Blue Moon's second location, the Blue Moon Bodega, is open for business on Daniel Morgan Avenue. The new neighborhood grocery store and casual eatery is in a prime spot, located within walking distance of the Spartanburg Marriott, Wofford College, and the new residential community, The Charles.

The other reason to stop into the Blue Moon Bodega are the vittles. Order straight from the pre-determined menu of salads, sandwiches and charcuterie boards, or venture out and create your own. 

And with that, let's dive into some of the dishes I've been delighted to try...

I've had this board twice, and it seems to be the most popular pre-made pick for a crowd! A great variety of items that are easy on the palate and pair well together. Excellent choice all around.

How much fun is this kid's charcuterie board?! The only thing you need to know is that my kids ate every single bite on this board with huge smiles on their faces! 

This is one of two salads I've tried, and it is a great choice for those that like sweet and savory together. The combination of goat cheese and spiced pecans is *chef's kiss*. 

This salad gave me everything I want in a chef's salad. Not only visually stunning, but packed with flavor and texture with unexpected ingredients, particularly the brie, taking it to the next level.

The Kim-Cheesy...I honestly can't wait to have this again. PERFECTION.

All sandwiches include the choice of a house side. In addition to the three pictured below, you can choose chips, giddyup snack mix, southwestern corn and bean salad, or dilly beans.

After making the excruciating decision of what to eat, stop in the wine cellar with nearly 100 curated wines to buy a bottle for the group, or order by the glass. There's also plenty of craft beer in the cold cave! 

I'm obsessed with the art behind the bar - I always had a moon calendar in my room as a child so it brings back fond memories. You'll have to stop by in-person to see Wishbone's custom bar chair ;)

The patio is airy and fun with pops of yellow and murals, textured chairs, and lovely heaters. It has been excellent over the past couple of cooler months, and I can only imagine how great it will be this spring and summer!

I hope you have a chance to check out the Bodega soon, and if you're looking for more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

There is an entire additional seating area of El Chinchorro that includes a bar and a karaoke stage. I couldn't find any additional information on their website about when this occurs, but rest assured, I will be asking the next time I go in so I can report back!

A resounding welcome to The Fretwell has been echoing through Spartanburg this week, and my voice is among those shouting it from the rooftops! What a fun new place that has landed on the scene: The Fretwell is a restaurant and retail collective with big plans in store for the future.

When you arrive you'll be greeted by a huge open space with lots of sun, shade, seating, and room to roam. It is kid and pet friendly, with multiple access points - you can approach it from from the Mary Black Rail Trail on either side, and there is a small parking lot if you aren't arriving by foot or bike. Access to the parking lot is on Fretwell Street off of Marion Street between Pine and Union.

Pull up a seat to any of the tables - there are both picnic-style tables and 4-tops, both under umbrellas and in the sun - or grab a place at the bar that overlooks the Rail Trail! I imagine you could also bring blankets and/or camping chairs to set up your own space in the grass.

In all her glory, here is The Spartan. She serves a wide variety of drinks and snacks to guests who are passing by or planning to stay a while.

In addition to adult beverages, there is a great selection of non-alcoholic bevs, and everything is served through this precious vintage window.

The menus above show the variety of beverages, snacks, small bites and sweet treats that are available. My kids were begging for popsicles and ice cream of course, but for our first visit we went with the boiled peanuts, house charcuterie box, and the traveling taco with Doritos.

The House Charcuterie box features apples, pickles, olives, meat, cheese, crackers, hummus and jam. If you know me you know I love all the goodies that you can use to make different flavorful bites, and this basket offers a lot of variety! I loved the meat and cheese on a cracker with a little bit of jam.

If you pick the Traveling Taco, you get to choose from Doritos or Fritos, which are then loaded up with beef, cheese, sour cream, and salsa. This was all the crunchy, cheesy, salty goodness I was hoping for.

I can never get enough Bullhded peanuts out of Tryon, NC, and no, that is not a typo. To see them on this menu is quite a treat!! Read more about them here.

As you can see, The Fretwell is a beautiful space in a great location for all kinds of people and activities. In the future there are plans to feature food trucks and musical artists, as well as host local events. You can visit their site here to learn more about all of that. 

From June 8th through August 3rd you can find the Hub City Farmer's Market at The Fretwell on Wednesdays from 6 - 8:30pm with vendors, food trucks, live music, and drinks!

​Thanks for reading, and if you're looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, start here!

Ali Baba opened in Spartanburg in February of 2022 on Wall Street and brings a (IMHO) much needed middle eastern menu to town. I don't know about you, but I regularly get cravings for gyros, and they have been hard to find locally since Cuzina closed. 

