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Heirloom - A Milltown Eatery

1/8/2020

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location.
805 Spartan Boulevard

hours.
mon thru thurs 6-10am, 4:30-10pm
fri & sat 4:30-10pm

 
what they are known for.

milltown classics

menu.
Heirloom - A Milltown Eatery is one of the newest additions of non-chain restaurants on the west side of Spartanburg and is located in the former headquarters of Spartan Mills founded in 1881. I didn’t realize this before going, but it is adjacent to the lobby of the hotel next door. For that reason, you’ll see some standards on the menu for hotel guests (burgers, chicken sandwich, etc.) that still maintain a classic southern influence.
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They describe the menu on their website as “...reimagining classic milltown staples by marrying simple flavors with refined cooking techniques. Influences that range from French classical to Lowcountry lend depth to the humble Southern standbys of the region. Every season, these inspired, vibrant flavors come together to tell the story of Spartanburg since 1881."
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A cocktail is always the best way to start dinner, and since gin and tonic and moscow mules have long been my favorites, I went out on a limb and got the Hell Fire: gin, cava, ginger beer and chili marinated peaches with a sugary rimmer. (Cava is a sparkling wine - I had to google it, too). The smoky spiciness of the peaches with the the sweetness of the rimmer was dang good.
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We took our drinks out to this gorgeous patio - I mean c’mon! I’d definitely make the drive over for happy hour. 
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My favorite kind of meal is lots of small dishes so I’m really digging the tapas restaurants popping up (hello Level 10 and The Kennedy). We started with the Smoked Trout Bruschetta with cured egg yolk (that’s what looks like fish eggs) and french baguette points. It was quite salty as you’d expect from smoked trout, but was balanced fairly well with crunchy bread. 
Smoked Trout Bruschetta
Smoked Trout Bruschetta ($9)
Next up was the Chicken Flats described as “Frenched and pimento cheese stuffed wings” so yeah how can you not order that. Not only were they stuffed with pimento cheese, but also they were on a bed of pimento cheese and ranch and served with the cutest celery curls.
Chicken Flats
Chicken Flats ($10)
Lastly, we splurged on one of my husband’s favorite dishes: Chicken Fried Steak. THIS WAS AMAZING. The steak itself was perfectly done with a light, crunchy breading, topped with a creamy, salty white gravy, all piled on top of these grits that had the full texture of the grain while still being super velvety.
Milltown Chicken Fried Steak
Milltown Chicken Fried Steak ($18)
As you can see, the plating of the dishes was beautiful and simple, which is how I’d describe the whole experience. The decor had lots of milltown touches like this mural and exposed brick, with lots of wood and metal giving it a slightly industrial vibe. The super modern light fixtures made me giggle, and overall they did a beautiful job with the space. 

Thanks for reading, and if you're looking for more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!
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The Farmer's Table

4/9/2018

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location.
149 S. Daniel Morgan Avenue

hours.
mon and wed 8am - 2pm; thurs and fri 8am - 2pm and 4pm - 9pm; sat and sun 8am - 2:30pm

what they are known for.
local, sustainable and seasonal foods

menu.

