1. Go Where The Oysters Are In Columbia
The Oyster Bar
1123 Park St
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 799-4484
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 38 reviews
South Carolina is brimming with great oysters. But when you want the best of the best, head to The Oyster Bar Columbia. The mother shuckers sauce is what makes this place stand out, with its warm and succulent, horseradish flavor.
The service here adds on another star. With a friendly staff who know more than their fair share of what they’re serving you, you’ll be counting down the days until you can come back for more.
2. Get Dressed To The Nines For A Night Out In Charleston At FIG
FIG
232 Meeting St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 805-5900
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 508 reviews
When you’re looking for an upscale night out in Charleston, FIG is there waiting to blow you away. You’ll find creative and impressive selections including the ricotta gnocchi, Portuguese fish stew, marinated razor clams, painted hills beef tartare, and pan-roasted black bass. End on a sweet note with the sorghum cake and cinnamon ice cream for a meal that you won’t soon forget.
3. Find The Comfort Food You’ve Been Craving At Libby’s
Libby’s Of Lexington
116 W Main St
Lexington, SC 29072
(803) 520-4689
Yelp: 4.5 star, 35 reviews
Libby’s American cuisine will make you want to sing the national anthem after the first bite. Their fried pork chops are a southern gem and their Philly cheesesteaks are as close as you’re going to get without making the trip across the Mason Dixon. You’ll get large portions at fair prices with a casual-friendly ambiance.
4. Visit Bacon Lover’s Paradise In Greenville
Bacon Bros Public House
3620 Pelham Rd
Greenville, SC 29615
(864) 297-6000
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 166 reviews
When you intentionally put “bacon” in the name of your restaurant, you already win. Bacon Bros likes to remind you that they’re just like your neighborhood restaurant, only meatier. Get here on Pork Porter House nights for an unbelievable meal that will leave you raving for days.
The wings are better than you probably thought possible, the pork shank is sublime, and there are more things with bacon on the menu than you will believe.
5. Get Wrapped Up At Pita House
Pita House
495 S Pleasantburg Dr
Greenville, SC 29607
(864) 271-9895
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 140 reviews
This Middle Eastern restaurant in Greenville highlights the best of Mediterranean cuisine for you. Don’t miss out on the excellent hummus plates and the melt-in-your-mouth lamb and beef shawarma.
And those wishing they could experience such fresh Mediterranean at home are in luck. They sell their hummus, yogurt sauce, tabouli, baba ganoush and baked goods like their baklava to go.
6. All Fire And Smoke But No Mirrors Here In Myrtle Beach
Fire And Smoke Gastropub
411 79th Ave N
Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
(843) 449-0085
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 136 reviews
When you’re looking for a good way to unwind at the beach with a good crowd, killer food, and even better cocktails, then head to Fire and Smoke Gastropub. You’ll find unbelievable Charcuterie plates, soft pretzel braids, lamb porterhouse, crispy pork belly, and cheddar fondue plates. Fire and Smoke lets you dine on upscale food without any pretentiousness for maximum enjoyment.
7. Eat Your Vegan Loving Heart Out At Lamb’s Bread
Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café
2338 Main St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 253-7889
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 60 reviews
Good vegan soul food is virtually unheard of. Until now, that is. Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café is the answer to every vegan’s prayers, offering up a huge menu full of the most I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Butter-Or-Meat dishes you’ve ever tried. Anywhere. Ever.
The menu changes frequently based on their use of local, seasonal ingredients. But when their mock ribs are available, make sure you don’t miss them.
8. Discover How To Put The Lime In The Coconut At Lime Leaf
Lime Leaf
101 E Main St
Spartanburg, SC 29306
(864) 542-2171
Yelp: 4 stars, 47 reviews
You will find plenty of lime and coconut flavors to dine on at this Thai restaurant. Lime Leaf serves some of the freshest Asian cuisine across the state, with awesome spring rolls, pineapple fried rice, awesome sweet and sour chicken and pepper steak. If you’re looking to branch out, get the volcano beef, which is as epic as it sounds.
