A good restaurant isn’t hard to find in South Carolina. In a state that relies so heavily on tourism dollars, the restaurant business is booming and also very competitive. Over the years scores of restaurants have withstood the test of time, some thriving for decades. Here are 13 of the longest-standing restaurants in South Carolina where you can still stop in for a time-tested mouthwatering meal.
1. Captain Juel's Hurricane Restaurant - Little River
Captain Juel's Hurricane Restaurant has been serving folks in Little River for the past 70 years! From the looks of this plate, it's easy to see why they're so popular!4499 Mineola Ave, Little River, SC 29566
2. Shealy's Bar-B-Que - Leesville
Shealy's has been serving their BBQ here for so long their restaurant is now a landmark. They opened in 1969 and have been dishing up delish menu items on their hearty buffet ever since.340 E Columbia Ave, Leesville, SC 29070
3. Yesterday's Restaurant and Tavern - Columbia
Most people know Yesterday's from the famous man taking a bath in a tub above the entrance. But take just one step inside this restaurant and you'll feel like you're in the wild west. Yesterday's has been dishing up meals in Five Points since 1976.2030 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
4. Lee's Inlet Kitchen - Murrells Inlet
Not only has Lee's Inlet Kitchen been in business in the same location since 1948, but they've also been operated by the same family for that long too! Savor the fresh seafood selections here at the oldest family-run restaurant in its original location in Murrells Inlet.4460 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
5. Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant - Columbia
Villa Tronco has been making mouths water for 76 years. Located in a historic firehouse not far from the Governor's mansion, this Italian restaurant is a huge favorite among locals. 1213 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201
6. Henry's House - Charleston
Henry's, circa 1930, is one of Charleston's oldest restaurants. It's also a bar and has a great rooftop space. The restaurant has evolved a lot over the decades. Note on their website there is a strict
dress code . Henry's is definitely a great place to get dressed up and go out for a night on the town.
54 N Market St, Charleston, SC 29401
7. The Clock Drive In - Greenville
The Clock has been serving great burgers with outstanding service in Greenville since 1953. Have a burger here and find out why AAA Magazine recently named them among the Top 8 Burgers in the Carolinas.1844 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29609
8. Groucho's Deli - Columbia
Ever since Harold "Groucho" Miller opened his deli serving high quality meats and cheese with "dressings" in 1941, tastebuds all over Columbia haven't been the same. They've grown so big now because they're now a franchise operation. Their first franchise opened in 2000 in Lexington, SC.611 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
9. Hite and Sons BBQ - West Columbia
It's always a good sign when you pull up to a BBQ joint and there's a giant pile of split wood next to the place. Such is the case at Hite's. Serving mouthwatering BBQ in West Columbia since 1969, Hite's has a small window to satisfy your BBQ fix. They're only open on Saturdays and Sundays!240 Dreher Rd, West Columbia, SC 29169
10. Beacon Drive In - Spartanburg
The Beacon Drive In opened back in 1946. Imagine how many Beacon Burgers they've dished up over the years! This southern landmark is also famous for their Chili Cheese A Plenty. Try it next time you're in Spartanburg.255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg, SC 29306
11. Hudson's Seafood House - Hilton Head
Hudsons has been a tradition for seafood lovers in Hilton Head since 1967. Plan your meal around sunset. Their deck is a great place to be at that hour.1 Hudson Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
12. Zesto Of West Columbia - West Columbia
Zesto opened in 1949 serving their now famous chicken, burgers and tasty ice cream. That's 67 years and a whole lot of burgers and cones!504 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169
13. Marina Variety Store Restaurant - Charleston
The Marina Variety Store Restaurant, located at the entrance to Charleston's City Marina, has been around since 1963. Famous for their out-of-this-world breakfasts, including the Chicken and Waffle entree shown here, the Variety Store is a landmark on Charleston's Lockwood Boulevard.17 Lockwood Dr, Charleston, SC 29401
Man, that chicken and waffle looks so good. And since I’ve actually had it, I can say: it is!
South Carolina’s a big state. We’re sure there are many more “old” restaurants than on this list. So feel free to add your favorite if it wasn’t included.
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