Dining in South Carolina is always an adventure. Whether you’re looking for a down-home barbecue joint or an upscale eatery that requires a bit of dressing up, the Palmetto State won’t disappoint. Truly, you could venture to any corner of the state and find yourself close to an incredible — and downright unforgettable — meal. Today’s list is one that will showcase those places that will make your dining experience extraordinary, whether it’s because of the food, the atmosphere, or something else altogether. (That’s right, we even have a themed restaurant included!)

Without further ado, here are some unique restaurants in South Carolina that will not only qualify as a one-of-a-kind experience but will also satisfy those tastebuds. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

1. Top of Carolina, Columbia
David/Flickr
900 Barnwell St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
David/Flickr
Sitting on top of the Capstone Building, this building gives you a full 360-degree view of the metropolitan area. It definitely is a restaurant to put on your list of places to go. For more information, you can visit the Top of Carolina website.
2. The Gulfstream Cafe, Myrtle Beach
1536 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Dan LaMee/Flickr
This restaurant is sure to give you that "wow!" factor. On one side is Myrtle Beach and the other side shows you Murrell's Inlet. The upper deck is the perfect place to see the sunset over the beach. The seafood couldn't get any fresher or the people any friendlier. For more information about one of the most unique restaurants in South Carolina, be sure to visit the Gulfstream Cafe online.
3. Villa Tronco, Columbia
1213 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201
Alexis Fam/Flickr
Located in the same building for over 70 years, this restaurant has been named many things, but has always been Italian. It is dubbed "the oldest continuously running restaurant in South Carolina'. The building itself has been declared a historic landmark. The family has preserved as much of the original building as possible so you get that old world feeling when you walk in as well as generous portions of authentic Italian food. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Villa Tronco website.
4. The Peddler Steakhouse, Greenville
2000 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29609, USA
With Wind/Flickr
What could be better than a large juicy well-cooked steak? One that is cooked while you sit in the beautiful setting of a century-old stone building tucked out of the way of the flow of the city. For more information, check out the Peddler Steakhouse website.

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5. Poogan's Porch, Charleston
Via Tsuji/Flickr
Serving up fresh local food in a Victorian home that has its own ghost. Wait. What? Yes, exactly. Not only do you get fresh local food here and you get to experience it inside a beautiful old Victorian home, but you may just well see a ghost. Her name, by the way, is Zoe. For more information about this iconic South Carolina restaurant, you can visit Poogan's Porch online.
6. Larkin's On The River, Greenville
318 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Connie Ma/Flickr
Larkin's On The River is all about the ambiance. It not only gives you beautifully crafted plates, but it also serves up intimacy and romance. A must-do for that date night! Learn more when you visit the Larkin's On The River website.
7. The Whig, Columbia
Will McCulloch/Flickr
When it comes to unique restaurants in South Carolina, The Whig might just take the cake. This restaurant is below the city. Yes, that's right. You go underground for this dining experience. Not only it is a 'different' kind of place, but it is affordable too. Therefore, ladies and gents, you don't have to break the bank to eat here. For more information, you can check out The Whig online.
8. The Grocery, Charleston
4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA
atl10trader/Flickr
Located in an old furniture warehouse, this restaurant is serving only seasonal and local food so the menu changes frequently. This restaurant also houses its own canning program and is serving up craft beers on tap. Check out more about this restaurant when you visit The Grocery website.
9. Pirates Voyage, Myrtle Beach
8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, USA
Myrtle Beach TheDigitel/Flickr
No list of unique restaurants in South Carolina is complete without mentioning Pirates Voyage. Want something different? Something the whole family will enjoy? Try this restaurant. You have dinner and a show with pirates and mermaids with all in between. The food is served 'pirate' style and etiquette is not necessarily something you will be looking for. Get ready for laughs and a good time especially for the children. Learn more when you visit Pirates Voyage online.

It goes without saying that there’s an impressive collection of unique restaurants in South Carolina. Have you been to any of the ones mentioned in this list? Or perhaps there are some other favorites that you’d recommend? If so, feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! You can also nominate your favorite restaurants for the chance to see them featured in future stories.

Looking for more dining inspiration? Who could blame you! Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of our very favorite places to eat in South Carolina. From hole-in-the-wall taco joints to mouthwatering barbecue, and waterfront dining, this list has it all. Check out our Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In South Carolina — and be sure to bring your appetite!

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unique restaurants in South Carolina

Beth C. | October 13, 2021

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