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!

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!

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!

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.
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.
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!

location.
147 East Main Street, Suite D

what they are known for.
artisan donuts!

menu.

Fresh on the scene, Downtown Deli & Donuts opened today!!  They are located in the Bijou Building, same as Hub City Scoops and Archived Clothing, which you can access from Main Street or Broad Street.  Opening at 7:30am for breakfast and lunch, they feature artisan donuts (gluten free AND vegan options available) as well as breakfast sandwiches, salads, and signature sandwiches for lunch.  

The donuts and pastries sell out quickly, so I suggest getting there early for your pick of the offerings!  Today's case featured chocolate and regular croissants, coffee cake, chocolate donuts with peanut butter icing (sold out), yeast donut with white chocolate icing and fruity pebbles (one left), yeast donut with white chocolate icing and chocolate pretzels (sold out), yeast donuts with peach glaze, gluten-free donuts with peach glaze, plus what looked like regular glazed donuts with white chocolate and chocolate drizzle. 

The Bijou Building is quickly becoming a place to stop in no matter what you are downtown for - shopping, breakfast, lunch, icecream - they have it all!  Plus public bathrooms in the hall.  Its a great building with a super cool vibe, which Downtown Deli & Donuts has definitely capitalized on.  The decor is funky but understated, and I loved the burlap-wrapped tables.  Even with all the traffic, it would be a great place to bring your computer to do some work - they do have public wifi.  

All in all, this is a fabulous new place that I believe is here to stay, so check it out soon!!  Welcome Downtown Deli & Donuts! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

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!!

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.

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!

location.
129 North Spring Street (also accessible from Magnolia Street next to Olive and Then Some)

what they are known for.
tacos! and other mexican fare

menu.

features.
could be outdoor seating in the future with the improvements on Magnolia Street?

New kid on the block alert!!  Nacho Taco was a pop-up inside Cafe Around the Corner back in early 2016, where they gained enough of a following to open up shop permanently in downtown Spartanburg.  They are in the space that was formerly Refuel Wine Bar, which you can access both from Spring Street and Magnolia Street (which is looking fabulous these days with great new renovations!!). Don't let the road work keep you from visiting, you can still park in the Magnolia Street garage or on Spring Street.

Word on the street was that they had run out of food several times already feeding an eager Spartanburg, so I knew I had to get in ASAP!

My first thought when I walked in was how much brighter and more cheerful it was than when Refuel occupied the space, which is great for a fun taco joint! The service was excellent: drinks right away, food came out hot and quickly, and our waiter was a delight, answering all of our questions.  

I'm a cheese dip addict, so of course we started there.  The chips and queso were great, but pretty standard.  We asked what were popular items for lunch and were told the Tortas (sandwiches) and the Fajitas.  The hubs went for the steak tortas, and I got the El Mex fajitas, with a mixture of steak, chicken and shrimp.  (Full disclosure: I poured the rest of our cheese dip on top of my fajita mix before I snapped a pic, so when you are looking at the picture, just know it doesn't come like that normally.)  ​

The tortas don't come with a side of anything, just the sandwich, but it was dang good.  Great steak, cilantro and veggies pressed in hot, crispy bread.  The fajitas come with rice, beans, and the traditional lettuce/pico/sour cream on the side.  The meat is sauteed with a mix of peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini which is all seasoned with a spice mixture that was a little on the salty side, but delicious nonetheless.  

It was a lot of food, enough to take home half a sandwich and lots of rice and beans!!  

I'd noticed this jug of white, milky stuff on the counter of the bar that was intriguing, so as we were paying I finally asked our server.  He said it was a must try, and even brought us a sample!  It is Horchata, a traditional Latin drink which tastes like milk infused with cinnamon and vanilla flavors.  It is served on ice, and the server said folks drink it with their meal.  I couldn't see doing that, but stopping in for a glass on a hot day, or ordering some for dessert? Definitely! 

​Nacho Taco has already gotten tons of support from our community, and I only see that growing.  We do have another taco spot downtown already, Papi's Tacos, but if you look at their menus, you'll see how different they really are.  Welcome Nacho Taco!!

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

Taco Dog has been around for a very long time and is a local favorite for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner on the east side!  As the name suggests, you can find both tacos (and other mexican options) as well as hot dogs with a variety of toppings.  

​The line does tend to get long due to the popularity of this spot, so I'd advise getting there early for lunch.  Hop right in line and order your meal at the buffet-style counter, where you can see your grilled meat and fresh topping choices!  Tip: they have cilantro in the fridge, you just have to ask for it ;)  They'll give you a cup to make your own drink, and word on the street is that they have one of those fancy new touch screen soda machines since I've visited!!