The hummus platter features a fresh and creamy mound of hummus and is chock full of dippers which makes it super fun to create different taste combinations: bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, olives, cubed cheeses, pistachios, and pita. It also comes with a side of za'atar, a traditional middle eastern spice blend of things like oregano, marjoram, cumin, thyme, coriander, salt and sumac. I love the brightness that it adds and suggest you sprinkle it on every bite!!

Ali Baba has four different gyros to choose from. Above is the Classic Gyro which comes with seasoned lamb, but you can also get chicken, smoked pork, or a simple veggie gyro. BTW, this is a great restaurant to try if you are vegetarian as pretty much everything has a veggie option!

For a fun twist, try the pizzas! They are made on traditional toasted pita bread with a special red sauce and mozzarella cheese. For meat toppings you can pick from seasoned lamb, chicken, or smoked pork, or you can order a veggie version of this too. 

There are lots of drink options here with a good selection of wine and beer as well as specialty coffee. The bar area is pretty funky with three huge TVs (where else can you be at Bayside High, a sporting event, and solving a murder with Samuel L. Jackson all at the same time?!) and a disco ball!

While the inside of the restaurant is on the smaller side, they have the advantage of being on Wall Street where there is plenty of outdoor seating. Grab a hummus platter or sandwich for a delicious evening out, or you can also order Ali Baba from Hub City Delivery!

Thanks for reading, and if you're looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, start here!

If you’re looking for a new casual place to eat in Spartanburg, The Silo might be right up your alley. The brains behind RJ Rockers and HenHouse Brunch combined forces to bring us an eclectic menu of shareable plates with a slight Cajun flair. Like a lot of people, you may be wondering how you get there: you can enter through RJ Rockers or through the main entrance from the Cribbs/Silo parking lot (pictured below). Parking can be found all around, but your best bets are probably the QS1 lot and the lot down the hill behind The Silo after 5pm.

All over the new Spartanburg restaurant are indications of a lifelong love of beer. There is a fabulous beer can collection room, with a garage-door type window that will be great when the weather is consistently warm. The walls are adorned with the most extensive beer can collection I’ve certainly seen, and checking them out is a super fun way to pass the time with friends. (This room does have chairs now!!)

You’ll also find a beer bottle wall on the way to the bathrooms, whose ceilings are decked with old beer crates and scrabble letters. I also love the garage door that pays homage to the buildings original purpose: Dodge. 

The bar is long and inviting, a great place to wind down at the end of a long day. You’ll find all your favorite RJ Rockers beer on tap, plus some specialties like home brewed ginger beer. While your enjoying that cold beer, take a look at the first two sections of the menu for some smaller bites that are sure to please like the Smoked Trout Terrine – you need to like fishy things, but if you do, you’ll love this appetizer which comes topped with a fried trout tail (brings me back to my childhood memories of fishing and cooking with my dad!) If you want to try a little bit of everything, get The Chow Tray to share: you'll get mini biscuits and slices of tenderloin to make little sandwiches, slaw, fried oysters, deviled eggs and several other sides that are all inspired by beer.

If you’re with a group of friends, don’t be afraid to order several dishes to pass around! My favorites to share include the Chicken Not Pie, Upstate Poutine and Ancho Chili Chicken Wings. The Chicken Not Pie is a biscuit as big as your face, smothered with piping hot, creamy gravy filling from a chicken pot pie. This dish goes a long way! The Upstate Poutine has a lot of flavors going on between the blue pimento cheese (tangy), the Son of a Peach preserves (sweet), the bacon (salty), and finally the gravy with its onion-y goodness. Prepare to lick your fingers clean. The chicken wings have a great crunch on the outside while staying juicy on the inside, and the rub is sweet, smoky and a little bit spicy. 

For a larger meal that you might not want to share, I’d head toward the Catfish & Chips, BBQ Biscuit, Crawfish and Collards, Crab Cakes or the Shrimp and Sweet Potatoes. (Can you tell I’ve already been here a few times??) The Catfish and Chips is a huge serving of hot, crispy catfish with fries on the side as well as some of the unique boiled peanut slaw, a pile of pickled radish, and the house made tartar sauce. You could eat the fish with your hands the way it holds together, and I like to take a bite with a little of the radish and tartar sauce. The boiled peanut and apple slaw is a must-try! I loved it, but the strong peanut flavor might not be for everyone. BBQ Biscuit – another enormous biscuit, this time covered in BBQ and served with your choice of sauces: Carolina Mustard, Kansas City, or Alabama White (or try all 3!). 

