Over the last several years, the dining scene has exploded in downtown Travelers Rest, adding a wide array of delicious options for hungry visitors. Whether you’re in the mood for specialty pizzas, savory crepes, hand-crafted tacos, juicy burgers, fresh sushi or locally sourced, high-end cuisine, you’ll find it all in this little foothills town.
Here are some great options sure to fill your belly and put a smile on your face:
Topsoil Kitchen & Market – The new kid on the block, this farm-to-table restaurant specializes in innovative cuisine created from vegetables from its own farm and other local food producers. The fresh-baked breads are a menu highlight. Drop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner and peruse the offerings in the market.
TANDEM – This creperie serves up both the sweet and savory variety along with whole wheat waffles and housemade pecan granola. Seasonal menu items focus on produce from local farms.
Whistle Stop at the American Cafe – Located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, this is a tried-and-true dining spot for lunch and dinner with an extensive menu featuring everything from shrimp and grits to wood-fired pizzas. The restaurant’s Caboose Express overlooking the trail offers hand-dipped ice cream, smoothies and shaved ice.
Shortfields – What started out as a catering company is now a very popular sports restaurant offering wings, flatbread pizza, salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, steaks and homemade desserts. Best bets on the menu include the Carolina Mountain Trout and Thick-Cut Pork Chop.
Monkey Wrench Smokehouse – The barbecue here is slow-smoked in 30-year-old Oyler pits, producing an authentic wood-cooked flavor. Enjoy pulled pork, sliced brisket, ribs, crispy Mississippi catfish or barbecue chicken and a delicious selection of sides, including cheddar and smoked jalapeño hush puppies.
Upcountry Provisions – Sandwich lovers will delight at the selection of unique sandwiches served on fresh-baked breads and croissants. Be sure to try Upcountry Provisions’ signature peanut butter cookie, too.
Restaurant 17 – For an upscale dining experience, make a reservation at Restaurant 17 in Hotel Domestique. Reminiscent of a European bistro, it features a chef-inspired menu of creative dishes sourced almost entirely from neighboring farms and streams.
Sidewall Pizza – Handcrafted brick oven pizza made with premium ingredients—that’s what you get at this popular pizzeria. The house-made dough and sauce are topped with innovative combinations for a thin-crust pizza that will set a new bar of greatness. Their salads and ice cream are also favorites with the locals.
Farmhouse Tacos – In the mood for something south of the border? Whether you’re craving tacos, a quesadilla, enchilada or burrito bowl, you’ll get a hand-crafted dish made with locally sourced ingredients.
Sushi Yama – A great addition to the Travelers Rest dining scene, this new sushi spot is getting rave reviews for its fresh, clean-tasting fish and friendly atmosphere.
Other gastronomic alternatives you’ll also want to check out:
Tree House Cafe & Studio
The Tasting Room
Pink Mama’s Ice Cream
Treats Smoothie & Juice Bar
Swamp Rabbit Brewery
Leopard Forest Coffee Company
