The Midlands and Upstate Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Midlands and Upstate - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Motor Supply Co. Bistro

    $$$$ | Vista

    The daily-changing menu at this stalwart of the Columbia dining scene highlights the best of what local farmers and purveyors have to offer, worked into eclectic dishes that span European to Asian influences. The artsy interior (a former engine parts building, on the National Register of Historic Places) and thoughtful service make it a standout.

    920 Gervais St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA
    803-256--6687

    Known For

    • Curated beer and wine selection
    • Farm-to-table menu that changes daily
    • Gorgeous setting in a renovated 19th-century building

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. The War Mouth

    $$ | Main Street Area

    Named after a freshwater sunfish and set in a former auto repair garage, this casual-cool joint serves up whole-hog barbecue from its wood-fired outdoor pit as well as hearty Southern specialties like chicken bog, quail legs, and catfish stew. Stick around for nightcap craft cocktails at the popular bar.

    1209 Franklin St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA
    803-569–6144

    Known For

    • Wood-fired meats
    • Lively happy hour
    • Craft cocktails

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 3. Augusta Grill

    $$$$

    Wood paneling and modern art set the tone at this fine-dining stalwart, where the daily-changing menu (posted online) includes seafood like tempura soft-shell crabs, hearty steaks, and braised duck. Order ahead to be sure the kitchen hasn't run out of its signature blackberry cobbler.

    1818 Augusta St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29605, USA
    864-242–0316

    Known For

    • Small plate options designed for sharing
    • Varied, seasonal menu
    • Quality service with Southern hospitality

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 4. Gather GVL

    $ | Downtown | Coffee

    The most unique of Greenville's growing food hall scene is Gather, where stacks of colorful shipping containers housing mini-kitchens circle a central courtyard. Grab an acai bowl, a signature sushi roll, or a basket of fried chicken, and find a spot to kick back and enjoy the live bands on weekends.

    126 Augusta St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA
    864-501--5008

    Known For

    • On-site craft beer shop
    • Pet-friendly atmosphere (leashed, and not on weekends)
    • A hefty lobster roll from the Lob Father

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 5. Hampton Street Vineyard

    $$$$ | Downtown

    This cozy bistro with upscale French fare is set inside one of the first buildings constructed in the city after Sherman's infamous march. It has exposed brick walls, arched windows, and original wide-plank floors. Dinners are creative but not over the top, with entrées such as seared breast of duck with orange and fennel, and a classic steak frites.

    1207 Hampton St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA
    803-252–0850

    Known For

    • 650-bottle wine list that won Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence
    • Locally inspired, seasonally changing menu
    • Attractively presented entrées

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Husk Barbeque

    $$ | Downtown | American

    This spinoff of the famous Charleston restaurant rebranded in 2021, shifting toward a casual barbecue model, with long-time Husk butcher Dave Jensen at the helm. In addition to smoked meats, the outpost also offers the Husk empire's lauded fried chicken and cheeseburger.

    722 S Main St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA
    864-627–0404

    Known For

    • Gorgeous exposed-brick interior balanced with industrial lighting
    • Southern food prepared with an intense eye for detail
    • Ingredients rooted in the local culture and land
    • Combo plates featuring prime beef brisket or pulled pork
    • Top-shelf bourbon selection

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 7. Immaculate Consumption

    $ | Main Street Area | Coffee

    This coffee shop roasts its own beans, and from its location immediately next to the State House, it's helped to fuel many a legislative session for over two decades.

    933 Main St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29201, USA
    803-799--9053

    Known For

    • Generously portioned sandwiches and salads
    • "concentration coffee" with coconut oil and grass-fed butter
    • Comfortable interior suitable for working

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed weekends
  • 8. Jianna

    $$$$ | Downtown

    Combining the best of Italy and coastal South Carolina, this downtown osteria serves house-made pastas and gnocchi, plus a selection of raw oysters from around the country, served with a house hot sauce and prosecco mignonette. The bright, modern interior features an open kitchen and a massive central bar that includes outdoor balcony seating when weather permits.

    600 S. Main St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA
    864-720–2200

    Known For

    • Raw oysters and negronis
    • Hearty, authentic pasta entrées
    • Light, lively atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 9. Little Pigs Barbecue

    $ | Northeast

    Enjoy the laid-back Southern atmosphere at this Carolina barbecue joint. Grab a plate, get in the buffet line, and load up on brisket, pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, ribs, and fried fish, along with fixings such as collards, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.

    4927 Alpine Rd., Columbia, South Carolina, 29223, USA
    803-788–8238

    Known For

    • All-you-can-eat buffet
    • Real country cooking, priced right
    • Mustard-, tomato-, and vinegar-base barbecue sauces---choose your favorite

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun. and Wed., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 10. Malia's

    $$$$

    Locals love this busy contemporary restaurant, with dim lighting and dark decor that conveys a cool class. The menu changes monthly and may include American, Caribbean, French, and Italian entrées. Dinner reservations are recommended on weekends.

