Black bean cakes were so good says my friend. I had the Ruben. What a disappointment--not even made with rye bread. Instead thick Texas toast and a VERY spicy mustard. Too much burn. read more

I tried a sample of the fish n' chips with caper aioli at a food festival a couple of months ago and swore I was going to dine there because it was just so good! I finally made it in to try their food for my birthday dinner this weekend. We arrived around 9:30pm with some friends from the coast. It was a bit rowdy inside with a crowd of mostly (what seemed to be) Wake Forest students which made for a fun birthday night. Our waitress was swamped with a few big tables nearby but didn't let that be known at all, she seemed as carefree and un-flustered as possible. As for the menu, they have several options for vegetarians. Next time I am trying the shepherd's pie with meat substitute. I had the fish n' chips and the crisp appetizer which was recommended to me by a coworker. Everything was delicious. They had beer specials, even on a Friday. Their craft selection is decent as well. I tried Highland's Cold Mountain winter ale which was on my "beers to try" list. I will definitely return. This place is known as a Winston-Salem staple and I can definitely see why. read more

This place is really cool. It is a lot more than a bar. I went for Saturday brunch and it was great. I got a vegetable boxty which is vegetables wrapped in a thin sweet potato pancake. Also the toastie, a slice of bread with melted cheese and pepper was really cool. The salads were great too. If you like irish food this is the spot. Also they have a ton of vegetarian and vegan options. All in all you can take anyone here whether they are vegetarian, vegan, like or dislike Irish food. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - This is a vegetable boxty with sides of a toastie, egg whites, and a roma tomato. - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Below you'll find a picture of last nights app sampler we chose the creamy spinach and artichoke dip, crunchy, but awesome articakes and sweet and spicy wings which had to be my fave! Topped off with great service and a couple of beers, I'll definitely be back to this Irish pub. Can't wait to try more of their menu! read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

On my short list of yummy places in Winston. Great location. Fabu patio for comfy days outside. The potato cake appetizer is yummy! The scotch eggs are outstanding. The fish and chips are worth the trip, every time! read more

Called to ask a simple question... Girl who answered laughed as she slipped up while answering but then before I got a word in, told me to wait a minute(she said please I'll give her that.) but I sit here and write this review as I wait for her to return and it is now pushing five minutes. I've had enough time to find another pub that's open and already answered my question from the reviews in their Yelp page, so I'll be hanging up now, and going there. Good luck Finnigans you just lost a customer. I know you could care less because you sounded busy, and that's exactly the attitude that the girl had when she laughed and told me to hold on. She still hasn't come back yet haha read more

Overall, we had a fantastic experience at this location while visiting the area. Excellent food, large portions, competitive prices, and top tier service (shout out to my boy Joe). Definitely plan on coming back next time I find myself in the area! read more

I'm sitting here, finishing Sunday brunch. I wanted to pause to say how much I loved it. The music playing, Irish songs, was fantastic. Please keep it up. Love love love the music to go along with the meal. I miss the pancakes & yogurt but loved the milkmaid lunch. The zucchini bread was warm with crispy edges, perfect. The chicken salad was one of the best I've had in years. :) read more

Love that we have an Irish pub here in Winston Salem! This one is located downtown so depending on time of day can be slightly inconvenient with parking but then again you come to expect this with any downtown restaurant location. I come back to this place for my absolute favorite, shepherd's pie!!! They make the best!; and I've had some at fine dining restaurants that don't even begin to compare. This one is the most similar, that I've found, to how they actually make them in Ireland. So keep it on the menu, please & thank you! :-))) They also have great prices on drinks, good selection of beer that are around $5 and of course any Irish whiskey/drink you may want. The hospitality & ambiance is great, awesome low-key chill place to go. read more

A solid 3 and a half stars for Finnegan's Wake. I really like Irish pubs in general and this is pretty-much your typical Irish-American pub with soccer playing on the tv's and Guinness on tap. I have eaten here several times and the food is just so-so, but you really don't go to Irish pubs for the food, now do you? Recent visit found me and several friends moseying in after the downtown concert series. It took a bit of time before we could get waited on, but once we were, our server was very prompt and helpful. I ordered the fish and chips and thought the fish didn't pack a whole lot of flavor so I had to generously pour on some vinegar to give the F&C a little zing. The fries were plentiful, in fact too plentiful as I came no-where close to eating them all. I would have preferred more of the fish and less of the chips :-) Overall, a good place to hang out and chill. Cool location, live music , decent food. read more

