Finnigan’s Wake

Finnigan’s Wake is a locally owned Irish pub and restaurant at 620 Trade St NW in the Downtown Arts District (DADA) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 2006 by two friends and expanded in 2011 to accommodate larger dining crowds and private gatherings, the brick-lined tavern anchors the lively Trade Street corridor with hearty Gaelic comfort food, American pub classics, 40 draft beer taps, and an extensive shelf of single malt Scotch and Irish whiskeys. Travelers and locals gather here for its exposed-brick warmth, sidewalk patio seating, and substantial plates of fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef.

What to Expect at Finnigan’s Wake

Stepping inside Finnigan’s Wake reveals a classic tavern interior defined by historic exposed brick walls, dark wood booths, high-top tables, and a long wooden bar lined with 40 rotating draft handles. The 2011 expansion added an adjacent dining room that preserves the cozy pub character while offering extra seating for families, dinner groups, and weekend arts-district crowds. During mild Carolina weather, the outdoor sidewalk tables along Trade Street provide front-row seating to the neighborhood’s galleries, murals, and working craft studios.

The kitchen focuses on scratch-made Irish-American tavern fare paired with one of downtown Winston-Salem’s most comprehensive draft and whiskey lists. Alongside proper imperial pints of Guinness, Harp, and Smithwick’s, the bar pours North Carolina craft beers from across the Piedmont and Foothills, plus 35 single malt Scotches and classic Irish whiskeys. Menu staples include beer-battered Atlantic cod with pub chips, braised lamb and beef shepherd’s pie topped with browned mashed potatoes, bangers and mash with onion gravy, and thick-cut Reuben sandwiches piled high on marbled rye. Vegetarian diners can opt for meatless pub appetizers, crisp salads, and customizable burgers and sandwiches.

• 40-Tap Draft Beer Program: Pouring nitrogen-drawn Guinness alongside imported European ales, seasonal ciders, and a rotating lineup of North Carolina microbrews.
• 35 Single Malt Scotches & Irish Whiskeys: A curated backbar spanning Highland, Islay, and Speyside single malts alongside premium Irish pot still and blended whiskeys.
• Traditional Irish Entrees: House specialties include crispy beer-battered fish and chips, rich shepherd’s pie, bangers and colcannon mash, and slow-cooked corned beef and cabbage.
• Expanded Brick-Lined Dining Room: The 2011 annex provides comfortable booth and table seating for larger parties while keeping the main bar lively for solo diners and pint seekers.
• Trade Street Sidewalk Patio: Outdoor seating right on 6th and Trade Streets in the heart of the Downtown Arts District, ideal for people-watching and warm-weather dining.

Finnigan’s Wake at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Finnigan’s Wake operates primarily on a walk-in basis, and the dining room fills rapidly on Friday and Saturday evenings between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM, especially during Downtown Arts District gallery hops and events at the nearby Benton Convention Center. For the most relaxed experience, arrive for a late Thursday or Friday lunch after 1:30 PM, or claim a bar stool on Wednesday afternoon when doors open at 4:00 PM. Drivers will find convenient hourly parking one block east at the municipal Sixth & Cherry-Trade Parking Deck (527 N Cherry St), as well as on-street spaces along Trade and 6th Streets. The venue features a ground-level entrance off Trade Street with step-free access to the main bar, dining room, and ADA-compliant restrooms.

Because the pub sits at the crossroads of Trade and 6th Streets, it pairs naturally with an afternoon or evening exploring downtown Winston-Salem on foot. Directly across and along Trade Street, you can browse contemporary regional art at Piedmont Craftsmen and Artworks Gallery, or step half a block south to Mast General Store at 516 N Trade St. For post-dinner craft cocktails or live music, walk five minutes south toward 4th Street, where historic theaters like the Stevens Center and neighborhood lounges line the city’s primary entertainment corridor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours at Finnigan’s Wake and when is the best time to visit?

Finnigan’s Wake is open Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Thursday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, remaining closed Sunday through Tuesday. Weekday afternoons and early Wednesday evenings offer the quickest table seating, while Friday and Saturday nights bring a bustling pub crowd. Check the official Facebook page for holiday hours and St. Patrick’s Day celebration schedules.

How much does a meal cost at Finnigan’s Wake and are reservations required?

Dining falls in the moderate $$ price tier, with sandwiches, burgers, and traditional Irish mains generally ranging between $13 and $24 per person before drinks. Walk-ins are the standard for regular dining and bar seating, though large groups looking to use the expanded dining space should call +1 336-723-0322 in advance. All major credit cards and cash are accepted.

How much time should I budget for dining at Finnigan’s Wake?

Most guests spend 60 to 90 minutes enjoying a full meal and a pint or whiskey flight. If you are stopping in for a quick lunch on Thursday or Friday, 45 minutes is plenty of time, while weekend evening social gatherings often stretch to two hours.

Is Finnigan’s Wake family-friendly and wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the expanded dining room welcomes families with children for lunch and dinner, and the atmosphere remains casual and comfortable until late evening when the bar crowd takes center stage. The street-level entrance on Trade Street NW provides step-free access for wheelchairs and strollers, with low-top dining tables and accessible restrooms inside.

When planning your Winston-Salem travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and nightlife in Winston-Salem, pair this stop with standout local spots including River Birch Lodge, Reynolda Gardens-Wake Forest, The Sherwood, and Twisted Pine (0.2 km away).