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Small plates, tapas, apps—no matter the lingo, dishes served in personal portions are trending, and restaurant bars are answering the call. In downtown Aiken, you’ll find a linger-worthy batch of contenders for best bar bite champion.
Better known for its equestrian pastimes than its lively food scene, Aiken’s dining has grown into a front-runner for amazing light eats and cocktails. Jockey for position at these six restaurant bars to experience relaxed vibes, superb bites and sensational sips.
140 Laurens Street Southwest
(803) 226-0037
The casual but lively Electric Eats has indoor bar seating, outdoor cafe-style seating and a walk-up bar. Watch their social media pages for live jazz, pop, rock and more.
Best bar bites: Ribeye sandwich, shrimp corn dogs, chili crunch chicken sandwich, taco burger
Signature sip: The Hitchcock—Larceny Small Batch Bourbon, Campari, grapefruit, citrus, elderflower
224 Park Avenue SW
(803) 962-7848
A top-notch seafood bistro, Park Ave Oyster Bar & Grill has a refined feel. Cozy up to their bar for fresh shrimp, fish and boutique oysters—specialty oysters sourced from small, independent oyster farms.
Best bar bites: Oysters on the half-shell, PEI mussels, street corn okra, sweet corn hushpuppies
Signature sip: The Derby—rye, pear, honey, grapefruit, lemon
321 Richland Ave West
(803) 226-0014
The Rhumba Rum & Cigar Lounge features a walk-in humidor, cigar patio, live music and delicious dishes with Latin American flair.
Best bar bites: Ham or spinach and cod croquetas, empanadas, Cuban sandwich, churros, Cuban sliders with ground beef and chorizo
Signature sips: Pisco Sour—pisco, citrus, simple syrup, egg white
1593 Whiskey Road
(803) 226-0459
The name implies something far more casual than the sublime experience you’ll get at The Feed Sack. Settle in and enjoy live piano music in the evenings. Two full bars, a curated wine selection and inspired cocktail menu are sure to please.
Best bar bites: Truffle fries with parmesan and garlic aioli, Asian potstickers, deviled eggs with candied bacon and pickled okra, hot honey chicken sandwich, Bavarian pretzel sticks with beer cheese
Signature sip: Vanilla Walnut Old-fashioned—Elijah Craig bourbon whiskey, simple syrup, walnut bitters
227 The Alley SW
(803) 226-0579
The kitchen at Whiskey Alley blends old world and modern techniques to create impressive dishes and drinks that are fresh and delicious. The daily chef-driven specials menu of is highly recommended. Spacious with a warm atmosphere.
Best bar bites: Herbed goat cheese toast, hand-made crispy blue crab and potato pierogies, Spanish grilled octopus, artisanal charcuterie platter
Signature sip: Beef & Bourbon—Angel’s Envy washed in rendered beef tallow, soy, Worcestershire, a touch of maple, cracked black pepper, house-made jerky garnish
110 SW Park Ave
(803) 226-0424
A hip, contemporary space sets the stage for Neon Fig’s creative hand-crafted dishes and cocktails. Classy yet casual.
Best bar bites: Furikake fries, trout dip with lavash crackers, street corn scallops, cheese bread service (toasted French bread, garlic butter, house-made beer cheese)
Signature sip: Neon After Dark—Evan Williams Small Batch Bourbon, Middle West Bourbon Cream, Jumping Goat Coffee Liqueur, cold brew
