South Carolina is rich in out-of-the-way and unique restaurants. From southern fried chicken to seafood, we really do have it all. The following are the 14 best local restaurants in South Carolina that should be on everyone's must-try list!
1. The Trappe Door (Greenville, SC )
"Food built from the flavors of the land.
Beer that knows no boundaries." That's their slogan and it couldn't be said better. Belgian food and Belgian beers on tap. Definitely a night out kind of place with a good atmosphere. Visit the Trappe Door website for more information.
2. Yannis House of Pizza (Barnwell, SC)
Specialty pizzas, calzone, and traditional greek dishes like no where else! Here is a place where you get your money's worth not only in taste, but in portion size. Bring your appetite. P.S. Definitely try the antipasto salad. Visit the Yannis House of Pizza Facebook page to learn more.
3. Bush's Seafood (Granitville, SC)
This is finger lickin' good food. A close source told me that this is the freshest seafood you can get and the waitresses are the best around. Check out the Bush's Seafood Facebook Page for more information.
4. Hudson's Smokehouse (Lexington, SC)
South Carolina does BBQ like no where else can and we do it different in different regions of the state. At Hudson's you can get smokehouse pork that is so good there is no need for sauce. The Hudson's Smokehouse website has more information.
5. Kickin' Chicken (Charleston, SC)
Their wings are to die for and even better when you can tip back a local brew to cool off that tongue. With 3 locations to serve you, you can always get to one of them! Visit the Kickin' Chicken website to learn more.
6. SeeWee Restaurant (Awendaw, SC)
Think of your Grandmother's house with jaw-dripping good food. The style is casual and the air is sweet with relaxation. Check out the SeeWee Restaurant website to learn more.
7. Pawley's Front Porch (Columbia, SC)
Serving up gourmet burgers and cheeseburger dip, this is a place to visit! Unique cuisine for someone who wants to try something a little different. Go and give them some love. Follow this link to the Pawley's Front Porch website for more information.
8. Orangeland Fish & Seafood Market (Florence, SC)
Tucked in a building on Irby Street with a huge orange on the sign, is Orangeland. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but, wow, can they fry catfish reminiscent of what my mom used to. I go there every chance I get and, yes, their catfish is always my preferred choice. Learn more by visiting the Orangeland Fish & Seafood website.
9. Mr. Fish Seafood Market
Sushi anyone? Yes, they have a menu that includes the freshest sushi in Myrtle Beach along with all the seafood dishes that South Carolina is famous for. Be prepared for a wait however, because the people line up to get inside. Visit the Mr. Fish website for more information.
10. The Tattooed Moose (Charleston, SC)
Serving up dishes such as Mike's Famous Duck Club and Duck Fat Fries. A little weird, a little quirky, definitely mouthwatering. Forget your waistline when you visit...those calories are actually worth it! Give the Tattooed Moose website a visit to learn more.
11. Yogi Bear's Honey Fried Chicken (Hartsville, SC)
This is a twist on the southern fried chicken of the South with the addition of honey in the batter. Being the only one in existence, it is a must-do on any food crawl you may be planning across the state! Here is a link to the Yogi Bear's Honey Fried Chicken website.
12. Zesto's (West Columbia, SC)
Although not authentic to South Carolina, this restaurant has been here since 1961. You definitely can't beat their hamburgers and don't forget that milkshake! Visit the Zesto's website to learn more.
13. Beacon Drive-In (Spartenburg, SC)
Sadly, the drive-in is a diminishing breed, but Beacon in Spartenburg is still going strong and where you can still get a meal "a plenty" which means you get fries and onion rings! Here is a link to the Beacon Drive-In website.
14. Dukes BBQ (Bamberg, SC)
Everyone who lives in South Carolina knows that there is a difference in BBQ from the lowcountry to the upstate. Duke's BBQ does it right with mustard-base sauces, slow pit-cooked pork, and homemade hash. Oh My! It's time for me to take a trip back to my roots. Visit the Duke's Facebook page to stay up to date.
With all the unique and must-try's in South Carolina, this list could be miles long. Instead I took a piece from every corner to give you just a 'taste' of what South Carolina had to offer. What are you favorite places to eat?
Now, I do believe it is time for me to create a food crawl list! How about you? Here is a South Carolina restaurant bucket list to get you started.
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