If you are looking for a great lunch spot in the greater Greenville – Spartanburg area – South Carolina with excellent service, check out the following restaurants who are known for their amazing lunch specials!
Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery
A local favorite that is right outside of downtown Greenville, is Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery. Not only do they strive to support local farmers and makers by creating a more sustainable food system, they have an incredibly helpful team. Their outdoor patio seating is perfect for meeting up with friends on an early fall day. They even have a fireplace in the patio area to warm you up in the colder months. Most recently, they’ve expanded “the Shed” to be more like a traditional coffee shop. Trust me when I say that you have to try one of their homemade syrups in your next latte! The restaurant is right next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail making for easy access right from the trail! They are known for their famous Stecca bread. You will see children and adults alike eating it by the loaf as they walk around the grocery and the property. They serve soups, sandwiches, smoothies, and the most delicious pastries in their cafe area! Grab some friends and family and go check it out. I promise you will be satisfied with your experience there.
Upstate Growers Market – Fountain Inn
If you are looking for a small restaurant that is quite unique, take a quick drive to Upstate Growers Market. While very similar to Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery, it’s just on the other side of town! Their great service menu includes sandwiches, burgers, and salads. While you wait for your sandwich, shop next door in their market room where they locally source all their meat, food products, wines, health + beauty products. They even sell raw milk if you are a fan! As a new patron, I purchased one of their “freezer boxes” which included grass fed beef, pasture raised chicken, and pork! While all of the meat has been incredible, I’ve been specifically enjoying the finer cuts of steak. After pan searing, the steak was truly melt in my mouth delicious. I will sing UGM’s praises from the rooftops. I love getting to support local farmers directly. It brings me so much joy AND the nutrients from the protein seem to be more bioavailable since the cow was raised in the same county that I live in! The best part is that the farm where all the meat come from is only 6 MILES from the store. You can’t beat that. Check out AM PM Farm and Upstate Growers Market if you are on the Mauldin, Simpsonville, Five Forks side of Greenville.
Pita House
The dining experience at Pita House is sure to impress. They have the most delicious food that is authentically middle eastern. This is a really good place to go if you like support local business owners! Their falafel and hummus are famous in in the Upstate (for good reason). This family owned business has charm and excellence in their craft. My personal favorite is their chicken salad in their homemade pita bread. My mouth is literally watering thinking about it.
Sully’s Steamers
Sully’s Steamers is another local favorite because of the friendly staffs, delicious bagels, and multiple locations across the Greenville – Spartanburg – Simpsonville – Greer area! My personal favorite is The Neighborino which includes: turkey, muenster, tomatoes, sprouts, avocado & honey mustard! They build the bagel sandwich, wrap it up, and steam it right there. When your order is up, you’ve got a pipping hot, delicious lunch waiting for you! While Greenville might not have the bagel experience of New York City, you are sure to enjoy the unique bagel creations at Sully’s Steamers!
Kitchen Sync
Kitchen Sync serves incredible food all while providing great service for lunch and dinner! They use Swamp Rabbit Cafe’s Stecca bread to make the BEST appetizer creations! Their dining room is warm and inviting. You are sure to have a great experience there! If you try to go there on a Friday/Saturday evening, good luck finding a table without being on the waitlist! But of course, it is totally worth the wait!
Konnichiwa
Looking for a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion without spending too much on food and a great dining experience? Head to Konnichiwa for some delicious sushi! Their prices are some of the best in town and the quality of their sushi far outweighs the price! My partner and I are such regulars that the wait staff already knows to get our order started when we walk into the dining room.
Menkoi Noodle House
Check out Menkoi Noodle House for some of Greenville’s yummiest ramen! It’s located right off of North Main street so if you are already downtown, it’s a short walk to this cozy ramen delight. Menkoi is a great place to visit if you love all things ramen! Right across the street from the restaurant is Noma Square where live music and events take place. Grab yourself a cup of coffee from Starbucks and enjoy the great view as it’s a smaller venue for outdoor events. See more event details here on their website.
Groucho’s Deli
Another local favorite is Groucho’s Deli. Right off of Coffee St downtown Greenville. They also have plenty of other locations all across the South. It was actually started in the 1940s in Columbia, SC. If you aren’t familiar with the area, Columbia is a 2-hour drive from Greenville. They are famous for their Formula 45 sauce. they say it’s an herby blend between spicy Russian and thousand island. Honestly, I could drink the stuff…it’s that good. But alas, you must try it for yourself. Be sure to get some of their house chips to dip in the Formula 45 sauce. Try it- you won’t be disappointed.
So whether you are visiting Greenville for a good time or a long time, be sure to check out these staple lunch restaurants. Calling all locals, comment below your favorite lunch spot in Greenville!
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