InTheBurg

spartanburg eats

Caribbean Cuisine InTheBurg

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Kick off your shoes, slide on your sunglasses, and let your mind turn to island time, with a delicious Caribbean meal in Spartanburg.

[Updated May 2021]

In celebration of one of downtown Spartanburg’s newest restaurants, Kingston Homestyle Kitchen, opening their brick-and-mortar location, (late summer 2020,) we’re bringing you seven food trucks and restaurants that have all the saucy plates to fill your curry oxtail, plantain, and Jamaican jerk chicken cravings.

And they’re bringing the heat.

Shown above: Ackee and Saltfish, (a local fruit and dried and salted cod,) the National Dish of Jamaica, served at…

Kingston Homestyle Kitchen, 256 North Church St, Spartanburg

Possibly one of the most well-known food trucks in the Upstate, Kingston Homestyle Kitchen originally traveled daily from their home in Gaffney to several standing spots in Spartanburg.

After much online fame, (and recommendations in the Spartanburg Eats Facebook group,) Kingston Homestyle Kitchen now has a brand-new brick-and-mortar restaurant in Downtown Spartanburg, across from the Spartanburg Marriott.

Choose from 19 varieties of curried, jerk, and stewed chicken, goat, beef, oxtails, shrimp, and fish. And don’t forget the sides! Plantains, rice, peas, and cabbage are Jamaican standards.

God’s Favor Cafe/ Market, 876 East Main St, Spartanburg

God’s Favor Cafe offers African Caribbean and American fusion cuisine, such as jerk plates with cabbage and coconut rice, OR spicy and mild jerk wings.

Try West African dishes as well, such as Jollof Rice, a traditional dish made with mixed vegetables, such as tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers.

What’s better than delicious dinner takeout? Shopping specialty goods, sauces, and frozen meals at God’s Favor’s Caribbean grocery! Find a new statement ingredient to feature in your cooking, or stock up on bulk dry goods, such as beans and rice.

Taste of Jamaica Caribbean Kitchen, 749 John B White Sr Blvd

This Caribbean restaurant’s owners and names may have changed hands a few times in the past, (any Jamaica Spice fans out there?) but the delicious food and outdoor location have stayed constant.

You can’t miss the colorful, Jamaican building and outdoor seating when driving down John B White Sr Blvd. Perfect for social distancing, order your food (served to-go) at their walk-up window, and choose to eat at their picnic tables or at home.

Just A Smile Entertainment, (Food Truck)

Try Caribbean and West Indies cuisine at Just A Smile, and you’ll be more than just smiling. Find their location for the day on Facebook, as they travel throughout the Upstate. This food truck is also available for event catering and DJ sound system rentals.

Natalie’s Kitchen, (Pre-Order Meals & Catering)

Chef Natalie is serving up all your wildest Caribbean and Soul Food fusion dreams, such as jerk chicken and steak kabobs, deep-fried whipped deviled eggs, honey fried chicken wings with Jamaican gravy, five-cheese baked mac-and-cheese, oxtail eggrolls,… to name a few. (We’ll stop, because we’re already drooling.)

Call Natalie at (864)301-1076 to order individual meals to pick up at 1111 W.O. Ezell Blvd. Or, email to inquire about larger orders, meal prep, and event catering: NataliesKitchen.info@gmail.com.

Natalie’s Kitchen is currently closed to future orders during COVID-19, through Summer 2021.

Tropical Grille, 2440 Reidville Rd, Spartanburg

Tropical Grille may be an Upstate fast food franchise, but their Spartanburg location still has plenty of flavor! If you’re looking for large portions of Cuban and Caribbean food, Tropical Grille is a delicious, convenient option. (Did someone say drive-thru??)

Customize your tropical rice bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and salads with your favorite meats, beans, sauces, and grilled veggies. The star menu item is the humble Yuca Fry– a starchy root vegetable, with more flavor and crisp than your traditional fry.

Rock Steady Caribbean & Soul Food, 1441 Union St, Spartanburg

As one of Spartanburg’s newest restaurants, opened in May 2021, Rock Steady has joined the growing grab-n-go number of eateries along Union Street. With everything from curry and jerk wings, to oxtail and salmon rolls, Chef Roxie’s menu is sure to offer something for everyone. In a deliciously convenient concept, the Caribbean restaurant is located beside Fresh Auto Spa Cafe, a hand-washed car service.

Get The Scoop: Five Must-Visit Ice Creameries InTheBurg

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We don’t need a reason to enjoy a delicious ice cream sundae, but if you’re looking for an excuse, here’s a great one: July is National Ice Cream Month, and National Ice Cream Day is the 3rd Sunday in July.