Had I not heard good things about Finnigan's from local friends, I doubt I ever would have set foot in the place, suspecting it'd be your garden variety pub. Finnigan's doesn't look like much from the outside so I'm glad I listened. It's my #2 favorite place to eat in Winston (behind Sweet Potatoes). Unfussy food, lots of veg options, a pretty good selection of draft bears and surprisingly excellent desserts. At Finnigan's, you can find a properly poured Guinness not just on the beer list, but also as an appetizer (cheekily noting "V" for vegetarian). Cheese toasties arrive looking like an open faced grilled cheese slathered with whole grain mustard. The restaurant's stellar rendition of bangers and mash, already a hearty portion, comes with a choice of soup or salad. The mashed potatoes are flavorful, chunky and plentiful; the portion, enormous. Other offerings include crab cakes, classic sandwiches like ruebens, and cheeseburgers. Desserts are a treat. Instead of bringing out a menu, a board of oversized shot glasses containing dessert options is presented. Options have included strawberry and blueberry pie, key lime pie, Guinness mousse, butterscotch cheesecake and creme brulee. I rarely order cheesecake however the idea of butterscotch appealed. Delicious right down to the graham cracker crust at the bottom. Given Finnigan's proximity to the Marriott and Embassy Suites downtown, a visit to Finnigan's Wake is a no-brainer for visitors (and locals too!). read more

Food was pretty tasty. Dinged a star because server made us feel just a little rushed even though the place was very quiet and we ordered two Guinness' which I know is small but is big for me, were served in standard glasses. Food Bangers and mash - 4/5 stars Cheese Toasty - 5/5 stars Fish and chips a little too greasy 3/5 stars read more

This place is pretty fun. The best days are when they have live performers and dancing, which sets it apart from the other downtown bars. Otherwise, its a little crowded with furniture (foosball tables, lots of tables), which can be frustrating. read more

Good bar with exceptional pub grub. The food ain't cheap but it's good. It's priced as a mid-level restaurant, rather than cheap pub food. They have items like Shepards Pie and Fish and Chips as well as sandwiches and burgers. Expect to pay around $50-60 for dinner for two including drinks and an app. It can get crowded, especially on live music nights, but there is a decent back patio on warmer nights. The smoking ban just went into effect, so that should clear out the smokiness that used to accompany busy nights. Clientele ranges from late-20's-30's-40's locals to downtown professionals and Wake professors. Not a college bar but a few Wake and NCSA students can be found. Service can be gruff, but usually satisfactory, depending on how busy of a night. Good for a pint of Guiness, a soccer game on the tube, and a big plate of chips. read more

In my world, service makes the experience. Whether partaking in adult libations, having a communal eating experience with friends, or just mozying up to the bar, the attitudes of the employees make or break the experience. From hostess to waitress to bartenders, the staff at Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub are about the friendliest you will find anywhere. When you're here, you're home. I was lucky enough to enjoy this gem of an Irish Pub twice in one day. First, while gallery strolling, a bloody mary called my name. Later, a close friend of mine held her wedding there. ( How cool is this... a wedding in jeans, at an Irish Pub! ) Drink: The drinks are cheap, plentiful & I dare say unique - While having all the standard pub classic brews, Finnigan's brings you some of the local feel with the regional micro brews & craft beers. Interestingly, they have featured drinks / shots every day at bargain prices. These are not your typical libations - some of these creations you'll only find here... and that's what adds to the charm. Food: Rarely does one incorporate the phrase "Good food" in a review of an Irish pub. I have to tell you, I was pleasantly surprised! While I don't partake in anything "meat" - the carnivores in my clan really enjoyed the scotch eggs. Other unique bites shared by my crew were the Sheppards Pie Nachos & the Cheese toasties. I've had fish and chips all over the world. This was the best I've ever had. So many times Irish pubs over cook the fish so you wind up with something resembling bricks from a NYC brownstone. These were incredible - Tender on the inside, perfectly crunchy on the outside - comfort food to the extreme. Other favorites were the Irish Flag Meatloaf & the Wild Salmon. Again, no one made it to dessert, but no one left hungry Ambiance: It's an Irish Pub.. 'nuff said. Crowd: During the day, great mix of locals & tourists watching a college or NFL football game - At night, this place just rocks... 5 deep at the bar by 1am - but the bar staff got everyone drinks within minutes.. impressive! When in Winston Salem, a must try! read more

My husband is Irish-American, and so over the past few years this has become one of our favorite places to go when we're downtown and feelin' HOWNGREH, and we usually stop by for lunch. It really does have the look and feel of an authentic Irish pub, and there are tables and chairs outside for guests with dogs. The customer service has always been top-notch every time we've gone. Although I am no longer vegetarian, I must note that there are some nice vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free menu items, with options to sub out meat for a vegan substitution. Everything is made to order. I recommend the corned beef and the mac and cheese. The small meal portions are more than satisfying. For all you night owls, this place does host fun events like trivia nights. read more