You know those days when you don’t know exactly what you want to eat, but you just know it needs to be comforting and satisfying? You want to go somewhere that offers a variety of meals, even spanning the breakfast/dinner line, so you can pick and choose exactly what you are craving in the moment. I don’t know about you, but this happens to me a lot. Perhaps it’s the baby I’m growing (23 weeks!), or perhaps it’s my ever-changing taste. But regardless, I’m always glad to know that The Farmer’s Table has my back, er...my belly.
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Maybe it’s brunch time and you don’t necessarily want the (fabulous) Mexican brunch offered by Willy Taco, or maybe you aren’t sure you want something as light as Mon Amie? Or you have family in town and you need something that everyone will love – please tell me you’ve been there too!​
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Over the years, the menu at The Farmer’s Table has evolved, and in the new space in the Grain District on Daniel Morgan Avenue, it has emerged slightly more refined, yet embracing all the comfort it has always offered.
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It has been a while since I stepped into the space that was formerly Zarza…Braveheart…who knows how many other places. For me, the lighting in the room immediately makes it feel much different from the bright and colorful Farmer’s Table that we know and love, but that should not deter you. From the chalkboard at the front highlighting the local farmer’s whose ingredients grace the dishes to the adorable “house” along the back wall, complete with a windows and bright flower boxes, they are bringing a feeling of home to the restaurant. And not in the way that you feel like you are eating at home, trust me on that one. Take one look at this bar:
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Right?! Who doesn’t want to grab a Screen Door Margarita + appetizer here after work? And word on the street is that even the virgin Blue Mule is delish ;) As far as appetizers, the Pork Belly and Brussels and the Fried Green Tomatoes are tasty. A bite of sprout with pork belly and goat cheese is so creamy and smoky. Meanwhile the fried green tomatoes are crispy and smothered in melty pimento cheese. Highly recommend both.
Pork Belly and Brussels ($8)
Pork Belly and Brussels ($8)
Fried Green Tomatoes ($7)
Fried Green Tomatoes ($7)
As for the entrees, you’ll find more elevated options like Seared Duck Breast and Steak Coulotte among more traditional items like Shrimp and Grits and Chicken Pot Pie. The chef suggests ordering the duck breast medium rare, and it comes with with pearled farro, a veggie medley, and a blackberry jus. The Steak Coulotte, which is an unusually tender piece of meat, is served to your liking with smashed potatoes, wild mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and peppercorn gravy.
Seared Duck Breast ($26)
Seared Duck Breast ($26)
Steak Coulotte ($14.50)
Steak Coulotte ($14.50)
While Shrimp and Grits is a traditional menu item, the Sansburys have added some kick to their dish with chicken andouille and charred tomatoes. And the Chicken Pot Pie is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. All the goodness of the veggies and gravy was nestled into a puffy bread bowl, while the chicken was fried and displayed right on top. The crispy breading on the chicken was a welcome addition to a typically one-textured dish.
Sansbury Shrimp and Grits ($25)
Sansbury Shrimp and Grits ($25)
Chicken Pot Pie ($15)
Chicken Pot Pie ($15)
For dessert we had two dishes that you can also order for breakfast, because why not. The Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles are just as described and delicious with fruit, whipped cream, and cinnamon syrup. But the Banana Bread French Toast? With Salted Caramel?? Just stop right now. I cannot wait to go back and treat myself to that again.
Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles ($10.50)
Vanilla Buttermilk Waffles ($10.50)
Banana Bread French Toast ($10)
Banana Bread French Toast ($10)
If you loved The Farmer’s Table before, the new vibe might catch you off guard, but the people and the food will be highly familiar to you! Plus the new place offers so much more – more space, great location, fabulous bar, and a chance to try out some new dishes on the Spartanburg community. I couldn’t be more thrilled for Joel, Lenora and their family for this wonderful move, and I wish them all great success!
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And if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!
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The Silo

3/19/2018

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Entrance to The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
location.
226 W. Main Street

hours.
tues - fri 3pm-10pm; sat 11am-10pm; sun and mon closed

what they are known for.
shareable dishes with a cajun flair, all that pair well with RJ Rockers beer
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.
Entrance to The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
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!!)
Beer can collection at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
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. 
Beer bottle wall at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Dodge garage door at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
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.
Bar at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Smoked Trout Terrine at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Smoked Trout Terrine - $9.26
The Chow Tray at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
The Chow Tray - $9.26
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. 
Chicken Not Pie at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Chicken Not Pie - $12.96
Upstate Poutine at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Upstate Poutine - $9.26
Ancho Chili Chicken Wings at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Ancho Chili Chicken Wings - $9.26
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!). 
Catfish n' Chips at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Catfish n' Chips - $12.96
Open Faced BBQ Biscuit at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Open Faced BBQ Biscuit - $12.96
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. 
Crawfish and Collards at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Crawfish & Collards - $12.96
Cajun Crab Cakes at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Cajun Crab Cakes - $12.96
Shrimp and Sweet Potatoes at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Shrimp & Sweet Potatoes - $12.96
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)
Pound Cake Flight at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
Pound Cake Flight - $9.26
​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.
Bar at The Silo at RJ Rockers restaurant in Spartanburg SC
And, as always, if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!
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Level 10

3/2/2018

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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. ​
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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.
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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.
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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. 
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Crab Beignets with Tempura Onion Rings, Pickled Peppers and Herb Aioli
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Grilled Oysters, Barbecued on the Half Shell, New Orleans Style
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Roasted Mushrooms with Creamy Polenta, Poached Egg, Parmesan Float and Truffle Vinaigrette
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Pomme Frites with Rosemary, Toasted Garlic and Parmesan
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.
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Roasted Chicken Roulade, Prosciutto Wrapped, Sage, Lemon-caper Juice
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Roasted Beets with Goat Cheese Fondant, Walnuts, and Blood Orange
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. 
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PEI Mussels with Coconut Milk, Cilantro, Thai Green Curry
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Seared Salmon with Celery Root Puree, Caramelized Fennel, and Roasted Pepper Vinaigrette
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Gnocchi with Duck Confit, Roasted Apples, Walnuts, Sage, and Butternut Squash Puree
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.
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​And, as always, if you’re looking for more Spartanburg restaurant reviews, look no further!
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Bond Street Wines

