I am regularly asked about places to eat and things to do in Greenville. This post is and will continue to be a work in progress. New restaurants in Greenville are CONSTANTLY popping up and I am always looking for something new to eat and something new to do. 

This post is about food and drinks. I am trying to keep this as cohesive as possible, but I will probably jump around from meal to meal.

I'll do another round up on things to do!

Breakfast + Brunch

Crepe Du Jour

Main Street

Perfect for just grabbing a coffee, a mimosa, breakfast or lunch. They have sweet or savory crepes good for either breakfast, lunch or BRUNCH! I have this one filed away under breakfast, but they are open for dinner with a nice selection of dinner crepes and cocktails.

Tandem Creperie 

Travelers Rest, SC

If crepes are your thing (and who could blame you if they are), this place is way better than Crepe du Jour. In house made granola for the win. Tandem is about a 20 minute drive up the road to Travelers Rest, but worth the drive. SO CUTE here. Their tiny Main Street has great restaurants as well. (Hare & Field, Farmhouse Tacos to name a few) The coffee is great, too!

Nose Dive

Main Street - next to the Westin

Fun for brunch, lunch, dinner or drinks. If the bar downstairs is packed, head up the stairs for another bar and more seating. I enjoy their craft cocktails and brunch. My husband I usually have a drink at the upstairs bar before heading out for dinner.

Happy + Hale

Main Street, behind Lululemon across from Falls Park

Healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner + healthy drinks. From quinoa + rice bowls, avocado toast, stay on track with something a little greener! If you are staying on Main Street, order online and they will deliver!

Kuka Juice

Pendleton St + Perry St

Cold pressed juicery just a few minutes from downtown with really good healthy and vegan options. Grab options to-go or dine in. Don't forget to scoop up a few juices to take with you! I always feel so much better after eating a healthy and satisfying meal from Kuka. The adorable painting by local artist Dorothy Shain is quickly becoming a must see local mural. 

Sweetberry Bowls

Swamp Rabbit Cafe + Grocery

Cedar Lane Road

Best breakfast sandwich in Greenville, but be sure to get it on a homemade buttery croissant. If you don't, it'll come on stecca bread, which is great, but the croissant...just trust me. Only the freshest + local ingredients. It's one of my fave places in all of Greenville. They also have pizza on the weekends and beer specials! Check out their social media for special events. They always have something going on. Extremely family + kid friendly and expect to see dogs outdoors.

Biscuit Head 

Church Street

Based out of Asheville, some good southern cooking. Yummy breakfast sandwiches and they have this JAM BAR full of homemade jellies and butters. You kinda gotta see it to believe it. Be aware that if you decide to go here you best get there early or else the line is out the door all morning. 

Golden Brown & Delicious

The Commons, GVL - Welborn St.

Fantastic brunch spot. Everything I’ve had there is good. They don't serve food all day, so be sure to check their hours. They stop serving food at 2. The burgers are amazing. PRO TIP: request burger sauce with your fries for dipping. Other options include Bi Bimbap, Chicken + Waffles. 

SIDE NOTE:

The Commons is a super cool shared space. There are a few dining options here that share a seating space. The Community Tap (craft beer + wine), Bake Room (some of GVL’s best baked goods), Methodical Coffee and Automatic Taco. Plenty of parking out front or enjoy a walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail. It’s less than a mile from the heart of downtown. 

More brunch choices below.

COFFEE: 

Methodical Coffee

TWO LOCATIONS!!!

Main Street - tucked back behind the Anthropologie under the Aloft

And brand new location at The Commons 

Tres Leches is my favorite coffee, although I like to switch it up to the seasonal drink (peppermint mocha, I’m talking to you). The blondies and other snacks are super good. I should probably ask what the heck I buy instead of just pointing. Of course you can get your coffee to-go, but you won't be enjoying your coffee out of this super cool cup.

Port City Java

Main Street

If you’re against the Starbucks…. They also make a great breakfast sandwich, especially if you're looking for something fast.

Spill The Beans

Main Street at the top of Falls Park

They have ice cream and coffee! Neat place to sit for coffee or grab + go take a walk in the park! Milkshakes are perfect for really hot summer days in Greenville.

Coffee Underground

Right off Main Street…

tucked…you guess it….underground. 

