The Winston-Salem food scene felt a little less vibrant when Uncle Buzzy’s closed its doors last year. While the decision was understandable from a business perspective, it left a hole for many locals who had grown to love its unique offerings. Forget the initial “carnival food” label, for those in the know, Uncle Buzzy’s was about seriously good sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. Ask anyone who frequented the spot, and they’ll likely rave about the Philly cheesesteak – a benchmark for many. And the burgers? Easily top-tier in the city, if not higher. Let’s not forget those footlong Nathan’s hotdogs, a simple pleasure done exceptionally well. Uncle Buzzy’s carved out a special place by offering those hard-to-find gems like the “Beef on Weck,” a Buffalo culinary staple, and the Chicago-inspired Italian Beef. These weren’t just menu items; they were experiences that kept people coming back, bypassing the carnival food hype for genuinely delicious eats.
Dave Hillman, the owner behind Uncle Buzzy’s, as well as local favorites Burke Street Pizza, Quiet Pint Tavern, and West End Poke, has been listening to the buzz. He shared that he’s been constantly asked about bringing back some of those beloved Uncle Buzzy’s menu items at his other establishments. The idea has been simmering since Uncle Buzzy’s closure, and conversations have been ongoing. But as any restaurateur knows, timing is everything.
Enter the unexpected catalyst: the recent “Stay-At-Home” orders and the global pandemic. While undeniably challenging, this period has also sparked innovation and a willingness to take calculated risks within the Winston-Salem restaurant community and beyond. Dave Hillman, a savvy businessman and restaurateur, is no stranger to this. Even before the pandemic reshaped dining, he introduced authentic poke to the area with West End Poke, filling a gap in the downtown culinary landscape. While acknowledging other poke options in town, there’s a certain magic to what West End Poke offers. And that spirit of innovation is now being channeled into Burke Street Pizza. Starting this week, Burke Street Pizza is set to unveil a special “Stay-At-Home” menu that will bring a taste of Uncle Buzzy’s magic back to Winston-Salem.
Now, before you get too excited about a full Uncle Buzzy’s resurrection, it’s important to clarify: this isn’t a revival. However, it’s arguably the next best thing. This new menu is a brilliant fusion, combining the best of both worlds: the unique, much-missed flavors of Uncle Buzzy’s, built upon the already solid foundation of Burke Street Pizza’s menu. This “Stay-At-Home” menu is designed to deliver comfort and excitement right to your doorstep.
Get ready for some familiar favorites!
First on the list are the iconic Nathan’s Foot Long Hot Dogs. These aren’t just any hotdogs; they are the “original” grilled hotdog experience. Choose the classic simplicity of the “original” grilled dog, or dive into the Carolina with chili, onions, and slaw. For a more adventurous palate, the Swiss Mountain Dog is topped with sautéed garlic and thyme mushrooms, Swiss cheese, crispy onion straws, and a zesty horseradish aioli. Then there’s the indulgent Smothered & Covered Tater Dog, loaded with tater tots, melted chipotle cheese, grilled onions, diced tomatoes, and green onions. And for those who like a bit of heat and crunch, the Chili Cheese Frito Dog features chili, melted chipotle cheese, Frito corn chips, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños. Mouth watering yet? Just wait, there’s more.
Double Stack Burgers are taking center stage, featuring a generous 6.5oz of fresh, never-frozen, 100% choice beef patties served on a soft potato roll. The Griddle Burger offers a classic combination of pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onion (with cheese as an optional add-on). For a sweet and savory experience, try the Sweet Luther: a donut glazed bun cradling American cheese, spicy candied bacon, and chipotle mayo. The Mushroom Swiss burger mirrors the popular Swiss Mountain Dog toppings. The Greek burger brings Mediterranean flavors with tzatziki sauce, tomato, cucumbers, onion, and Feta cheese. For an Asian-inspired twist, the Pork Belly Burger features a sweet soy glaze, crispy pork belly, Asian slaw, and wasabi aioli. And then, for the truly ambitious (or famished), there’s the Frat Burger: a daring stack of FOUR patties and FOUR slices of American cheese, piled high with caramelized onion, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
If you’re leaning towards poultry, the new chicken options are equally tempting. The fried chicken sandwich comes with provolone, sweet BBQ sauce, and a tangy honey mustard slaw. The Sriracha Ranch Fried Chicken offers a spicy kick with pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onion. For serious heat seekers, the Three-Alarm Hot Chicken is dipped in habanero hot sauce, topped with pickled jalapeños, provolone cheese, lettuce, and served with a side of ranch for cooling down. Chicken! Bam!
Roast beef lovers, rejoice! The Beef on Weck makes its Winston-Salem debut, a Buffalo-inspired sandwich featuring thinly sliced, rare roast beef dipped in seasoned au-jus, topped with horseradish cream, and served on a distinctive sea-salt crusted caraway roll. While purists might debate its authenticity compared to a true Buffalo version, it’s undeniably delicious. The Nacho Beef Sandwich adds a Tex-Mex flair with melted chipotle cheese, jalapeños, Queso Fresco, and sour cream, all served on a sub roll. And finally, the Chicago-esque Italian Beef captures the essence of the Windy City classic. Roast beef in seasoned au-jus, with giardiniera Italian relish, and optional hot cherry peppers, served on a satisfying sub roll.
Many of these items were cherished favorites from Uncle Buzzy’s. The only notable omission is the cheesesteak, but fear not, cheesesteak aficionados, Burke Street Pizza already has you covered. Their cheesesteak is a top seller, and as Danielle Bull, co-host of The Less Desirables, attests, the Burke Street Pizza chicken Philly can hold its own against any in town.
To find out exactly when this exciting new menu launches, keep a close eye on Burke Street Pizza’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Dave Hillman is aiming for a Tuesday debut. Remember, this special menu is available exclusively at the original Burke Street location. It will not be offered at the Sherwood/Robinhood location. Staying true to the current times, all these delectable selections are available for takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery. Place your order by phone at (336) 721-0011 or conveniently online at burkestreetpizza.com.
Is Winston-Salem excited? Absolutely! Get ready to capture those delicious moments, snap some photos of your Burke Street Pizza featuring Uncle Buzzy’s inspired menu items, and share them!
