An A-to-Z Food Tour Through Greenville's Food Gems

A is for "Anything from Aryana Afghan Cuisine"

Greenville's first and only Afghan restaurant, Aryana, has been serving the community for more than 20 years with recipes passed down from owner Nelofar Mayar's family. Aryana's focus is on fresh, healthy ingredients enhanced by a mouthwatering, eye-popping blend of spices. You'll want to speed your way to wherever you're heading to chow down, but we implore you to abide by all road laws so you can safely get to a non-moving venue where you can truly enjoy the treasure you've just secured.

"...the food is consistently phenomenal."

"It's always a surprise, so you learn so much about different foods."

"Everything is excellently prepared and tastes utterly delicious. ... a Downtown highlight not to be missed."

"I fell in love with the people, the food, & the land during my deployments to Saudi Arabia, Iraq & Oman; it's refreshing to taste the food I still long for."

B is for the "Burger Bar at Windy City Burgers"

Downtown Greenville is home to a hidden gem that bakes its own buns every single morning and grinds over 100 pounds of meat to make its signature 1/2 pound patties. Meet: Windy City Burgers, a go-to craveable spot where everything is scratch-made.

The menu is small but mighty, leaning into Chicago roots with burgers ranging from a no-frills cheeseburger to wild combinations. Think melty cheese, fresh toppings like fig jam, street corn, and homemade onion straws. Favorites have been signature craft burgers like the Pullman Popper, topped with bacon, cheddar, fig jam, jalapeño cream cheese, and potato chips, or their Hudson Burger topped with bacon, cheddar, pickles, onion straws, and BBQ Sauce.

"Perfectly cooked, insanely flavorful, messy in all the right ways, and just straight-up craveable."

"Windy City Burgers is an absolute gem! The burgers are huge, flavorful, and clearly made with care."

"We have heard and heard about this place, and it’s better than they tell you."

C is for "Candy Barrels at Mast General Store"

If you’re particularly partial to sweet savoriness and nectarous nostalgia, you’re going to want to roll over to Mast General Store in ONE City Plaza. It's so rare to find barrels and barrels of sweets you can buy in bulk these days, which lends to the nostalgic feel Mast General Store aims to evoke. The historic building Mast General Store occupies at 111 North Main Street has existed since at least 1898, and the building itself has served a variety of purposes. It began as a dry goods and shoe store before it expanded to take up the width of a city block and became home to the Meyers-Arnold Department Store.

Fun Fact: When the Meyers Brothers and the building owner struck a deal for the department store to occupy the space, they didn’t even sign a contract. It was a finalized with a handshake, and that’s the type of history Mast General Store has been keeping alive since it opened in 2003.

“The nostalgia of the candy section alone was an event.”

“The candy store is wonderful, brings back memories of the candies I grew up with.”

D is for "Drooling Over Donut Dishes from HenDough"

Originating in Hendersonville, NC, and open for breakfast and lunch at Gather GVL, HenDough offers plenty of traditional fare with its own twist.

Owners Paul and Sarah met as chefs working at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The pair eventually married and worked at upscale establishments for most of their careers. When it came time to set out on their own with a restaurant venture, they wanted something much more approachable. And HenDough was created!

So, what can you expect? The unexpected, of course! We recommend it all, especially anything that combines their soft and sweet donuts with savory classics. The Donut Breakfast Sandwich pairs eggs, American cheese, bacon, and sausage between a glazed donut. Or opt for their take on Eggs in a Basket, which drops two eggs into a donut basket, then tops it with fried chicken and bacon, and drizzles it with jalapeño maple syrup. Yum!

E is for "Experiential Dining at Keipi"

Craving unique food and a worthwhile cause? Keipi Restaurant is exactly what you're looking for. The restaurant brings Georgian cuisine hailing from the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia to Greenville, along with a dining experience that pays homage to the days of making toasts to the heroes and saints of old.

Go and try their delicious khachapuri (cheese bread), Georgian wine (from an 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition), and of course, stay for a Keipi, an Old World Georgian toasting feast that you'll fall in love with. 

All available profits from Keipi go directly back to First Things Foundation to support volunteers and entrepreneurs.  First Things sends adventurous people to remote places in the world for 2-year stints, where they live as the locals live, and then give momentum to the businesses and projects of the friends they meet.

