Spartanburg’s food scene shines with comfort classics and stylish downtown spots. This local guide gives you quick, practical picks for both family nights and date nights, with simple tips on menus, prices, reservations, and where to sit. We grouped the list into two parts so you can match your mood to the right place fast.
From iconic drive‑ins and fish camps to craft‑cocktail bistros, you’ll find something for every budget and occasion. Many of these places are longtime community favorites, and some draw big crowds, so we included timing tips to help you skip the wait.
Ready to eat well in Hub City? Start with the family picks, then scroll to date‑night favorites.
Quick Tips for Choosing Between Family Night and Date Night
- Families: Look for kids’ menus, highchairs, and roomy seating. Check for easy parking and a noise level that won’t overwhelm little ones. Many casual spots have quick counter service and big portions.
- Couples: Focus on ambiance, cocktails or wine lists, and reservation options. Outdoor patios and quieter corners are great for a relaxed night.
- Time your visit: Popular places can have lines. Check menus and hours online, consider an early dinner, and call ahead for large groups.
Top Picks — Best for Families
Wade’s Restaurant (Southern meat‑and‑three)
Wade’s has served scratch‑made sides and comfort mains since 1947. It’s a true Spartanburg staple recognized as a James Beard America’s Classics winner. Portions are big, prices are fair, and service is fast.
- Try: Fried chicken, pot roast, macaroni, squash casserole
- Price: $ to $$
- Kid perks: Easy menus, speedy service
- Tip: Expect crowds; consider earlier meal times
- Parking: On‑site lot
- More info: eatatwades.com
The Beacon Drive‑In (retro drive‑in)
Opened in 1946, The Beacon is as classic as it gets, with curb service, huge sweet tea, and the famous Chili‑Cheese A‑Plenty. The lively vibe is fun for kids and visiting guests.
- Try: A‑Plenty plates, chili cheeseburger, onion rings
- Price: $
- Kid perks: Fast counter/curb service
- Tip: Lines move fast; off‑peak visits are easiest with kids
- Parking: Large lot
- More info: beacondrivein.com
Sugar‑n‑Spice (drive‑in diner)
A longtime local go‑to for burgers, souvlaki, and shakes. Simple, quick, and easy on the wallet, which makes it a reliable weeknight option.
- Try: Souvlaki plates, double burger, fries
- Price: $
- Kid perks: Familiar favorites and fast service
- Tip: Peak dinner hours can be busy
- Parking: On‑site lot
Cribb’s Kitchen (downtown American)
Downtown favorite with a broad menu that suits everyone, from burgers and salads to smoked plates. It’s casual enough for kids but has polished service.
- Try: Signature burgers, smoked ribeye, shareable apps
- Price: $$
- Kid perks: Kids’ items and flexible menu
- Tip: Good for groups; consider an early dinner on weekends
- Parking: Street and nearby public lots
- More info: cribbskitchen.com
Mon Amie Morning Café (brunch café)
Bright, cheerful brunch spot with crepes, eggs Benedict, and a friendly team. The patio is a plus for strollers and sunny mornings.
- Try: Sweet and savory crepes, Benedicts, cinnamon roll
- Price: $ to $$
- Kid perks: Patio seating and a welcoming staff
- Tip: Expect a wait at peak brunch; arrive early
- Parking: Shopping‑center lot
- More info: monamiecafe.com
Willy Taco (creative Tex‑Mex)
A lively local concept with creative tacos, big flavors, and a fun vibe. It’s casual and upbeat, great for an easy family dinner or a teens’ favorite.
- Try: Street tacos, queso, house margaritas for adults
- Price: $ to $$
- Kid perks: Patio seating; flexible taco options
- Tip: Weeknights are easiest; weekend nights get busy
- Parking: On‑site lot
- More info: willytaco.com
The Lemongrass Kitchen (Vietnamese)
Comforting pho, spring rolls, and rice plates in a relaxed downtown setting. A dedicated kids’ pho makes ordering simple.
- Try: Pho, fresh spring rolls, banh mi
- Price: $ to $$
- Kid perks: Kids’ pho and approachable flavors
- Tip: Check hours before you go; casual and quick
- Parking: Nearby street and public lots
- More info: lemongrasseatery.com/menu
Lake Bowen Fish Camp (Inman)
A waterfront fish‑camp tradition with fried seafood platters and hushpuppies. The easygoing vibe and shareable plates make it a hit with families.
- Try: Fried flounder, shrimp, hushpuppies
- Price: $ to $$
- Kid perks: Simple plates; familiar sides
- Tip: Fish camps often have limited weekday hours; check before visiting
- Parking: On‑site lot
- More info: visitspartanburg.com/directory/lake-bowen-fish-camp
Top Picks — Best for Date Night
The Peddler Steakhouse (downtown steakhouse)
Classic steakhouse feel with charcoal‑grilled steaks, a curated wine list, and a courtyard on select evenings. Ideal for anniversaries or celebrations.
- Standouts: Ribeye, filet, baked potato, wine pairings
- Price: $$$
- Reservations: Mostly first‑come; call for parties of 6+
- Best seats: Courtyard or a cozy booth
- Occasion: Special occasion dinner
- More info: peddlerspartanburg.com
The Kennedy (modern bistro)
Stylish New American plates, art‑deco touches, and a serious cocktail program. The intimate room sets the tone for a relaxed, polished night out.
