Doug Patterson ABR®, SFR REALTOR®

River Birch Lodge in Winston Salem NC

When the River Birch Lodge in Winston Salem opened a couple of years ago, there were only  one or two destination restaurants in "our neck of the woods" which is the Mt. Tabor community at Robinhood Road.   Definitely no others that offer the camaraderie you'd expect from a "GREAT BAR" coupled with a "GREAT DINING ROOM" with a wide choice of excellent entrees and wine selections, all under the same roof.  

One of our local paper "restaurant columnist", wrote about the River Birch Lodge  when it opened.  She kept repeating throughout her article, that is was a very "Manly Restaurant."  We all assumed she was thinking of the "big, massive wood beam construction," designed with a "Mountain Lodge" theme.  The canoe mounted to the wall with an assortment of paddles, might suggest a manliness decor, especially when you mix in the Rock Fireplaces and vast open spaces.  You really can imagine yourself dining somewhere in Wyoming or at a Lake Tahoe ski resort, to be sure.   The mood inspires you to order the "Campfire Trout" entree.  It is as though the trout were just caught in the river out back...as if there were actually a river "out back"!  That's the feeling you get, though, sitting in "The Lodge". 

The main dining room is nearly two stories high rising together in the center.  At that center point, hangs a one-of-a-kind chandelier from the vast wooden ceiling.  The main rock fireplace is impressive in itself.  And in the wintertime, when the "over sized" gas logs are burning, it just completes the entire setting!

The bar is to the left of the dining room and is quite large, with tables and stools and can accommodate a fairly large crowd.   We've had several fun birthday parties, celebrations of the ballgames from Wake Forest University as well as just getting together to catch up with friends and family. 

The Owner/Operator of the River Birch Lodge  is Eddie Schapira, who is a graduate of Appalachian State University, so naturally there is a likeness of the Mountaineer mascot hanging behind the bar.    Since Wake Forest University is only a mile or so from the River  Birch Lodge, and one of the managers, Reid Nance, is a Wake Grad, there's another mascot, the Demon Deacon, hanging there too!  Sports telecasts are generally playing on the two high-deft flat screens for the fans to enjoy over their favorite brew. 

The menu at the River Birch Lodge is varied, and most guests will find something that fits their mood at any time.   My favorite "light meal" is the Lodge Garden Salad with their Cilantro-Lime Ranch dressing for $5.95.  It's always served highly chilled, with a good variety of fresh greens!  Mix that with a unique selection of appetizers such as the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussels or Adobe Chicken Quesadilla,  and call it "my choice tonight"!   However, do not make that a habit.  You have to dine on the great variety of entrees...  from Venison Medallions to Cedar Planked or Hickory Grilled Salmon to Baby Back Ribs to Fillet Mignon, Ribeye or Hanger Steak, to Pork Tenderloin or "Mama's Lasagna" (enough for next day's lunch)...Is your mouth watering yet?  I can keep going??...

A word for the traveling public: "If you are visiting the area on business or pleasure, don't settle for "room service"....  Come on over to the River Birch Lodge alone (or with colleagues), dressy or casual.  The bar (and restaurant) is respectfully friendly and you will not feel alone.  It's impressive, but not intimidating, ...a thoughtful place to meet your clients as well. 

Duck Pizza?!  It is out of this world!  I go to the River Birch Lodge often, and sometimes meet my niece and her husband there for dinner.  He has always ordered the "Duck Pizza"!   For the longest time, I could not imagine Duck on a Pizza.  So, recently I ordered one myself.  WOW!   I couldn't get enough...I ate the entire pizza, which for me is saying ALOT!.  That's the thing about the River Birch Lodge.  They are so creative with all their offerings, that you've just got to try it!  

One Basic Comment:  Everything is Fresh and cooked to order at the River Birch Lodge! 

Eddie Schapira is the owner/operator and his presence is always known, which is a rarity in many restaurants.  He and his two managers, Reid Nance and Peter Mikeal, are checking out the "satisfaction factor" with all their guests.  Eddie makes you feel like "Family."  He will usually call you by name and is so enthusiastic about seeing you each and every time.   The bartenders, Dave (in the photo) and Paul, are very friendly...and just like in the song, "we all want to go, where everybody knows your name".... and most times, they will recall your favorite cocktail, beer, or wine too!  How refreshing to have such a place in any town. 

I can't quit, without telling you about one more thing that is famous at the River Birch Lodge.  Every other month or so, the River Birch Lodge hosts a 3-5 course special dinner featuring "A Pairing of Wines" with the different courses served.   You can make a reservation to join others to form a group of 10 to 20 people for a special evening of delightful foods with the design to have you enjoy tasting those wines that enhance that particular course.  How great is that!  And many of these evenings will include the highly entertaining magician, just  to keep things rolling along!  It's also a great way to meet new people and network!

To see their entire menu and to sign up for their newsletter visit the River Birch Lodge Website.  The E-newsletter is not ordinary. It is worth getting.  Be sure to tell them your "Birth Date", as they will send you a special invitation each year with a free desert award to celebrate your birthday with them. 

Often, I purchase a gift card from the River Birch Lodge to give to my Buyer Clients as well as Seller Clients.   It's a heartfelt "thank you" for selecting Park Place Real Estate as their company of choice for their real estate needs.  Their feedback has always been superior and I can trust the management and staff of the River Birch Lodge to live up to my expectations of what appreciation means.

If your office is hosting a working lunch and need food brought in, check out the River Birch Lodge Box Lunches and Lunch Platters.  For Sunday Brunch, you cannot find better food and enjoyable staff!

The River Birch Lodge is located at 3324 Robinhood Road off Silas Creek Parkway and easy to find using this MAP .  Reservations can be made by calling (336) 768-1111.  So check it out!  Tell them "Doug" Sent You! 

I would enjoy hearing your feedback and comments!