The Pickens Foodie

Most people think of Pickens and the Golden Corner as Clemson territory, but there’s much more going on there than football.
Located within a 45-60-minute drive from Greenville, Pickens County has a growing “off the grid” food scene that deserves some attention.
Thanks to our friend The Pickens Foodie for sharing her knowledge of an area that may be unfamiliar to many of us.

Photography: Brooke Carman and Jackie Brooker
Digital Post Production: FishEye Studios, Greenville, SC

The Pickens Foodie

I’m Brooke Carman. 👋🏻 I was raised in Pickens, South Carolina, and have a 12-year-old son who is already taller than I am. I’m a U.S. Navy veteran and a recent breast cancer survivor. During my eight years in the Navy, I traveled all over Asia and the West Coast before coming back home.

I started The Pickens Foodie to share tasty locally-owned restaurants in the Pickens County area with some other areas sprinkled in. I have a huge passion for trying new local restaurants and eating food. It’s my favorite hobby. 🙂

PICKENS

Big Cliff’s BBQ
A perfect meal from @bigcliffs_bbq in Pickens – I got the pulled pork plate with street corn and Cajun collards. The pork was soo incredibly tender and juicy. I’m also in love with the Carolina Sweet sauce.

Heidi’s Hot Dogs
If you’re a local, you already know how incredible Heidi's LLC in Pickens is. 🥰 I got the Chow Dog plate, and it’s definitely my new favorite. Also, let’s talk about the spuds... they are spiral cut potatoes and fried into tasty potato chips, served with ranch. I have been here several times, and I’m never disappointed because they’re consistently great. Highly recommended!!

You Drive Me Glazy 
I had a bit of a sweet tooth one January evening so I went to @youdrivemeglazydonuts in Pickens. While I was waiting for my order, I was given a complimentary apple cider donut. The donuts are made to order so they are super fresh when you get them, and they have a wide assortment of toppings, glazes, and drizzles to satisfy anyone’s taste buds. Highly recommend for the days that you want something sweet.

Moo’s Creamery 
Going to @mooscreamery in Pickens was a must to try out their newest and sweetest menu item... ICE CREAM FLIGHTS!!! 😍😍😍 I got all of the premium flavors: Cappuccino Crunch, A Better Brownie Batter, Oatmeal Cream Pie, Graham Central Station, and Brown Butter Bourbon Truffle. They are all so delicious but my personal favorite was the Oatmeal Cream Pie... it tastes just like it sounds. Chunks of oatmeal cookies all throughout. 🤤 The owners are super sweet and the new layout looks gorgeous. It’s one of my FAVORITE places in Pickens!! I can’t stress enough that you must visit. 💗

Martha’s Marvelous Munchies
Last month I finally got to visit Martha's Marvelous Munchies in Pickens behind Full Circle Vintage Modern Market.

I got a coffee cake muffin and a blueberry scone along with coffee.  These were baked with so much love... so perfect for that chilly morning.  Martha was finishing up the biscuits as I grabbed my breakfast to go.  Everything is made from scratch. They are currently open Wednesday-Friday.  

Burning Brick Tavern
Bingo night at Burning Brick Tavern is usually my Thursday night ritual.  It is so much fun!  I always get the Fried & Crispy chicken wings along with seasoned fries.  Burning Brick has killer drink specials as well.  This is the neighborhood “Cheers,” as everyone knows everyone here. 

EASLEY

Tropical Burger
Tropical Burger in Easley is known for their amazing burgers, but have you tried their pepitos? I got the Tropical Pepito, which has grilled chicken and steak, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, pepperoni, pineapple, and sweet corn on top of a French baguette. And believe me when I say that it is super delicious!! Tropical Burger KNOWS flavor. The owner is super friendly and their quality is very consistent.

Ninja Warrior Coffee
When commuting to Greenville for an appointment, it’s only natural to stop at Ninja Warrior Coffee on the way. On Thursdays, they have quiche. 😍 I got the roasted vegetable quiche and it was soo yum, and the crust was on point. I’m also loving the orange spice latte – Delicious!!

Inky’s 
I can never go wrong with @inkysauthentic in Easley. Coming here is always such a treat because their quality is very consistent, and it’s unlike any other restaurant in this area. These are truly authentic Philly cheesesteaks that are full of flavor. And that bread... 😍 It makes all the difference in this perfection of a meal. The service is top-notch as well.

Taco Taco 
In addition to funky fusion-style tacos, Taco Taco does a really great job at keeping me on my toes with their super creative weekly specials, like the Tony Montana Torta Cubana.  

This was a beast of a sandwich: roasted pork, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, avocado, pickles, LTO, garlic mayo and sweet onion mustard.  Lord have mercy... this was delicious!!!   This was a really nice take on a Cuban and that bread... 🤤🤤 It’s authentic Telera bread that’s normally used with tortas.  

I think the Tommy Montana deserves a mainstay on the menu. 😉

LIBERTY

Little Bistro 
As soon as I saw the Little Bistro lunch special, I knew I’d be eating there that day. 

I got the stuffed tomato filled with chicken salad, based on follower recommendations. And y’all were sooo right... it’s some of the best seasoned chicken salad I’ve ever had. 🤤 I’m also a huge fan of their pasta salad, and the muffin on the side added a sweet touch.

Solid Grounds Coffee 
Solid Grounds Coffee in Liberty shows up a lot in my feed, for good reason. I’m addicted to the Campfire latte – dark chocolate, white chocolate, and toasted marshmallow. Sooo delicious!!! It tastes just like s’mores. 

The Grill 
For food that really tastes like cozy home cooking, head to The Grill. I got the meatloaf, black eyed peas, and fried okra and enjoyed everything. The folks who work here are really sweet and I even ran into some familiar faces.

CENTRAL

Mexican Taqueria La Texana
This place is a true gem in the area, serving up street-style tacos as well as huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, tortas, and gorditas. The cashier did a great job at explaining everything on the menu to me.

I went the adventurous route on this Taco Tuesday. I tried the cabeza (roasted head of an animal ), cachete (beef cheek), and lengua (beef tongue) tacos. All were very tasty, but the lengua one was definitely my favorite. But don’t fear, they have the normal chicken, beef, and steak tacos as well. 😋

This place had prepared bags of chicharrones available for purchase so I had to grab one to snack on the road. The cashier was kind to give me some hot sauce to go along with them.

Siam Thai Cuisine 
On my second visit to @siam.thaicentral in a month I got the Mango Fried Rice, and it was sooo good. It had huge chunks of chicken and mango all throughout the dish. I also got Coconut Soup as it was part of their lunch special. They give you A LOT of food so you definitely get your money’s worth. The owner is super sweet and the place is really nice. So if you’re in the mood for Thai food, this is your spot. 🙂

Bruno’s Donut Cafe 
I was lucky to be in the Central area one morning so I could finally try out @brunosdonutcafe. This is the cutest lil cafe with the friendliest owners. Their donuts are made fresh to order, and their flavors change daily. I got the Lemon Poppy and Chocolate Caramel Crunch. Soooo incredibly tasty!! 🥰

Check out Part II including Clemson and Pendleton areas.

Follow along to see all of Brooke’s eating adventures at @thepickensfoodie or online.