Just a short trip from Charleston is Summerville, South Carolina, a coastal gem and the Birthplace of Sweet Tea. What many don't know is that, in addition to classic Southern diners and Lowcountry fare, this quaint town is home to a variety of international restaurants, cafes, wine bars, bakeries and bistros worth making the trip up from Charleston. Here are a few where you can experience a culinary adventure.
Swank creates sweet and savory sensations like colorful macarons in exciting flavors, gooey French onion soup focaccia, decadent creme brulee donuts, and fluffy brioche in a variety of flavors. The bakery case is brimming with delicious and aesthetically pleasing options so come in and treat your tastebuds.
Accent On Wine is a wine and gourmet shop located in the heart of downtown Summerville. Locals flock here for delicious tapas to pair with a broad selection of international wines. Partake in a group tasting or choose bottles and bubbly for $10 or less. The knowledgeable staff is on hand to help you pick the perfect wine for your palate.
For the pie lovers in the crowd, Famulari's Pizzeria is revered in Summerville as one of the best places in the Lowcountry for pizza and calzones, as well as authentic Italian desserts, like cannoli and tiramisu. Voted best pizza in Summerville many times over, Famulari's shares a passion for quality ingredients in every bite.
Named in honor of his grandmother, Chef Nico Romo serves rustic Italian cuisine at Laura. Patrons can sit down to an array of antipasti, Neapolitan pizzas, seafood pastas, veal marsala, eggplant parmesan and lots of other fabulous choices.
If you're looking for delicious Asian cuisine in Summerville, Pad Thai 1 on West Doty Ave. comes highly recommended and offers everything from fried rice and curry poppers to drunken noodles, tom yum koong and, of course, pad Thai. With five levels of heat to choose from, Pad Thai 1 is sure to please even the spiciest of palettes!
Madra Rua Irish Pub is a multiple award-winning bar and restaurant that serves up Irish favorites, like shepherd's pie, fish and chips, fisherman's pie, and corned beef and cabbage. Known for their perfectly poured Guinness and a selection of layered draughts, Madra Rua is a local favorite for food, fun and authentic Irish fare.
French influences abound at La Chev 208. Pair a glass of fine wine with delicacies like Coquille St. Jacque, Provencal PEI Mussels, Beef Bourguignon, Bouillabaisse and many other traditional and fusion dishes.
And when you're ready to experience local tastes, rest assured - there's plenty of Palmetto State beer, fried chicken and sweet tea to be found in Summerville.
Frothy Beard on Main St. features an unbelievably large selection of brews, many of them award-winning. Pub grub runs the gamut from burgers to pizzas to pretzels. These guys know their beer, and they're happy to help you choose a local craft brew you'll be sure to love.
For the finest fried chicken around, head to Page's Okra Grill on Brighton Park Blvd. Just like its flagship restaurant in Mount Pleasant, the menu is a roadmap to the best in Southern cooking. From Lowcountry crab cakes to fried green tomatoes to shrimp and grits to their signature fried chicken dinner, you're going to discover a new favorite meal.
Finally, for a taste of Summerville's own pride and joy, discover the Sweet Tea Trail Guide. Sample your way through the town's restaurants, sip on the Lowcountry's favorite beverage, and get off the beaten path to explore the place where sweet tea got its start.