9. To Willy Or Willy Not? That Is The Taco Question
Willy Taco
930 E Main St
Spartanburg, SC 29302
(864) 327-8228
Yelp: 4 stars, 49 reviews
Willy Taco is a fun kind of Mexican restaurant that you’re hoping every south-of-the-border joint could be. The cool vibes, bold colors, and off-the-wall décor only adds to the experience on your plate.
When they’re on the menu, make sure to find out why their Later Gator tacos have become famous in the area of Spartanburg
10. Southern Staples With Some Modern Love At Page’s Okra Grill
Page’s Okra Grill
302 Coleman Blvd
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
(843) 881-3333
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 306 reviews
Page’s Okra Grill has a pretty great motto: there are no bad grits, only bad cooks. And with that belief rooted firmly in mind, the Page family has created a whole world of modern Southern cuisine that leaves everyone satisfied but always wanting more.
Classic Southern staples are expertly executed including their chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and (of course) their grits, but with their own personal touch.
11. Find The Burger You’ve Been Looking For At Henry’s
Henry’s Restaurant and Bar
2865 Devine St
Columbia, SC 29205
(803) 708-4705
Yelp: 4 stars, 30 reviews
Sometimes the best things are presented to us in the most surprisingly simple ways. The burgers at Henry’s prove exactly that. While it might not appear to be a gourmet concoction at first sight, slapped on two pieces of toasted bread, I assure you that one bite will have you singing a different song. Coming in as one of the best burgers in South Carolina, definitely don’t pass up on Henry’s if you’re headed through Columbia.
12. Café Strudel Has The Cure For All That Ails You
Café Strudel
300 State St
West Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 794-6634
Yelp: 4 stars, 137 reviews
Nursing a hangover? Café Strudel has the cure. Come for brunch after a fun night out and get their famous hangover hash browns. It must be something in the carbs with light grease or something because, yes, they really do work.
Come for dinner and enjoy classics like the beef sirloin, garlic mashed potatoes, and the duck fat fries. Definitely don’t leave without trying the duck fat fries.
13. Congratulations, You Just Found The Perfect Panini At Persimmon
Persimmon Cafe
226 Calhoun St
Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 937-5399
Yelp: 5 stars, 228 reviews
Persimmon is a casually hip café that serves sandwiches and perfectly seared paninis with sides of house made soups and hand spun custards. You can call ahead and pick up your order or you can enjoy sitting at their tables in their warm and welcoming space provided.
I’m not kidding when I tell you that they’re located in a laundromat, but don’t let appearances and first impressions deceive you. All you need to do is taste one of their paninis to become a loyalist.
14. Cupside Down Is The Café To Turn Your Mood Rightside Cup
Cupside Down Café
950 Chestnut St
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-4121
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 21 reviews
Another cute café that will win you over, Cupside Down is a quaint and charming space filled with some awesome and always fresh options. From the paninis and salads to the smoothies and baked goods, there’s always so much more to order here than you can possibly eat in one sitting. Their brunches are also super popular in the area, adding more to everyone’s mornings than just a coffee jolt.
15. Reserve A Table For Two With One Spoon At Stella’s
Stella’s Southern Bistro
684 Fairview Rd
Simpsonville, SC 29680
(864) 757-1212
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 57 reviews
Tucked away in Simpsonville, you can find Stella’s, a lovely bistro filled with Southern charm with a romantic flare. Perfect for a date night, bring your love and fill your table up with all of the flavors Stella’s has to offer.
The pimento cheese platter, pork chops, and other traditional staples are sure to please, but it’s the dessert that you really want to stick around for. With some of the best puddings in the entire state, you can’t go wrong with anything that will get your sweet tooth going.
16. Columbia’s Knock Out BBQ At The Southern Belly
The Southern Belly
1332 Rosewood Dr
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 667-9533
Yelp: 4.5 stars, 89 reviews
For barbecue in Columbia, you’d be crazy to pass up a trip to the Southern Belly. Smoked meats aren’t done any better around the state the way that they’re done here. Order up whatever your traditional favorites are because whatever it is, it’s nearly guaranteed to be the best you’ll find.
It’s no-frills, exactly like it’s supposed to be, because all the bells and whistles are saved for what’s about to be the best meal of your day.
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What’s your go-to for great grub in South Carolina? Tell us in the comments below!
