Housed in the iconic, historic R.J. Reynolds tower in downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, The Katharine Brasserie and Bar exudes French charm. The art deco skyscraper was completed in 1929 and was a preceding model for the renowned Empire State Building in New York. Today, the building is host to the brasserie on the ground floor and The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel towering above. The Katharine is named for Katharine Smith Reynolds, the matriarch of the prominent Reynolds family, tycoons of the tobacco industry in Winston-Salem. With history at its base, The Katharine embraces a level of pomp and prestige but remains an approachable French bistro for an afternoon aperitif or romantic date night.
Upon arrival, guests are ushered through a luxe sitting area with a mid-mod sputnik light fixture and herringbone tiled floor. The dining room encompasses French elegance, from a lustrous bar highlighted with bold globe fixtures to intimate booths for sharing moules marinières and Champagne. The mood is set with low, warm light dancing on marble-topped tables against sleek leather accents. On summer evenings, The Katharine opens their awning windows to welcome a sweet breeze, and in winter, they offer heated “globe” seating so guests can still enjoy the ambience of their patio.
Helmed by executive chef Daniel Tippetts, The Katharine’s menu balances French classics with an approachable palate, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Start your evening with a fresh selection of huîtres or oeuf mimosa au foie gras, or choose from three sizes of curated charcuterie boards for the table. For the main course, Tippetts’ menu spans from land to sea with highlights like beouf bourguignon with cipollini onion confit, truite grenobloise with roasted fingerling potatoes, and saumon basquaise with stone fruit sauce vierge. Yet, if these seem intimidating, the menu also offers le burger, with, of course, pomme frîtes. In addition to robust descriptions of each dish, guests will find wine pairing suggestions for each entrée, emphasizing The Katharine’s robust wine program.
Whether you’re seeking a glass of refined French Sancerre or a barrel-aged craft cocktail, you’ll find yourself seated at The Katharine’s radiant bar. With a vast selection of signature cocktails and mocktails, your go-to nightcap is secured. This said, the bar program also branches into creative spaces seasonally, incorporating inspiration from sources like Women’s History Month or Cubism (an art style made famous by Picasso that was prominent during the early 1900s when the R.J. Reynolds building was built). Try a Français “French Old Fashioned” with Bastille 1789 Whiskey, smoked tableside, or The Gambit made with Aviation Gin, lemon-thyme simple syrup, olive oil, and egg white.
