Food and Drink
Craft breweries, farm distilleries, specialty coffee, and local eats
Eat and Drink Local
From farm distillery to craft taproom — taste the Blue Ridge.
The Upstate's food and drink scene is as diverse as its landscape. Sip small-batch spirits made from farm-grown fruit at Chattooga Belle, discover Puerto Rican coffee on Main Street Walhalla, or pull up a barstool at one of several craft breweries and enjoy cold local ales with a mountain backdrop.
4+
Craft Breweries
1
Farm Distillery
3+
Coffee Shops
Fine Dining
Upscale steakhouses, chef-driven menus, and exceptional wine programs.
Upscale steakhouse and grill offering premium cuts, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list in an elegant setting in downtown Anderson.
Chef-driven farm-to-table cuisine in a stylish setting. Creative seasonal menus, craft cocktails, and a welcoming upscale neighborhood atmosphere.
Elevated Southern cuisine in a refined yet approachable setting. Known for exceptional service and a menu that celebrates regional ingredients.
Innovative, locally sourced cuisine in beautiful Upstate South Carolina since 2002. Serving creative dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients in downtown Pendleton.
A flagship location of Rick Erwin's renowned Upstate dining group. Known for USDA prime dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an exceptional wine program.
Casual & Lakeside
Waterfront spots, lake grills, and Main Street hangouts for every appetite.
Spectacular waterfront dining at Portman Marina on Lake Hartwell. Casual American fare with stunning lakeside views — a perfect post-paddle dinner spot.
Searing pans and bold flavors in downtown Anderson. A casual, laid-back dining spot with a fun, summer-inspired menu. Great for families and groups.
Traditional Japanese cuisine including a complete sushi menu, small dishes, and special chef creations — all in a stunning waterfront marina setting.
A Main Street casual dining spot serving hearty American fare, local craft beer, and a welcoming community atmosphere in the heart of downtown Anderson.
Authentic Mexican cantina cuisine with a lakeside Upstate twist. Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a relaxed waterside setting at The Shores.
A laid-back lakeside grill and bar at Big Water Marina with a Johnny Cash-inspired spirit, cold drinks, and crowd-pleasing Southern comfort food.
International
Global flavors from tacos to sushi — the Upstate's most diverse dining options.
Authentic Mexican street-style tacos, burritos, and aguas frescas. A local gem serving bold, traditional flavors in a casual, colorful setting.
Eclectic American menu with diverse flavors. A popular dining destination for those craving something beyond typical Upstate fare — brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Fresh sushi rolls, sashimi, Korean BBQ tabletop grill, ramen, and Japanese-inspired bistro dishes. One of the Upstate's most diverse dining experiences.
Breakfast & Brunch
Farm-fresh starts, specialty coffee, and scratch kitchens to kick off your adventure.
A beloved local cafe serving fresh, wholesome breakfast and brunch fare sourced from regional farms. Relaxed atmosphere with a health-forward menu.
Voted the best cup of coffee in Anderson, SC. Espresso drinks, light bites, and a warm community atmosphere — AU students receive 10% off.
A neighborhood gathering spot for breakfast and brunch, featuring comfort food made from scratch with a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
BBQ & Southern
Slow-smoked pits, pulled pork, and all the Southern sides done right.
Slow-smoked BBQ done right — pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and all the classic Southern sides. A must-stop for barbecue lovers traveling through the Upstate.
Sweet Treats
Artisan chocolates, homemade pies, and sweet stops worth planning around.
Artisan chocolates handcrafted with premium ingredients. Truffles, bonbons, and seasonal confections that make perfect gifts or indulgent souvenirs.
Famous for homemade pies baked fresh daily. A classic Upstate diner experience with old-fashioned desserts that keep visitors coming back.
Craft Beer and Spirits
Locally brewed ales, craft taprooms, and a one-of-a-kind farm distillery.
Oconee County's first craft brewery. Beer garden, taproom, and on-site brewery producing small-batch ales. A welcoming community gathering spot in the heart of Seneca.
Craft beer taproom and live music venue on Scenic Hwy 11. Wine, craft sodas, and light appetizers. Dog-friendly (leashed) and kid-friendly (supervised).
20 rotating craft beers on draft plus an espresso station. Pastries, lattes, frappes, and smoothies. Located in the heart of the historic Ram Cat Alley district.
Connected to Peace of Pie on Hartwell. Craft beers on tap, pizza, and lakeside vibes. Close to Lake Hartwell — the perfect post-paddle or post-fishing stop.
A true farm-to-bottle experience. They grow the fruit on the farm, ferment it, distill it, bottle it, label it, and sell it all on premises.
Award-winning farm brewery and winery producing Belgian-inspired ales and estate wines in downtown Anderson. Known for wild fermentation, barrel-aged beers, and a warm pub atmosphere.
Craft beer, great food, and a captivating atmosphere in downtown Anderson. A neighborhood brewery bringing creative small-batch brews and good times to Main Street.
South Carolina's first legal moonshine distillery. Famous for tours and free tastings of their moonshine and whiskey. Check website for new location update.
Coffee and Cafés
Third-wave pour-overs, Puerto Rican imports, and sweet shop staples.
Puerto Rican coffee imported direct from the farm, boba, espresso, Blue Bell ice cream, Italian sodas, and an all-day breakfast and lunch menu with Puerto Rican influences.
Small-batch roasting company and craft coffee shop. Watch the roasting process in action. Comfortable upstairs seating for coffee, work, or socializing.
A Main Street Walhalla institution. Coffee house, breakfast, lunch, ice cream, and a thoughtful selection of gifts. Warm, welcoming, and perfectly positioned as your pre-hike fuel stop.
Locally sourced ingredients, pre-prohibition style cocktails, coffee, smoothies, craft beers, and select wines. Open for breakfast and lunch.
Bridge City Coffee began as a roastery in Anderson, SC in 2017. Specialty coffee with a focus on quality sourcing, craft roasting, and community connection.
Anderson's Electric City Roasters brings craft coffee culture to the Upstate with locally roasted beans and a welcoming neighborhood café atmosphere.
Coffee shop inside the Lake Hartwell Outdoor Center. The perfect morning fuel stop before a day on the water — kayaking, paddleboarding, or wake sports.
Bars and Dining
Local plates, rooftop bars, wine bars, and only-in-the-Upstate experiences.
Indoor golf simulators with bays for up to 6 players, full bar service, and a limited food menu. Located at Lighthouse Lake Keowee.
Famous homemade hamburgers, steaks to salmon — Arnold's brings fresh flavor and local pride to every plate. A beloved Seneca institution.
Tucked into the heart of downtown Anderson — a distinct alternative to regular eating and drinking establishments. Classic Scot-Irish pub with cold pints, pub fare, and live music.
A rotating selection of craft beers on tap with growler fills to go. A go-to spot for beer lovers looking for something beyond the usual.
Elevated rooftop bar and restaurant offering elevated dining and spectacular views. Craft cocktails and a menu worth the climb.
Clemson's original sports bar. A locally loved institution with cold drinks, big game energy, and crowd-pleasing pub fare right in the heart of Clemson.
A refined wine bar experience in the heart of downtown Anderson. Curated wine list, charcuterie, and a relaxed upscale ambiance for winding down.
Explore the Towns
Each town has its own food and drink personality. Pick your base and start exploring.