Many places in South Carolina are a food lover’s paradise. The restaurant business is a competitive industry and one in which the underperforming restaurants just don’t manage to stay in business long. When a restaurant is in an odd, unusual, or even “hidden” location and they’re still in business it’s a sign of a great establishment. It’s hard enough to compete when you’re easily located or in a populated area, but these hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina have survived anyway.
Here are some restaurants in South Carolina that are in odd, unusual, or hidden locations, and yet, they’re still around. There’s a reason for that: they’re good.
- Coast Bar and Grill - 39 John Street, Charleston, SC 29403
Facebook/Coast Bar and Grill
Google Maps [streetview]
Facebook/Coast Bar and Grill Coast Bar and Grill is neatly tucked away on Hutson Alley between 39 Rue de Jean and the Charleston Music Hall on John Street. This cool and interesting space used to be a warehouse and now it’s a trendy restaurant serving local seafood and other American fare. More info about Coast Bar and Grill.
- Passerelle Bistro - 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601
Facebook/Passerelle Bistro
Google Maps [streetview]
Facebook/Passerelle Bistro Sometimes you look right at something but because you’re distracted by something else you don’t really see it. Such is the occasional fate of Passerelle French Bistro that sits exactly at the entrance to the most famous bridge in Downtown Greenville. #YeahThat Greenville. More info about Passerelle Bistro. Reservations are recommended.
- Alodia’s Cucina Italiana - 2736 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212
Facebook/Alodia’s Cucina Italiana
Google Maps
Facebook/Alodia’s Cucina Italiana With all the great restaurants in the downtown Columbia area, it’s interesting that Trip Advisor users have submitted reviews that rank Alodia’s Cucina Italiana - an establishment nearly 15 miles from the Statehouse - as the #1 Restaurant in Columbia. Cheers, Alodia’s! More info about Alodia’s Cucina Italian.
- Danish’s Trattoria Indo-Pak and Global Fine Cuisine - 114 Old Abbeville Hwy, Greenwood, SC 29649
Google Maps [streetview]
Danish’s Trattoria Danish’s Trattoria Indo-Pak and Global Fine Cuisine in Greenwood, SC is located in a house converted to a restaurant on Old Abbeville Highway. This hidden spot (pronounced “da-NEESH”) has ranked as the #1 restaurant in Greenwood by Trip Advisor - in spite of its ambiguous-looking facade. More info, contact and menu here.
- Old Post Office Restaurant - 1442 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438
Facebook/Old Post Office Restaurant
Google Maps [edited to add location]
Facebook/The Old Post Office Restaurant The Old Post Office on Edisto Island is a Lowcountry institution. It’s a 45 mile trip (one-way) from Charleston and well worth it! Note: They have seasonal hours. It’s best to check their Facebook page for more information.
- Luvan’s Fish Camp - 3951 U.S. 701, Conway, SC 29527
Yelp/Jesse W
Yelp/Jeff F
Yelp/Jeff F Apparently, it doesn’t matter that Luvan’s is hard to find or that you may have to wait a short while for service - the food makes it more than worth it. And if you don’t mind your table cloth being vinyl instead of linen, then Luvan’s is a hidden gem that’s worth the trip to Conway. Scroll back up to that seafood platter one more time and you may find yourself halfway to your car before you know it.
- Cafe Old Vienna German Restaurant - 1604 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Facebook/Cafe Old Vienna
Google Maps [edited to add location indicators]
Cafe Old Vienna In a city with thousands of places to eat, even on a main thoroughfare a restaurant can be hidden in plain sight. Like the Cafe Old Vienna here on N Kings Highway (a.k.a. Business 17). More info at the Cafe Old Vienna Facebook page.
- Xiao Bao Biscuit - 224 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29401
Google Maps [streetview]
Xaio Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit You’d never imagine to find this caliber of multi-culti Asian inside this converted filling station in Charleston’s trending Cannonborough neighborhood. The food, service, decor and atmosphere make this hidden place a real discovery. You’ll add XBB to your usual “go-to” places for great food. More information about Xiao Bao Biscuit.
