Greenville, South Carolina has been a joy to grow up in. It is a town where a new opportunity arises every single day and creativity buzzes around almost as much as the bees do. It's a place that seamlessly blends aesthetic appeal with hometown comfort in a way that you can't find anywhere else.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Greenville culture is the food. Boy, do we love a good dining destination. As the city grows, so does my appetite. From a girl who was born and raised in the incomparable 'gvegas', here are the seven best grub grabs that you don't want to miss.
1. The Village Grind
If you're looking for a place that not only has incredible coffee alongside delectable desserts, but also a quaint and colorful space to match then look no further. The Village Grind coffee shop resides just on the outskirts of downtown Greenville and epitomizes the phrase "hidden gem." Upon entrance, you are greeted with an open space and the smiling faces of employees.
The chalkboard menu invites you to struggle in decision of just what coffee to purchase as they all seem fit to impress. Fresh pastries sit in the glass casing teasing everyone who passes, and the dining area has all of the comforts of home.
Address: 1263 Pendleton St. 29611
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm | Saturday 9am-4pm | Sunday 10am-4pm
2. Coffee Underground
This breakfast destination is located directly in the heart of downtown Greenville. Named accordingly, the coffee shop in nestled in the basement floor of a large building on the corner of Main Street, but is a well-known location of any native. The inviting atmosphere is due in part to the beautiful spread of desserts in the glass casing that you see right when you walk in.
After the draw of slices of cake that are bigger than your heard, customers are welcome to order not only coffee and homemade desserts but a variety of sandwiches, milkshakes, beer, and cocktails. If you venture further into the shop, it has its own personal theatre in the back room reserved for weekly comedy shows, musical performances and more.
Address: 1 East Coffee Street 29601
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7am-10pm | Fri. 7am-11:30pm | Sat. 8am-11:30 | Sun. 8am-10pm
3. Kitchen Sync
A 'new(er) kid on the block' to Greenville, this addition has made its mark in a hurry. The menu includes a unique selection of farm fresh eats as well as a full bar menu and excellent hospitality to boot. The restaurant evokes the feeling of a little piece of California lent to the public for our enjoyment. Every plate is perfect for your Instagram feed and something your followers will be sure to look into.
Address: 1609 Laurens Road 29607
Hours: Tue.-Sat. 11am-2:30 | Tue.-Thurs. & Sat. 5pm-9pm | Fri. 5pm-10pm
4. Willy Taco Feed and Seed
If you're looking for an atmosphere that makes every day feel like the day of the dead, then Willy Taco is your destination. The place vibrates with joy at all hours of the day and the customer service will leave you wanting to submit a job application before you go. The tacos are to die for (pun fully intended) and the menu doesn't stop there. You can make your own burrito bowl to avoid the flour intake or even keep it simple with a crispy quesadilla.
Address: 217 Laurens Road 29607
Hours: Mon.-CLOSED | Tues.-Thurs. 11am-10pm | Fri.-Sat. 11am-11pm | Sun. 10am-10pm
5. Tupelo Honey Cafe
Tupelo Honey is the modern, slightly hipster cafe that everyone searches for. The interior gives off major New York vibes, but settles you into the South with its food options. The scratch made menu changes every season, but never disappoints. Guests can choose from hearty sandwiches to delectable greens to mounds of meat with savory sides depending on what time of day you arrive. The service is quick and the trip is well worth it.
Address: 1 N Main Street T 29601
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 10am-9pm | Fri. 10am-10pm | Sat. 8am-10pm | Sun. 8am-9pm
6. Caviar and Bananas
This Charleston native is the perfect addition to the ever-expanding atmosphere of our historic downtown. The market and cafe is located in a building with walls that are made with full-length window so that you get to enjoy the beauty of the location as well as the deliciousness of the food. Here, customers can pick from their choice of dynamite eats laid out in the glass windows, a sandwich and soup created from scratch, or even a salad you can personally create. During the day, the bar offers unique coffee selections alongside fresh baked goods. In the afternoon, alcoholic beverages can be purchased to enjoy with a nice supper.
Address: 1 N Laurens Street 29601
Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 7am-8:30pm | Fri. 7am-9pm | Sat. 8am-9pm | Sun. 8am-9pm
7. Tandem
Located in the up and coming town of Travelers Rest, Tandem is a crêperie and coffee house that welcomes guest of all ages. The employees greet everyone with a smile and back it up with their fast and caring service. Guests can choose from a savory or sweet crêpe off of the expertly drawn chalkboard menu, or opt for a fluffy waffle or bowl of healthy granola. The coffees are roasted in-house and make a perfect pair with the treats offered.
Address: 2 S Main Street 29690
Hours: Open daily from 8am-4pm
This article may contain slight partiality since I love my town so much, but once you visit these seven great grabs you'll realize what all of the hype is about.