The Winston-Salem social scene has been revamped over the past couple of years, hosting a cluster of new bars and breweries in the downtown area.

One of the newest additions, The Vintage Sofa Bar, recently opened its doors — or more literally its garage door — to those who are 21 plus. Those who want to enjoy a handcrafted cocktail or a glass of beer or wine from their extensive lists will also enjoy the cozy atmosphere of this local bar.

The ambiance of The Vintage Sofa Bar sets it apart from its competitors. Lined with cushy lounge seats and sofas, guests can savor their drink and hors d’oeuvres within the antiquely decorated and relaxed environment. The multiple couches and coffee tables scattered throughout the space give large parties of guests the opportunity to socialize and unwind after a long day of work and classes. There are also high-top tables where visitors can enjoy their drinks. When I visited, the bar was packed with a mix of upperclassman, graduate students and Winston-Salem locals all creating a lively mood within the bar.

It is obvious that the architecture and lighting were intentionally selected to facilitate an intimate environment. The exposed brick walls and hanging light bulbs create a homey feel that reflects the style of a trendy local bar in Manhattan. Mirroring the name, vintage and antique décor hang on the walls and are situated on shelves throughout the bar, lounge space and even in the bathroom. In addition to the overhead lighting, candles line the tables, giving the bar a warm feeling that also leaves the interior smelling fresh and inviting. For me, the snuggly feeling radiating from the bar is what makes me want to return for another Friday night.

In addition to lounging and socializing, guests can also grab a group of friends and engage in a round of pool or shuffle board at the various tables. People can also be found playing cards at the coffee tables. For those who are looking for some fresh air, the bar also offers an outdoor patio seating area where guests can soak up the last few warm days of the year while sipping on their handcrafted treat.

Located downtown at 1001 Burke St., the bar serves a variety of cocktails, wine and beer options. It is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. When I visited, I tried the Ginseng Sling, which is made using Plymouth Gin, ginseng, lemon, lychee and nigori sake. The sweet drink was a perfect cap to my long day for only a moderate price. The relaxing vibe makes it an ideal space for long conversations with a group of friends, a place to show mom and dad during parents’ weekend or even a cool spot to take a Tinder date you want to get to know better.