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Help Yourself to South Carolina’s Freshest, Tastiest Burgers
Libby Wiersema
Libby Wiersema adopted South Carolina as her home more than 40 years ago. She loves exploring the state's best culinary offerings and telling the stories behind the food.
Pawley's Front Porch is one of Columbia's favorite burger dives.
While there has always been disagreement about who first sandwiched a ground beef patty between sliced bread, most everyone agrees it was a delicious and brilliant idea. The evolution of the hamburger is also the evolution of the American fast-food industry, which popularized the sandwich and permanently ingrained it in our culinary landscape.
Though we’re far more famous for shrimp and grits, make no mistake about it - South Carolinians love a good burger as much as any red-blooded American.
Ready to indulge your hamburger hankering? Here are some of the state’s best burger destinations, each featuring fresh beef and fixings:
Midlands
A generous dollop of house-made pimento cheese and crisp bacon are crowning touches on the Palmetto at The Kingsman.
Buddy's, Florence
This cheery little grill has mastered the art of the smash burger - right down to the tangy sauce and brioche bun. Best burger bet: The Buddy Burger, with two smash patties, American cheese, sautéed onions, pickle, lettuce, Buddy sauce on a toasted brioche bun
1720 Burger Bar, Florence
The 1720 Burger Bar is burger central in Florence with a comprehensive menu of handhelds and toppings. Best burger bet: The Pittsburgher, with provolone, grilled peppers and onions, house-cut fries and shaved rib-eye on sourdough
Pawleys Front Porch, Columbia
A long-time Columbia favorite, Pawleys Front Porch is always teeming with burger lovers who comprise a solid fanbase. Best burger bet: The Sullivan’s, with grilled pineapple, guacamole, citrus jalapeño mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, red onion and pepper jack cheese
The Kingsman, Columbia
In the capital city, The Kingsman distinguishes itself by offering ribeye burgers that are house-ground daily. Best burger bet: The Palmetto, topped with housemade pimento cheese, fried jalapenos & bacon
Joe's Grill, Darlington
In the racing town of Darlington, Joe's Grill is cooking it old-school with their hand-patted burgers. Best burger bet: House Burger, with mayo, lettuce, tomato, pickle and onion
Bill's Grill Cafe, Patrick
Patrick might be a small town, but it has a big reputation for great burgers thanks to Bill's Grill Cafe. Best burger bet: Chesterfield County can't get enough of these old-fashioned burgers that come every which way: with pimento cheese, topped like a pizza, layered with bacon and cheese, and double- or triple-stacked.
Burgers and Barley, Rock Hill
In Rock Hill, Burgers and Barley is the place where locals go for juicy, made-to-order burgers and cold brew. Best burger bet: The Daredevil, with roasted poblano cream sauce, jalapeño frites, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato and red onion on a brioche bun
Whiteford's, Laurens
Whether you're a local or just passing through Laurens, you'd be remiss to miss the giant burgers at Whiteford's. Best burger bet: It's all about Whiteford's Giant Burger - made-to-order with all your favorite fixings.
