Life > February 14, 2008

By Allison Lange | Sports editor

It’s difficult to find the perfect combination of quality food, a not-too-casual but not-too-fancy ambience and good service.

But alas, I’ve found it.

Diamondback Grill proudly possesses all of the above.

The restaurant, nestled among the neighborhoods off of Avalon Road, has two sides – one with a more intimate setting and the other with a sports bar.

However, both serve the quality food that makes Diamondback worth the money.

I only ever order one entree at a restaurant like Diamondback, and that’s the filet mignon.

And their filet is my favorite in Winston-Salem and it comes surprisingly close to making the top of my list.

Topped with an amazing portabella demi-glace that I would eat as a soup and wrapped in bacon, the filet almost melts in your mouth.

The mashed potatoes served next to the filet are almost as amazing and are about as home-made as you can get.

For $26.95, you can have the filet, the to-die-for sauce, the mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.

Not bad at all for a quality meal that will leave you filled to the brim.

Not only does Diamondback have quality meats, but they constantly have fresh seafood entrees that are delectable.

Their crab cakes are the self-proclaimed special, however about half of their entrees include a variety of seafood options.

Aside from their superb sauces and filet, Diamondback has so much to offer.

With constant specials including both red meat and fresh seafood, there’s always something new to try. Diamondback has a wide variety of appetizers that would go well with one of their amazing daily soups as a meal.

Their artichoke soufflé ($6.95) will probably be finished within minutes of being set down on the table.

I could go on forever about the appetizers, but never have I been to Diamondback when someone has been unsatisfied with their meal.

I hope it’s been established already that Diamondback has outstanding food of all types.

Diamondback, in addition to great cuisine, hosts special events each month.

Just from looking on their website (www.diamondbackgrill.com), I found out that Diamondback shows the majority of basketball games on Tobacco Road and encourages you to come and watch with them.

Additionally, they have a “Make Your Own Salad” menu, with an impressive selection of 65 different fresh ingredients.

If you’re of the legal drinking age, Diamondback offers 45 different wines by the glass.

According to their Web site, they “serve more wine in our glasses than some other

restaurants,” because, “well, why not?” I know it could be a little difficult to justify splurging $20 or more for an entree as a struggling college student.

But for special occasions or if you’re lucky enough to have someone nice treating you to a meal, make sure to head to Diamondback next time.

They take reservations and they are some of the nicest people I’ve met in Winston-Salem.

They welcome all types from university students, families, dates or people just coming in to sit at the bar, have a drink and watch some sports.

Customers will also not feel intimidated.

Girls can dress in nice jeans and flats and not be under dressed.

Diamondback also recently began a curbside take-out service.

They also promise to have it ready within 20 minutes of your call.

If my other points haven’t swung you yet, read this – they play the best music ever heard at a restaurant.

I had to stop myself multiple times from singing at the table.

Oops.