Awesomeness. Authentic Irish Pub in the middle of beautiful downtown Winston-Salem. Menu items include: 1. some of the best desserts known to man in shot glass form 2. a mind-bendingly delicious Reuben 3. Bangers & mash (ahhhhh! My Scots-English blood is singing) 4. Scotch Eggs (my Christmas breakfast favorite, that only my Dad has been able to make well, so far... but next time I'm trying this one at Finnegan's!!!) 4. Guiness-based appetizers (uhhh, yeah!) 5.What looked like some bangin' fish & chips Amongst MANY other mouth-watering pub foods. This is my new go-to in WS. LOVE. read more

Went for St.Patrick's days it was extremely busy but the staff was so kind and friendly. We had the Ruben and it was ok, but I know they were busy. I will definitely be back to try the food again. read more

I came here about a year and a half ago only to turn around and leave. I was with a large group of people that it didn't seem to be able to accomodate. I wish we had asked if there was room, because there probably would've been some. Once you pass the restrooms, there's a door to go outside to a wonderfully large patio. We had drinks outside this time around and they were moderately priced, decent sized, and had the right balance of alcohol to mixer. Our server was very friendly and didn't mind coming outside when we were the only table there for a while. The patio has what looks like could be a makeshift bar for busy days. There were fireflies flying around us which was a plus. (I know they have no control over that, but it really made my night.) read more

4 stars because of their vegetarian options. The vegetarian main courses are great (Brunch avocado Benedict and cakes) are good but their sides are flavorless and leave something to be desired. The side Wild rice that comes with the delicious bean cakes is bland. Breakfast potatoes are bland. The toast is not balms but not a fan. Takeaway: vegetarian main dishes are great, sides are not. Meat side, the Shepard's pie is a solid choice but pricey $14ish for the taste read more

Server, Joseph, was excellent. Food was also very good. Nice patio in the back. Dog friendly.

Good times lots of great beers n traditional Irish fare. Lots if seasonal beers to indulge on and just great times. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Looking at the bar - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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This place is great! The food and the atmosphere can't be beat. Great place place to meet up.

Well the Irish are not really known for their food right, but as for their drinks, I think we all know what Guiness is. I can't speak to the food here but came here on a Friday night. The atmosphere is pretty good, a band is playing, but honestly a little too loud, don't expect to talk to your friends if you are in the pubs section, or you can try to scream and loose your voice the next day. Their drinks are ok, but kind of pricey, $7 for a long island ice tea, and it's small. Nothing is fancy here. I was going to order some food but the menu did not look appetizing, since it was already late out, the only other option is cook out! read more

Shepherds pie is the ultimate Irish authenticity test...and this place passed with flying colors. The food, drink selection, and atmosphere was great, PLUS, they were pet friendly. A+ for outdoor patio eating with our people and dog friends. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Pubs and Pups - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Shepard's pie Nachos- Interesting Rueben-Very good!!! Fish Sandwich-Bland... Chicken Sandwich-Very good!!! Great atmosphere and excellent service! I would definitely recommended it! read more

Great food! Great atmosphere! Great people! I met some friends here for dinner. The appeitzer crisps (fries) were excellent! I had the Lambert with homemade chips, so good I want more now! The small dessert cup of espresso cheesecake was just the right size and was packed with flavor. I had a Black and Tan, served with the Guiness still swirling in that milky dance. I then tried a Black Velvet and was pleasantly surprised by the smoothness and wonderful mixture. I will be back here soon!! read more

Let's do this systematically: 1. Love the brick patio. Great for summer evenings so long as there is a breeze. 2. The waiter service is perfect. Service at bars are usually hit or miss. I was really surprised by the quality. 3. The food is awesome! Usually, if the drinks are bad, you'd expect the food to be a bit lackluster. Also solid, here. 4. The prices could be better. That being said, you really can't expect much cheaper with it being in the Downtown Arts District. I'll most likely be going back if I get the opportunity. read more

Shepherds Pie is insane. Soooooo good. Huge portion of food, definitely can split this one. Comes with a salad too. I would return here for sure!! I also ordered their draft beer that was close to a blue moon called Coronado orange ave wit. Fantastic! Sit on the back porch area if possible. It's too cute. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Yummy beer! - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