Crawfish & Collards – surprisingly delicious with the crawfish and collards smothered in a creamy sauce. The star of this dish could have been the cornbread which had a crunch crust and was quite sweet, but use it to soak up some of that sauce…YUM. You may think crab cakes are a fairly standard dish, but you know when you get good ones – these are chock full of lump crab meat and served with a corn salsa that gives just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. And the Shrimp and Sweet Potatoes – what southerner doesn’t love shrimp and grits? Well get ready for this twist: cajun shrimp + crispy sweet potatoes over a corn risotto...delectable. 

We’re not done yet, you haven’t had dessert. It’s a Pound Cake Flight! Three small pound cakes with seasonal toppings like strawberry, chili chocolate and blackberry. Get an order and pass these around at the end of the night to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth! (and see, THEY even pair well with a beer flight)

​What I love: the casual, comfortable vibe, the unique, flavorful dishes, and that it all pairs perfectly with our local brews from RJ Rockers. As a new place to eat in Spartanburg, The Silo just fits right in.

location.
225 W. Main Street, Suite 100
10th level of the AC Hotel

hours.
mon-sat 4:30pm - until

what they are known for.
stunning views and shareable dishes

Spartanburg has been elevated…by Level 10. Located at the top of the new AC Hotel by Marriott, Level 10 is an upscale dining experience that (IMHO) Spartanburg has needed. Not only is the food spectacular but the views are unreal. ​

The restaurant itself is quite spacious, with several semi-separate dining spaces plus the bar which extends onto the “rooftop”. There are both booths and tables – check out these swanky chairs! I love when tables are set before you sit down…really taking it up a notch.

The dishes are described as shareable, so kind of like tapas. There were 4 of us, so naturally we ordered about 9 dishes in total. It may have been a little much but #noregrets.

Our first round included the Pomme Frites, Roasted Mushrooms, Grilled Oysters, and the Crab Beignets. The beignets surprised me in that they were denser than I imagined – basically like a tempura battered, deep fried, crab cake ball – no complaints here!  Plus the tempura onion rings served with them were to so light and crispy - a perfect compliment. The grilled oysters are great even for people who don’t love oysters because they are cooked through and sprinkled with cheese. The roasted mushrooms had a delicious complex flavor with parmesan and truffle vinaigrette, and went perfectly with a bite of the creamy polenta. But I’m not going to lie, the pomme frites were probably the hit of the first round. Yes, they are "just" French fries, but they were cooked in a way that made them both soft and crunchy, and the dusting of rosemary, garlic and parmesan…finger licking good. 

The second round included our only “For the Table” menu item, which are larger and should be ordered early. The Roasted Chicken Roulade with sage and lemon-caper juice was a great main course dish that everyone loved. We got the Roasted Beets to go along side, and even if you aren’t a huge fan of beets, I implore you to try them! They were sweet and earthy, but mild – perfect side dish.

Last round included the Gnocchi, Seared Salmon and PEI Mussels. I’m a huge fan of mussels, and these did not disappoint. While the mussels themselves were yummy, the best part is obviously dipping that crusty bread into the coconutty, green curry sauce they were cooked in. The seared salmon is a great dish to share because it is mild yet still has a twist with the celery root puree and fennel. Lastly, the gnocchi, which was heavy on the duck confit, was doughy and complimented well by the duck, apples, walnuts and sage. 

Before and/or after your meal, be sure to take time to take in the stunning views. I think we’re all looking at Spartanburg a little differently these days, and the view from Level 10 is definitely one you must take in.

​And, as always, if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!

If you’ve been following Hub City Bites, it is no surprise to you that we have another newcomer to downtown Spartanburg: Bond Street Wines. 

Owner Jeff House has been a resident of Spartanburg for over 10 years and has just opened the second branch of Bond Street Wines on Main Street! They specialize in offering unique and limited production wines either by the glass or bottle in the store, or you can take some home to share – perfect for the upcoming holiday season. He is extremely knowledgeable…I learned more about what I was drinking in the 10 minutes he spoke to us than I ever have at any wine bar. 

The store is simple and modern, with floor-to-ceiling shelves lined with all the varieties you could hope for. In addition to a long and inviting bar, there are two high-top tables with fabulous views of main street through the enormous wrap-around windows in the corner shop. 

Bond Street will offer charcuterie to-order from Renato’s on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, and be on the lookout for announcements about wine-tastings for the community.

​Spartanburg is proud to have not only Bond Street Wines but also Carriage House Wines to fulfill our dreams of hosting that perfect meal. Please consider patronizing both for the holiday season, and welcome Bond Street Wines to Spartanburg!

​Without a doubt, there is a plethora of Mexican restaurants in Spartanburg for you to choose from. So why Mezcal? Well, its smack dab in the middle of a booming downtown that you can’t help but be proud of. Also, it’s got an atmosphere that you won’t find at any of the other taco joints in town. PLUS they’ve taken Mexican fare to the next. level. 

