Greenville dining scene is red hot, giving Charleston a run for its money as the Palmetto state's top culinary destination. The city's booming downtown is home to so many terrific, innovative restaurants, all just a quick walk from the beautiful Falls Park. Other great spots are dotted around the city just waiting to be discovered.
The Trappe Door
What it’s known for: Stop here for amped-up European pub dishes sprinkled with Southern touches. Lamb, mussels and, of course, fish and chips shine here. And absolutely leave room for dessert. You’ll want to convince everyone at your table to order something different so you can try all of them.
Style: Belgian, European, brewpub, lunch, dinner, casual
Address: 23 W. Washington St.
Phone: 864.451.7490
Passerelle Bistro
What it’s known for: This casual French bistro overlooking beautiful Falls Park is the perfect place for lunch or dinner with a view. Don’t miss the chef’s special mussels with saffron, escargot, chargrilled lamb T-bones and steak frites. Mondays bring a special family-style menu.
Style: French, casual, lunch, dinner, brunch
Address: 601 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.509.0142
Pomegranate on Main
What it’s known for: This beautiful restaurant turns out terrific Persian dishes. The menu gives you detailed explanations if you aren’t familiar with this cuisine, complete with wine suggestions. You can’t go wrong with the Tour of Persia sampler.
Style: Persian, lunch, dinner, casual
Address: 618 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.241.3012
Rick Erwin’s West End Grille
What it’s known for: Rick Erwin’s is Greenville’s high-end, traditional steakhouse by all standards. Beautiful space, perfect dishes. This is a destination dinner, perfect for special occasions.
Style: Steakhouse, upscale, traditional
Address: 648 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.232.8999
Soby’s
What it’s known for: Soby’s is the flagship for the Table 301 group, which you can thank for many of Greenville’s visionary restaurants. The menu here is decidedly Southern with international influences. Some swear the fried chicken is the best in the state, and you can’t go wrong with any of the shrimp or crab dishes. Don’t skip over the inventive starter menu either.
Style: Southern, casual, farm-to-table, Lowcountry
Address: 207 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.232.7007
Henry’s Smokehouse
What it’s known for: The barbecue here is cooked over hickory logs on open pits for 12 hours and hand pulled. Can you smell it yet? And ribs are fall-off-the-bone crazy good.
Style: Barbecue, casual, lunch, dinner
Address: Two locations in Greenville and one in Simpsonville
Phone: 864.232.7774
Larkin’s on the River
What it’s known for: Larkin’s is the place in Greenville to celebrate a special occasion, whether it’s over brunch, lunch or dinner. The classy menu boasts traditional steakhouse dishes and Southern standards. It’s a beautiful space with an even more stunning view.
Style: Southern, traditional, lunch, dinner, upscale, brunch
Address: 318 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.467.9777
American Grocery
What it’s known for: American Grocery sets the standard for local, farm-to-table dishes in the Upstate. The menu changes frequently and also offers a four-course prix fixe. If you want to taste the best of the region, this is your place.
Style: Southern, local, farm-to-table, upscale
Address: 732 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.232.7665
The Lazy Goat
What it’s known for: This is a distinctive menu of locally sourced ingredients served up in both small plates and entrees. House made pastas, pizzas and paella headline here, as do the Greek and Italian appetizers.
Style: Mediterranean, casual, lunch, dinner
Address: 170 River Place
Phone: 864.679.5299
Chophouse 47
What it’s known for: The steaks demand attention here, and you can tell why with every bite. Delicious, caramelized cuts combined with great service in a dining room meant to evoke the 1940s. This place is a favorite.
Style: Steakhouse, upscale, traditional
Address: 36 Beacon Drive
Phone: 864.286.8700
Smoke on the Water
What it’s known for: You can choose between four different barbecue sauces to top your smoky ’cue in this spot by the river. Sides and appetizers are tasty and interesting. And it’s a short walk to the falls.
Style: Barbecue, casual, lunch, dinner
Address: 1 Augusta St., #202
Phone: 864.232.9091
Yellow Ginger
What it’s known for: Inventive, homemade Asian dishes are the standard here, with chef specials you won’t want to miss. This is Asian comfort food at its finest. Be sure to check out the cocktails and dessert specials, too.
Style: Asian, Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, casual, lunch, dinner, seafood
Address: 2100 Poinsett Highway Suite J
Phone: 864.605.7551
Bacon Brothers Public House
What it’s known for: As if you can’t tell by the name, you come here for the bacon (and the barbecue and smoked meat and other local Southern dishes.) The restaurant’s cure room has a window so you can see what the chef is curing. Start with the pimento cheese jar (served with bacon jam) and consider the rabbit and waffles or barbecue sampler. You also can make a great meal out of the delicious sides.
Style: Barbecue, Southern, traditional, casual, lunch, dinner
Address: 3620 Pelham Road
Phone: 864.297.6000
Smoky Dreams BBQ
What it’s known for: Smoky pork, ribs, wings and chicken are the specialty here. Simple, straightforward, delicious.
Style: Barbecue, southern, casual, lunch, dinner
Address: 2131 Woodruff Road
Phone: 864.627.4227
Mary’s at Falls Cottage
What it’s known for: This beautiful luncheon spot reminds you of a tea room in a small Southern town, specializing in sandwiches and salads, plus delicious brunch on the weekends.
Style: Lunch, brunch, Southern, traditional, casual
Address: 615 S. Main St.
Phone: 864.298.0005
The Playwright
What it’s known for: The front of the pub was handcrafted in Ireland, lending authenticity to the ambiance. And what’s on the menu? Fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Shepard’s pie, of course. A real slice of Ireland in downtown Greenville.
Style: Irish pub, casual, lunch, dinner, brunch
Address: 401 River St.
Phone: 864.241.338
