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 hours d’oeuvres and Champagne. The mood is set with low, warm light dancing across marble-topped tables with sleek leather booths. On summer evenings, The Katharine opens their awning windows to welcome a sweet breeze, while in winter, they offer heated “globe” seating so guests can still enjoy the ambience of their patio.
Helmed by executive chef Daniel Boling, The Katharine’s menu balances French classics with an approachable, North Carolina-centric palate, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Start your evening with a fresh selection of huîtres or cocktail de crevettes, or choose from three sizes of curated charcuterie boards for the table. Their parmesan truffle frîtes are a must-order menu item. For the main course, Boling’s menu spans from land to sea with highlights like beouf bourguignon with cipollini onions, truite meuniere with haricot verts, and saumon et gruau de mais with stone ground grits. If these seem intimidating, the menu also offers “The Burger,” a juicy patty with gouda pimento cheese and applewood smoked bacon-tomato jam on a brioche bun, served with pomme frîtes.
Whether you’re seeking a glass of Bourdeaux or a bottle of refined Sancerre, you’ll find your ideal pairing with The Katharine’s extensive bottle program. With a vast range of signature cocktails and mocktails, your go-to nightcap is easily secured. The barrel-aged and tableside wood-smoked cocktails at the Katherine are infamous, with the smell of charred wood wafting through the dining room as each cocktail is delivered. The bar program also branches into creative spaces, 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).
