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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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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