuce and a delicious peanut sauce. I ordered carrot and celery sticks as my side item, in an effort to convince myself that I was eating healthy. I enjoyed my meal so much that I've already gone back and ordered it again. My friend had the Black and Blue Steak Sandwich ($9.95), a generous portion of blackened NY strip, topped with lettuce, tomato, blue cheese and roasted garlic aioli and served on a toasted baguette. He liked it so much that if our budget hadn't prohibited it, he would have ordered a second serving. He had fries for his side, which he said were nice and crispy. I've also heard that the burgers are quite good here, and my friend wants to go back and try the bratwurst sandwich and the pizza. We both drank water.

TOTAL FOR TWO: $19.51 including tax, plus a $4 tip for a total of $23.51.

WE COULD HAVE PAID MORE: Not by much. Most entrees fall into the $6.50 to $9.95 range. The most expensive thing on the menu is the Lamb Sliders ($8.50 for an appetizer, $11.50 for an entree size).

WE COULD HAVE PAID LESS: A house salad is $3.50, a bowl of soup is $4.25, a bowl of chili is $5.95, and a pimiento cheese sandwich or a black bean burrito is $5.95. You can also get some appetizers in the $3.95 to $5.95 range. Fried asparagus, anyone?

OTHER COMMENTS: There's a nice patio for dining or drinking outdoors in pleasant weather. Take-out is available. And there's usually a game or two to watch on the high-definition TVs.

ATMOSPHERE: Casual but stylish. First Street is one of the most attractive bars in Winston-Salem, with dark-wood paneling and art-deco touches. Seating is around a U-shaped bar.

SERVICE: Friendly, if not always fast.

KID-FRIENDLY: Yes. Kids will find plenty to enjoy here.

VEGETARIAN FRIENDLY: Yes. There are several hearty meat-free salads, a black-bean burrito, quesadillas, a grilled veggie pita, a veggie burger and roasted vegetable pizza, among other choices.

ALCOHOL: First Street has a full bar, 25 beers on tap and a decent variety of wine. There are several North Carolina beers and wines on the menu.

RESERVATIONS: No.