When you're hungry for home-cooking but can't get home, head to the nearest meat-and-three for a soul-satisfying plate of comfort. These cafes and diners are as much a part of South Carolina food history as oyster roasts and pig pickings. Whether you're meat-and-three curious or a lifelong fan looking for a new favorite, the search for a hot meal built around a meat entree and a bevy of veggies is a foodie quest well worth undertaking. Note that some meat-and-threes are technically "meat-and-twos" - if you want three sides, simply add another. The cost will be modest, in keeping with the humble spirit of these Southern institutions.
Ready to dig in? Here are some suggestions from around the state where you'll find Southern interpretations of succulent meats and plenty of delicious "threes" to round out your plate. Call first to check hours of operation and daily menu offerings.
Upstate
Charlene's Home Cooking
Location: Moore
Lowdown: Come to savor authentic soul food flavors, fresh veggies and more. On Sunday, you'll find a rotating menu of meat specials, from turkey wings to beef stew.
Meat favorites: Fried ribs, pig's feet, fried chicken livers
Notable threes: Pinto beans, squash casserole, fried okra
OJ's Diner
Location: Greenville and Easley
Lowdown: The steam tables at both OJ’s locations are hotbeds of down-home cooking made with family recipes.
Meat favorites: Fried chicken, meatloaf, chicken pot pie
Notable threes: Turnip greens, okra-tomato soup, creamed corn
Midlands
Lizard's Thicket
Location: Columbia (chain)
Lowdown: This popular chain has been serving up big, juicy fried chicken and daily specials for more than 35 years. A giant board lists all the meats and veggies, and don't miss the banana pudding. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Meat favorites: That big, juicy fried chicken is so, so good, as is Monday's special chicken and dumplings.
Notable threes: Black-eyed peas, macaroni and cheese and squash casserole.
Mary's Cafe
Location: Rock Hill
Lowdown: This gem has unusual roots as its owner is a native of Vietnam whose adoptive mother taught her the Southern cooking ropes.
Meat favorites: Country fried steak, fried pork chops, baked chicken
Notable threes: Macaroni and cheese, fried squash, collard greens
Ray's Diner
Location: Columbia
Lowdown: Nothing fancy here, but this family-owned and operated eatery serves a stick-to-your-ribs offering of Southern favorites.
Meat favorites: Chicken-fried steak, salmon cakes, fried chicken
Notable threes: Mashed potatoes, collards, creamy grits
The Front Porch
Location: Richburg
Lowdown: This storied restaurant, operating for about three decades, is known for its from-scratch dishes served in an old log cabin-style house.
Meat favorites: Grilled pork chops, meatloaf, fried chicken
Notable threes: Fried green tomatoes, mashed potatoes, steamed cabbage
Coast
Bertha's Kitchen
Location: North Charleston
Lowdown: This no-frills eatery is bustling on weekdays, serving up some of the region's best Gullah-influenced/soul food cooking, cafeteria style.
Meat favorites: Fried pork chops, fried chicken, ribs
Notable threes: Macaroni and cheese, collard greens, Lima beans seasoned with smoked turkey necks
Big Mike's
Location: Myrtle Beach
Lowdown: Named for owner and city councilman Michael Chestnut, this hot spot has enjoyed national attention for its fresh veggies and expertly prepared meats.
Meat favorites: Fried pork chops, fried fish, meatloaf
Notable threes: Collard greens, potato salad, macaroni and cheese
Cahill's Market
Location: Bluffton
Lowdown: Sit down inside the homey “Chicken Kitchen” for fresh-from-the-farm veggies, homemade sides and, of course, plenty of chicken and other meats.
Meat favorites: Fried chicken, fried chicken livers, chicken-fried steak
Notable threes: Broccoli casserole, collards, stone-ground grits
