13 Diners, Drive-Ins, And Dives In South Carolina That Will Delight Your Tastebuds
Whether your usual preference is for a “fancy” restaurant complete with tablecloths and cloth napkins, or you prefer a down-home kind of place that reminds you of your mother’s kitchen, you can certainly find whatever your heart (and stomach) desires in the Palmetto State. South Carolina is home to a countless number of fabulous restaurants ranging from one end of the “fancy” spectrum to the other. Here are 13 of the best South Carolina diners, drive-ins, and dives that will send your tastebuds reeling and your tummy into euphoria.
It's painted right on the side of the building at Ike's, "Best Burger In Town," and folks tend to agree! This hometown eatery makes its own pimento cheese and takes the time to hand-pat each burger with love. Mmm. That must be their secret ingredient: love. If you dare, order the "Burger Challenge" shown here, but you'd better bring someone to drive you home and then prepare to sleep for several days. For more information, visit the Ike's Korner Grill Facebook page
If you love eating at honest-to-goodness hometown places then you'll really love the Flopeye Diner. Firstly lets just talk about the funky outside decorations. You'll know from the moment you pull into the lot that something deliciously creative is waiting inside. Once inside, you'll find wholesome yumminess, like fried bologna, liver mush, and country-fried steak, to name just a few of the menu items. This hometown diner has been around so long it's a second home to the locals. For more information, visit the Flopeye Diner Facebook page
Just off coastal highway 17 south of McClellanville, this amazing eatery is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. McClellanville Diner is so popular it could easily be called a "destination restaurant." Have just one meal here and you'll see why people are willing to drive so far for their down-home coastal dishes. Another reason? They only serve local-caught shrimp! Yum. For more information, visit the McClellanville Diner Facebook page
For starters, this is just one beautiful plate of food! Anyone who's been to the Summerton Diner will back me up: it all looks this amazing. For an unforgettable "meat and two sides" Summerton Diner is an excellent choice in the midlands. For more information, visit the Summerton Diner Facebook page
Address: 32 South Church Street, Summerton, SC 29148.
Located right off East Bay Street near the Ravenel Bridge, Hannibal's Kitchen is an East Side soul food institution. Not sure if you're game for this plate of pork neck, pigtail, collards, and rice? Not to worry, you can stick with more mainstream fare, like the best fried chicken in town. For more information, visit the Hannibal's Kitchen website
The Beacon Drive-In is an institution that's been around for over 70 years. Any trip taking you near Spartanburg warrants a detour to The Beacon Drive-In. One of the best South Carolina drive-ins happens to be the second-largest drive-in in the United States dishing up home-cooked meals seven days a week. It's so popular they go through three tons of potatoes per week. Wow! For more information, visit the Beacon Drive-In website
Address: 255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306
There's always a lot going on at the Sno-Cap in North Augusta. This old-fashioned carhop restaurant also offers inside dining, or just stay in your car. In 2015, Sno-Cap celebrated 50 years in business. It's easy to see why when you look at the colossal root beer floats they serve! For more information, visit the Sno-Cap Drive-In website
Generations of families have been enjoying the home-cooked meals at Florence's Sunrise Drive-In. If you go, the Great Calabash Shrimp Dinner (above) is among the favorites on this extensive menu. Not in the mood for seafood? Hands-down, the best burgers in town are right here at Sunrise! For more information, visit the Sunrise Drive-In Restaurant Facebook page
For a hotdog you just can't resist in Camden, you can't pass up Blackmon's Little Midget. This drive-in has been dishing them up for more than 50 years from this same location. Go all the way with the chili slaw cheese dog shown here. Just ask for "The Sink." For more information, visit the Blackmon's Little Midget Drive-In Facebook page
Anyone who's ever seen this iconic sign in Greenwood and stopped for a bite knows the classic food dished up by this Greenwood landmark is delicious. They're open Monday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit the Dixie Drive-In Facebook page