​You’ll be blown away by the signature look of this restaurant! The tables are pre-set with beautiful green and blue tableware which immediately set the air of fine-dining. At the same time, the service was friendly and relaxed, so I felt right at home. With any new restaurant you might expect a wait, and we were seated right away, but were told that the food would take about 30-40 minutes. Cue the drinks and apps!

They have a fabulous selection of wine and beer (lots of RJ Rockers!), plus cocktails for every craving. Our drinks arrived promptly and we went ahead and put in an order of the seasonal guacamole featuring goat cheese and walnuts, plus the traditional Queso Fundido. They have a version of queso with spicy chorizo and craft beer that I can’t wait to try next time! 

The seasonal guacamole was unexpected and so yummy – the goat cheese gave it a tangy and creamy twist, plus the walnuts added a crunch that I never knew guacamole needed. The queso was as queso always is – comforting and scrumptious and I’d like a straw for this please. They come with standard corn chips, but the star of both apps was the fried pita chips dusted with spices. Plus you can add naan bread which is a brilliant variation.

From the Tapas menu, we tried the Stuffed Pepper: a crab stuffed poblano pepper wrapped in jalapeno bacon. I’m a huge spice fan, so I was not disappointed by this smoky hot flavor explosion of crab and pork. And the Empanaditas are exactly what they sound like – adorable little empanada bites featuring chicken, braised short rib and pork belly, all smothered in a mango habanero glaze. You can easily share these, but you won’t want to.

The Huaraches come with a variety of toppings like pork belly and carne asada (below), but they all start with a grilled corn masa dough base. While it was a bit thick, it was a tasty compliment to the steak, black beans, fried avocado (yes), and chimichurri crème fraiche (double yes).

The assortment of sides you can choose from is extensive, from jasmine rice with saffron and smoked paprika, to grilled corn on the cob with chipotle mayo and cilantro, to this amazing Ensalada de Nopales: roasted cactus, red cabbage, red onions, habanero peppers, tomatoes and cilantro. The roasted cactus was smoky and succulent, and such a welcome surprise on a menu in Spartanburg. 

​The food didn’t take nearly as long as anticipated, everything was delivered by gracious staff, and it’s never a bad thing when you are pleasantly surprised by the amount on the check at the end of a mouthwatering meal. Overall, this is a place to put on your list. Check it off soon, then add it back. It’s that good!! Welcome to Spartanburg, Mezcal! And, as always, if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further.

location.
119 N Church Street

hours.
mon-thurs 11am-3pm & 5-9:30pm
fri 11am-3pm & 5-10pm
sat 12-3pm & 5-10pm
sun 12-3pm

what they are known for.
sushi burritos!

menu.

features.
​outdoor dining

Pokenori has made a huge splash in the Spartanburg restaurant scene.  It’s new, innovative, and above all, insanely delicious.  Their twist on sushi is as fresh as the ingredients they are serving up!

I’ll admit, I was a bit overwhelmed on my first visit (and there have been multiple). There are many, many selections...and what makes that exciting is that you can design your favorite meal and order it over and over, or you can get something different every time you visit. 

Your meal can be ordered as a rice bowl, salad, or yes, a sushi burrito. Check out “The Signatures” if you are feeling overwhelmed by the choices before you. “Spicy Ahi” will get you spicy tuna with lettuce, sweet onion, cucumber, masago (those tiny orange fish eggs which are standard in the sushi world), and sriracha aioli. “Umami Poke” features raw salmon with lettuce, mango, carrot, cucumber, masago and spicy ginger. I can’t wait to try the “Honey Wasabi Shrimp and Scallop” which has both shrimp and scallops, lettuce, masago, cucumber, sweet and green onions, and wasabi aioli – perfect for those that aren’t fans of raw seafood!

​If you go down the rabbit hole of creating your own dish, don’t fret.  They move the line quickly but they do not rush you, so take your time! First up is choosing your protein like raw tuna or salmon, tempura shrimp, scallops, and tofu. Next, your basic veggies: lettuce, sweet onions, green onions, cucumber, carrots, edamame, cabbage, jalapenos…you get the idea.  After that, you get some more complex toppings like crab salad, seaweed salad, mango, pickled ginger, radishes, pineapple, etc.  Then there are the sauces…sriracha aioli, wasabi aioli, spicy ginger, sweet teriyaki…YUM.  And last, but very important, your crunchy toppings like sesame seeds, lotus crisps, garlic crisps, shredded nori, onion crisps, and wonton crisps.  Crunch-factor should not be overlooked!

Good news and bad news: the above lists are not exhaustive! This is the most customizable meal you will find in Spartanburg.  

