If you’re one of those travelers who gets to know a city by its culinary offerings, you’ll enjoy becoming acquainted with Easley. This Upstate town offers lots of fun spots to mingle with the locals and fill your belly with good eats.
You’ll want to start off your gastronomic tour with barbecue—one of South Carolina’s most beloved foods. The Smokin’ Pig’s rendition lives up to barbecue’s iconic status among meat-loving foodies. The family-owned restaurant’s menu features all the traditional fare—ribs, pulled pork, smoked chicken, beef brisket and a delicious selection of sides, including fried okra, sweet potato crunch and homemade seasonal cobbler.
Mutt’s BBQ is another family-owned ‘que joint tracing its smoking lineage back two generations. It specializes in slow, hickory-smoked barbecue served as plates, sandwiches and in a daily buffet.
OJ’s Diner offers more Southern fare with the traditional meat and three (or your choice of one or two sides) and daily specials like country fried steak, chicken pot pie and fried flounder.
Another local favorite featuring fresh, made-to-order classics and vegetarian options is Serendipity in downtown Easley. The menu includes more than a dozen types of burgers and an equally diverse selection of salads, plus wraps, quesadillas, quiche and soups.
Easley is also home to a Skins, the Upstate’s legendary hotdog joint. Founded by Skin Thrasher in 1946, it’s famous for its special blend of pork and beef hotdogs smothered in a delicious homemade chili.
For pizza, you have several good choices, among them 2 Bros Pizza, featuring brick oven wood-fired pies, along with pastas, calzones and strombolis and Merrell’s Pizza, with a menu that includes everything from specialty pies and pastas to wings and subs.
Capri’s Italian Restaurant, an Upstate institution since 1944, also offers pizza, along with a full menu of Italian dishes, including pasta, seafood, chicken, beef and pork dishes.
If you’re in the mood for international cuisine, try Pho & More for exotic Vietnamese dishes or Los Compadres for Mexican food.
When you’re ready for dessert, head to Good Karma Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe or Joe’s Ice Cream Parlor. It will make a sweet ending to your Easley visit.
