2021 Best "Off The Grid Worthy" Restaurants in the Upstate, SC
In all honesty, we delayed this annual story because we did not want to create an overly competitive environment while so many of our restaurants are suffering and scrambling to stay open.
Every local restaurant navigating the last year deserves an award.
But we thought it was time to give tribute to some of the best Off the Grid-worthy restaurants who continued operating at a consistently high level of quality and customer service through it all.
You’ll see some classics here that are repeats year over year, and they're classic for a reason – they've held the test of time, even despite seemingly insurmountable adversity.
And we’re excited to welcome some new names to the list and hope you’ll take the chance to support these restaurants too.
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
Photographer: Jackie Shapiro Brooker
Digital Post Production: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC
Earning this coveted title five years in a row, we honestly cannot imagine another restaurant creating such healthy cravings for the tastiest, freshest food in the Upstate. We're grateful that even with closing the dining room this past year, the Pita House continued to provide quick service, a full market of ethnic groceries, and consistent quality that we've all come to depend on.
And great news – the dining room is back open for full service. So don’t fear, fresh lemonade is back again with one free refill when you dine in! #cashonly
When we first discovered Asia Pacific Restaurant and Supermarket it was in a desperate attempt to find dumplings. Upon walking into a strip mall grocery store in the former Dragon Den space (remember that?) we had no idea the treasures hidden inside. Rows and rows of Asian sourced foods – including all manner of dumplings – in a spotlessly clean grocery store setting with a full-size restaurant attached.
The chef serves up the most authentic Hong Kong-style dishes you can find in the Upstate, along with anything else you might miss from Chinatown waiting in the grocery. It's a win-win in our book, and we're grateful that Alva Mak and her family continue to thrive with our community’s support.
Everything from oxtails, curry chicken, rice and peas, patties, and a variety of flavors of Ting, this legit Jamaican joint has it all. Located next to The Seafood Spot, don't miss this gem. Block some time on your calendar to fully experience the authentic, slower pace of the islands that truly celebrates living in the moment.
Myles Pizza Pub has quickly emerged as a leader in “date-night” pizza. Full-size slices of deli meat and vegetable toppings are blanketed by half an inch of caramelized cheese – why did we ever assemble pizza reversely?
They’re more than pizza, though – fresh salads, subs, cheesy bread, and housemade cookies and dressings. We understand why this family enjoyed nearly 40 years of rockstar recognition in Bowling Green, Ohio. Thanks to the Myles family for this great spot with plenty of outdoor seating, a full-length bar, and making #yeahTHATgreenville home.
Always winners in our book, Gina and Roberto Cortez continue to sling Asada’s signature two-hander Mission-style burritos and other Latin American fusion options we crave on a weekly basis. Their big smiles, vegetarian and vegan options, and the newest menu item – full-size sangria to go – got us through months of socially distanced living. Cheers!
The Kennedy, Spartanburg
The Cribb family has been leading the dining scene in Spartanburg for years, and their fine dining restaurant, The Kennedy, became a fast favorite of discriminating diners around the Upstate. Sourcing quality local ingredients, The Kennedy’s dishes are a celebration of modern Southern cuisine in a Great Gatsby-inspired environment worthy of dressing up a bit, if you even remember how to do that anymore . . . Their take out meals when indoor dining was closed were well-worth the 30-minute drive, as their full-service dinner experiences have always been.
Image provided by The Kennedy
Having HipBurger both in Mauldin and roving around as a food truck makes it a little easier to stomach that In-N-Out Burger doesn’t have a location on the east coast. The crispy smashburger and signature fries are consistently perfect and have had us coming back for more since they opened. In fact, there’s debate among the OTGG team about whether HipBurger is better than the successful burger chain it was modeled after – Shake Shack. We’ll let you decide while we watch this baby grow. It won't be off the grid for long!
The team behind Topsoil has infused not only Travelers Rest with renewed culinary energy but also the entire Upstate. In addition to operating its own farm from which executive chef Adam Cooke sources menu ingredients, Topsoil also launched the Planted plant-based prepared meal service, weekend jazz nights, and Sunday night chef’s tasting with a different menu every week. Cooke’s being named a 2020 James Beard semi-finalist for Best Chef Southeast was less a surprise and more a recognition of what we already knew.
Formerly known as Pupuseria Mister, this Latin American gem is a true delight and a short drive from downtown Greenville. Some say it’s reminiscent of a family backyard potluck where the food is scratch-made by Tía, with seemingly bottomless portions. The pupusas are a highlight but don’t skip the rest of the menu that is full of flavor, love, and familiarity.
Bonus: They’ve got a great patio.
Image provided by Ariel H. Turner
Transport yourself to a world away by driving a mere 35 minutes from downtown Greenville. At the base of the foothills with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Restaurant 17 at Hotel Domestique continues to provide excellent service and beautifully thoughtful dishes using ingredients from its own farm – Stage 22 Farms – and other local providers. Because of its serious cycling clientele, the kitchen, led by executive chef Haydn Shaak, is also adept at accommodating dietary needs when necessary.
Honorable Mentions
TruBroth
The Anchorage
Resident Dogs
Sweet Basil Thai
El Rincon Mexicolombiano Restaurant
Maestro Bistro and Dinner Club (anything with chimichurri 😉)
Who’s been on the list? Looking for other places to try?
Check out our prior Best “Off The Grid Worthy” lists below: