Dining in South Carolina is always an adventure. Whether you’re looking for a down-home barbecue joint or an upscale eatery that requires a bit of dressing up, the Palmetto State won’t disappoint. Truly, you could venture to any corner of the state and find yourself close to an incredible — and downright unforgettable — meal. Today’s list is one that will showcase those places that will make your dining experience extraordinary, whether it’s because of the food, the atmosphere, or something else altogether. (That’s right, we even have a themed restaurant included!)

Without further ado, here are some unique restaurants in South Carolina that will not only qualify as a one-of-a-kind experience but will also satisfy those tastebuds. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

  1. Top of Carolina, Columbia

David/Flickr

David/Flickr Sitting on top of the Capstone Building, this building gives you a full 360-degree view of the metropolitan area. It definitely is a restaurant to put on your list of places to go. For more information, you can visit the Top of Carolina website. 900 Barnwell St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

  1. The Gulfstream Cafe, Myrtle Beach

Dan LaMee/Flickr This restaurant is sure to give you that “wow!” factor. On one side is Myrtle Beach and the other side shows you Murrell’s Inlet. The upper deck is the perfect place to see the sunset over the beach. The seafood couldn’t get any fresher or the people any friendlier. For more information about one of the most unique restaurants in South Carolina, be sure to visit the Gulfstream Cafe online. 1536 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

  1. Villa Tronco, Columbia

Alexis Fam/Flickr Located in the same building for over 70 years, this restaurant has been named many things, but has always been Italian. It is dubbed “the oldest continuously running restaurant in South Carolina’. The building itself has been declared a historic landmark. The family has preserved as much of the original building as possible so you get that old world feeling when you walk in as well as generous portions of authentic Italian food. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Villa Tronco website. 1213 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201

  1. The Peddler Steakhouse, Greenville

With Wind/Flickr What could be better than a large juicy well-cooked steak? One that is cooked while you sit in the beautiful setting of a century-old stone building tucked out of the way of the flow of the city. For more information, check out the Peddler Steakhouse website. 2000 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29609, USA

  1. Poogan’s Porch, Charleston

Via Tsuji/Flickr Serving up fresh local food in a Victorian home that has its own ghost. Wait. What? Yes, exactly. Not only do you get fresh local food here and you get to experience it inside a beautiful old Victorian home, but you may just well see a ghost. Her name, by the way, is Zoe. For more information about this iconic South Carolina restaurant, you can visit Poogan’s Porch online.

  1. Larkin’s On The River, Greenville

Connie Ma/Flickr Larkin’s On The River is all about the ambiance. It not only gives you beautifully crafted plates, but it also serves up intimacy and romance. A must-do for that date night! Learn more when you visit the Larkin’s On The River website. 318 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

  1. The Whig, Columbia

Will McCulloch/Flickr When it comes to unique restaurants in South Carolina, The Whig might just take the cake. This restaurant is below the city. Yes, that’s right. You go underground for this dining experience. Not only it is a ‘different’ kind of place, but it is affordable too. Therefore, ladies and gents, you don’t have to break the bank to eat here. For more information, you can check out The Whig online.

  1. The Grocery, Charleston

atl10trader/Flickr Located in an old furniture warehouse, this restaurant is serving only seasonal and local food so the menu changes frequently. This restaurant also houses its own canning program and is serving up craft beers on tap. Check out more about this restaurant when you visit The Grocery website. 4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

  1. Pirates Voyage, Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach TheDigitel/Flickr No list of unique restaurants in South Carolina is complete without mentioning Pirates Voyage. Want something different? Something the whole family will enjoy? Try this restaurant. You have dinner and a show with pirates and mermaids with all in between. The food is served ‘pirate’ style and etiquette is not necessarily something you will be looking for. Get ready for laughs and a good time especially for the children. Learn more when you visit Pirates Voyage online. 8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, USA

It goes without saying that there’s an impressive collection of unique restaurants in South Carolina. Have you been to any of the ones mentioned in this list? Or perhaps there are some other favorites that you’d recommend? If so, feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! You can also nominate your favorite restaurants for the chance to see them featured in future stories.