I’d be remiss not to mention the décor of this new space. Its light and airy, contemporary, and right in line with the Japanese-Hawaiian fusion they aim to serve up.  There is ample seating inside for small or large groups, plus outdoor seating in the alcove where LIT coffee was set up for a little while.

You may already be planning a visit to Pokenori for your next lunch meal, but don't discount them for dinner!  They have wine and beer...date night anyone?!

​What a welcome Pokenori has received so far, and I know it’s just going to get better for them.  Thanks for being in Spartanburg, and y’all be sure to check them out!

​And if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!

location.
201 Wall Street, Suite D

hours.
mon-fri 7:30am - 3pm

what they are known for.
breakfast and lunch dishes, fresh baked pastries

menu.

features.
​outdoor dining

​New to the Spartanburg restaurant scene, HenHouse Brunch has made a name for itself on Wall Street downtown. The day I visited, I waited in line for nearly 20 minutes and only barely found a seat! This did give me ample time to take in the décor which is quite charming; quirky prints and a chalkboard menu surround the counter where you order. After making my menu decision, plus picking up a pastry for the road, I took a seat and eagerly awaited my order: the Hipster sandwich and a side of She Crab Soup. 

When it arrived, I loved the casual presentation right off the bat. The sandwich was served on a waxed paper-lined metal tray with wooden utensils, with the soup piping hot in a plastic container. The Hipster features roasted red pepper, egg, cheddar cheese, scallions, wilted spinach, roasted tomato, and harissa sauce on a brioche bun.  The bread was thick and fluffy and soaked up lots of flavor from the veggies and the spicy roasted pepper sauce.  The star of this particular meal for me was, surprisingly, the She Crab Soup.  The creaminess was unmatched and the roasted corn on top added a sweet and salty crunch that I couldn’t get enough of!

On another visit not too long after this one, I tried The Benny: poached egg, Canadian bacon, and hollandaise on an open-faced croissant. The sauce and the egg yolk soaked right into the nooks and crannies of that croissant making for delicious decadence in every bite. 

​And don’t forget to pick up a fresh-baked pastry for later! Now that summer is here, there’s additional seating outside, so if you happen to visit HenHouse Brunch when it’s busy, sit back and relax…it’s worth the wait.

And if you want more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!

One of the most common responses I get when I tell people about Hub City Bites is, “Tell me about a restaurant I don’t know about…what do I need to try?”

​And that is one of the things I try to accomplish with this blog – bringing to light some of the places that you might not know about.  If you are one of the lucky ones that knows about this one, then kudos! But for those that don’t…

​If you’re like me, sometimes you just get the craving for a Philly Cheese Steak. If you’re truly like me, it’s all the time… But listen, if you get one of those cravings, run, don’t walk, to The Real Deal!  It’s tucked back on the end of a small shopping strip on Asheville Highway, and you could easily pass it the first time.

​There are a few seats inside the shop, and I typically take my sandwich to-go, so take your pick! It truly is a sandwich shop with a straight forward menu.  My choice is nearly always a traditional Philly Cheese Steak with grilled mushrooms, onions and jalapenos. 

​The last time I was in there, I was in line with a man who is originally from Philadelphia but has been in Spartanburg for over two decades.  He’d just recently discovered The Real Deal two weeks prior and had been in nearly every other day since! He claims that what makes these sandwiches so authentic is the bread, and while I’ve never has the chance to go to Philadelphia, I agree that the bread is absolutely perfection.  Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and absorbs all the yummy juices from the meat, cheese and veggies.  Also, unlike up north where you’ll find piles of cooked steak ready to be warmed for your sandwich, The Real Deal cooks each sandwich to order.

​What makes The Real Deal so unique is its simplicity.  From the no-frills shop to the brown paper bag-wrapped sandwiches, they keep it real. I hope you have a chance to check it out soon!

​Be sure to keep an eye out for the next RJ Rockers beer dinner because these are events that you Spartanburg foodies do not want to miss!  This collaboration with HenHouse Brunch was the third dinner in the series, the first two being with Southside Smokehouse and The Farmer’s Table.  How I wish I’d been at those!  Included in your ticket price is a pint of beer to enjoy while you wait for the first course to be served, so be sure to get there early to enjoy your pint.

location.
137 W Main Street

hours.
Mon-Thurs 8am-3pm; Fri 8am-2pm, 5pm-9pm; Sat 8am-2pm; Sun Closed

what they are known for.
sweet and savory crepes, fresh sides

menu.

features.
​outdoor seating

The Crepe Factory stepped onto the scene in 2016 to an enormous response from the Spartanburg community.  We were craving new and unique restaurants downtown, and boy did they deliver.  From the chalkboard menus on the wall to the wood floors and metal chairs, they created the space to feel warm, cozy and a little bit Parisian.  