    120 Laurens St. SW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA
    803-643–3086

    Known For

    • White-tablecloth dining on weekend evenings
    • Small-town farm-to-table cuisine
    • Casual lunch scene

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues., Credit cards accepted
  • 11. Mill Pond Steakhouse

    $$$$

    It's all about steak here, and what steaks they are: aged for at least 35 days before they're cut, the fillets, rib eyes, and strips are juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. You can dine alfresco overlooking the sprawling pond or enjoy the vintage saloon-style bar. Area farmers provide most of the produce; grits for the shrimp and grits are ground at the mill next door. There is a limousine service available to and from Camden.

    84 Boykin Mill Rd., Rembert, South Carolina, 29128, USA
    803-425–8825

    Known For

    • Homemade mixed-berry cobbler
    • High-end Southern cuisine
    • Locally sourced produce

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted
  • 12. Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe

    $$$ | Five Points

    Who knew that barbecue sauce could be the base for such tasty salad dressing or that pimento cheese could elevate a fillet to near perfection? Appetizers of fried pickles and country ham--spinach dip only add to the creative thinking that makes Mr. Friendly's such a local treasure. The ever-changing wine-by-the-glass menu is another.

    2001A Greene St., Columbia, South Carolina, 29205, USA
    803-254–7828

    Known For

    • Seafood specials
    • Impressive wine and beer list
    • Attractive outdoor seating

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Sat. Closed Sun. and Mon., Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 13. New Moon Café

    $ | Café

    This funky café pairs Aiken's best coffee (the coffee beans are roasted right next door) with freshly baked muffins and sweet rolls, panini sandwiches and salads, and homemade soups. The crab bisque is particularly good.

    116 Laurens St. NW, Aiken, South Carolina, 29801, USA
    803-643–7088

    Known For

    • Healthy food made with heart
    • Smoothies and milkshakes
    • Quick, friendly service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner, Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 14. Salud Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge

    $$

    Authentic street tacos (small and four to a plate), generous burritos, and what may be the state's best tequila collection come together in this modern Mexican-themed lounge with comfy seating and a tranquilo vibe.

    1011 Broad St., Camden, South Carolina, 29020, USA
    803-425--4850

    Known For

    • 100 tequila varieties
    • Albondigas, a turkey meatball soup
    • Fun, celebratory vibe on weekends

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon.
  • 15. Sam Kendall's

    $$$$

    The exposed brick wall and high-back booths offer the perfect upscale backdrop for steak or seafood, including tuna sashimi and shrimp in garlic chili sauce. The menu also features an extensive list of more than 100 wines. It's a surprisingly modern, upscale spot for a rural part of the state.

    1043 Broad St., Camden, South Carolina, 29020, USA
    803-424–2005

    Known For

    • Fine dining in historic digs
    • Signature cocktails
    • Extensive wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., Credit cards accepted
  • 16. Soby's

    $$$$ | Downtown

    The palette of plums and golds is a stunning contrast to the original brick and wood that was uncovered during the renovation of this 19th-century cotton exchange building. Although the menu changes seasonally, perennial favorites—a layered appetizer of fried green tomatoes and jalapeño pimento cheese, shrimp, and locally ground grits, and the wonderful white-chocolate banana-cream pie—are always available.

    207 S. Main St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA
    864-232–7007

    Known For

    • Popular Sunday brunch
    • One of the city's best wine lists
    • Patio seating on Court Square

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 17. Southern Pressed Juicery

    $ | Downtown | Coffee

    Cold-pressed juices, energy bowls, and salads in a high-ceilinged, bright room make this an obvious spot for a pick-me-up when you're hoofing it around town.

    2 W. Washington St., Greenville, South Carolina, 29601, USA
    864-729--8626

    Known For

    • Superfood coffee drinks
    • Bottled fruit and veggie juices
    • Creative, delicious smoothies
  • 18. Stax Omega Diner

    $

    This contemporary diner's menu features a little of everything, from bacon and eggs, burgers, and souvlaki to Greek-style chicken and shrimp and grits. Sit in the booths or at the half-circle counter with stools to enjoy your meal; when you're done, check out the sweets menu from the Stax Bakery next door.

    72 Orchard Park Dr., Greenville, South Carolina, 29615, USA
    864-297–6639

    Known For

    • Greek and Italian desserts
    • Popular local catering service
    • Classic diner fare

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 19. The Gourmet Shop

    $ | Five Points | Coffee

    Mirrors and art adorn the walls at this French-inspired bakery and café serving coffee, sandwiches, soups, and cheese plates. Next door, the retail shop sells wine, kitchen gadgets, French table linens, and fancy food items.

    724 Saluda Ave., Columbia, South Carolina, 29205, USA
    803-799–3705

    Known For

    • Fresh baguettes and cookies
    • Chicken salad sandwiches
    • More than 1,500 different wine labels

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted, Reservations not accepted
  • 20. Village Grill

    $$

    This popular restaurant with pomegranate-color walls and high ceilings has the fillets and pastas, but the reason many locals come is for the herb rotisserie chicken. The beef for the burgers is ground on the spot, and salads consist of locally grown organic vegetables.

    110 Trinity St., Abbeville, South Carolina, 29620, USA
    864-366–2500

    Known For

    • Integrity in local ingredient sourcing
    • Chicken and ribs
    • Relaxed Southern atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.--Tues., Credit cards accepted

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