Choosing which flavor to savor is almost as difficult as choosing a shop! Here’s five of our favorite creameries:

Big Ben’s Desserts & Ice Cream

297 Spartanburg Hwy, Lyman

Big Ben’s is your one-stop-shop for ice cream sundaes, handbaked brownies and cupcakes, milkshakes, Ben Hall’s famous banana pudding, and more. Build your own sundae, with a slice of signature cake and over 15 toppings to choose from. Stop by for a sweet treat, Tuesday through Saturday.

Read our full article on Big Ben’s here.

Buck ‘N Brew Coffee & Ice Cream

18981 Asheville Hwy, Campobello

“Have your [ice cream,] and eat it too” at Buck ‘N Brew. This specialty coffeeshop and ice cream parlor combo, has everything from hot fudge sundaes, handspun milkshakes, and cheerwine floats, to oreo frappes and sandwiches.

Check out their 24 flavors of ice cream, open daily. In a rush? They even have a drive-through!

Read our full article on Buck ‘N Brew here.

Hub City Scoops

158 East Main St, Spartanburg

Hub City Scoops has all sorts of ways to eat your ice cream: waffle cone, cake cones, ice cream sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream cakes, AND ICE CREAM FLIGHTS. Choose from nearly 60 rotating flavors— including non-dairy options, sugar-free flavors, and Italian ices and sherberts– from Wisconsin’s famous Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

Check out their exclusive National Ice Cream Day menu offerings here.

Hub City Scoops is open daily, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Or, enjoy your ice cream across the street with a stroll through the Denny’s Plaza gardens. They are also offering take-and-make kits, with your ice cream pints and toppings of choice.

Southern Delights & More

114 East Rutherford St, Landrum

Sweet tooth got a craving? Hungry for breakfast or lunch? Southern Delights has it all! Head to historic Downtown Landrum, and look for the green dino…

Grab a coffee and ice cream cone to-go, then stroll downtown’s many antique shop finds. Or, enjoy your sweet treats in the air conditioning, while playing one of the cafe’s many board game offerings. Southern Delights is open Monday through Saturday, 8am-4pm.

Strawberry Hill U.S.A.

3097 Hwy 11 West, Chesnee

Most people know Strawberry Hill U.S.A. for their fresh-picked buckets of strawberries, baskets of peaches, and other seasonal produce. BUT, right across the street, stop by the Country Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor. The cafe is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Grab a Southern bite to eat and a dessert to-go, then eat your sweet treats in a rocker on the porch.

Strawberry Hill offers 12 homemade flavors and 18 Gifford & Hershey flavors, plus milkshakes, banana splits, root beer floats, fresh berry sundaes, and more. The Ice Cream Parlor is open daily, 10am-8pm.

Breast, Wing, Thigh- Oh My!

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One thing Southerners take quite seriously– other than the sweetness of the tea– is their FRIED CHICKEN. Crispy breast portion or chicken tender? White meat or dark? Does boneless chicken even count?? Which part of the bird is the beak… err,… peak of perfection?

No matter how you slice, dice, or serve it, fried chicken is an experience, and one that Spartanburg does well. So we set out to find the best of the Burg’s fried chicken offerings– new concepts, family favorites, and Hub City icons alike.

Here’s the top ten chicken joints in Spartanburg, (in alphabetical order of course, because their rated order is up to your taste buds to decide.) Note: Chicken wings are a category all on their own, and this list features restaurants specifically of note for their fried chicken selections.

The Beacon Drive-In: (255 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg)

This classic Spartanburg drive-in is nationally famous for many things– chili cheese “a-plenty,” onion rings piled high atop the burgers, the Beacon’s commercially-sold sweet tea, legendary local J.C. Stroble,… What you may not know is the delicious secret of The Beacon’s fried chicken plates. Customize your favorite pieces, or opt for a family takeout box of eight or sixteen pieces. Be sure to grab a gallon of tea and a peach cobbler to go with it!

Charlene’s Home Cooking: (1136 East Blackstock Rd, Moore)

Nothing says, “Cooking from the Heart,” like some Southern-style Soul Food, and Charlene’s Home Cooking is the place to find it. Chalkboard specials– ranging from fried chicken, to fried ribs, to oxtail– are updated on Charlene’s facebook page, varying by season and local availability.

Since 2013, this soul food favorite has wowed with both delicious Southern staples and hospitality. “This is more than just a restaurant or business to us. It’s a ministry,” says Charlene. “You could come in with nothing, and we’d hope to do something to make your day better.” Read more on Charlene Davis’ eatery here.