The menu features crepes of all styles including breakfast, savory and sweet, all named for streets in Spartanburg.  Like the Spring St. crepe with chunky chicken, mushrooms and spinach lathered in a rich tarragon gravy.  Or try a breakfast crepe, which are served all day, like the St. John St. filled with scrambled eggs and topped with spicy chorizo sausage, creamy queso fresco, and fresh salsa.  

All crepes come with your choice of side, and my favorite is the Signature Roasted Brussels Sprout Hash Browns. The smoky brussels sprouts pair perfectly with chunky roasted potatoes, complimenting your meal whether it is breakfast or lunch.

And lastly the dessert crepe, the queen of the crepes, to finish off your meal.  After a full meal, I’d recommend something like the Grove St. crepe with a tangy Lemon Crème Anglaise and sweet French Lavender Infused Syrup.  It’s just light enough to satisfy your sweet tooth without leaving you ready to take a nap.  If you’re looking to grab a 3pm pick-me-up, pair a latte with the Magnolia St. crepe (can you say bananas foster?!) for a satisfyingly sweet treat.  

​Next time you are downtown, find time to stop in The Crepe Factory! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

When you walk into Gerhard’s, you are seemingly transported to a moody Austrian pub with its blend of rustic wood and warm leather.  Feel free to saddle up to the bar for a cold cocktail or German ale while you wait for a table.  There are three distinct seating areas, plus a beautiful patio for warm summer nights.  You have a choice of the formal dining room for fancy occasions, the more casual dining with private booths, and then the Biergarten which has open tables and a cozy fireplace.  

To start your experience, you’ll get a bread basket served with some of the best butter you’ve ever tasted.  It’s spicy, almost cheesy, and simply melts in your mouth!  If you need something else to tie you over until the main course, I highly recommend the fried pickles which are small, battered spears served crunchy and piping hot with a slightly spicy remoulade.  

On the menu for entrees are authentic dishes varying from Mahi-Mahi Kabobs over Rice to Elk Rouladen with Spaetzle and Red Cabbage.  One of my favorites is the Roasted Rack of Lamb with Green Peppercorn Sauce and Fried Potatoes – the sauce is perfectly creamy and spicy, a great compliment to the tender lamb.  For something more traditional, try the Wiener Schnitzel (a thin, breaded veal cutlet) with a traditional Gerhard’s salad (tangy potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, and sauerkraut).  

For a casual night out with the family, try out some of the wood-fired pizzas.  I love the thin and crispy crust and from the traditional pepperoni to the interesting Swiss pizza topped with raclette cheese, you won't be disappointed. And they start at $8!

​Gerhard’s is a comfortable spot for a variety of occasions, so head there soon to wow a date, relax with your family, or impress out-of-town guests! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

Spartanburg's first mobile eatery is hitting the streets and making quite a name for itself!  Chef Steph uses the highest quality ingredients to create unique takes on comfort food like Duck Wings in a ginger garlic sauce or the Bacon Brussel Sprout Taco with pickled red onion and a balsamic reduction.

Most Mondays and Wednesdays you can find them parked at North Grove Medical Park from 11am - 1pm.  Otherwise, be sure to follow them on Facebook for when they pop up downtown or other places around town like Club South 29.

Streatery also does catering and events so keep them in mind for your next party or work event!  If you haven't tried them yet, you've got to track them down ASAP.  We are so lucky to have the Streatery team in Spartanburg with our first local food truck! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
351 East Henry Street, Suite H

​website.
https://bluemoonsc.com/

My reviews to date have been of restaurants in Spartanburg, so this product review is a new way of celebrating food in Spartanburg! Enjoy :)

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Chris "Wishbone" Walker of Blue Moon Specialty Foods in their new storefront downtown.  On my way out I asked what his favorite product was, and without a pause he declared "Jambalaya!", so I knew I was leaving with a quart from the freezer.  He pointed out that they sell a Rice Pilaf Kit which is excellent with it, so I added that to my order and looked forward to dinner in the coming days.

Two piece of good news...together, the jambalaya and rice pilaf kit were $20, but for two people it has easily given us 5 meals, so it is really affordable.  It's also just as good reheated over the next day or two!  Plus, can you tell how easy this was to whip up?  What a great thing to have on hand for those busy nights, for entertaining on the fly, or to take to new parents or a sick family member.  

Having just had a baby myself, we were lucky to have been brought several meals from Blue Moon during my maternity leave, and I can vouch whole-heartedly for the deliciousness of the tomato pie, veggie quiche, and italian wedding soup. Personally, the Fire Sauce is my go-to hot sauce!  Also a must-try is the signature seasoning: YEP Shake!...Is it good on ________? "Yep!"  