I've been to Finnigan's a couple times for drinks on the weekend, but I just recently went for food. Their drinks are cheap and strong (mixed drinks for $5) - but the place can often be really crowded which makes for a difficult time getting your order placed. I do like the back patio that you can take your drinks to and enjoy the fresh air. This past weekend I went with a group for drinks and dinner. We were doing a "treat yourself" event, so I ordered mac n cheese (one of my favorites!). It comes with a side salad, and you have the option to add grilled chicken, bangers, chili, or vegetables to the mac n cheese, but I went with standard mac n cheese. A couple people in my group ordered their soup of the day, which was chicken and barley, and then people also had sweet potato fries and the fried chicken meal. From what my friends said, the chicken and barley soup wasn't great. It seemed like it had sat in a pot all day letting the moisture evaporate. However, everyone loved the fried chicken and the sweet potato fries were great - and came in a huge basket. My mac n cheese was good, but a little bland. I think it would have been better with one of their add-ons. We also ordered Baby Guinness shots while we were there (Patron Café and Irish Cream), which were really good. Our waitress was great when we kept adding people onto our group - we started with four and by the end of the night we'd pulled two additional tables to ours to fit our group of 14. However, as it got later and they got busier, she got harder to find to place orders. read more

Chicken wings with 'hot honey chipotle' were fantastic, good heat and flavor. Chips were just ok, nothing special but the curry sauce to dip was good. Friendly service, reasonable prices, open late. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Hot honey chipotle wings and chips - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Just traveling through and enjoyed a pint and some grub. If you go by at night get ready for a college frat atmosphere and a worried staff. Overall experience was pretty good. Food worked out and the bartender, though busy, was pretty cool. Serves food late. Be careful in the parking lot of drunks and some scary looking folk if you are alone. read more

Cool little place. Street parking or in a lot. Warm inviting atmosphere. Looks and feels like a bar inside. Bar seating, some tables and high tops. Great craft beer list on tap. The menu is loaded with Irish dishes. The food here is great. Service is good. Very friendly. For appetizers you cant beat the shrimp, or wings. Both are excellent. The ruben here is amazing. Nice grilled sourdough bread loaded with corned beef, kraut and rich brown mustard. The steak fries are good too. Topped with sea salt and house ketchup. For an authentic Irish dish try the Ploughmans lunch. This is sure to be one of the most unique dishes in the triad. Fresh bread, cheese, grapes, apple, a boiled egg, and sliced smoked ham. And yes it is very good. You do get some strange people wandering in from the downtown area.. but all in all this place rocks. I enjoyed my visit and will return. read more

Finnigan's Wake Irish Pub - Ploughmans lunch, not only beautiful, but delicious! - Irish Near Me - Winston-Salem, North Carolina

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Traditional looking Irish pub setting. Good beer selection with local IPAs. Tonight there was a duo band, really good vocals and musicianship. Hey played contemporary songs and had some humor as well. The food come out quick and hot. Ingot the small fish and chips, health portion. Would defiantly recommend stopping by if you're in the area. read more

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If you want a Guinness drawn correctly this is your bar. Still a great fan. They have upgraded and changed their menu and it is delish. Love the staff, food and the brews. read more

On the frat-tactic side of things but that's because a lot of Wake students frequent the place. Always great drink/shot specials and food all night ... which is nice to come by! Hanging out in the back or around the side in alley-way is a great way to avoid the crowd! Been going here for years :) read more

Food was relatively good, daytime lunch - the kids enjoyed their turkey sandwich and fried chicken on mashed potatoes but the Shepards Pie nachoes were very dry and the gravy just simply tastes like Guiness. Im glad to say the place didn't have a urine & sweat smell like most bars. read more

The beer was fresh and the brisket was excellently prepared and sauce was tasty. Nice atmosphere to chill.

I came here while in town from a recommendation of the hospital staff where we were working. We came here on a Wednesday night and appeared to be the only people there. After being the NC for a few days I had grown accustomed to the fabulous service. The server here, a young man, looked distressed and bored in his job but he did a fine job. I ordered the pulled pork and dear God it was the best thing I ever had in my mouth. I dont remember anything else from the night but that. I wasnt expecting to find amazing pulled pork at an Irish join but I did and I will make a point to come back here when I am in town just for that. Also, we were watching the Stanley cup game here and their tv was accommodating read more

Best Irish fare in town! The ONLY Irish fare, as far as I'm concerned. My favorites are the Lambert, the hummus and tapenade appetizer, the wings, the creamy tomato soup, the chips with curry sauce, and the Rachel (Reuben subbed with sliced Turkey) The menu is very vegetarian/vegan friendly and there is something for everyone. A pint of Guiness is listed on the appetizer menu, for goodness sake. Everyone knows it's a meal in itself Lol! Excellent beer selection & specials every day of the week. Trivia every Tuesday. Join the 90-day Club by enjoying a beverage every day for 90 days--receive a T-shirt, your name on the wall of fame for all to see AND a ticket to "The Wake", the annual St. Patrick's Day celebration FOR LIFE. read more