Bridge City Coffee

Wade Hampton Blvd

Short drive from downtown and they have a Drive-thru! Love their coffee and snacks + it's a great place to sit down with your computer and get some work done. I usually go with a lavender latte. 

The Village Grind

Pendleton St. - West End

Probably one of my favorite coffee shops, hands down. It’s cute, it’s cozy. I love their different seasonal drinks. It's pretty much always busy and a bit loud. Not a quiet place to get work done, but the best place for conversation.

Luna Rosa

Main + Court Street

Cappuccino and GELATO OMG. Which do you choose? The fruity flavor or the dessert like chocolate or vanilla? Lots of flavors to choose from, you really can't go wrong. Ok but they also have an Italian restaurant in the back, too. Admittedly, I have never had any of their food but if you do try it out, please report back. I never make it past the GELATO.

Junto Coffee

Taylors, SC

Just the next town over, but it is about a 20 minute drive. With plenty of seating + lots of natural light, it’s a spot worth driving for. Great place for a group meeting or to get work done. The coffee isn't so bad either. 

Starbucks

We have two on Main Street, we aren't heathens.

One in the Hyatt and one on the corner of Main + Falls Park Dr. attached to the Halls Chophouse and the news station.

LUNCH + DINNER:

Sully’s Steamers

Washington St. right off Main Street

Steamed bagel sandwiches, need I say more? I put this under the lunch in Greenville category because I had plenty for breakfast. These sandwiches are really appropriate any time of the day.

Groucho’s 

E. Coffee Street 

If you’re just looking to grab a sandwich for lunch, I love this place. I’ve been frequenting this small South Carolina sub chain since college. The STP sauce is really what I go for. Yep, I still go to this day, that's how I know it wasn't just a college fad ;)

Basil

Main Street, behind the Washington One building + under the Aloft.

Another Charleston based restaurant with wonderful Thai food + seriously one of my favorite restaurants downtown. Every time my husband and I don’t know what we want for dinner, we end up here…it’s either dining in or take-out for us. Special lunch menu, too! The pad Thai and red curry have never disappointed. PRO-TIP: like spicy food? Tell them you want it “thai hot” or “crazy thai hot” if you’re….you know…crazy. No matter how cold it may be outside, you’ll find yourself sweating the entire way home. 

Menkoi Noodle House

Main Street

I find myself here far too much. Ramen is comfort food to me. Eat in house or grab a hot bowl of Ramen, udon, or curry to go. My favorite ramen is the gyoza for starters and Spicy Ramen, but always with chicken instead of pork. I crave their soy sauce soaked hard boiled eggs on the regular, so I order an extra one of those, too. PRO-TIP: order extra noodles if you're super hungry or want to have leftovers. 

Otto Izakaya

S Main Street 

Japanese food, ramen with fresh ingredients

Up on the Roof 

Rooftop of the Embassy Suites

I LOVE THIS PLACE. Full disclosure I have only had bar snacks here but the view is what you go for. It's great any time of the day honestly. Fab place to watch the sunset around a fire. Grab a drink before dinner or a nightcap before bed. It gets a little wild on the weekends after 9pm… club like scene..FYI. 

Ink & Ivy

Coffee St. 

Another fun place. I've never been wowed with their food, but the club is supposed to be good (Vine). I like the rooftop bar (open seasonally) and happy hour during the week. 

Sidewall Pizza

Cleveland Street

Probably my favorite pizza place in Greenville. I love their crust, I love the sauces. Such a good menu with so many options. The salads are so good and get this….homemade ice cream! 

Tacozzini

Augusta Road

Fun interesting place. Salads, Tacos, Pizza, and fun appetizers. Craft Cocktails are good too!

The Burrow

Augusta Road

Just recently opened, great food. I am not quite sure how to describe the menu of this place, so I’m just going to link it right here and check out for yourself. I have really enjoyed everything I have ordered. They have a great drink menu as well. 

Trappe Door

Washington St. 

Not romantic, it's like a dark dungeon. German food and lots of beer. It's not a very big restaurant, so reservations are a good idea. 

Willy Taco

Laurens Rd

I like their happy hour but I'm pretty sure it ends at 6:30! The Chimichanga is whats up but their tacos are good too. I recommend getting the three dips for appetizers so you can get queso, salsa + guac. 

Macs Speed Shop 

S Main Street near Flour Field

Very laid back atmosphere. Burnt ends, BBQ and smoked wings YUMMMM

Smoke on the Water

Main Street

Not the BEST BBQ in town, but if you’re looking for something within walking distance on Main Street.

