Located in the Steven Center building on 4th Street in downtown Winston, Cat’s Corner Café is in the center of Winston-Salem’s cultural district. Oddly, yet effectively, placed in the lobby of this building, Cat’s has a great deal of pleasant atmosphere. The space is wide open with two story high atrium running along the center, and the dinning area overlooks a simple winter garden, which really produces an outdoor feeling. Cat’s offers two seating types, regular table sit down, or a bar, a welcome sight that calls to mind traditional diners. The clientele is diverse: business men and women in suits having “power lunches” meet construction workers in t-shirts and jeans meet college students.


The wait staff is friendly and helpful, and they communicate well and get to know you quickly; you quickly adopt the name “babe.” The service is good, and you never have to ask for a refill. Cat’s has daily specials written on a chalkboard, but the waiters are sure to announce them. The menu is simple in theory, just soups, salads and sandwiches, but there is great variety in each of these groups and some inventive selections. The menu is also augmented by the aforementioned specials, which are a combo of the day, soup and half sandwich, quiche, and two soups. These are always fresh and delicious. If Cat’s is featuring the Southwest Chicken soup, do yourself a favor and have it. Corn, peppers, and rice come together in a creamy broth, completed with black beans and chicken, and a mild kick.




There are nine standard salads that can be modified with more than thirty ‘fixins’ and dressings, so hardly two salads are the same. They are served with crisp romaine lettuce and are artful in presentation. The fourteen main sandwiches also come with many derivations, including six types of bread. Stand-outs include the Grilled Chicken Pita with a fantastic spicy-peanut sauce wrapped in a warm pita. Also, what might be the best deal on the menu, Grilled Cheese. This sandwich takes you back to childhood, but maintains a modern approach, there aren’t any Kraft-Singles used in this one. The bread makes this sandwich; all of Cat’s sandwiches use top quality bread, never soggy or stale. A side item is included, such as chips or pasta salad, and interestingly there are now fries available.

However, there is also a special side each day. Macaroni and cheese is by far the best side item at Cat’s. Far from Easy-Mac, this dish is made with penne and shredded cheddar cheese. Desserts also change daily but hope the key lime pie.


Dinner is also available certain days of the week. The menu is far more limited, usually to just three or four specials. The setting is slightly more formal but the food is just as good. The Pesto seared Rainbow Trout is really to die for, the fish is done just right and its real flavor is allow to come through the mild, yet tasty, pesto.




If you are looking for a new sandwich place, look no further. Give Cat’s a try. It’s prices are reasonable and there is a website with the daily specials listed and a word of the day that will get you a free sweet tea with a take out order!