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Favorite Places To Eat On a Visit To Clemson

Gwen Fowler Gwen Fowler
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.
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If you're headed to Clemson University for a campus visit, one thing you won't have to worry about is finding lots of nearby places to get some delicious food.

Tim Todd, a Clemson alum and the executive director of Upcountry South Carolina, came up with this list of his favorite places to eat in Tiger Town.

 

Smoking Pig Barbecue in Pendleton is a favorite of Clemson coaches and students. Photo courtesy Smoking Pig.

The Smokin' Pig, Pendleton

"One of the best barbecue joints around." The The Smokin' Pig also has locations in Williamston, Easley and Anderson.

 

Mac's Drive In, Clemson

"This is the place where anyone who's anyone at Clemson can be found!" The walls of Mac's Drive In are covered with Clemson memorabilia, and legend has it that you can't graduate from Clemson if you haven't eaten here. Click here to watch a documentary about it.

 

Calhoun Corners, Clemson

Calhoun Corners is a great choice for fine dining, with entrees like prime rib and lobster.

 

Grab a dog at Skin's Hot Dogs.

Skins' Hot Dogs, Clemson

Skins' is where you go for hot dogs because that's the only item on the menu. The Clemson location is one of five in the Upstate.

 

Pot Belly Deli, Clemson

This popular deli serves great sandwiches and soups.

 

Sardi's Den, Clemson

Sardi's is another great locals place serving "incredible ribs!"

 

The Esso Club is the most iconic bar/restaurant in Clemson.

The Esso Club, Clemson

This popular college bar began life in the 1930s as a gas station. "This is probably the most iconic bar/restaurant in Clemson!" The menu features sandwiches, salads and appetizers (Tiger Tidbits). 

 

Palmetto Smokehouse and Oyster Bar, Clemson

Located across the street from Bowman Field and Historic Riggs Field, PSHOB has an "Everything South Carolina" theme, with menu choices from the Lowcountry, Midlands and Upstate. 

 

Chef Tsutomu Fukuhara of Nami Asian Bistro creates sushi dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Photo courtesy of Nami Asian Bistro.

Nami, Anderson

Nami overlooks Lake Hartwell and has the best sushi around.

 

Dyar's Diner, Pendleton

Dyar's is a great "meat and three," where you'll think they know you as soon as you walk through the door and are greeted with a friendly, "Hey! How are y'all today?!"

 

Gwen Fowler
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.