11/20/2017

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location.
145 W. Main Street

hours.
mon-sat 11am-9pm
sun closed

what they are known for.
wines from small and limited production wineries

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. 
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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. 
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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. 
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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.
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​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!
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RJ Rockers & HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner

6/2/2017

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RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner Menu
​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.
RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner
The 5-course dinner featured dishes from HenHouse Brunch paired with delicious local brews from RJ Rockers.  Kate White, Public Relations Manager with Rockers, said they bring the restaurant staff in to taste the beers which they then create dishes to match.  Rockers also created a special beer just for this dinner, one that I’ve already petitioned for them to recreate!
RJ Rockers HenHouse Brunch Beer Dinner
The first course was a trio of deviled eggs – Avocado Lime, Grandmama Style, and Bacon Jalapeno.  The avocado lime egg was super creamy with a slight hint of lime and a bit of spice, while the Grandmama style was on the sweeter side.  I’m a sucker for spice so I saved the bacon jalapeno for last – I could have taken a lot more spice, but there’s nothing like a good egg/bacon combo.  The beer paired with this course was the bestselling Son of a Peach, and those sweet, peachy flavors tied in nicely, especially with the bacon.
Deviled Egg Trio: Bacon Jalapeno, Avocado Lime, and Grandmama Style served with RJ Rockers Son of a Peach
Deviled Egg Trio: Bacon Jalapeno, Avocado Lime, and Grandmama Style served with RJ Rockers Son of a Peach
The second course was a hefty slice of brioche toast topped with a creamy spread cheese and avocado, bacon, tomatoes, arugula, a perfectly cooked duck egg, and lots of honey balsamic drizzle.  There’s nothing better than a runny yolk, folks. The beer paired with this course was the special release, only for this event, and it blew my socks off: a Basil and Blood Orange Saison.  If you’re not familiar with this type of beer, it tends to be tart and citrusy with more carbonation. This one had a heavy note of orange with a slight hint of basil, and I’d love to have it in a bottle by the pool this summer *wink wink*.
Farmers Cheese and Avocado Spread, bacon, roasted heirloom tomatoes, arugula, honey balsamic, and a fried duck egg on brioche toaste served with RJ Rockers Basil and Blood Orange Saison
Farmers Cheese and Avocado Spread, bacon, roasted heirloom tomatoes, arugula, honey balsamic, and a fried duck egg on brioche toaste served with RJ Rockers Basil and Blood Orange Saison
​The third course was a Shrimp Panzanella Salad, loaded with chunks of bread that soaked up the juices of the dressing, tomatoes and grapefruit.  It had a spice that lingered in a good way and was cut nicely with the crisp Palmetto Trail Pale Ale which has notes of grapefruit. Note: proceeds from the sale of this beer support the Palmetto Conservation Foundation’s “mountains to the sea” trail in South Carolina.
Shrimp Panzanella w/ Grapefruit Brule served with RJ Rockers Palmetto Trail Pale Ale
Shrimp Panzanella w/ Grapefruit Brule served with RJ Rockers Palmetto Trail Pale Ale
The fourth and main course was a garlicky brisket and sweet potato hash. The brisket was braised in RJ Rocker beer adding a nice depth of flavor, which was balanced by scooping a few of the pickled mustard seeds into each bite. You could tell they made this for the smooth, dark Brown Eyed Squirrel Ale with its smoky finish.
Beer Braised Brisket with sweet potato and roasted garlic hash, pickled mustard seed, and brown butter served with RJ Rockers Brown Eyed Squirrel
Beer Braised Brisket with sweet potato and roasted garlic hash, pickled mustard seed, and brown butter served with RJ Rockers Brown Eyed Squirrel
Last, and best course in my opinion, was the Espresso S’more Brownie paired with the Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout.  The toasted marshmallow truly smelled and tasted like it had been over a campfire!  The brownie was dense and fudgy with the espresso bringing out the coffee notes in the beer, which is brewed with Spartanburg’s own Little River Roasting coffee.  Served alongside a light and simple vanilla gelato, this brownie was the perfect way to end the meal.
Espresso S'more Brownie with jumbo toasted marshmallow and vanilla gelato served with RJ Rockers Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout
Espresso S'more Brownie with jumbo toasted marshmallow and vanilla gelato served with RJ Rockers Half Calf Coffee Milk Stout
Be sure you are following RJ Rockers on Facebook to get notified of the next beer dinner and buy your tickets quickly! It’s such a treat to get to enjoy a meal in one of our local breweries. RJ Rockers is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3pm-8pm, Thursdays and Fridays from 3pm-9pm, and Saturdays from 12pm-8pm. And of course head on over to Wall Street to try HenHouse Brunch from 7:30am - 3pm, Monday-Friday.  They know how to do a beer dinner right - from the table setting to the presentations of the beers and food – many kudos to the staff at Rockers and HenHouse Brunch for a fun evening!
Full disclosure: I was offered free tickets to this event to cover it on the blog.  Giving me free food and drinks – while always appreciated – does not guarantee a positive review.  All opinions are my own.
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Gerhard's Cafe

