2020 Best "Off The Grid Worthy" Restaurants in Greenville & Spartanburg

Welcome to the 2020 “Off The Grid Worthy” Restaurant List

With New Year’s resolutions motivating us to walk a little more, break a sweat at the gym,
and eat a little better, here’s a list of places deserving of your hard-earned calorie credits.
If you haven’t been yet, add these to your Upstate culinary bucket list.

What makes a place “Off The Grid Worthy”?
Creative signature dishes.
Memorable standout flavors.
Everyone always feels welcomed.
No matter when you go, it’s good.
Culturally diverse recipes steeped in tradition.

Exclusive Photography: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC

Featured

Asia Pacific Restaurant & Supermarket

A winner two years in a row, Alva Mak and her team continue to grow their menu while we desperately try to eat it all. With 115+ truly traditional Hong Kong dishes to choose from and a fresh seafood market, we still can’t get enough of this gem off Pleasantburg Avenue.

Check out their IG page for a preview of dishes OR take a seat in their restaurant and watch the slide show of each dish with its respective menu item number.
*Note: This is not Americanized Chinese food. Enjoy with an open mind.

El Horno

With cases full of fresh traditional Mexican pastries, it’s the homemade tamales and meat pies that caught our attention. Everything produced from this family-run bakery is bursting with flavor, culture, and creativity. Keep your eyes open while driving on Wade Hampton in Taylors, cause you don’t want to miss this sweet little spot.

Pita House

All hail the Pita House. We honestly could eat there every day. We praise the family's commitment to bringing the Upstate the freshest, most consistent Middle Eastern food. If you haven’t been there yet, can you truly say that you’re partaking in all that Greenville has to offer?
We think not.
OTG Tips: Cash only and almost always mobbed at lunch. After 5pm the dinner menu kicks in with kabobs.

Fresh yellow squash stuffed with Middle East style rice and cooked in tomato sauce.

Woodside Bistro

When we talk about taking care of our community, we couldn’t be prouder of the folks behind Woodside Bistro. Serving delicious food with a purpose, we think everything tastes better when you’re helping feed the community. Yep, they have a “pay it forward” board where you can donate a meal to someone in need. As of December 2019, they’ve provided over 100 meals.

The Eatery in Spartanburg

We never thought we’d drive to the Burg for vegan tacos, but the Eatery changed our minds. Everything from the plant-based options to the Monte Cristo Dutch baby has a little magic mixed in by their talented chef-owner Rory and her dedicated team. Well worth the ride, double-check hours on their FB page.

SUSHI GO

There’s so much more to SUSHI GO than the freshest sushi in the Upstate. Owner Max Godo takes pride in his restaurant’s dedication to crafting beautiful, traditional Japanese dishes. Standouts include the flower harumaki, baked spicy tuna, and sukiyaki udon. Head to downtown Greenville to try it for yourself! And don’t worry, you can still order the classics like teriyaki chicken and shrimp tempura, we’re not judging.

Flower harumaki: wrapped fresh spring roll with avocado, snow crab, cucumber and an edible flower.

Trappe Door

Trappe Door is truly a Greenville staple. For us, it checks all the boxes: unique and authentic food, Belgium-style beer options and original cocktails, cavelike ambiance, and affordable prices. Their pork and cherry sausages with mashed potatoes, moules frite, and fish and chips are all out of this world. Kids are welcome, make sure you check out their exceptional kid’s menu choices.

OTG tip: make a reservation (especially on weekends). If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, you can dine at the bar.

Mr. EggO Little India

Everyone needs a local go-to Indian spot. One of our favorites in town is Mr. EggO, located on North Pleasantburg. The owner and staff are incredibly friendly and the food is a surprising value. While we are generally not fans of okra, their stuffed okra (bharva bhindi) will turn you into a believer! Notable dishes include the ALL the chaat, vada puv, and any of their egg options.

Husk Greenville

We realize that Husk isn’t exactly an “off the grid” spot, but it is deserving of being on anyone’s top 10 list. This privately-owned treasure goes the extra mile to honor our region’s food by sourcing from local/regional farms. Their flavor combinations are ingenious, innovative, and inventive. We know that’s a lot of adjectives, but it’s just that special.

There are also legit vegetarian and vegan options that will help you stay on course for the new year. Mix in some great service, it would be wrong to not include this memorable treat.

OTG tip: We find lunch and brunch to be more casual and affordable.

Oh and don’t miss Husk Greenville’s ever-changing cocktail list; we’ve had a few that have blown our minds. 🤯#notsponsored

Myles Pizza Pub: Lucky us! The legendary Myles Pizza Pub has reopened after 39 years originally from Bolling Green, Ohio here in Greenville.

BONUS

And while you’re here, let us not forget to mention a few more local favorites that everyone should check out if you haven’t already.

Inky’s Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies

Asada

LTO Burger Bar

Jamaica Mi Irie

Persis Biryani Indian Grill

Aryana Afghan Cuisine

Taquería Mixtepec (2020 location: 2907 N Pleasantburg Drive, GVL 29609)

We wish you an incredible year of yummy food, good health, and lots of LOVE! We hope you indulge in some of the amazing eats from the many locally, family-run, “Off The Grid Worthy” gems around town.

Happiest of New Years,
Your friends at Off The Grid

Jackie BrookerJanuary 8, 2020