Upstate foodies share the crave-worthy dishes that keep them coming back for more
The Upstate is full of amazing culinary experiences at restaurants whose cuisines span the globe from Asia to the American South. But dining is a personal experience, and everyone has their own take on what makes a memorable meal. To showcase a cross-section of the Upstate’s top offerings, we went to area foodies, who not only cultivate their own favorite spots but also stay au courant on new ones so they can dish out recommendations to their readers and followers. Read on to find out where our local writers, influencers, and food-lovers go for the dishes they seek out on repeat.
Meet the Foodies of the Upstate
The Foodie
Dani Mathews @HealthyishDani, is your go-to guide for exploring Greenville, South Carolina—from where to eat and things to do to nearby hikes and travel destinations.
Dani selects:
Beef tartare, in particular the one served over two baby hash browns during happy hour.
Restaurant: Scoundrel; Chef Joe Cash
The Foodie
Stephanie Burnette writes about travel in the South, and what to eat when you get there, for magazines including TOWN, EATER, The Local Palate, and Good Grit.
Stephanie selects:
Sweet corn som tam with pickled shrimp
Restaurant: Little Secret pop-ups; Chef Conner Hinderks
The Foodie
Co-owner of the Community Tap, Ed Buffington loves finding a great meal and the beverage pairing that makes the experience even better.
Ed selects:
Damn Good Burger (with a daiquiri)
Restaurant: Bar Margaret; owner Chris George
The Foodie
Jackie Brooker is founder and CEO of Off The Grid Greenville, an insider’s guide to the Upstate’s lesser-known culinary and cultural offerings.
Jackie selects:
Garlic scallion lobster
Restaurant: Asia Pacific; owner Alva Mak
More Food for Thought
Linda Lee is a freelance food writer and a former editor of the MICHELIN Guide (and guest editor of the July 2025 drink issue).
Linda’s pick: Miso-glazed black cod from Mr. Crisp; Chef Carlos Baez
Ariel Blanchard is a journalist covering food and lifestyle and an enthusiast of all things local.
Ariel’s pick: Shrimp and mole tacos from Asada; owner Gina Petti
David McClintock, known as Big Dave Eats, is a TV and radio personality who explores and shares culinary experiences @bigdaveeats.
Big Dave’s pick: Andrew’s Way Philly Cheesesteak at Harry’s Hoagies; owners Michelle Pavlakos and Andrew Fallis
John Malik is a restaurant coach and hospitality consultant who writes the City Juice column for the Greenville Journal.
John’s pick: Tacos on handmade tortillas from Antojitos Mexicanos, a food truck in the Hallmark Square shopping center on White Horse Road.
