When the team said I should write the letter for our annual food issue, stating I go out to eat more than anyone else in the office, they weren’t wrong. I do dine out. A lot.
Mostly because I don’t like to cook and really, neither does my husband. I don’t consider myself a “foodie,” as I’m too picky of an eater, but I do enjoy Greenville (and the Upstate’s) food scene.
Instead of talking about the wonderful stories we have in this issue—and there are plenty—or how wonderful the team is—they are, and I try to remind them frequently—I thought I’d share a few of my favorite dining establishments.
For fast-casual lunches, Greenfield’s Bagels and Deli is near the top. I am addicted to their egg salad sandwich and of course their bagels. I’m a huge salad lover, so even though it’s a chain, I love the salad bar at Jason’s Deli. I’ve been going there for more than 20 years. Greektown Grille’s Athenian salad is one of my favorites, along with the tzatziki served with pita wedges. For a good hoagie, it’s Harry’s Hoagies or Augusta Street Market.
For pizza, it’s really a toss-up between Coastal Crust and Sidewall Pizza, it just depends on my mood that day. Oh, and The Slice in Simpsonville. Lieu’s Chinese Bistro (the original on Woodruff Road) is hands down the best Chinese food in the Upstate (and yes, I will argue that). For tacos, it’s Asada, also needs no discussion. Although if you haven’t tried the street tacos at Mextizo on Haywood Road, you’re missing out. For Persian food it’s Pomegranate. Get the 1001 Nights Chocolate Cake and thank me later.
Steakhouses are abundant here in the Upstate with so many good choices, but I tend to migrate to Rick Erwin’s West End Grille for that classic steakhouse feel, with Halls Chophouse as a close runner-up. For a good burger, Stella’s Southern Brasserie, with its pimento cheese and house burger sauce, is hard to beat.
Italian food is my favorite, and thankfully, there are plenty of choices. There’s Ristorante Bergamo for a special indulgence, Jianna for their Spaghetti TBG, Basilico for their bread, and Giovanni’s for the lasagna.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t include coffee shops, as we have a lot of choices and I’m a frequent visitor. Unlocked, Chestnut, Village Grind, and Methodical are all at the top of my list. Bakeries? Rise for bread and general pastries. Sidewall Pastry Kitchen or Bakery Off Augusta for cakes. Just want to pick up dinner to take home? Good to Go Greenville is perfect for a weeknight dinner, and their chicken tenders with homemade honey mustard call to me.
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Thanks for reading now and always. If you ever have a story idea for us, want to tell us how great we are, or just general comments, please reach out.
