14 Best Restaurants in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina
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We’ve compiled the best of the best in The Midlands and Upstate - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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Hampton Street Vineyard
This cozy bistro with upscale French fare is set inside one of the first buildings constructed in the city after Sherman's infamous march. It has exposed brick walls, arched windows, and original wide-plank floors. Dinners are creative but not over the top, with entrées such as seared breast of duck with orange and fennel, and a classic steak frites.
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Husk Barbeque
Immaculate Consumption
Little Pigs Barbecue
Enjoy the laid-back Southern atmosphere at this Carolina barbecue joint. Grab a plate, get in the buffet line, and load up on brisket, pulled pork barbecue, fried chicken, ribs, and fried fish, along with fixings such as collards, coleslaw, and macaroni and cheese.
Malia's
Locals love this busy contemporary restaurant, with dim lighting and dark decor that conveys a cool class. The menu changes monthly and may include American, Caribbean, French, and Italian entrées. Dinner reservations are recommended on weekends.
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
Who knew that barbecue sauce could be the base for such tasty salad dressing or that pimento cheese could elevate a fillet to near perfection? Appetizers of fried pickles and country ham--spinach dip only add to the creative thinking that makes Mr. Friendly's such a local treasure. The ever-changing wine-by-the-glass menu is another.
New Moon Café
This funky café pairs Aiken's best coffee (the coffee beans are roasted right next door) with freshly baked muffins and sweet rolls, panini sandwiches and salads, and homemade soups. The crab bisque is particularly good.
Salud Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge
Southern Pressed Juicery
Stax Omega Diner
This contemporary diner's menu features a little of everything, from bacon and eggs, burgers, and souvlaki to Greek-style chicken and shrimp and grits. Sit in the booths or at the half-circle counter with stools to enjoy your meal; when you're done, check out the sweets menu from the Stax Bakery next door.
The Gourmet Shop
Mirrors and art adorn the walls at this French-inspired bakery and café serving coffee, sandwiches, soups, and cheese plates. Next door, the retail shop sells wine, kitchen gadgets, French table linens, and fancy food items.
Village Grill
This popular restaurant with pomegranate-color walls and high ceilings has the fillets and pastas, but the reason many locals come is for the herb rotisserie chicken. The beef for the burgers is ground on the spot, and salads consist of locally grown organic vegetables.