- Standouts: Seasonal small plates, craft cocktails
- Price: $$ to $$$
- Reservations: Book online to secure prime times
- Best seats: Bar for cocktails or a two‑top inside
- Occasion: Birthday, date night, pre‑show dinner
- More info: thekennedysc.com
Cribb’s Kitchen (upscale casual downtown)
A versatile choice for couples who want flavor without formality. Great cocktails and a menu that ranges from shareables to steak and seafood.
- Standouts: Smoked ribeye, creative apps, local beers
- Price: $$
- Reservations: Popular on weekends; arrive early
- Best seats: Upstairs dining or a corner table
- Occasion: Casual romantic night
- More info: cribbskitchen.com
Willy Taco (lively casual)
Fun, colorful, and energetic, with playful tacos and solid margaritas. Perfect for a low‑key date with personality.
- Standouts: Rotating taco specials, house margaritas
- Price: $ to $$
- Reservations: Walk‑in friendly; avoid peak rush
- Best seats: Patio in nice weather
- Occasion: Casual date or meetup with friends
- More info: willytaco.com
Stone Soup Market & Café (Landrum area)
A cozy market‑café with local‑leaning dishes, bakery treats, and outdoor seating. It’s a charming daytime date or a gentle pace for a conversation‑first evening.
- Standouts: Daily specials, soups, baked goods
- Price: $ to $$
- Reservations: Casual; check hours
- Best seats: Patio on a mild day
- Occasion: Daytime date, coffee and a stroll
- More info: stonesoupoflandrum.com
The Lemongrass Kitchen (downtown, intimate casual)
Warm service, comforting bowls of pho, and shareable small plates make for an easy, relaxed date. The quiet setting is great for conversation.
- Standouts: Pho, vermicelli bowls, iced coffee
- Price: $ to $$
- Reservations: Casual; check hours online
- Best seats: A two‑top by the window
- Occasion: Low‑key weeknight date
- More info: lemongrasseatery.com/menu
The Flounder Fish Camp (classic Upstate)
Laid‑back, family‑run fish camp since 1969. Not fancy, but nostalgic and satisfying for a simple, no‑frills date night.
- Standouts: Fried flounder, seafood platters, hushpuppies
- Price: $ to $$
- Reservations: Typical fish‑camp hours; arrive early on weekends
- Best seats: Booths for a cozy feel
- Occasion: Casual, nostalgic date
- More info: theflounderfishcamp.com
Neighborhood Pairing: Where These Spots Fit
- Downtown Spartanburg: The Kennedy, Peddler Steakhouse, and Cribb’s Kitchen are walkable from Morgan Square with street and public‑lot parking.
- East Side and Corridors: Mon Amie and Willy Taco are convenient to E Main Street and nearby neighborhoods.
- Inman and Lake Areas: Lake Bowen Fish Camp serves residents near Highway 9 and Lake Bowen.
- Landrum and Northern County: Stone Soup offers a relaxed stop after house‑hunting in Landrum or Tryon.
Tip: Touring neighborhoods? Plan a meal nearby to get a feel for traffic, parking, and local energy.
Conclusion
Spartanburg’s table has room for every mood. Bookmark this list, pick a spot, and enjoy a night out that fits your plans and budget. If you’re exploring neighborhoods where you’ll love both the home and the local eats, I’m here to help.
Schedule a Free Consultation & Home Valuation. For friendly guidance on neighborhoods, schools, and dining nearby, connect with Dina Napechnik for local recommendations and home‑search support.
FAQs
What time should families go to avoid waits?
Arrive early for dinner or visit during late afternoon. Popular spots like Wade’s and The Beacon can see lines at peak hours.
Which places take reservations?
The Kennedy offers online bookings. The Peddler is mostly first‑come and asks large parties to call. Many casual spots are walk‑in friendly.
Do fish camps have limited hours?
Often yes. Places like Lake Bowen Fish Camp and The Flounder follow typical fish‑camp schedules. Check current hours before you go.
Are there kids’ menus?
Some restaurants list kids’ items online. The Lemongrass Kitchen notes a Kids’ Pho, and Cribb’s offers kid‑friendly choices. If it matters, call to confirm.
What’s best for a special occasion?
For a classic celebration, try The Peddler Steakhouse. For a stylish, modern experience, book The Kennedy.
Where can we find outdoor seating?
Look to Cribb’s Kitchen, The Peddler’s courtyard on select nights, Mon Amie’s patio, and Willy Taco’s patio when the weather is nice.
Any budget‑friendly family picks?
Yes. The Beacon, Sugar‑n‑Spice, Boots’ & Sonny’s, and Carolina Barbecue are reliable for simple, inexpensive meals.
References for this guide: visitspartanburg.com, jamesbeard.org, eatatwades.com, beacondrivein.com, thekennedysc.com, peddlerspartanburg.com, cribbskitchen.com, monamiecafe.com, willytaco.com, lemongrasseatery.com, stonesoupoflandrum.com, and theflounderfishcamp.com.
