These Upstate picks offer tasty cuisine with a side of live music
At great Upstate restaurants, meals are an event, from the intro of the appetizers through the verses of the entree and, of course, the grand finale of a great dessert. But what makes a meal even more memorable? Live music. Thanks to a talented slate of musicians, these restaurants are able to offer a complete experience, including the cuisine you crave and the music that takes the experience to the next level.
Try these options, where culinary and musical talent go hand in hand.
Live Music Restaurant Headliners
Paloma
If you find yourself in the heart of downtown Greenville, you’re sure to pass the open doors of Paloma on a nice afternoon or evening. Located in the bottom of the AC Hotel, Paloma is a go to spot for “tapas y bebidas,” or bites and drinks. In addition to the Spanish-inspired menu and unique cocktails, guests can count on a steady flow of live music.
Friday and Saturdays at 6pm and Sundays at 3pm, Paloma welcomes performers in a variety of music styles. On Greenville’s bustling Main Street, it offers open-air seating designed to cultivate a vibe that encourages lingering and soaking in the local scenes and sounds. Follow Paloma on Instagram at paloma.gvl for weekly updates on the music schedule.
The One5
Greeting you as you enter the Hartness neighborhood, the One5 is serving up unique dishes and local music weekly. From shareable plates to stone-oven cooked dishes, Executive Chef Nelson DeHoyos, is cooking up classic dishes with his fresh flair. Not only can you find a craft or classic cocktail or a hand-selected glass of wine, you can check out local musicians weekly on Friday evenings.
“We always want to bring in local musicians for our guests to listen. We’re a neighborhood restaurant so we want to continue to support our community,” says The One5. Follow them on Instagram or check out their website to see who is performing weekly, along with any special events upcoming.
Smiley’s On The Roxx
Only a block from Fluor Field on Main Street, Smiley’s is perhaps Greenville’s preeminent nightclub–with enough food, spirits, people, and music to satiate you for a long time.
“We opened in 2023, right after the original Smiley’s shut down,” says Heather Frechette, co-owner of Smiley’s with Todd Zillmer. “We were looking to rebrand, and live music was one of the ideas.”
Offered nightly at no cover, music includes open mic Mondays, Karaoke Wednesdays with a backing band, acoustic shows and full bands Thursdays through Saturdays, plus early-evening acoustic shows Sundays, followed by a live DJ.
Tuesdays feature longtime local Charles Hedgepath and other professional musicians.
“As for food, we have a really great pizza and burger,” Frechette says. “I’ve been told we have better wings than some of the sports bars, and the kitchen is open until 2 a.m.”
Red Horse Inn – Landrum, SC
Off the beaten path, Red Horse Inn in Landrum is an unfolding experience.
Food consists of cheese platters and hummus plates, and with only 10 overnight accommodations, business relies heavily on the wine bar and majestic mountain views.
“Our wine bar is open 5-9 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and most of my patronage is from Greenville, Spartanburg, Charlotte—who come and then go home,” says inn owner Christian Wolters. “We have an 80-person maximum, which we realize a couple of times each month.”
And the inn’s live music carries an unpredictable appeal. “Sometimes we have violin players, sometimes rock musicians, or bluegrass, Americana, and country soul,” he said. “Our acts run the full gamut and range.”
Blues Boulevard Jazz
For both current and throwback blues and jazz, Blues Boulevard Jazz on River Street might make you wonder if you’re about to be treated to a jazz or blues legend like Bobby Troup, Robert Johnson, or Little Walter.
With live musicians playing guitar, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, jazz drums—and sometimes all six—every Thursday through Sunday, BBJ keeps the party flowing with hand-held creations, small ‘big flavor’ plates, a long list of specialty drinks, and an atmosphere built for spending an evening with friends or a special date.
Southern Culture Kitchen & Bar
Real Southern cuisine made from scratch is what you’ll find at Southern Culture Kitchen and Bar on North Pleasantburg.
For example, the SC Bourbon French Toast is a top brunch option. Thickly sliced brioche topped with vanilla bourbon anglaise and maple syrup is hard to resist.
Or try Friday lunch shareables, Friday steak and fish night, blackened pasta, or the 10-oz. SC burger with grilled peppers and homemade garlic aioli on a brioche bun.
And keep an ear peeled for the periodic Americana sounds of Vilai Harrington & The Hamptones, Mark Webb, Jr., and Seth & Sara.
The Velo Fellow
Located on the south end of Falls Park on Augusta Street, The Velo Fellow serves black beans and rice, burgers and flatwiches, and hand-crafted beers amidst an old-world atmosphere.
“All of our food is made from scratch, including the bread,” said General Manager Joe Paul. “Our most popular item is the Reuben, and everything in it is made from scratch, too, including the rye bread.”
Sounds include 3-4 days a week of live music in genres including alternate/indie, metal rock, and experimental rock. Faux Skater, Godshell, and Motherwell Drive are a few names that have appeared.
“Our music and the food both reinforce the other,” Paul said. “But mainly we offer an opportunity that has something for everyone.”
Chicora Alley
With a nod to Carolinas history and people, Chicora Alley has offered up Southern food and live music in a friendly, rustic atmosphere since 2003.
Whether you visit its Main Street location next to Falls Park or its more laid-back sister in central Travelers Rest, Chicora Alley lives up to its name that means “land of the healing breeze.”
Menus include onion rings, crab cakes, fish and chips, Caribbean Coconut Shrimp Basket, and impressive array of sandwiches and sides.
Don’t be surprised if the music takes you to another land, as bands routinely toss out Caribbean fusion, live jazz, and lots of rhythm and blues.
