Eight Great Eats – South Carolina
We spent 2 months volunteering/workamping at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site near Clinton, SC. This is a collection, in no particular order, of some of our favorite eateries we found around the Upstate area of South Carolina.
Whitefords – Clinton & Laurens, SC
Local old-school diner serving up a variety of sandwiches burgers, and Carolina style BBQ. My selection was the thick-cut bologna sandwich. That smell and taste of browned bologna brings me back to my childhood. I loved those pan-fried bologna sandwiches as a kid. Lots on the menu to choose from. Clinton and Laurens are just a few miles apart. If you want the Roadside attraction photo op of ‘Big Irwin’, you’ll need to visit the Laurens, SC location.
Jitters Cafe – Clinton, SC
If you get that craving for a BBQ pork, turkey, bacon, ham, salami, lettuce, tomato, cheeseburger sandwich on a pretzel roll bun, there is no better place than Jitters Café and it’s ‘Matador’. The two of us had to split this leaning tower of deliciousness. Chips, drink, and dessert is included with every sandwich. Enjoy a super friendly staff and a relaxed dining area. Arrive for lunch, Jitters is not open for dinner.
Dempsey’s Pizza – Clinton, SC
I’m sure you’re familiar with Cici’s Pizza buffet; Cidi’s is a only a substitute for what a place can do. Dempsey’s is an all-you-can-eat pizza joint, salad bar and desert bar for $8. Amazing varieties of pizza, including desert pizza! How about a chocolate chip pizza? Maybe a peanut butter and jelly desert pizza? A local tradition and always a crowd. Dempsey’s also does take out, but why bother…..dine in and sample everything. You’ll only need to eat once that day.
Mike & Jeff’s BBQ – Greenville, SC
After spending a morning at Falls on The Reedy Park, Carolina BBQ was definitely on tap. A quick Yelp search introduced us to Mike & Jeff’s. On the side, something new for this New England boy, Sweet Potato Soufflé. One bite of this and I felt like I was riding a unicorn in Ron Burgundy’s Pleasure Town.
As we drove up, we were excited to see a small modest building with character; always a good sign for amazing home cooking. We were not disappointed. A plate piled with amazing chopped chicken, coleslaw and hush puppies.
Southern Belly BBQ – Columbia, SC
After spending a morning at Falls on The Reedy Park, Carolina BBQ was definitely on tap. A quick Yelp search introduced us to Mike & Jeff’s. On the side, something new for this New England boy, Sweet Potato Soufflé. One bite of this and I felt like I was riding a unicorn in Ron Burgundy’s Pleasure Town.
As we drove up, we were excited to see a small modest building with character; always a good sign for amazing home cooking. We were not disappointed. A plate piled with amazing chopped chicken, coleslaw and hush puppies.
Super Taco – Clemson, SC
Day road tripping on Route 11 in the Upstate, we found ourselves near Clemson University. College towns mean great local eateries. Relying on a Yelp search again, it was Super Taco. Tacos and Burritos always hit the spot. I ordered the Eldorado Burrito; deep fried chicken burrito with gauc and sour cream on top for $6. Authentic and delicious. I did not leave hungry. Super Taco also has an awesome logo…pick up a tee during your visit.
Capital Theater Cafe’
We discovered this local eatery by chance. Driving through Laurens, we found ourselves stuck in traffic, waiting for a train. We decided to drive into historic downtown Laurens. We spotted the Capital Theater Café and Ice Cream Shop. Our initial thought was to get an ice cream. We stepped inside and looked at a menu. We saw a collection on old fashion home cooking selections and decided to grab a meal instead. 1950’s themed décor and menu items. I ordered the Chevelle Chili Cheeseburger. It came with 2 sides; I selected mac & cheese and fries. Good home cookin’ food and a very friendly staff. The Capital Theater Café is also a movie theater. $6 movies check their schedule.
Hub Diggity – Spartanburg, SC
Tucked away in downtown Spartanburg is this excellent hot dog eatery. Serving up Cony Island Nathan’s Hot Dogs. Also on the menu, New England Lobster Rolls. For this born & bred Maine boy, this triggered some questions….Nathans Dogs and Lobster rolls?? After inquiring, I discovered that the owner is originally from Connecticut. Very nice man, and great dogs!
It’s always fun to discover unfamiliar regional flavors. A couple that stood out for me in South Carolina was Cheerwine and Pimento Cheese. Cheerwine is an old fashion soft drink native to the 
I’ve had pimento cheese before, but I’ve never seen it in such an abundance. Supermarket shelves with a number of brands and variety of Palmetto Pimento Cheese spread. I spread some as a dressing on some sliced turkey sandwiches – Delicious!