Blue Moon products have become a staple in Spartanburg...check out their storefront and take home some of these great products today! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

P.S. Have you seen the "Handcrafted in Hub City" boxes that feature products from Blue Moon, Dottie's Toffee, Little River Roasting Company, and Those Pickle Ladies?  They make fabulous gifts (I gave 3 for Christmas), and you can pick them up at the Blue Moon store! ​

location.
1735 John B White Blvd, #12

what they are known for.
homemade baked goods, sandwiches and other foods

menu.

features.
​events for large groups after 4pm

The richness of the sandwich balanced nicely with my other order which was a cup of the made-that-morning vegetable soup.  It was a thin tomato broth with chunks of potato, peas, carrots, and corn, well seasoned, and served with a lovely corn muffin that had an amazing crunch on the outside.

Ice Creams and Coffee Beans is a hidden gem in Spartanburg.  I saw several folks coming in to pick up lunch orders for the office, plus you can get pints and half pints of many of the dishes, gallons of strawberry tea, and baked goods for your next family gathering or holiday party.  Speaking of baked goods, I tried the strawberry cake (light and fluffy with a strawberry cream cheese frosting) and the pound cake (super dense with a hint of lemon, a classic).  And don't forget the coffee and icecream to top it off!

​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
8881 Warren H Abernathy Highway

what they are known for.
french, thai and southern cooking

menu.

features.
outdoor dining

When you arrive, find the pastry case immediately - you'll probably want to get one of these.

There aren't many local (non-chain) restaurants on the West Side of Spartanburg (or are there?? Let me know by tagging #hubcitybites!), but this is one that you MUST TRY.  After my first visit, I couldn't wait to make the drive back.

​Welcome Le Spice - we are glad you are here!! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

The newest restaurant on the scene in booming downtown Spartanburg is Lemongrass Kitchen which boasts authentic vietnamese cuisine, and the next time you are free for lunch, you should check it out.  The pho is particularly fitting for these chilly days!

Lemongrass Kitchen is in the old Cafe Around the Corner space, and you'll find it very similar as they didn't do too much to the interior.  It's a cozy space with about 10 tables, plus a patio which just about doubles the seating capacity.  You'll find a little bit of vietnamese decor, but the real star is the food.

The menu is small but mighty with specials that you can find on their facebook page.  Choose from rice bowls with various meats, sandwiches, spring rolls, and pho.  ​

The spring rolls were obviously made in-house and the sauce was a perfect compliment to the fresh fillings of lettuce, shrimp, cilantro and rice noodles. ​

For an entree, I went for the chicken pho.  YUM.  The broth was so flavorful, even before I squeezed that lime and tore some basil into the bowl.  Cilantro adds great freshness to the big chunks of chicken and thin noodles.  The bean sprouts are a great addition too!  They also serve pho with beef which I'll have to try next time.

The service was excellent as each menu item was explained before I ordered, plus they helped me take my leftover soup to-go.  And everything is priced really well for a quick lunch!

​What a unique, new experience to have in town!  Welcome Lemongrass Kitchen! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
1055B Fernwood Glendale Road

what they are known for.
fresh cut and charcoal grilled steaks, seafood and burgers

menu.

features.
​outdoor dining

Dudleys celebrated its 7th birthday in July, and boy am I glad about that.  This restaurant was exactly what the East Side needed when it arrived on the scene.  The atmosphere is simultaneously perfect for a date night or for the big game, and I regularly enjoy it for both!  When you walk in, you’ll immediately notice the large bar surrounding the grill where you can saddle up, enjoy a beverage, and watch your steak being cooked to perfection.  There is also ample seating on the front patio, plus a back porch which is more for sports-watching.

Also from the Starters menu are the wings, which are perfect to order from Hub City Delivery if you are having a group of friends over.  Try the Garlic Parmesan dry rub!

When I’m craving a really good steak, Dudleys is one of the first places I think of.  Whether you go for the 14oz Ribeye or the 8oz Filet Mignon, each steak is seasoned and grilled to your liking, plus the garlic butter they put on top doesn’t hurt!

​On my last visit, I went for another of my favorite entrees: Low Country Boil.  You rarely see this on a menu because it is quite complicated to serve so many types of seafood and meat that are each cooked properly, but Dudleys has it figured out.  There is plenty to share between two people, if you’re willing: 4-5 oysters, 6 mussels, 4-5 shrimp, 1 cluster of crab legs, served over sausage, corn, onions and potatoes in a delicious broth.  Served up with melted butter, lemons, crackers, hot sauce, you name it, this meal is sure to please!