David/Flickr

Sitting on top of the Capstone Building, this building gives you a full 360-degree view of the metropolitan area. It definitely is a restaurant to put on your list of places to go. For more information, you can visit the Top of Carolina website.

900 Barnwell St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA

Dan LaMee/Flickr

This restaurant is sure to give you that “wow!” factor. On one side is Myrtle Beach and the other side shows you Murrell’s Inlet. The upper deck is the perfect place to see the sunset over the beach. The seafood couldn’t get any fresher or the people any friendlier. For more information about one of the most unique restaurants in South Carolina, be sure to visit the Gulfstream Cafe online.

1536 S Waccamaw Dr, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Alexis Fam/Flickr

Located in the same building for over 70 years, this restaurant has been named many things, but has always been Italian. It is dubbed “the oldest continuously running restaurant in South Carolina’. The building itself has been declared a historic landmark. The family has preserved as much of the original building as possible so you get that old world feeling when you walk in as well as generous portions of authentic Italian food. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the Villa Tronco website.

1213 Blanding St, Columbia, SC 29201

With Wind/Flickr

What could be better than a large juicy well-cooked steak? One that is cooked while you sit in the beautiful setting of a century-old stone building tucked out of the way of the flow of the city. For more information, check out the Peddler Steakhouse website.

2000 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29609, USA

Via Tsuji/Flickr

Serving up fresh local food in a Victorian home that has its own ghost. Wait. What? Yes, exactly. Not only do you get fresh local food here and you get to experience it inside a beautiful old Victorian home, but you may just well see a ghost. Her name, by the way, is Zoe. For more information about this iconic South Carolina restaurant, you can visit Poogan’s Porch online.

Connie Ma/Flickr

Larkin’s On The River is all about the ambiance. It not only gives you beautifully crafted plates, but it also serves up intimacy and romance. A must-do for that date night! Learn more when you visit the Larkin’s On The River website.

318 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

Will McCulloch/Flickr

When it comes to unique restaurants in South Carolina, The Whig might just take the cake. This restaurant is below the city. Yes, that’s right. You go underground for this dining experience. Not only it is a ‘different’ kind of place, but it is affordable too. Therefore, ladies and gents, you don’t have to break the bank to eat here. For more information, you can check out The Whig online.

atl10trader/Flickr

Located in an old furniture warehouse, this restaurant is serving only seasonal and local food so the menu changes frequently. This restaurant also houses its own canning program and is serving up craft beers on tap. Check out more about this restaurant when you visit The Grocery website.

4 Cannon St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA

Myrtle Beach TheDigitel/Flickr

No list of unique restaurants in South Carolina is complete without mentioning Pirates Voyage. Want something different? Something the whole family will enjoy? Try this restaurant. You have dinner and a show with pirates and mermaids with all in between. The food is served ‘pirate’ style and etiquette is not necessarily something you will be looking for. Get ready for laughs and a good time especially for the children. Learn more when you visit Pirates Voyage online.

8907 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, USA

Looking for more dining inspiration? Who could blame you! Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of our very favorite places to eat in South Carolina. From hole-in-the-wall taco joints to mouthwatering barbecue, and waterfront dining, this list has it all. Check out our Ultimate Guide To The Best Restaurants In South Carolina — and be sure to bring your appetite!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in South Carolina October 13, 2021 Beth C. Where can I find the best burgers in South Carolina? There’s nothing quite so American as the classic hamburger. Here in South Carolina, we take this food pretty seriously, as made evident by the abundance of incredible burger spots around here. You won’t want to think about a fast food joint after learning about the incredible places for a classic burger in South Carolina. One of our top recommendations for the best burger in South Carolina would have to be Poe’s Tavern. Poe’s original location is on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina; however, the business has also expanded to locations in both North Carolina and Florida. Call us biased, but we think the South Carolina location is the best! As you might have guessed from the name, the restaurant is named for Edgar Allen Poe, and the restaurant’s decor features photos of Poe as well as his work. If it’s your first visit, you might be bold enough to try the PB&J burger, complete with peanut butter, grape jelly, bacon, and jalapeños. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind burger joint in South Carolina. What are the best seafood restaurants in South Carolina? If you’re someone who appreciates quality seafood, you’ll be delighted to find an endless supply here in South Carolina. While the coast is an obvious choice for the freshest seafood around, you’ll find plenty to choose from in any region of the Palmetto State. Some of the best seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast include 167 Raw in Charleston (which is famous for its amazing oysters), Russell’s Seafood Grill in Murrells Inlet, ACME Lowcountry Kitchen in the Isle of Palms, Hook and Barrel in Myrtle Beach, Poseidon in Hilton Head, Ladys Island Dockside in Beaufort, and Inlet Crab House in Murrells Inlet. Folks love Murrells Inlet for its laid-back vibe and incredibly fresh seafood. Learn more about these mouthwatering seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of them!

