With so many wonderful choices in the Palmetto State, it can be difficult to narrow down the list of options for dining out. Well, we’ve put together a bucket list of places to dine throughout the coming months. (You’re welcome!) Enjoy the 12 best restaurants in South Carolina, each offering a unique atmosphere and menu sure to please. You’ll leave with happy taste buds and a full belly from every one of the following bucket list-worthy restaurants. And only two are in the same location, so you’ll get a little taste of different parts of the state as well!
Head to the Grand Strand in the winter to avoid the masses of tourists found throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Enjoy a high-spirited atmosphere the whole family will love at Dinoland Cafe. Animatronic prehistoric creatures turn this meal into loads of fun.
Authentic German food served with loads of choices for German brews to go with is what you'll find here. For some reason, German food can lend itself to colder weather and February is the perfect time to check out this fantastic restaurant.
Warm up on a chilly spring evening with a delightful meal at this small-town eatery found in Sumter. Come as you are and enjoy upscale dining in a lovely and relaxed atmosphere. Read more about Hampton's.
Charleston is the perfect place to visit in the spring and this wonderful eatery found inside The Vendue Inn on East Bay Street is brimming with delicious choices including steaks and seafood.
Combine a road trip to Greenville to attend this year's Artisphere event (taking place the first weekend in May) with a truly decadent meal at Jianna. The flavors of the Old World come to life in one of the best restaurants in SC, only steps from Falls Park on the Reedy.
Editor's Note: Unfortunately, Lucy Bell's is now permanently closed.
Take an awesome ferry ride and enjoy the cool breeze as you you make your way over to Daufuskie Island to dine at Lucy Bell's. June is ideal for sitting outside under the giant oak tree and scarfing down scrumptious fresh seafood.
Roll up your sleeves in July as you take your time working your way through a plate piled high with fresh seafood. Bring a hearty appetite, or expect to bring home a large portion of leftovers. The serving sizes here are more than generous and the food is fantastic.
Special occasion or not, a trip out to the nether regions of South Carolina to dine at this charming old steakhouse located on an old mill pond is a wonderful way to overcome to doldrums of summer. There's nothing like a perfectly prepared steak to lift your spirits!
Roll down the windows and take a little road trip in September over to Hemingway to dine at the most famous BBQ joint in the state. Scott's has received worldwide recognition for its pit-cooked goodness and you're about to find out why.
Soups and sandwiches served on freshly baked bread make up the majority of the dining menu at Hershberger's. But don't kid yourself... you're really here for one (or FOUR) of their famous cinnamon rolls that are bigger than your head!
The flavors of Old World Italy can be found way out in the country at this unsuspecting bistro whose owner is also the chef — who happens to be from Italy. Need we say more? This meal is sure to rival anything you'll have on your holiday table later in the month for Thanksgiving.
December on Sullivans Island -- more often than not the weather is stunning and the crowds are much smaller than in the summer months. This is the perfect time to indulge in some brews and a gourmet burger out on the front porch or on the patio.
Dining out in the Palmetto State doesn’t have to be a big production. Just set aside some time and go do it. It is definitely worth taking the time to go out because there are so many incredible places to discover. Whether you are looking to enjoy an evening out with your significant other, your friends, or your whole family, you are certain to be able to find somewhere fantastic to go in our beautiful state. These 12 amazing restaurants in South Carolina are perfect ways to hit the road for a food-centric excursion every single month. These restaurants give you 12 more reasons to look forward to every month of the year.
Have you ever eaten at any of the best restaurants in SC? Which of these delicious options is your favorite and what dish do you think is the best on their menu? We would love to hear all about your experiences in the comments section.
Are there other great restaurants that we haven’t featured before but need to? We definitely want to know about your top choices for a night out. Take a moment and nominate your favorite South Carolina restaurant for consideration. You just might see it featured on Only in Your States website soon!
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Danielle Schwartz|February 26, 2023
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