The sandwiches are great for a smaller meal, and if you’re there on a Thursday, they are ½ off.  One of my husband’s favorite is the brisket sandwich which is to die for with the melty cheese, caramelized onions, and savory au jus complimenting the smoked-in-house brisket. ​

Be sure to check out the Dudleys Facebook page for food specials and other special nights such as Wednesday’s Ladies Night: ½ priced drinks and appetizers.  Dudleys is a staple for the East Side that we are glad has been around for 7 years, and we hope will be for many more! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
197 E Saint John Street

what they are known for.
brewed-in-house ciders and beers

menu. (this is not the full menu)

features.
outdoor seating, indoor cornhole

Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery (Hub City Tap House) just celebrated their first anniversary, and the past year has been a huge success with tons of support from the Spartanburg community.  I attribute that not only to the great food and drinks, but also to the attitude of the staff and owners - they are all about community, hosting events for various charities and being super easy to work with for private parties.  Located right across from the Chapman Cultural Center, they are in a prime location to get a drink and snack before a show! (If you haven't seen Beauty and the Beast, try to get tickets for this weekend - you won't regret it!!)

When I saw that the brewery was releasing a new menu, I knew I had to try it out because the original menu had some impressive items.  I was glad to see some return, like the curry hummus!  We had a group go on a Tuesday night to try out their trivia for the first time as well.  If you are a trivia buff, you've got to give it a go - it was fairly tough!  

When you walk in, you'll know you are in a brewery by that signature smell.  The decor is sleek and industrial with concrete floors and high-gloss plywood tables.  There is a seating area with couches, chairs and coffee tables that is great for more intimate get-togethers, and of course the indoor cornhole which is open for anyone to play.  They are also family-friendly, offering apple juice and snacks for the kids, and there is a huge chalkboard near the restrooms to keep them entertained.

The beer and cider list can be found on the large TV screen over the bar.  It can be overwhelming, so ask for help and samples!!  Another option is to try several by ordering a flight.  One my favorites that they brew in-house is a cider called Ta Tse Dang (unsure of that spelling!) which is fruity and delicious.  You can find an updated beer list on their Facebook page at anytime.  

The food menu has about 10 options ranging from the meat and cheese tray which can be shared among friends, to the chicken salad croissant which is more of a one-person meal.  We tried the Curry Hummus, Pimento Cheese, and Boursin with soft pretzels. The hummus is a home run in my book - it is smooth and well-seasoned, served with soft naan bread and a side of olives, tomatoes and cucumbers.  The pimento cheese plate is another great app - the cheese is balanced by a sweet drizzle and served with strawberries, grapes and cucumbers as well as whole grain crackers.  But  my favorite of these three was the boursin - the cheese was creamy with a hint of onion and salty parmesan, and served with warm pretzels that complimented it perfectly.  

On a more recent visit, I tried the meat and cheese platter, and it may have topped the boursin as my new favorite!!  If you haven't visited the Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery yet, well, I don't know what you're waiting for.  It's great for happy hour with friends or coworkers, grabbing a drink and a bite before a show across the street, trivia night, private parties, work meetings, baby showers, you name it!  Check 'em out!! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
910 East Main Street

what they are known for.
fresh, authentic greek food

menu.

features.
outdoor dining

Cuzina in Greek means "kitchen", and I always feel like I'm walking into someone's kitchen when I walk into Cuzina Grill.  The open feel allows you to see what is going on behind the scenes, which I always find refreshing.  When it first opened, you ordered at the counter, but now you can just have a seat and wait for a server!

​On a nice day, the shaded front porch has several tables for lunch or dinner, and inside you'll find TVs for watching the game with a beer or glass of wine on the weekends.

Cuzina is one of my go-to's for weekday lunch or also ordering in from Hub City Delivery on a weekend night.  My favorite rotates from the salads, to the gyros, to the meat platters.  If you want to share (or not), I suggest ordering the appetizer platter and add a couple of meat skewers - you get a little bit of everything!

I love the meat platters for lunch because you can get them with a salad (or fries) and just enough warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce - arguably one of the best sauces on the planet, and they do it great justice at Cuzina.  The salad is always fresh with a light greek dressing that compliments the veggies and feta, and the meat is hot and tender, whether you get lamb, beef or chicken.

The hubs went for the steak gyro which is also a favorite of mine.  It comes topped with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki sauce, and the steak is one of the best meat choices you can make.  The fries are hot and dusted with a cheese and seasoning mixture that takes them up a notch.

Cuzina Grill has been around for a few years, but I get the sense that a lot of folks have overlooked it, so make sure you get in to try it soon! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!