Grand Strand
Hamburger Joe's, Myrtle Beach
A day in Myrtle Beach is not complete without a fresh-from-the-grill burger from Hamburger Joe's. Best burger bet: Straightforward, simple no-frills joint serving fresh-from-the-grill burgers most any way you please
Burky's, Myrtle Beach
Since 1983, Burky's has been bringing burger and ice cream joy to the Grand Strand wifh its 1950s theme and classic offerings. Best burger bet: A good old-fashioned cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickles
Pawleys Island Tavern, Pawleys Island
In the heart of Pawleys Island, Pawleys Island Tavern, aka "The PIT," is a favorite gathering place of the burger-loving crowd. Best burger bet: Psychoburger, with pimento cheese, chili, sauteed onions, bacon, jalapeños, coleslaw, over-easy egg and hot sauce
River City Cafe, Grand Strand
The Grand Strand has multiple locations of River City Cafe, making it one of the most famous hamburger hubs in South Carolina. Best burger bet: Banana Pepper Burger, with fried banana peppers, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo
Charleston Area
Husk, Charleston
Historic Charleston is home to Husk, where the burger is as iconic as the shrimp and grits. Best burger bet: There’s only one burger at Husk, an artisan creation with two patties – a blend of chuck and bacon – two slices of American cheese, steamed white onion, house-made bread and butter pickles and a special sauce on a toasty buttermilk and sesame seed bun
Little Jack's Tavern, Charleston
The Holy City is also where foodies go for fabulous pub eats, which includes the legendary burger at Little Jack's Tavern. Best burger bet: Double Tavern Burger, with two 4-ounce half-chuck, half-brisket patties, sunchoke relish, American cheese and special sauce on a house-made, sesame seed bun
Moe's Crosstown Tavern, Charleston
Moe's Crosstown Tavern is a favorite watering hole that helps meet Charleston's heavy hamburger demand. Best burger bet: BLT Burger, with fried tomato, bacon, fresh mozzarella, pesto mayo and mixed greens
Poe's Tavern, Sullivan's Island
Head over to Sullivan’s Island and get cozy at Poe's Tavern, where the burgers are fresh, hot, and served with a bit of literary flair. Best burger bet: Pit & Pendulum, with applewood-smoked bacon and cheddar cheese
Heavy's Barburger, Charleston and Daniel Island
Smash burger nirvana - that's what you'll find at Heavy's Barburger. Heavenly double-patty handhelds are simply fantasmic and pair perfectly with their crispy onion rings. Best burger bet: The Barburger, made with two grilled Angus-blend patties, American cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles and Heavy's sauce
Sesame Burgers & Beer, Mount Pleasant and Park Circle
It's all about the Angus signature blend beef at Sesame Burgers & Beer and the burger-loving Lowcountry crowd just can't get enough. Best burger bet: Down South Burger, with caramelized onions, American cheese and bacon
Upstate
The Chili-Cheese A-Plenty is the Beacon’s crowning glory.
BGR Burger Joint, Clemson
The Clemson crew regularly hits up the BGR Burger Joint when the hunger monster strikes. Best burger bet: The Clemson, with house-made pimento cheese, bacon, red onion and mojo sauce
Beacon Drive-In, Spartanburg
The Beacon Drive-In is a Spartanburg tradition thanks to decades of serving up deliciously messy burgers. Best burger bet: Hands-down, the Chili-Cheese A-Plenty - a chili-cheeseburger sided with a heap of crunchy onion rings and french-fries
Ike's Korner Grill, Spartanburg
Another Spartanburg favorite, Ike's Korner Grill offers fantastic burgers in an unfussy setting. Best burger bet: Chili-Cheese Burger, with mustard, house-made chili and onions
NuWay Restaurant & Lounge, Spartanburg
And yet again, Spartanburg lands on the burger map with another great, NuWay Restaurant & Lounge. Best burger bet: Redneck Burger, with lettuce, tomato, onion, chili, mustard, mayo, ketchup and pimento cheese
Grill Marks, Greenville
When in Greenville, grab a seat at Grill Marks for a locally revered burger treat. Best burger bet: Low Country, with pimento cheese, fried green tomato, coleslaw and lettuce
Northgate Soda Shop, Greenville
Also in Greenville, Northgate Soda Shop has found the perfect niche for its soul-satisfying burgers. Best burger bet: Chris Evan’s Burger, with bacon, cheese and fried egg
Northwest Grill, Travelers Rest
The town of Travelers Rest is the place to experience hamburger bliss when you visit the down-home Northwest Grill. Best burger bet: House Burger, with a ½-pound patty and your favorite accompaniments
Libby Wiersema adopted South Carolina as her home more than 40 years ago. She loves exploring the state's best culinary offerings and telling the stories behind the food.
