Four Food Hall Finds in the Upstate

Fun atmosphere and great eats give food halls a magnetic appeal, drawing crowds of happy, hungry people looking to socialize and enjoy exciting food and drink options. While the food hall concept is often a matter of interpretation, South Carolinians have embraced the nationwide trend toward communal, courtyard-style dining. Their enthusiasm has translated into a burgeoning of such gathering places, many offering live entertainment as well as family- and pet-friendly environments.

A mover and shaker on the food scene, the Greenville-Spartanburg area is home to a handful of thriving hotspots where local culinary talent, musical acts, craft beer and more are showcased under one roof or in a common area. Vendors offer a wide array of snacks, meals and drinks reflecting both local and world flavors for adventurous eating. Dining areas are typically expansive with some operations offering outdoor green spaces or an open-air concept for al fresco grazing and gathering.

While the lineup of food halls is growing across the state, a visit to the Upstate puts you within proximity of these four hubs of face-to-face social networking and noshing. Immerse yourself in the celebratory, community vibe and see for yourself what the buzz is all about.

Gather GVL – Greenville   

Delicious eats and drinks issue from a series of brightly colored shipping containers repurposed for delectable dining. Tuck into something tasty from your choice of 13 different vendors. Acai bowls, homemade biscuits, gourmet chicken sandwiches, fresh doughnuts, spicy tacos, smash burgers, gooey cheesesteaks, empanadas, pasta dishes, sushi, pizza and even Maine lobster—take your pick from one or more. Wash it all down with a cold brew from one of the 20 rotating taps at Greenville Beer Exchange. Enjoy your meal in the communal courtyard at the heart of the operation.

The Commons – Greenville

Housed inside this series of refurbished warehouses are a handful of retailers along with a sweet clutch of noteworthy eateries to please a variety of palates. Enjoy a meat-stuffed tortilla at Automatic Taco, treat yourself to oven-fresh pastries from the Bake Room, or dig into a picture-worthy plate of chicken and waffles from Golden Brown & Delicious. Order wine and beer from Community Tap. Start the morning or jump-start the afternoon at Methodical Coffee, a cafe and roaster offering a lineup of breakfast dishes, pastries and more.

Fr8yard – Spartanburg 

This bustling biergarten arose from a formation of repurposed shipping containers to become a popular haunt for families, pet owners and lovers of Bavarian-inspired eats and drinks. Operating in the heart of Spartanburg’s downtown, FR8yard offers good times and good food with plenty of personality to suit yours. Food offerings include house-made sausages and all-beef dogs served up with tantalizing toppings, juicy smash burgers and spicy, chargrilled chicken skewers. Giant pretzels, chili-cheese tots, homemade hummus and scrumptious, fresh-from-the-fryer funnel cakes are just a few of the tempting snack options.

Warehouse at Vaughns

Warehouse at Vaughns in downtown Simpsonville is hopping with activity, both indoors and out. Its container courtyard is a favorite gathering spot for listening to live music and satisfying an appetite. Gourmet burgers from Bourbon Street Burgers, wings and poke bowls from Pineapple Express and fresh oysters from Anchor Raw Bar are just a sampling of the savory dishes you can indulge in here. Boiled peanuts in a variety of flavors from the Peanut Company get lots of love from patrons. At the Tap House, grab a drink. Then get something good to eat, snag a seat and bask in the laid-back, friendly ambience.