Ask a local for the best hotdog in Abbeville and they won't even have to think about it before answering. That's because at least three family generations of locals have grown up stuffing their faces with hotdogs at this famous eatery. In business since 1932, The Rough House is an icon in these parts. Be sure to leave room for some ice cream for dessert! For more information, visit The Rough House Facebook page
Ruth's is the "go-to" place in Hartsville when you're craving food like mom used to make. Try the pimento grilled cheese or just stuff your face with the "meat and three sides" at lunchtime. Ruth's also plates up a breakfast that means business. For more information, visit the Ruth's Drive-In Facebook page
If you are looking for a place with some incredible South Carolina barbecue, no list of diners, drive-ins, and dives would be complete without adding Scott's BBQ in Hemingway. Scott's proves you don't have to be fancy to be fabulous. Located in this variety store with their "pit" out back, Scott's (usually) has a couple of tables inside, or if you want, just sit on the big bench on the porch. For more information, visit the Scott's BBQ Facebook page
Address: 2734 Hemingway Hwy, Hemingway, SC 29554
Have you tried any of these unassuming restaurants in South Carolina? Or do you have other favorite diners, drive-ins, and dives? Add them in our comments for others to see! Interested in a more upscale place? The Oldest Restaurant In South Carolina Has A Truly Remarkable History.
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Address: 104 Archer Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA
Address: 511 Chester Ave, Great Falls, SC 29055, USA
Address: 9905 US-17 BUS, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, USA
Address: 32 S Church St, Summerton, SC 29148, USA
Address: 16 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
Address: 255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306, USA
Address: 618 West Ave, North Augusta, SC 29841, USA
Address: 3624 E Palmetto St, Florence, SC 29506, USA
Address: 1012 Market St, Camden, SC 29020, USA
Address: 600 Montague Ave, Greenwood, SC 29649, USA
Address: 116 Court Square, Abbeville, SC 29620, USA
Address: 659 W Carolina Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550, USA
Address: 2734 Hemingway Hwy, Hemingway, SC 29554, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best South Carolina Diners
April 05, 2021
Melissa Mahoney
What are the best South Carolina drive-ins?
Visiting a drive-in often invokes a feeling of nostalgia. These are the types of places that have been around for many decades, places where our families may have brought us growing up, and places with some of the best burgers, shakes, and other American fare that helped create some happy memories. Aside from our list above, there are other drive-ins worthy of a stop. Since the 1960s, Sugar-n-Spice Drive-In located in Spartanburg has been serving up some good old-fashioned diner eats and is known for its crinkle-cut fries and onion rings. This eatery has a true retro feel that will transport you back to another era. If you happen to be in Clemson and looking for a quick bite, stop at Mac’s Drive In for one of the mouthwatering cheeseburgers they’re known for. This place has been around since 1956 and aside from burgers, it serves chicken, bbq, fish, and more!
Where can I find the best South Carolina barbecue?
One wouldn’t think that a gas station would be home to some of the best barbecue in the Palmetto State, but there is one in Salters with some of the best. If you haven’t been to Cooper’s Country Store to try its barbecue, you are missing out! This establishment offers pit-cooked BBQ made with vinegar and spices and is quite popular with locals. Another place to try is Carolina BBQ located in the small town of New Ellenton. It’s consistently rated by customers as one of the best places for barbecue in the state.
What are some of the best unassuming restaurants in South Carolina?
Unassuming restaurants often hide the best food. Head to Florence to the unassuming Tubb’s Shrimp and Fish Co. for some shrimp and grits, po’boy sandwiches, or pork belly or shrimp Bahn Mi for something a little out of the ordinary. It’s a casual place with delectable food that you’ll want to come back to time and again. For more unassuming restaurants that you should visit, head to our post, These 10 Restaurants In South Carolina Don’t Look Like Much…But, WOW, They’re Good!
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