Foxcroft Wine 

Main Street

Restaurant and Retail Store

Rose Flights, Wine, Appetizers, and dinner.  Ask for Happy Hour specials? I think they have them.

Oak and Honey

Hotel bar for the Springfield Suites and Residence Inn, but doesn’t feel like a restaurant bar. SO CUTE. They used to have Sunday specials but not sure if they still do. Good place for happy hour. Plenty of seating. 

El Thrifty 

On the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Trendy cool Mexican restaurant with cool games and outdoor seating. I like their happy hour. More expensive than what you usually expect for Mexican restaurants. 

FANCY DINNERS - reservations recommended

The Anchorage

Pendleton Street

Don't miss out on this James-Beard nominated restaurant. 

Jianna 

Main + Falls Park Drive

adorable Italian restaurant. Book a reservation. They have an awesome outdoor balcony overlooking Main Street. The bar is also a great place to sit. 

Halls Chophouse

Downtown, corner of Main and Falls Park Dr

Charleston based restaurant. Great for a nice brunch option .Very hip spot to hang out for a drink or fancy steak dinner.

Larkins 

Right on the Reedy River next to the Peace Center

(another brunch option)

Soby's 

Corner of Main + Court Street

Great place to grab a quick drink before heading out on the town. Their food is fantastic. They call themselves “Contemporary Southern Cuisine”

I do enjoy their brunch buffet…but hear me out. Before you think oh my gosh “Buffet” it’s not quite what you think. They have everything you wouldn’t expect on a brunch buffet and the dessert bar..to die for. 

Husk

Main Street

Another very popular Charleston based restaurant of Southern food

NorthHampton Wines

Broad Street

LOVE THIS RESTAURANT! Highly underrated gem of Greenville. This very cozy building is also a retail store for wonderful wines and cheeses. Don’t be afraid to stop in a grab a bottle (or a few) to take back home. The prices are very reasonable too. Bottles of wine are available to enjoy with dinner for a corking fee. PRO-TIP: Sit at the bar or in the bar area for the Bar Bites menu! Don’t forget to check out the big wine room in the back. Don’t skip out on the dessert menu. The Chocolate Mousse is my favorite dessert in all of Greenville.

The Lazy Goat 

On the Reedy River

Mediterranean themed with wonderful tapas and cheese plates. If it’s nice out, the outside seating area is very relaxing and super enjoyable at night.

THINGS TO DO:

SHOPPING!!!

There are so many adorable boutiques up and down Main Street. Don’t stop at Falls Park. Keep on going down Main Street towards Flour Field. At the split at Augusta St, stay left at the fork for more boutiques. Don't forget to stop in Mast General Store if you need any hiking gear or outwear. They are well stocked for an outdoor adventure. 

FALLS PARK:

Supposedly the #1 spot to get engaged in all of South Carolina, so they say. It’s a gorgeous park…I can totally see it. Grab a coffee, tea, or ice cream and stroll around. There are plenty of parks benches and swings to have a seat and a great conversation or snap a few photos. Be aware of your surroundings when walking around as you will see plenty of cyclists and runners passing through on the Swamp Rabbit Trail getting their workout on. 

SWAMP RABBIT TRAIL

22 Mile trail on the old railroad running through Greenville, into downtown, on through Furman to Travelers Rest. Jump on it downtown and go for a walk to the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, The Commons, El Thrifty and MORE.

The FARMERS MARKET (May-October)

Saturday Morning down Main Street from Washington Street to Court Street in front of the Westin from 8am-12pm. It's awesome! Grab coffee + breakfast and stroll the closed street for some wonderful local produce, artists, meat, + more. 

BOOKSTORES:

M Judson

Main + Court Street - right next to the Westin

Adorable little bookstore with the quirkiest gifts! Check out the walls of staff picks and the BLIND DATE wall. They have regularly scheduled events (some ticketed) for really fun things to do! Everything from kid events, Lunch + Lit, Meet the Author, Trivia night AND MORE! The Chocolate Moose Bakery inside. Don't miss out!

Second + Charles

Laurens Road

HUGE used and new selection of books, music, movies, gifts + more.

Mr K's

Verdae Blvd

Pretty large selection of second hand books.

Things to Do in GVL

Wineries and Breweries