4/15/2017

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location.
1200 E Main Street

what they are known for.
authentic austrian fare, wood-fired pizza

menu.

features.
outdoor dining
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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.  
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Bread and Butter Basket ($0 with your meal)
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.  
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Fried Pickles with Remoulade ($7.95)
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).  
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Roasted Rack of Lamb with a Green Peppercorn Sauce and Fried Potatoes ($36.95)
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Traditional German House Salad (comes with your entree)
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Wiener Schnitzel served with fried potatoes ($24.95)
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!
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​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!
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Dudley's

11/15/2016

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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.
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Signature Biscuits (Free with your meal)
The menu has evolved slightly over the past 7 years, refined down to the best of the best dishes.  Don’t let them forget to bring you some of the signature biscuits while you peruse the menu; they are loaded with cheesy, onion-y goodness! For an appetizer I highly recommend the Pimento Cheese Fries or the She-Crab Soup.  They also do an outstanding job with calamari which is served with a sweet and spicy sauce that is a yummy update to the traditional marinara. 
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Calamari ($12)
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!
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Low Country Boil ($26)
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. ​
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Brisket Sandwich ($14)
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!
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Ciclops Cyderi and Brewery

9/21/2016

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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!  
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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.
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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.  
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Beer Flight
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.  
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Curry Hummus Plate
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Pimento Cheese Plate
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Boursin Plate
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!
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Cribb's Kitchen

8/22/2016

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location.
226 B West Main Street

what they are known for.
burgers and other creative fare

lunch menu.
dinner menu.

features.

outdoor dining, live music, dog friendly
Cribb's Kitchen started out as a small sandwich shop on Spring Street that quickly became one of the most popular lunch spots downtown.  It evolved into Cribb's Kitchen, which is known throughout Spartanburg to provide excellent meals for lunch and dinner. They have won several local awards, most recently the 2016 James B. Thompson Small Business of the Year Award, and they are known for the Annual Burger Cook Off!  The winning burger is featured on their menu for one year after winning the competition.

Because of all of these accolades, you will most likely find the restaurant quite busy if you arrive during peak hours, but there are lots of tables.  When the weather cools down, get there early to snag a table on the patio!  The decor is funky with graffiti art and produce signs, and definitely check out the sweet background behind the beer taps - its the Spartanburg skyline! If you remember when this was the Salvation Army building, you know how impressive the space is.
If you're there for dinner, it's a great place to bring the family or out-of-town guests, or even go for date night!  Occasionally they have live music, so check out their facebook page for special events.  This particular day we were aiming for a workday lunch, which is a very popular thing to do.  I'm not sure what is typical, but we did end up waiting a decent amount of time for our food (45+ minutes), so if you only have an hour for lunch, try to go a little early or a little late...i.e. not right at noon.  They made up for it by offering a free app and dessert for our next visit!!
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There are a lot of great options for lunch, but I'm not sure it gets better than the burgers.  I went for something I hadn't tried yet: the Barnyard which was the 2015 winner of the Annual Burger Cook Off! Aptly named because the patty is made with lamb, beef, and bacon, and it's topped with a fried egg, goat cheese, jalapenos, horseradish creme, shaved cabbage and tomato.  While quite messy to eat, it was delicious.  Tons of flavor to the burger, plus the tangy goat cheese cut by the spicy peppers, and you can't go wrong with an egg yolk running throughout. Pictured here with the side of cold cucumbers & onions with dill - a great fresh side for these hot summer days.

