The meal was good, the atmosphere was great. The only problem was the high prices compared to the food you were given. Definitely over priced.

My wife and I have had our December anniversary dinner at Ryan's since 1997. It is low-light, wood-paneled, and romantic with excellent and attentive servers. We have also hosted some old friends from other parts of the country, and we have attended other's birthday dinners or 50th anniversaries.
I haven't a clue as to the less-than excellent experiences that some other reviews indicate. Wonderful is the word.
Make no mistake; it is expensive, at least for us. But in this day and age of opening/closing restaurants with inconsistent dining experiences, Ryan's is an exception. The steaks are absolutely superb and the atmosphere perfect for that special evening. So, for that special event, for us, Ryan's is it. Their reservation software (and you should definitely make reservations) enables Ryan's to keep track of your visits. Accordingly, they will seat us at our "favorite" romantic table every time.
The menu is on line, and each night they offer specials, which are posted at the front door and in the table menu. The servers are very knowledgeable. If you need something special, like no onion in the house salad (my wife), they will gladly accommodate. We usually have the New York Strip. Mine is medium and cooked perfectly. (My wife has hers medium-well, and only once in the 20years has she needed to send it back for a bit more heating. If she had her way, and our budget permitted, we would eat there every week! She gets excited on the drive into town!) Two appetizers I enjoy are the bacon-wrapped scallops with a glaze, and the She-Crab Soup. Being from Charleston, SC, I fancy myself an aficionado of that soup, and Ryan's is as good as any down in the Holy City. The house salad with blue-cheese dressing is crisp and cold. I have Yukon mashed potatoes, and my wife has baked potato. Served before and during the meal are breads, including pretzel rolls with cheese spread.
Desert is "deadly". Pecan pie is very good, but we get a free chocolate cake and ice cream, and two spoons with a candle. (Wife is a dyed-in-the-wool "chocoholic.")
Dress in the evenings is what I would call up-scale casual, though others and I wear blazer and tie just to make the evening special. My wife wears a dress or a fancy pants-suit.I've never, ever seen sweatshirts, T-shirts, jeans, shorts, ball caps, etc.
If you have never been to Ryan's, it is an event that you owe yourself!

I’m puzzled by several negative reviews Id read before my first visit to Ryan’s. Complaints about service went unwarranted. The service couldn’t have been better. Just the right amount of attention to allow you to enjoy the food and conversation. I started with French onion soup while everyone else in our part of six had salads. The soup was perfect and followed by a 14 oz ribeye cooked a smidge too long but still good. The baked potato was good not great. My wife and I shared the chocolate cake which was outstanding. We will be back.

If you want a superb steak with traditional sauce choices or if you love your seafood beautifully prepared without fussy fusion adornment, then Ryan’s is for you. They have been the most consistent top notch restaurant in Winston Salem for 20+ years. The atmosphere is relaxed, without piped in loud music, and the service is always excellent. The bartenders make an excellent lemon drop martini, and the wine list covers all the bases without being overwhelming.

Went for a romantic dinner. The waiter was very attentive, the food scrumptious. Enjoyed seating in the lounge by the fireplace before proceeding to the dining room