F is for "Falafel from Pita House"

Pita House is a secret spot worth sharing. With Middle Eastern food made fresh daily, it's no wonder why locals and visitors alike flock to this family-owned falafel phenom.

Founded more than 30 years ago by the Namouz brothers after emigrating from Nazareth in Israel, Pita House literally got its start at street level as the brothers pounded the pavement, handing out flyers to the businesses around the restaurant in those early days. The restaurant is cash-only, everything is made fresh and on-site (including 1,000+ pitas per day), and they're family-owned & operated.

"The food itself felt like home. It was very flavorful, comforting, and served in generous portions."
 

"This is by the best middle eastern food I’ve ever had."

"The falafel is hands down the best."

G is for "Grapes  at City Scape Winery"

Greenville has earned a reputation for being a foodie paradise and a brewery-lovers’ dream, but sleeping on our wine scene would be a grape mistake. The winemakers at City Scape Winery, Josh and Debra Jones, have poured their hearts and souls into creating a truly tranquil setting to enjoy a glass of vino made right here in Greenville.

Located just 30 minutes south of Downtown Greenville, City Scape Winery offers a gorgeous environment to get away from it all. With more than 25 wines to choose from, City Scape pleases a variety of audiences, especially those who prefer Pinot.

H is for "Hot Chicken at Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack"

Drive by Rocky’s Hot Chicken Shack, and you’ll likely catch a whiff of something bold before you even make it to the door. That's the heat of their signature hot chicken: crispy, golden, and fried to perfection with a kick that's built a loyal following well beyond the Upstate.

At Rocky’s, the menu features staples that are far from simple. Chicken tenders, sandwiches, and plates come dressed in heat levels that range from mild to “you’ve been warned,” with each order made fresh and coated to order. If spice isn't your style, there are plenty of options that lean more to comfort than kick, all backed by the same attention to quality.

Their chicken pairs perfectly with top-notch sides like creamy mac and cheese, tangy slaw, and crispy fries that round out the meal. Add in a lineup of local beers or a cold drink to cool things down, and you’ve got the kind of place that works just as well for a casual lunch as it does for a laid-back dinner with friends.

I is for "Ice Cream from Clare's Creamery"

At a favorite summer spot in the Overbrook neighborhood, you’ll be met with a simple decision that’s not so simple after all: cone or cup? Clare's Creamery is home to a menu that might look classic at first glance, but a second glance will show you small-batch ice cream that’s anything but ordinary.

Flavors rotate regularly, with everything from nostalgic favorites to unexpected combinations that keep regulars coming back to see what’s new. Whether you stick with a tried-and-true scoop or branch out into something more adventurous, each one is rich, balanced, and made with care.

Beyond the scoops, it's the extras and the toppings that turn an ice cream stop into a full-on experience. Equal parts neighborhood favorite and must-stop for visitors, Clare’s Creamery proves that a good scoop doesn’t need much, just the right ingredients, a little creativity, and a reason to come back for another round.

J is for "James Beard Award Nominees"

It's no secret that Greenville, SC is a sleeper destination in the nation's culinary scene that has any and all visitors waking up to the many talents of the many culinarians in our area. The James Beard Foundation's annual awards, among the culinary industry's top honors, feature several restaurant and chef nominees from Greenville every year—all nominees obsessed over local, sustainable, seasonal products. It started in 2017 with The Anchorage, a neighborhood small plates restaurant packing big flavor into local produce and more, receiving a semifinalist spot for Best New Restaurant. 

Early in 2020, the Travelers Rest spot, new to the scene, Topsoil Restaurant, earned semifinalist nods—Topsoil's chef, Adam Cooke, earned recognition in the Best New Chef: Southeast category. Chef Cooke is a fixture at local farms, including the team's own Topsoil Farm, which was established in 2018.

In 2023, restaurant owner and head chef Dayna Lee-Márquez was named a semifinalist for the James Beard Best Chef: Southeast. Lee-Márquez hails from South Texas and owns Comal 864, which is known for its Tex-Mex cuisine. Originally a food truck, this now sit-down restaurant is (permanently) located off Laurens Rd.

