Greenville, South Carolina recently appeared on Travel & Leisure’s list of America’s Top Foodie Cities, coming in at number ten, nestled between Louisville, Kentucky, and the “Related Articles” section.
Well, in my biased and unqualified opinion, Greenville will always be number one when it comes to eating out. It’s what sold me on Furman University, situated between downtown Greenville and Traveler’s Rest, its trendy, foodie suburb.
Because it’s teeming with eclectic restaurants and affordable eats, Greenville is a paradise for the hungry college student. These are just a few of my favorite spots to fuel your next trip South.
Brunch in style: Tandem Crêperie and Coffeehouse
Located near the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Tandem is a Saturday morning go-to. After parking your bike, you can place your order at a sunny yellow food truck outside of the storefront. Tandem offers sweet and savory crepes with the option to turn any crepe into a whole wheat waffle. The line to order is never short, but the wait is worth it.
Tandem’s bright interior featuring locally grown flower arrangements and yellow coffee mugs adds to its happy aesthetic. Their most popular menu items like the Banana Nut crepe and the Blueberry Compote waffle are joined by seasonal crepes and waffles, so you never have to order the same item twice.
What to order: The Lumberjack Crepe (ham, bacon, eggs, cheese, maple syrup, béchamel)
My personal favorite: The Cazbah
Led by Chef Francisco, The Cazbah offers Spanish-style tapas in a cozy, sophisticated atmosphere with shareable entrees and an impressive wine list.
While it’s packed on a Saturday night with an adult crowd, I’ve been gatekeeping Cazbah from my college friends ever since my older brother came to town and wanted tapas.
Cazbah is located just around a corner on Main Street in downtown Greenville, and therefore not always visible to the average passer-by. It has the feel of a true hidden gem. Don’t be fooled though, reservations are mandatory if you want to be seated within an hour.
What to order: the Panko Asparagus, Baked Brie en Croute, and Stuffed Mushrooms
The best coffee: Daydrinkers
Although recently founded by two baristas, Katie and Nikki, Daydrinkers is already a staple in the Sans Souci neighborhood of Greenville. And for good reason, their coffee blend has a deep, flavorful taste with notes of “berries, chocolate, and baking spices” served in eclectic handmade mugs. If you like your mug, you can buy it before you leave.
The barometer at which I judge a coffee shop is how their peppermint mocha tastes and definitively Daydrinkers has the best. It’s because you can actually taste the espresso perfectly complementing the chocolate.
What to order: any seasonal hot latte and a doughnut
Sushi spot: Sushi Yama
Sushi Yama is a cozy Japanese restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. You may try their finely presented sushi boats or signature rolls like the Furman roll, which begins as a deep-fried California roll, or the Gamecocks roll featuring sun-dried tomatoes.
If sushi is not your thing, the hibachi is buttery and always served with plenty of “white sauce,” or spicy mayo. Furthermore, the service is quick and friendly. In short, it’s the perfect antidote to any hard week of class, one of those meals sure to boost your mood.
What to order: Hibachi Vegetable and the Clemson roll
A classic: Spill the Beans
Walking along the Reedy River in Falls Park with a chocolate ice cream cone covered in rainbow sprinkles from Spill The Beans made Furman my number-one choice for college four years ago. Its gourmet ice cream and charming location make no trip downtown complete without a stop at STB.
Spill The Beans serves coffee and ice cream with the option to mix in toppings Cold-Stone-style. The ice cream is smooth like soft-serve, and you can watch as blending machines behind the counter create your flavor. They never skimp on portions, so grabbing an extra cup to catch the rest of your ice cream before it melts in the cone is advisable.
What to order: a chocolate ice cream cone with rainbow sprinkles, of course
Greenville staple: Sidewall Pizza Company
Even though pizza is in the title, Sidewall Pizza Co. serves a full, outstanding menu with large breadsticks to die for and salads that rival its pizza. Bringing a Sidewall Pizza to nearby Bald Rock for a picnic is a first-weekend-at-school and birthday dinner tradition.
Additionally, a portion of profits goes to the Sidewall Community Fund, dedicated to raising money for nonprofit organizations and members in the community in need. With four locations in the Greenville region, Sidewall has proven to be an essential Greenville institution.
What to order: the (seasonal) Peachy Keen Pizza (peaches, hot honey, prosciutto) with an order of breadsticks.
A farm-to-table favorite: Topsoil
Led by head chef Adam Cooke, a 2020 James Beard semifinalist, Topsoil serves a menu made from fresh ingredients grown by local farmers. The result is creative plant-centered plates that live up to Cooke’s reputation.
Topsoil is a perfect choice for foodies who do not mind paying extra for quality. Indeed, the small menu, small batches, and cozy atmosphere make each dining experience feel like a family dinner. If a James Beard semifinalist was in your family, of course.
What to order: the fixed price dinner menu which changes based on the produce at hand (a small plate, entree, and dessert)
Brews with personality: The Grateful Brew
The Grateful Brew offers artisan coffee in the morning and drafts at night in a social, warm environment. The menu is host to a wide range of drafts with gluten-free and non-alcoholic options.
Grateful Brew often partners with other local food vendors, offering food from Scout’s Donuts, Seoul Republik, and Sum Bar. Dogs are welcome and events like Brews Clues trivia and holiday events cultivate a community-centric space that keeps customers close by.
What to order: a honey lavender latte
Controversial taco pick: White Duck Taco Shop
Greenville is home to a bit of a rivalry between taco stops in town. Despite heavy competition from Farmhouse Tacos, Willy Taco, and Asada, White Duck has the best-tasting fusion tacos. Named for the charismatic head chef, “La Plata Blanca,” White Duck has a taco for everyone, even offering jack fruit as a meat substitute for vegetarian and vegan eaters on any taco.
Beyond creativity, these tacos also have an international flair, with menu items like the Lamb Gyro taco and the Korean Beef Bulgogi to name a few. But don’t miss out on the side options like their spicy Mexican Street Corn and Watermelon with Fresh Mint.
What to order: the Tofu Banh Mi and BBQ Carnitas tacos with a side of Mexican Street Corn
After a night out: Sully’s Steamers
A true cult classic, Sully’s is a bagel-sandwich shop known for their steamed bagels.
Sully’s Steamers was founded by self-proclaimed “regular Joe,” Robert Sullivan, although their sandwiches are anything but regular. At Sully’s, you can try menu items like the Nacho Maximus (Doritos inside the sandwich) and the McSteamy (with Thousand Island dressing and roast beef).
Lastly, Sully’s is open until 3 am Friday-Sunday, making it a popular nightcap after any weekend plans in downtown Greenville.
What to order: Sister’s Sunrise- your classic egg and cheese on plain, served best at 2 am.
Graci B
August 23, 2024 at 2:35 am
I live in Greenville!! Absolutely loved to see this article 👏