Of the many, many times I've been to Taco Dog, this was the first time that I'd gotten hot dogs, and I was impressed!  They always grill them, never steam. On the left is the "The Grill", which I'd equate to cheesesteak toppings on a hot dog: grilled peppers and onions, mustard, and melted cheese.  And then of course I had to try the "Taco Dog", which comes topped with mustard, slaw, chipotle sauce, and hot pepper relish. Personally, I favored "The Grill", but both dogs were grilled to perfection and served with fresh, hot fries.  My husband also favors their corn dog!

Most of the time, I head to Taco Dog for a mexican option like a burrito, tacos, or like this day, nachos.  Clearly they do not skimp on the toppings!  With any of the mexican dishes, you get the choice of rice and/or beans, plus their meat options are steak, chicken or ground beef. Finish it off with a wide array of other topping choices like lettuce, cheese, fresh salsa, olives, guacamole, sour cream, etc.  Dishes aside from nachos are served with chips on the side.  Add some queso!!

There are a few tables outside which fill up quickly on nice days!  This is a great family-friendly restaurant that isn't going anywhere, so try it out today!! ​And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
1011 Union Street

what they are known for.
hot dogs and spicy chili

menu.

Andrew's Atomic Dogs is the newest "dog" spot in Spartanburg, and it is one worth trying!  You can find it on Union Street, across from Duncan Park - look for the red awning.  

Inside, the space is small and the line was nearly out the door when we arrived! Be aware at the height of lunch hour that it might be difficult to get a table.  Also, full disclosure, either the air conditioner was broken or they don't have it hooked up yet.  It was quite warm inside, but not unbearable.  The menu was printed and passed down the line as folks ordered, and it took about 10-15 minutes for the food to come out.  They did a great job with the space, which has a quaint diner feel. 

The food came out piping hot, and I love how loaded the dogs were with the toppings.  Great ratio of dog:bun:toppings.  The turkey dog was great too if you are looking for a lighter option!  

Hot dogs can be a personal preference, just like burgers, so try Andrew's Atomic Dogs for yourself and let us know what you think!  

Happy National Hot Dog Day! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

location.
212 S Pine Street

what they are known for.
burgers, bbq and souvlaki

menu.

features.
classic family drive-in

Sugar-n-Spice is a classic family drive-in that has been in Spartanburg for over 50 years, and for good reason!  (Check out their Facebook page for some cool retro pictures.)

The menu is straightforward, and you order right at the counter when you walk in.  As you order from the friendly staff, you can watch the cooks grilling and frying away.  They'll put your food on a cafeteria-style tray, and you can continue down the line to get your drink (sweet tea) and pay at the register at the end.

If you haven't been in a couple of years, you'll notice some renovations of the dining area with new carpet, tables and chairs, that make for a really nice experience. 

​I typically stick with my favorite - cheeseburger-a-plenty with a mix of fries and onion rings - but the roast beef sandwich is amazing too. With the "a-plenty", you can get all fries, all onion rings, or a mix - I highly suggest you at least get mixed for the onion rings.  The batter is thin and crispy, a perfect compliment to any of the meals.

At some point I will have to branch out and get the souvlaki, which I've heard wonderful things about, but this burger is one to try in Spartanburg.

"The Spice" is great in many circumstances: come out with your family, after a particularly long night, or on a holiday weekend like this one!  If you need something for your 4th of July picnic, they do family-style take-out of their BBQ and lots of sides.  

Happy Independence Day weekend everyone! And if you want more Spartanburg Restaurant Reviews, look no further!

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:

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.  ​

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!

Fratello's opened in the space that was formerly Rita's, and before that Mexico Lindo, next to Dudley's on Fernwood Glendale Road.  If the front parking lot is full (there are only about 4 spaces), just head around the right of the building to the back parking lot.

Spartanburg doesn't have many purely Italian restaurants, but we should be proud to have this one.  All of their sauces are homemade, and you can absolutely tell.  I just recently got into their pizza menu, and it's amazing as well!  They did  a wonderful job redecorating the space.  It's clean and dark and moody (in a good way) with a long bar and very cool wine bottle wall.  Lots of booths = right up my alley.  Great for a romantic evening! 

I'd be remiss not to mention Fratello's Famous Pasta.  It's sausage, chicken and shrimp on farfalle with roseli sauce, which is a creamy marinara.  It's first up on the entree menu so you can't miss it, and you really shouldn't.  Heads up: it's difficult to finish any of the pasta dishes without taking some home, but it can be done (trust me).