Duncan Family Restaurant: (159 West Main St, Duncan)

Duncan Family Restaurant is the definition of small town country cooking. In addition to their daily meat & three plates– including Southern fried chicken and boneless fried chicken breast– check out the daily specials, updated on their Facebook page. You might wait a hot minute for your chicken, but for good reason; it’s fried fresh to order.

Flavorshack Hot Chicken & Ribs: (2144 East Main St, Duncan)

Nashville hot chicken? Chicken pot pie?! Chicken and waffles?!? (Need we say more?)

Flavorshack is bringing the heat to Duncan, with everything from hot chicken sandwiches, to hickory smoked ribs, to crispy chicken tenders the size of your hand.

Pro-tip: Pair your hot chicken with a strawberry lemonade or margarita, and finish it off with a housemade pudding.

Flock Shop: (970 South Pine St, Spartanburg)

WHAT THE FLOCK?! Flock Shop is the newest concept from Hub City Hospitality, the team behind Willy Taco and Fr8yard. Enjoy their dry-brined, buttermilk, hot chicken in sandwich form, slathered in your sauce of choice, chopped over salad, covered in gravy and egg for brunch, or even suspended above a Bloody Mary cocktail– (yes, they went there.) And don’t forget the sides! In true Southern fashion, pair your fried chicken with pimento cheese mac&cheese, collard greens, smoked bacon and goat cheese grits, and more.

You can’t truly experience EAT DRINK FLOCK SHOP without a drink in-hand. In addition to their draft cocktails and craft beer selection, find an exclusive collaboration brew with RJ Rockers Brewery on tap. Every Rail Trail Pale Ale (5.3%abv, dry-hopped American pale) sold donates to enhancing the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail— the urban trail that Flock Shop is located on, which features rental B-Cycles, the Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park, a Panthers Play60 playground, fitness equipment, the Rail Tail Dog Park, and more.

Hub City Chicken & More: (451 East Henry St, Spartanburg)

Hub City Chicken might be one of downtown Spartanburg’s best kept secrets. This local favorite has a quirky, country exterior, with some of the most delicious fried chicken served inside. Even better: There’s a drive-thru! Don’t forget the sweet tea and sweet potato crunch.

Pro-tip: Order the Chicken Pot Pie. Trust us. This pot pie is made fresh daily, with flaky pastry crust, and WILL sell out.

Lake Bowen Fish Camp: (8580 SC-9, Inman)

Whether you’ve spent an afternoon on the lake, or admired boats from afar, end the day with a tray of fried chicken and fish, piled high. Known locally as simply “the Fish Camp,” this Inman mainstay has been serving up their fried classics since 1979. While fish is their “cornbread and butter,” to say, don’t sleep on Lake Bowen’s fried chicken and chicken livers! They also make a mean chicken stew.

Mustard Seed BBQ & Country Cooking: (2000 SJ Workman Hwy, Woodruff)

Is any Soul Food restaurant complete without fried chicken? Mustard Seed offers up crispy chicken, BBQ, and all the fixin’s, served buffet-style in Woodruff.

Wade’s Restaurant: (1000 North Pine St, Spartanburg)

Spartanburg natives may know Wade’s from Sunday meat & three lunches, from Wade’s original South Pine Street location, or even from their clever vegetable pun billboards. This Spartanburg family classic has been serving up their Southern plates since 1947, famous for their yeast rolls and Wade’s Famous Fried Chicken! “When you’re hungry for homemade,… Eat at Wade’s.”

Woodward’s Cafe: (1928-2005)

While Woodward’s Cafe is sadly no longer in business at 438 Stevens St, the legend of its fried chicken lives on STRONG in the minds and bellies of Spartanburg residents. We’d be remiss to not acknowledge this historic favorite, which was nominated for Southern Living‘s best fried chicken in Spartanburg.

Woodward’s was known for its homestyle dining, with everything on the menu made from scratch. The 1928 cafe was one of the oldest Black-owned businesses in the City of Spartanburg, and closed in 2005 after a kitchen grease fire.

“It was quite interesting how people would come there to eat and enjoy just being there – no matter what race they were,” said James Talley, former Spartanburg mayor. Whitmire [Woodward’s second generation owner] “had something that drew people together where they weren’t concerned about blacks and whites eating together or sitting together,” he said. Read more of Robert Woodward, Charles “Spot” Whitmire, and Woodward’s Cafe’s legacies here.

And there you have it, the top ten highest rated fried chicken spots in Spartanburg! Check out these local eateries, and show some small business love.

Did we miss your favorite restaurant? Do you have memory of Spartanburg restaurants past to share? InTheBurg wants to hear from you! Send us an email at idea@intheburg864.com.