The OIYS Visitor Center

unique restaurants in South Carolina

October 13, 2021

Beth C.

Where can I find the best burgers in South Carolina? There’s nothing quite so American as the classic hamburger. Here in South Carolina, we take this food pretty seriously, as made evident by the abundance of incredible burger spots around here. You won’t want to think about a fast food joint after learning about the incredible places for a classic burger in South Carolina. One of our top recommendations for the best burger in South Carolina would have to be Poe’s Tavern. Poe’s original location is on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina; however, the business has also expanded to locations in both North Carolina and Florida. Call us biased, but we think the South Carolina location is the best! As you might have guessed from the name, the restaurant is named for Edgar Allen Poe, and the restaurant’s decor features photos of Poe as well as his work. If it’s your first visit, you might be bold enough to try the PB&J burger, complete with peanut butter, grape jelly, bacon, and jalapeños. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind burger joint in South Carolina. What are the best seafood restaurants in South Carolina? If you’re someone who appreciates quality seafood, you’ll be delighted to find an endless supply here in South Carolina. While the coast is an obvious choice for the freshest seafood around, you’ll find plenty to choose from in any region of the Palmetto State. Some of the best seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast include 167 Raw in Charleston (which is famous for its amazing oysters), Russell’s Seafood Grill in Murrells Inlet, ACME Lowcountry Kitchen in the Isle of Palms, Hook and Barrel in Myrtle Beach, Poseidon in Hilton Head, Ladys Island Dockside in Beaufort, and Inlet Crab House in Murrells Inlet. Folks love Murrells Inlet for its laid-back vibe and incredibly fresh seafood. Learn more about these mouthwatering seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of them!

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There’s nothing quite so American as the classic hamburger. Here in South Carolina, we take this food pretty seriously, as made evident by the abundance of incredible burger spots around here. You won’t want to think about a fast food joint after learning about the incredible places for a classic burger in South Carolina. One of our top recommendations for the best burger in South Carolina would have to be Poe’s Tavern. Poe’s original location is on Sullivan’s Island in South Carolina; however, the business has also expanded to locations in both North Carolina and Florida. Call us biased, but we think the South Carolina location is the best! As you might have guessed from the name, the restaurant is named for Edgar Allen Poe, and the restaurant’s decor features photos of Poe as well as his work. If it’s your first visit, you might be bold enough to try the PB&J burger, complete with peanut butter, grape jelly, bacon, and jalapeños. Learn more about this one-of-a-kind burger joint in South Carolina.

What are the best seafood restaurants in South Carolina?

If you’re someone who appreciates quality seafood, you’ll be delighted to find an endless supply here in South Carolina. While the coast is an obvious choice for the freshest seafood around, you’ll find plenty to choose from in any region of the Palmetto State. Some of the best seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast include 167 Raw in Charleston (which is famous for its amazing oysters), Russell’s Seafood Grill in Murrells Inlet, ACME Lowcountry Kitchen in the Isle of Palms, Hook and Barrel in Myrtle Beach, Poseidon in Hilton Head, Ladys Island Dockside in Beaufort, and Inlet Crab House in Murrells Inlet. Folks love Murrells Inlet for its laid-back vibe and incredibly fresh seafood. Learn more about these mouthwatering seafood restaurants on the South Carolina coast. Truly, you can’t go wrong with any of them!