Head to Fratello's on Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays for buy one get one 1/2 off pizzas, or Thursdays if you'd like to enjoy house wine for $3 a glass!!

Or if you can't peel yourself off the couch...order in with Hub City Delivery.

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

location.
1000 North Pine Street

what they are known for.
good ole homecookin'

menu.

features.
take-home frozen food, quick service

Look.  If you're a Spartanburg native or if you've lived here for oh, 2 minutes, then you know Wade's.  You don't need my review.  You already love it.  You try to keep yourself from going every week.

For those that aren't as familiar with Wade's, just know if you are looking for a home-cooked "meat & three", look no further.  They change their menu on a regular basis with daily specials, so be sure to check the website if you want to make sure your turkey and dressing will be there when you arrive.

If you arrive and see a line out the door 1) this is totally normal and 2) you will be amazed at how fast that line moves.  On this particular day, I think we made it from the back of the line at the door to our table in 10 minutes.  Don't ask me how they do it, it's magic.

I haven't tried a side I didn't like.  My favorites are green beans, macaroni and cheese, fried okra, turnip greens, sweet potato casserole, hash brown casserole, creamed potatoes with gravy, and creamed corn.  Oh, and the dressing, but technically that comes with the turkey, not as a side.  That's a lot of favorites, but don't worry, you'll be back.

Wade's used to only take cash or checks but recently started taking cards in February 2016!  And don't forget to check out the billboards around town featuring one of their delicious foods doing something clever.  If you can come up with one yourself, your name goes on the board!

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

location.
129 W Main Street

what they are known for.
noodles!  and other yummy pan-asian cuisine

menu.

features.
outdoor dining, hub city delivery

Monsoon Noodle House has been around for many years now, but in 2011 suffered fire damange.  Rumors swirled that they may not reopen and my heart, and tastebuds, were broken.  How could I live without their coconut soup??  There was a collective sigh of relief through town when rebuilding began, and now it's better than ever.

It has tons of seating inside and is one of the several downtown restaurants with sidewalk seating, although it wasn't set up this day (perhaps the 85+ degree temperatures?!).  Very popular with the downtown business community, so you can expect lines out the door on a nice day.  Good thing they are fast!

Now my usual go-to is the Thai Coconut Noodle Soup with shrimp, but like previously mentioned, it was almost 90 degrees outside so soup wasn't exactly what I wanted.  Instead, I went for the classic Pad Thai with shrimp.  Monsoon's "spice scale" goes from 1-5. I love and can tolerate fairly spicy food, but I went for the 4 once and it lit me up, so now I rarely venture past 3.  Those levels can also be inconsistent over different dishes, so don't assume because you can take the Triple Delight at a 3 that you can also take the Wonton Noodle Soup at a 3.  Personally, I think the soups tend to be spicier, so I might dial it down to a 2 with those.

Okay back to the Pad Thai - as you can see, great portions...I took home one spring roll and about 1/3 of this noodle dish.  You're not going to find a lot of egg as you would at say, Bangkok, but you will find saucy noodles complimented by the crunchy peanuts and bean sprouts.  You can order most dishes with your choice of shrimp, beef, chicken or tofu.  They do tofu really well, so if you're a vegetarian (or not!) it's worth a try.

The rebuilt Monsoon Noodle House is more modern with colorful decor.  Order at the counter when you walk in, make your drink, and sit down at your table where you put your number card in the metal holder so they know where to bring your food.  I always find it clean and bright, and the service is quick and reliable.  For example, it took probably 1-2 mins after I sat down for my spring rolls to come out, and I hadn't finished one before my Pad Thai arrived.  

Lunch or dinner, this place is great, and I've even brought out of town family! Huge plus: you can also get it delivered with Hub City Delivery.

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

location.
1945 Drayton Road

what they are known for.
good old southern bbq

menu.

features.
catering

As you can see, they've done an amazing job cleaning up the space from its previous life as a bar.  It's bright, inviting...and packed!  But don't worry, the service is fast and there are plenty of clean tables.  Also, they only take cash and check, but there is an ATM if you forget!

Another traditional meal, here is the BBQ plate, which comes with a slice of bread instead of a bun.   The cole slaw is on the sweeter side, and the hush puppies are to DIE for.  By far my favorite side, they are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. 

The next time you are craving bbq, try Pig Out!  You won't be disappointed.

What is your favorite BBQ joint in Spartanburg? Let me know in the comments!

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