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The hubs went with one of the most popular burgers, a Cribbs creation: the Fried Green.  As the name would suggest, this is a burger topped with a fried green tomato, pimento cheese, bacon, chipotle ranch, lettuce, tomato and mayo.  There's a reason it is popular y'all. That crispy fried green tomato is a genius burger topping, and of course is paired perfectly with the pimento cheese.  Pictured here with the side of parmesan fries - a classic that won't do you wrong.

Other notable menu items: the Moroccan burger (my ususal), the Pear salad (tarragon vinaigrette is out of this world), and the Squirrel Nuts (peanuts boiled in RJ Rockers beer!!). 

Cribbs is great for lunch and dinner, an after-work drink or check out their weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.  And always check the facebook page before you go for the creative food specials they are coming up with on a daily basis!!  And if you can't get away from home but want an awesome meal, you can get Cribbs Kitchen delivered with Hub City Delivery! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!
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Mothers

6/27/2016

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location.
1059 Fernwood Glendale Road

what they are known for.
american and southern fusion food

menu. (not yet available online. see picture below!)

​features.
outdoor dining, live music

Mothers Restaurant on Fernwood Glendale opened TODAY in the space formerly occupied by Lil' D'z.  Good news: they did an amazing job on the up-fit and you'd never know it used to be a smoky bar!

The walls, floors and furnishings are quite dark, giving the space a moody feel, but there's plenty of light coming through the tinted front windows that it's definitely not too dark.  Cool wooden windows give you a view of the kitchen and the bar is fully stocked for nights with friends or a big game.  There are even a few tables out front for an outdoor dining experience, which I love, although it's way too hot these days.
We were greeted by an extremely friendly hostess, and the service only got better from there.  Very attentive, drinks were always full, food came out hot and as fast as you would expect, and our server answered all of our questions.  I've included a picture of the full menu below since it's not available on the web yet.  This is the lunch and dinner menu:
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The first thing I noticed on the menu was "The Cheese" - fried pimento cheese balls.  Yep.  They were clearly handmade and extremely delicious.  Crunchy coating on the outside and perfectly melty on the inside.  ​
​Obviously they don't have "popular" items yet since it is opening day, but the burger was suggested so that's what I went for.  Hubs went for the patty melt, which was partially enticing because it was served on cinnamon raisin bread.  Both were served with fries and a pickle.

So let's talk burgers.  Spartanburg has a lot of great burger places...Ike's, Nu Way, etc. where they really put a lot into their burgers.  This one isn't going to beat those, but it's a good burger for sure.  Juicy, perfectly cooked, great brioche bun and fresh toppings. You can get it with cheddar, provolone, pimento cheese, blue cheese, or american (pictured is provolone).  The fries were right up my alley - crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside with a great seasoning.  The pickle was standard, but an addition I would have missed if it wasn't there.

The patty melt was interesting.  I'm going to be honest with you here.  I love a good sweet/salty combo, but I'm not sure a patty melt should be served on cinnamon raisin bread.  Kudos for the creativity, and please try it for yourself, but if it seems too creative for your taste buds, we were assured you can ask for different bread. 
The atmosphere is great for a group of friends watching a game or even to bring your family!  Coming soon will be daily drink specials, live music and family-friendly entertainment, and inventive food specials (like authentic hummus and pita from a Lebanese staff member!!).

For those of you who were familiar with the space before, you'll see in the pictures that there is a large portion of the building that is blocked off.  Mothers did purchase the whole space that Lil' D'z occupied, but right now the other portion is being used for storage.  Eventually, it will be open as a "fun" space - lots of ideas in the air right now!

I hope you'll out Mothers soon!  It's definitely worth it, and it's great to have another good, locally-owned restaurant in this area of town.  I'm looking forward to trying the wings and wraps in particular, as well as "The Struggler".  Let me know what you think!!

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

4/21/2016

2 Comments

 
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location.
113 N. Church Street

what they are known for.
amazing selection of craft beer

menu.

features.
outside dining, live music, trivia, daily food and drink specials


Growler Haus came to Spartanburg in early 2013 and has been a favorite after-work spot ever since.  Tons of craft and micro beers, plus other drinks as well.  I'm a wine girl myself, so while most of the time I go for beer here, their $7 glasses of wine are most likely the largest pour in Spartanburg ;)

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The location is prime - right at the top of Morgan Square - and they have great weekly specials including 2 pints and 2 slices of pizza for $12 on Mondays and $2 off beer flights on Tuesday's "Flight Night".
Don't forget to check them out for trivia on Wednesdays and Live Music on Thursdays and Fridays!

