Whether your usual preference is for a "fancy" restaurant complete with tablecloths and cloth napkins, or you prefer a down-home kind of place that reminds you of your mother's kitchen, you can certainly find whatever your heart (and stomach) desires in the Palmetto State. South Carolina is home to a countless number of fabulous restaurants ranging from one end of the "fancy" spectrum to the other. Here are 13 of the best South Carolina diners, drive-ins, and dives that will send your tastebuds reeling and your tummy into euphoria.
1. Ike's Korner Grill - Spartanburg
It's painted right on the side of the building at Ike's, "Best Burger In Town," and folks tend to agree! This hometown eatery makes its own pimento cheese and takes the time to hand-pat each burger with love. Mmm. That must be their secret ingredient: love. If you dare, order the "Burger Challenge" shown here, but you'd better bring someone to drive you home and then prepare to sleep for several days. For more information, visit the Ike's Korner Grill Facebook pageAddress: 104 Archer Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303
2. Flopeye Diner - Great Falls
If you love eating at honest-to-goodness hometown places then you'll really love the Flopeye Diner. Firstly lets just talk about the funky outside decorations. You'll know from the moment you pull into the lot that something deliciously creative is waiting inside. Once inside, you'll find wholesome yumminess, like fried bologna, liver mush, and country-fried steak, to name just a few of the menu items. This hometown diner has been around so long it's a second home to the locals. For more information, visit the Flopeye Diner Facebook pageAddress: 511 Chester Ave, Great Falls, SC 29055
3. McClellanville Diner - McClellanville
Just off coastal highway 17 south of McClellanville, this amazing eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. McClellanville Diner is so popular it could easily be called a "destination restaurant." Have just one meal here and you'll see why people are willing to drive so far for their down-home coastal dishes. Another reason? They only serve local-caught shrimp! Yum. For more information, visit the McClellanville Diner Facebook pageAddress: 9905 US-17, McClellanville, SC 29458.
4. Summerton Diner - Summerton
For starters, this is just one beautiful plate of food! Anyone who's been to the Summerton Diner will back me up: it all looks this amazing. For an unforgettable "meat and two sides" Summerton Diner is an excellent choice in the midlands. For more information, visit the Summerton Diner Facebook pageAddress: 32 South Church Street, Summerton, SC 29148.
5. Hannibals Kitchen - Charleston
Located right off East Bay Street near the Ravenel Bridge, Hannibal's Kitchen is an East Side soul food institution. Not sure if you're game for this plate of pork neck, pigtail, collards, and rice? Not to worry, you can stick with more mainstream fare, like the best fried chicken in town. For more information, visit the Hannibal's Kitchen websiteAddress: 16 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403
6. Beacon Drive-In - Spartanburg
The Beacon Drive-In is an institution that's been around for over 70 years. Any trip taking you near Spartanburg warrants a detour to The Beacon Drive-In. One of the best South Carolina drive-ins happens to be the second-largest drive-in in the United States dishing up home-cooked meals seven days a week. It's so popular they go through three tons of potatoes per week. Wow! For more information, visit the Beacon Drive-In websiteAddress: 255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306
7. Sno-Cap Drive-In - North Augusta
There's always a lot going on at the Sno-Cap in North Augusta. This old-fashioned carhop restaurant also offers inside dining, or just stay in your car. In 2015, Sno-Cap celebrated 50 years in business. It's easy to see why when you look at the colossal root beer floats they serve! For more information, visit the Sno-Cap Drive-In websiteAddress: 618 West Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841
8. Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant - Florence
Generations of families have been enjoying the home-cooked meals at Florence's Sunrise Drive-In. If you go, the Great Calabash Shrimp Dinner (above) is among the favorites on this extensive menu. Not in the mood for seafood? Hands-down, the best burgers in town are right here at Sunrise! For more information, visit the Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant Facebook pageAddress: 3624 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506
9. Blackmon's Little Midget Drive-In - Camden
For a hotdog you just can't resist in Camden, you can't pass up Blackmon's Little Midget. This drive-in has been dishing them up for more than 50 years from this same location. Go all the way with the chili slaw cheese dog shown here. Just ask for "The Sink." For more information, visit the Blackmon's Little Midget Drive-In Facebook pageAddress: 1012 Market St, Camden, SC 29020
10. Dixie Drive-In - Greenwood
Anyone who's ever seen this iconic sign in Greenwood and stopped for a bite knows the classic food dished up by this Greenwood landmark is delicious. They're open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Dixie Drive-In Facebook pageAddress: 600 Montague Ave, Greenwood, SC 29649
11. The Rough House - Abbevile
Ask a local for the best hotdog in Abbeville and they won't even have to think about it before answering. That's because at least three family generations of locals have grown up stuffing their faces with hotdogs at this famous eatery. In business since 1932, The Rough House is an icon in these parts. Be sure to leave room for some ice cream for dessert! For more information, visit The Rough House Facebook pageAddress: 116 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620
12. Ruth's Drive-In - Hartsville
Ruth's is the "go-to" place in Hartsville when you're craving food like mom used to make. Try the pimento grilled cheese or just stuff your face with the "meat and three sides" at lunchtime. Ruth's also plates up a breakfast that means business. For more information, visit the Ruth's Drive-In Facebook pageAddress: 659 W Carolina Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550
13. Scott's BBQ - Hemingway
If you are looking for a place with some incredible South Carolina barbecue, no list of diners, drive-ins, and dives would be complete without adding Scott's BBQ in Hemingway. Scott's proves you don't have to be fancy to be fabulous. Located in this variety store with their "pit" out back, Scott's (usually) has a couple of tables inside, or if you want, just sit on the big bench on the porch. For more information, visit the Scott's BBQ Facebook pageAddress: 2734 Hemingway Hwy, Hemingway, SC 29554
Have you tried any of these unassuming restaurants in South Carolina? Or do you have other favorite diners, drive-ins, and dives? Add them in our comments for others to see! Interested in a more upscale place? The Oldest Restaurant In South Carolina Has A Truly Remarkable History.
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