Ah! Those hidden gems. Those places that every local knows about, but the rest of us have never heard of. Places where the food is good, but you might pass by if you don't know the area. South Carolina's food is famous and in some cases infamous. We do love the deep-fried, the gravy, and all the bad stuff, but it's oh-so-good! Here are nine unassuming hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina that may not look like much from the outside, but their food is rocking the place, and the people who eat there can't wait to go back for more!

1. Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant, Florence, SC

Located outside of the city limits of Florence, you will find the Sunrise. The food is amazing, homemade onion rings, and hot and crispy chicken, but everything is so good! Visit the Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

2. Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Greenville, SC

They are cooking up some A-Mazing burgers in this place with milkshakes, and a gluten-free menu as well. Visit the Bad Daddy's website for location and menu information.

3. Grits and Groceries, Belton, SC

You might ride right by this place, but you would be missing something special here. They are serving up Southern food with a gourmet flare! Visit the Grits and Groceries website for more.

4. See Wee Restaurant, Awendaw, SC

Everyone who has been there raves about their food and they should! Just look at what they are serving! That, my friends, is a steak covered in blue cheese and fresh out-the-water shrimp! Oh, man, my mouth is watering. Visit the See Wee Restaurant website for more.

5. Ike's Korner Grill, Spartanburg, SC

One burger from there or even a special sandwich and you'll be hooked for life! If you don't believe me...just ask my readers. They will tell you exactly how it is there. This is one of the best hole-in-the-wall restaurants in South Carolina. Visit the Ike's Korner Grill Facebook page for updates.

6. Sara J's Seafood Restaurant, Garden City, SC

This is a family-owned restaurant that is putting out some delicious seafood. It's all fresh and cooked to perfection! Visit the Sara J's Seafood Restaurant Facebook page for more.

7. Early Bird Diner, Charleston, SC

It was featured on Triple D and this place just didn't make specials for him, oh no, they make them for everyone. It's no joke. The food this place serves outranks some 5-star restaurants with much higher menu prices! Everything on the menu is not just good, but absolutely amazing. They spin Southern comfort food into gourmet dishes and they are doing it from early in the morning until late at night. Visit the Early Bird Diner website for more.

8. Shrimp Boat, Rock Hill, SC

The place may be a bit small and a bit old, but don't let that stop you from going in. Their motto is, "There ain't no chicken like Shrimp Boat chicken!", and it's even embroidered on the sleeves of their shirts! They do serve seafood, but the chicken is the real draw for the people here. It is true Southern soul food cooking so, make sure you like it fried! They even have fried corn on the cob on the menu. Visit the Shrimp Boat Rock Hill website for more information.

9. Pat's Sub Shop, Aiken, SC

A family-owned sub shop that is making headlines with their homemade chicken salad! The subs are always fresh and the bread is really great! Go see them and give them some love! Visit the Pat's Sub Shop Facebook page for more.

Is your mouth watering yet? Did we miss one of your favorite unassuming hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!

South Carolina certainly has the market cornered on great food. Nominate your favorite SC restaurants on our nominations form!

Planning on taking a road trip to visit any of these South Carolina hidden gem restaurants? Take a look at our Ultimate Rod Trip Essentials Packing List before you go to make sure you have everything you need.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/usa/road-trip-essentials-packing-list/