K is for "Kettle Corn at Poppington's Gourmet Popcorn"

 At Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn, kettle corn is where things really shine. That signature balance of sweet and salty hits right away: light, crisp, and just rich enough to keep you reaching back into the bag without thinking twice. Sure, you can get the traditional flavor that'll take you right back to the county fair, but take it to the next level at Poppington's. There's no need for an occasion to get some birthday cake kettle corn. Try some with a hint of cinnamon. Get bold with a lemon chiffon and chocolate combo.

Made in small batches, the kettle corn has that fresh, just-popped quality that sets it apart from anything prepackaged. It’s the kind of snack that works for just about anything: an easy pick for a stroll Downtown, something to pass around during a movie night, or a take-home treat that rarely makes it to the next day. And while there are plenty of other flavors on the shelves, this is the one that tends to win people over first and keep them coming back for more.

L is for "Lavender Love Chocolates from LaRue Fine Chocolate"

LaRue Fine Chocolate, located at Poe West in The Village, started in owner Elizabeth McDaniel's home kitchen, where she explored a hobby of chocolate-making with her niece. McDaniel earned her Professional Chocolatier certificate with honors from Ecole Chocolat and achieved the rank of Maître Chocolatier. LaRue is named after McDaniel's mother, Dora LaRue Smith Logan. Dora served in the Army and raised four boys before giving birth to Elizabeth at age 40. The name is an homage, but also a symbol of strength, which is on display in the chocolate game Dora's daughter brought to Greenville.

The chocolate offerings at LaRue are far too plentiful to list out here, but suffice it to say, there's a treat for every taste. LaRue is the kind of place where a simple chocolate treat becomes something far more intricate, leaning into selections like bonbons, truffles, and bars made in small batches. Our pick is the sampler pack, where you can try a few flavors of your choosing.

M is for "Monstrous Milkshakes at Grill Marks"

Grill Marks puts dessert front and center with towering glasses loaded with toppings spilling over the rim in over-the-top shakes. Each milkshake is hand-spun and stacked with a series of toppings. Think whipped cream piled high, cookies, candies, drizzles, and full-sized treats and cake slices as the finishing touch. It's the kind of dessert that turns heads when it hits the table. Sharing is encouraged, and you can even opt for a Shaketail, a boozy milkshake concoction, or turn any soda into a float.

"The food was good so much that we had to return for shakes the next day before leaving for home."

"If you come here, you MUST order one of their legendary milkshakes. You will not be disappointed! They can easily be split two or three ways... But no judgement if you don't feel like sharing!"

"We packed up the food in containers and dug into the milkshakes. Oowee! It was soooooo good."

N is for "Noodle Night Special at O-Ku"

A piping bowl of noodles, chili stock, protein, and the works is the modern-day version of Chicken Soup for the Soul. On select evenings, O-Ku offers a ramen special that highlights a rich, flavorful broth and thoughtfully paired ingredients, giving you a reason to plan your weeknight around a warm dish that's a little different than a traditional dinner.

Noodle Nights are coveted evening events during the winter, and the midweek comfort is a must-try during your visit. Pair this dish with small plates of kakiage (a Japanese take on a crab cake), oysters, or their extensive sushi menu.

"Each dish was bursting with flavor and expertly prepared, leaving me craving more with every bite."

"My expectations were blown away."

O is for the Eugenia Duke May-"O" Trail

One of the earliest female entrepreneurs, Eugenia Duke, sold homemade sandwiches to troops stationed at Camp Sevier during World War I, and her special savory spread became her claim to fame. Duke’s Mayo was born and is still thriving 100+ years later. In honor of Eugenia and to recognize the restaurants keeping her legacy alive, VisitGreenvilleSC developed the Eugenia Duke Unofficial Mayo Guide to Greenville, a self-guided trail of 20 delectable bites that allow her condiment to shine.

Begin your tour with historical stops. One of the most important landmarks in Duke’s past is hidden in plain sight: The Wyche Pavilion on the Reedy River! This is where Eugenia first bottled her magical mayonnaise for distribution and mass consumption. Once an old carriage factory, Eugenia used the property to distribute sandwiches, and right outside the Pavilion is the Eugenia Duke Bridge, a green, wood-treaded footbridge that crosses the Reedy River, constructed in the early 1990s.