Local Take-Home Meals

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Are you tired of cooking, uncomfortable eating out yet, and wanting to support local?

Skip the grocery store; these six restaurants and meal-prep businesses are making dinner easy, with frozen and ready-to-bake meals.

Blue Moon Specialty Foods, 130 South Church St, Spartanburg

In addition to their made-to-order breakfast and lunch counter, Blue Moon Specialty Foods is known for their grab-n-go fresh and frozen meals. Monday through Saturday, choose from frozen casseroles and stews, breakfast quiches and pies, cinnamon rolls ready to pop in the oven, daily salads and sandwich wraps, and “snacky” sides, such as pimiento cheese and salsas. Finish off your easy meal with a dash of their signature spices and sauces, produced in-house.

Blue Moon’s lunch counter is also available through Hub City Delivery.

Harvest House Landrum, 22345 Asheville Hwy/ 176, Landrum

Harvest House Landrum offers delicious eco-friendly meals to-go, with everything from Crab Bisque and Angus Burgers, to North Carolina Trout and Vegetable Risotto. Or, go family-style with take-and-bake Shepherds Pie and weekly offerings. Their storefront is open late, Monday through Saturday.

Hub City Farmacy, 3087 East Main St Ext, Spartanburg

Hub City Farmacy is Spartanburg’s first fully-organic meal delivery service, with take-home options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Weekly menus are released each Wednesday, with orders placed by Saturday, and made for the following Monday.

Their individual and family-size meals are non-GMO, preservative-free, and made with local meat and produce. Hub City Farmacy also offer meal plan accommodations for dairy-free, paleo, grain-free, and plant-based diets.

Mama Sue’s Homemade Help, 351 East Henry St, Spartanburg

Mama Sue’s offers fresh and frozen meals, with both pre-orders and in-store meal selections to browse. Weekly menus are posted on Monday, for Thursday pick-up, with the store open Monday through Saturday for drop-in meal pick-up. Choose single entrees, or family style meals to feed 2-4 people ($15) or 4-6 people ($25.)

Moveable Feasts, 956 East Main St, Spartanburg

Moveable Feasts has been offering catering services, daily box lunch entrees, and take-and-bake casseroles and pies since 2004. Their shop is open Monday through Friday, with order ahead options, drop-in orders, and home delivery through Hub City Delivery.

Take It Holmes- Inman, 2 South Main St, Inman

Take It Holmes- Westside, 1930 Old Reidville Rd, Spartanburg

Take It Holmes now has two locations in Spartanburg, both offering premade meals that just need heating! Their weekly menus are listed online here, with either entree or family meal options. Both locations are open Monday through Saturday, with occasional BOGO meal deals to stock your fridge.

Sushi-Burg

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Celebrate International Sushi Day on June 18th, with a taste of Japanese cuisine in Spartanburg!

There are several crowd-favorite sushi restaurants throughout Spartanburg County, with everything from traditional rolls to fusion experiences.

Who has the best sushi and sashimi in Spartanburg? You tell us! Check out the recommendations below, and let InTheBurg know your favorite restaurants and rolls on Instagram.

Here’s twelve sushi destinations to sample:

Traditional Rolls:

Sushi can be found at many restaurants, but GOOD SUSHI sometimes requires a recommendation. Here’s six traditional sushi bars and Japanese restaurants that have the community-certified seal of deliciousness. You might even say, “They’re on a roll.”

Thai Twist:

These Thai restaurants have more than just delicious noodles to offer; here’s three noteworthy restaurants that ALSO excel in sushi bar offerings.

Alternative Experiences: “Roll It, or Bowl it?”

Are you allergic to seafood, an out-of-the-box thinker, or craving a sushi bowl? Check out these three fusion restaurants, blending Hawaiian and Mexican flavors with sushi ingredients and concepts. Bonus points for fast-casual eats, built-to-order, and grab-n-go!

Itadakimasu!

Mata’s On the Move

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A Mexican restaurant offering a nightlife vibe with 19 beers on tap and a back patio big enough for a fiesta is coming to the former Mellow Mushroom spot in downtown Spartanburg.

Fabian Mata, the owner of Nacho Taco, and his dad Antonio, the owner of Don Rey in Boiling Springs, are partnering to transform the closed pizzeria into Mata’s Mexican Bar and Grill.

“This is our first venture together, and I’m absolutely pumped,” Fabian said, of co-owning a restaurant with his father. “We want to incorporate some nightlife into this place. We want to be one of the few Mexican restaurants where you come for the food, but stay for the beer.”

Mata expects to open late April once he cleans up and redesigns the space at 464 E. Main St.

Excerpt from GoUpstate.com. Read the full article here.