Have you ever eaten at any of these hidden or “hiding in plain sight” restaurants? Here are more of the best hidden gem restaurants in South Carolina. Hidden or not, they have food that will become your new favorite.
Facebook/Coast Bar and Grill
Google Maps [streetview]
Coast Bar and Grill is neatly tucked away on Hutson Alley between 39 Rue de Jean and the Charleston Music Hall on John Street. This cool and interesting space used to be a warehouse and now it’s a trendy restaurant serving local seafood and other American fare. More info about Coast Bar and Grill.
Facebook/Passerelle Bistro
Sometimes you look right at something but because you’re distracted by something else you don’t really see it. Such is the occasional fate of Passerelle French Bistro that sits exactly at the entrance to the most famous bridge in Downtown Greenville. #YeahThat Greenville. More info about Passerelle Bistro. Reservations are recommended.
Facebook/Alodia’s Cucina Italiana
Google Maps
With all the great restaurants in the downtown Columbia area, it’s interesting that Trip Advisor users have submitted reviews that rank Alodia’s Cucina Italiana - an establishment nearly 15 miles from the Statehouse - as the #1 Restaurant in Columbia. Cheers, Alodia’s! More info about Alodia’s Cucina Italian.
Danish’s Trattoria
Danish’s Trattoria Indo-Pak and Global Fine Cuisine in Greenwood, SC is located in a house converted to a restaurant on Old Abbeville Highway. This hidden spot (pronounced “da-NEESH”) has ranked as the #1 restaurant in Greenwood by Trip Advisor - in spite of its ambiguous-looking facade. More info, contact and menu here.
Facebook/Old Post Office Restaurant
Google Maps [edited to add location]
Facebook/The Old Post Office Restaurant
The Old Post Office on Edisto Island is a Lowcountry institution. It’s a 45 mile trip (one-way) from Charleston and well worth it! Note: They have seasonal hours. It’s best to check their Facebook page for more information.
Yelp/Jesse W
Yelp/Jeff F
Apparently, it doesn’t matter that Luvan’s is hard to find or that you may have to wait a short while for service - the food makes it more than worth it. And if you don’t mind your table cloth being vinyl instead of linen, then Luvan’s is a hidden gem that’s worth the trip to Conway. Scroll back up to that seafood platter one more time and you may find yourself halfway to your car before you know it.
Facebook/Cafe Old Vienna
Google Maps [edited to add location indicators]
Cafe Old Vienna
In a city with thousands of places to eat, even on a main thoroughfare a restaurant can be hidden in plain sight. Like the Cafe Old Vienna here on N Kings Highway (a.k.a. Business 17). More info at the Cafe Old Vienna Facebook page.
Xaio Bao Biscuit
Xiao Bao Biscuit
You’d never imagine to find this caliber of multi-culti Asian inside this converted filling station in Charleston’s trending Cannonborough neighborhood. The food, service, decor and atmosphere make this hidden place a real discovery. You’ll add XBB to your usual “go-to” places for great food. More information about Xiao Bao Biscuit.