Our unofficial tour includes 6 snack stops and 14 indulgent entrée hot spots. Among our list of snackables is the tangy coleslaw made by the highly esteemed Bobby’s BBQ. If fish is more your dish, head to Jones Oyster Co. for the Smoked Carolina Fish Dip, which combines delicious fish with jalapeños, red onions, carrots, Club crackers, and Duke’s Mayo. Need something more substantial? Savor the crab cakes at Soby’s New South Cuisine, snag a “Southern Weather” chicken sandwich at Society Sandwich Bar & Social Club, or bite into some beef carpaccio from Fork & Plough.

P is for "Pimento Cheese Sandwiches at Duke Sandwich Company"

Duke's Mayonnaise was born as a brand in the 1920s as Eugenia Duke sauntered from sandwich maker to mayo manufacturer. That spread is a key kitchen mainstay that top-tier chefs in the Southeast intentionally seek out, and it's often found in regional pimento cheese.

The South Carolina staple is most popular at Duke Sandwich Company, a must-visit when in Greenville. The original recipes used in the shop are the very same that Eugenia would make in her kitchen before taking them to the troops. And if you're going to order any sandwich of state significance, of course, you're obligated to opt for pimento cheese!

Q is for "Queenly Harvest at Carolina Honey Bee Company"

Beekeeping is in the DNA of the Dover family. Co-owner of Carolina Honey Bee Company, Tim Dover, began harvesting honey at the age of 5, learning the skill from his grandfather. When his grandfather passed away, Tim received one of his beehives, which soon grew into 1,000 hives across 34 locations in Upstate South Carolina, boasting the services of his grandfather's bees.

Inside the quaint Travelers Rest shop, you'll find an assortment of products made from the work of Tim's bees—lip balms, body butter, lotions, and cleansers, all of which should fill your shopping bag while you're there. Swarm to the honey-tasting bar inside and sample several kinds of honey or grab snacks like honey-glazed pecans. The annual honey harvest occurs in late summer/early fall, so plan your visit around this time of year. Between balms, butter, nuts, and nectars, there's a lot to be thankful to Her Majesty for. Long live the Queen!

R is for "Rare Proteins at Saskatoon Lodge"

Known as "Greenville's Wildest Steakhouse," Saskatoon Steaks, Fish & Wild Game has a menu that could double as a meat encyclopedia. If it can be cooked, you'll find it available here. For 30+ years, Saskatoon has been delighting Greenville diners with a menu experience few can measure up to.

If you're not an adventurous eater, Saskatoon Lodge has plenty of your more common choices for carnivores, like steaks, salmon, chicken, pork, and fish, but it's the unique rotating menu that sets it apart. Options change every four to six weeks and can range from kangaroo filets and ostrich filets to elk loin, antelope, and buffalo. It's not uncommon to see shark, venison, quail, and gator grace the list of choices here.

S is for "Southern Homestyle at OJ's Diner"

When an opportunity to own the diner he worked at came up, the journey of Olin Johnson (OJ's namesake) from line cook to local legend is a saga of family rallying together to help one another fulfill a dream. Just setting foot in the oft-out-the-door line makes you part of this crew, and you'll feel it the moment you cross the threshold.

OJ's Diner is a traditional cafeteria-style meat-and-three with specials you can set your watch by. The Downtown Greenville location (there's another in nearby Easley) is only open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. All of it is soul-comforting, as evidenced by the loyal regulars.

T is for "Traditional Cantonese-Style Food at Asia Pacific"

Walking into Asia Pacific Restaurant & Supermarket, you'll notice its meticulously clean, pristine, and organized shelves and aisles. Owner Alva Mak, originally from Hong Kong, has lived in Upstate SC since 1976, and her restaurant experience always involved pleasing the American palate, which doesn't always mesh with the traditional style she grew up with. When she opened Asia Pacific in 2017, she did so with her childhood memories in mind.

In the restaurant area, a glance at the menu reveals Chinese-American chicken classics, like sesame and General Tso's, for those a little less adventurous. It won't take long to find those traditional Cantonese-style dishes, and popular options include roast pork, spicy salt pepper shrimp, and scallion pancakes. Soup dumplings are a must!

