Downtown Greensboro has quietly become one of the better food cities in North Carolina. Elm Street is the main stretch, and the restaurants along it hold up against anything in the bigger NC cities. For a city that most people drive through on I 40, the dining scene here is a real surprise. You will find James Beard nominees, creative taco spots, Irish pubs in old buildings, and wine bars tucked into the Southend. Most of it is walkable.
The Restaurants
MACHETE
600 C Battleground Ave
MACHETE is the standout restaurant in Greensboro and one of the best in the entire Piedmont Triad. The menu is New American small plates, and everything is done with care. The chef was nominated for a James Beard Award, and the restaurant was named one of the Top 50 Wine Restaurants in the US. Dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday. Make a reservation.
THE STANDOUT
MACHETE at 600 C Battleground Ave is the one restaurant in Greensboro you should not skip. James Beard Award nominated. Named a Top 50 Wine Restaurant in the US. New American small plates, dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations recommended.
Natty Greene's Brewpub
345 S Elm St
Natty Greene's has been a downtown institution since 2004. They brew on site and the pub menu is solid. This is where locals go when they want a casual meal with a good beer in the middle of Elm Street. It is not fancy, and it does not try to be. That is why it works.
Crafted: The Art of the Taco
219 S Elm St
Crafted does creative tacos with a strong vegetarian and vegan menu. The craft cocktails are just as good as the food. Open Tuesday through Sunday. It is one of the more fun, relaxed spots on Elm Street and a great pick if your group has different dietary needs.
White and Wood
215 S Elm St
Upscale small plates, cheese, and wine with a European feel. White and Wood is the kind of place that works for a date night or a slow evening with friends. The menu changes often and the wine list is well thought out. Dinner only, Monday through Saturday.
M'Coul's Public House
110 W McGee St
An Irish American pub inside an 1892 building. M'Coul's has two floors, a patio, and an upper deck with views of downtown. The craft draft selection is strong and the food is better than you would expect from a pub. One of the most character filled spots in the city.
Lewis and Elm
600 S Elm St
Lewis and Elm is a wine and craft beer bar with charcuterie boards and light bites. It sits in the Southend of downtown, which has a slightly quieter feel. Open Wednesday through Sunday. A good starting point for an evening out or a relaxed afternoon with a glass of wine.
Grey's Tavern
343 S Elm St
Grey's is the casual bar and grill on Elm Street that stays open late. Burgers, sliders, good drinks, and a vibe that keeps people around. Open until 2 AM Thursday through Saturday. If you are looking for something after everything else has closed, this is your spot.
Walking Elm Street
One of the best things about eating and drinking in downtown Greensboro is that you can walk to almost everything. Natty Greene's, Crafted, White and Wood, and Grey's Tavern are all on South Elm Street within a few blocks of each other. M'Coul's is one block off Elm on McGee Street. Lewis and Elm is a short walk south into the Southend. You can park once and hit two or three places in an evening without moving your car. That kind of walkability is rare in the Triad.
Quick Reference
MACHETE
600 C Battleground Ave
New American small plates
Dinner only, Tue to Sat
Natty Greene's Brewpub
345 S Elm St
Craft brewery and pub
Open since 2004
Crafted: The Art of the Taco
219 S Elm St
Creative tacos, vegan options
Tue to Sun
White and Wood
215 S Elm St
Upscale small plates, wine
Dinner only, Mon to Sat
M'Coul's Public House
110 W McGee St
Irish American pub, 1892 building
Two floors, patio, upper deck
Lewis and Elm
600 S Elm St
Wine, craft beer, charcuterie
Wed to Sun
Grey's Tavern
343 S Elm St
Bar and grill, late night
Open until 2 AM Thu to Sat
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best restaurant in downtown Greensboro NC?
MACHETE at 600 C Battleground Ave is widely considered the top restaurant in Greensboro. It was nominated for a James Beard Award and named one of the Top 50 Wine Restaurants in the US. The menu focuses on New American small plates and it is open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday.
Is downtown Greensboro walkable for restaurants?
Yes. Most of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Greensboro are along South Elm Street or within a few blocks of it. You can easily walk between Natty Greene's, Crafted, White and Wood, Grey's Tavern, and M'Coul's Public House without moving your car.
Are there late night food options in downtown Greensboro?
Grey's Tavern on South Elm Street stays open until 2 AM Thursday through Saturday and serves burgers, sliders, and bar food. It is one of the best late night options downtown.
The downtown Greensboro food scene keeps getting better. It is still small enough that you can try most of the best spots in a single weekend, and walkable enough that you do not need a plan beyond showing up on Elm Street. For a city that flies under the radar, the food here is worth the stop.