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Address: 39- D, John St, Charleston, SC 29403, USAAddress: Passerelle Bistro, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USAAddress: 2736 N Lake Dr, Columbia, SC 29212, USAAddress: 114 Old Abbeville Hwy, Greenwood, SC 29649, USAAddress: 1442 SC-174, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USAAddress: Luvans Old South Fish Camp NO CARDS, 3951 US-701, Conway, SC 29527, USAAddress: 1604 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USAAddress: 224 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gem Restaurants In South Carolina August 14, 2020 Leah What are the best restaurants in South Carolina? The best local restaurants in South Carolina are considered the best for a reason. Whether that be their amazing menus, fun atmospheres, good service, or unique looks, they are well-loved by South Carolinians and visitors alike. One of the best restaurants that has been named not just the best in the state but the entire world is the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, known by locals as just The Wreck. It’s almost hard to find but worth the search for its amazing seafood. It’s located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, at the site of the wreck of the actual Richard and Charlene boat. What are the most iconic restaurants in South Carolina? Opposite to the lesser known restaurants in South Carolina is the state’s most iconic places to dine. The Husk restaurant in Charleston is an incredibly popular spot in this busy tourist area - and for good reason. It’s even been named one of the best restaurants in the state. Another spot worth all the hullabaloo is Grits & Grocery in Belton. You may have to wait a bit when you visit, but it’s a wait worth having after you’ve tried their tasty food. Their southern cooking is truly delicious and you’ll want to come back for more shortly after. Here is an entire list of famous restaurants in South Carolina for more options. Which tiny restaurants in South Carolina are worth trying? These secret restaurants in South Carolina are literally tiny, some only have a few tables and standing room only otherwise. 167 Raw in Charleston is a great example. It may feel a little cramped on the inside, but their excellently prepared seafood is a must-try despite the potential wait for one of the few tables. Another restaurant, this time located in Greenwood, is known as the “little place with big taste.” That’s Kickers, or Kickers Takeout, that serve up burgers, sandwiches, and more, all in one small spot. Here is a list of more of the smallest restaurants in South Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Hidden Gem Restaurants In South Carolina
August 14, 2020
Leah
What are the best restaurants in South Carolina? The best local restaurants in South Carolina are considered the best for a reason. Whether that be their amazing menus, fun atmospheres, good service, or unique looks, they are well-loved by South Carolinians and visitors alike. One of the best restaurants that has been named not just the best in the state but the entire world is the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, known by locals as just The Wreck. It’s almost hard to find but worth the search for its amazing seafood. It’s located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, at the site of the wreck of the actual Richard and Charlene boat. What are the most iconic restaurants in South Carolina? Opposite to the lesser known restaurants in South Carolina is the state’s most iconic places to dine. The Husk restaurant in Charleston is an incredibly popular spot in this busy tourist area - and for good reason. It’s even been named one of the best restaurants in the state. Another spot worth all the hullabaloo is Grits & Grocery in Belton. You may have to wait a bit when you visit, but it’s a wait worth having after you’ve tried their tasty food. Their southern cooking is truly delicious and you’ll want to come back for more shortly after. Here is an entire list of famous restaurants in South Carolina for more options. Which tiny restaurants in South Carolina are worth trying? These secret restaurants in South Carolina are literally tiny, some only have a few tables and standing room only otherwise. 167 Raw in Charleston is a great example. It may feel a little cramped on the inside, but their excellently prepared seafood is a must-try despite the potential wait for one of the few tables. Another restaurant, this time located in Greenwood, is known as the “little place with big taste.” That’s Kickers, or Kickers Takeout, that serve up burgers, sandwiches, and more, all in one small spot. Here is a list of more of the smallest restaurants in South Carolina.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The best local restaurants in South Carolina are considered the best for a reason. Whether that be their amazing menus, fun atmospheres, good service, or unique looks, they are well-loved by South Carolinians and visitors alike. One of the best restaurants that has been named not just the best in the state but the entire world is the Wreck of the Richard and Charlene, known by locals as just The Wreck. It’s almost hard to find but worth the search for its amazing seafood. It’s located in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, at the site of the wreck of the actual Richard and Charlene boat.
What are the most iconic restaurants in South Carolina?
Opposite to the lesser known restaurants in South Carolina is the state’s most iconic places to dine. The Husk restaurant in Charleston is an incredibly popular spot in this busy tourist area - and for good reason. It’s even been named one of the best restaurants in the state. Another spot worth all the hullabaloo is Grits & Grocery in Belton. You may have to wait a bit when you visit, but it’s a wait worth having after you’ve tried their tasty food. Their southern cooking is truly delicious and you’ll want to come back for more shortly after. Here is an entire list of famous restaurants in South Carolina for more options.
Which tiny restaurants in South Carolina are worth trying?
These secret restaurants in South Carolina are literally tiny, some only have a few tables and standing room only otherwise. 167 Raw in Charleston is a great example. It may feel a little cramped on the inside, but their excellently prepared seafood is a must-try despite the potential wait for one of the few tables. Another restaurant, this time located in Greenwood, is known as the “little place with big taste.” That’s Kickers, or Kickers Takeout, that serve up burgers, sandwiches, and more, all in one small spot. Here is a list of more of the smallest restaurants in South Carolina.