U is for "Underground Dining"

There's just something about the environment created by low ceilings, exposed wood and brick, and that subtle basement-y scent that strikes a relaxing vibe. If you're digging this, Coffee Underground and Trappe Door supply the subterranean setting you seek.

Trappe Door and Coffee Underground are on opposite sides of Main Street in Downtown Greenville. For early mornings, head downstairs at 1 E. Coffee St. for a caffeine fix with a feeling. Coffee Underground has windows that let in just enough natural light, while the exposed building's workings and beautiful wood beams create a cellar sub-current that's perfect for starting the day, taking an afternoon break, or winding down at night.

Trappe Door is unconditionally underground: no windows, no light, just atmosphere. You'll be transported back to the Olde World by stopping here for a Belgian beer or some of the most flavorful frites you'll find outside Brussels. The subtle lighting, uncovered wood and brick, beer selection, and menu combine for a Main Street experience with an underground aura.

V is for "Voguish Libations at Vault & Vator"

Vault & Vator began as Greenville's first speakeasy and features gentle notes of speakeasy environs, not the campiness of reenactments, which adds to its overall sophistication. You may walk inside during a bright, shiny day, but once past the velvet curtains, you lose the concept of time as the dim, sparsely yet gorgeously lit room provides that subtle touch of secrecy.

At the bar, you'll find a menu filled with classic and modern cocktails, all handcrafted, but if you're feeling crafty yourself, opt for the Dealer's Choice. This allows you to give the bartender two adjectives from the menu list, and your master of mixology will create a custom cocktail from the combo you provide. Play with the possibilities, like "floral and fizzy," "sour and spicy," or "smoky and boozy."

W is for "Waffle Cones at Spill the Beans"

Greenville, SC's climate makes it a stellar spot for ice cream. Take a step inside Spill the Beans, though, and you'll find yourself dreaming of waffle cones and a sweet treat with endless toppings. The custom-blended ice cream also features a list of 50-plus toppings and mix-ins.

Spill the Beans is also known as a tip-top option for a strong coffee, but directly in front of the doors is where the waffle cone magic happens. You'll often find one of Spill the Beans' workers waffling away, creating cone after cone as the sweet scent fills the air.

X is for "X Marks the Spot: Hidden Gems & Must-Order Dishes"

Some of Greenville’s best bites aren’t always the most obvious; they’re the ones locals point you toward with a “trust me, just order this.” At Sum Bar, the green beans have a following of their own. Crisp and packed with bold flavor that turns a side into something you’ll talk about long after the meal ends. Over at Harry’s Hoagies, their cheesesteaks are held in high regard by many as the best Philly Cheesesteak in the Upstate.

For something a little different, Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery has built a reputation around its stecca bread: light, airy, and just crisp enough on the outside. Whether you go for a sandwich stacked high or keep it simple, it’s the foundation that makes it memorable.

Add in a few more local favorites like the rich, slow-simmered ramen at Menkoi Ramen House or the perfectly executed small plates and housemade pasta at Jianna, and you’ve got a lineup of dishes that are well worth seeking out. These are the kinds of spots where one order turns into a return visit.

Y is for "Yucatan-Inspired Cuisine from Mercado Cantina at Gather GVL"

Gather GVL makes a second appearance on our alphabetical culinary tour of Greenville, SC. Chef Michael Olbrantz visited Mexico for a two-month tour that turned into two years of traveling back and forth from the Yucatán—a place and a taste he fell madly in love with for its vibrant, bright balance of spice and acidity. It's the same balance you'll find in all of Mercado's food offerings while sipping cantina-inspired beverages in Gather GVL's laidback environment.

Menu options rotate frequently, but you can bank on authenticity in every selection and price, like cochinita pibil tacos, achiote-marinated pork smoked in banana leaves with pickled onion and habanero, or a fried shrimp torta with pico, lettuce, and lime mayo, all for $9 or less.

Z is for "Zesty Lemon Roulade Cake from Old Europe Coffee & Desserts"

An Asheville-original, Old Europe Coffee & Desserts opened its Greenville doors in 2019 and transports you to a neat European café, with small tables lining the wall and the smell of coffee and pastry lingering in the air.

These treats feature a subtle sweetness that combines with the airy texture Europe is known for, so rather than weighing you down after a stuffing supper, these sweets will simply satisfy you.