Update: Growler Haus no longer serves pizza because now Papi's Tacos is in the haus!  Enjoy $2 tacos and $2 off beer flights every Tuesday.

Update: Papi's Tacos has moved out. Growler Haus now has their own "Haus Bites" menu, and it's perfect for bar snacking!

This is the hummus plate, which on this particular night featured Spicy Black Bean, Tzatziki (Greek), and Red Bean with corn relish varieties.  The black bean hummus was creamy with the richer flavor that comes with the black bean versus the traditional garbanzo, plus it has quite a kick! Red bean hummus was new to me, and it was a pleasant surprise.  Almost a bit smoky with the corn relish on top, it felt deeply southern in a comfortable way.  To me, the star of this plate was the greek-style Tzatziki hummus which was heavy on the chunks of cucumber and feta with the bright dill on top - you really needed a spoon to get this one onto the pita, and it is worth the effort!
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From front to back: Spicy Black Bean Hummus, Tzatziki Hummus, and Red Bean Hummus with Corn Relish ($10)
We also tried out the spicy boiled peanuts, called "Roadside Attraction" on the menu - I love spicy food and it was right up my alley so if you have a milder palate, get the regular ones.  Aside from the heat, they were cooked very nicely with a good amount of salt and perfectly juicy.
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Roadside Attraction, Spicy, Tribe Size ($5)
Lastly the "Happy Cappies" which are mushroom caps stuffed with cream cheese, panko, parmesan and parsley.  They give you the option to add proscuitto, so why not get some pork on there.  These really elevated the bar food feel, with the hot and smoky on the tender mushroom - you could make a meal of these!  They tended to cool down fast so pop 'em in quick!
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Happy Cappies, Tribe Size, with Proscuitto ($10)
Love seeing Growler Haus make their way with this new menu, and can't wait to try more! Cheers!!

​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!
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Velvet Yeti Nitro Stout from Great Divide
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The NuWay

4/18/2016

0 Comments

 
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location.
375 E. Kennedy Street

what they are known for.
the redneck cheeseburger

menu.

features.
outside dining, dog friendly, live music, trivia, daily food and drink specials, hub city delivery


The NuWay has been "Spartanburg's favorite bar since 1938", and for good reason.  It is known as a "no-frills roadhouse", which you'll get as soon as you walk in the door.  Mismatched furniture and eclectic wall decor ranging from vintage beers signs to hand-drawn pictures from local children.  Wait-staff is casual and friendly.  Patrons range from families with children to college students in search of grease.  In fact, they may be nursing a hangover acquired at this very bar the night before.  Local bands grace the "stage" on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, plus karaoke on Saturdays.  And don't forget trivia with Donnie on Monday nights, known as some of the most challenging trivia in town.

The NuWay has received numerous accolades.  Most recently it was named the Most Iconic Bar in South Carolina by The Thrillist.  It has been featured in Garden and Gun Magazine. And then of course, there is the Redneck Cheeseburger, which Food Network named the best burger in South Carolina.

I most likely first visited The NuWay on a Friday night in college.  Many other weekend nights (okay and weekday nights) have been spent here.  Go for the karaoke, go for the live music, go watch sports on the big screen, go sit out back and drink a $1.50 PBR after a rough day, bring out-of-town guests for dinner, go for lunch with coworkers. I've done all of these. Whatever your needs are, The NuWay can meet them.

First, you are going to want to order the Fried Green Beans, or my favorite, the Pickle Fries.  If fried pickles are on a menu I'm going to order them, and I've never had anything like these.  Thin strips of dill pickle, battered and deep fried to golden, crunchy perfection. Yes, please.
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Then, if you want to do it right, you've gotta order The Redneck Cheeseburger. all the way. with a PBR. The insane combo of pimento cheese and chili spills out with every bite, so get your napkins ready.
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On the lighter side there is the build-your-own club sandwich.  You choose your bread, meat, and cheese, they add the bacon and veggies. Delish. P.S. They cook and slice their own roast beef.
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Other favorites: philly cheesesteaks, hot dogs, and wings ($0.55 on Wednesdays for Guy's Night Out - ladies are invited too!) Always check out their facebook page for other specials, like this Fatass buger or when the owner, Becky Myers, makes her famous, homemade chicken salad.  

"Come for the food, stay for the friends" is right. Truly, you'd never want to miss the atmosphere of this place, but if you find yourself unable to leave the house, get The NuWay delivered with Hub City Delivery.

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

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