Diners' Choice: Regional American (Southern) restaurants in South Carolina

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Regional American (Southern) cuisine in South Carolina? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Retreat at Ridgeway: Lake Wateree Dining

4.8

4.8 (128)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Colonel Creek Landing

About the restaurant

The Retreat located on Lake Wateree in Ridgeway, South Carolina is inspired by celebrating family and the community. This scratch kitchen showcases locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in their cozy lake front restaurant. Chef Blake Hartwick's approach and belief in representing local farmers drives the refined southern cuisine served at The Retreat. The southern charm extends through the whole restaurant as Heather's dedication to exceptional experience will provide you with a warm welcome in an elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere paired with attentive service. Menu items that have remained on the menu since day one, Hickory Smoked Pork Chop, the Retreat Burger, and Buffalo Cauliflower.

Top review

BesteatsVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The best! Foodies will love this restaurant, with views of beautiful Lake Wateree. Worth the drive if you aren’t local.

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Experience

SC Restaurant Week 3 courses for $35

Rustic Table

4.9

4.9 (959)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Pawleys Island

About the restaurant

Rustic Table brings comfort food and home-style dining to Pawley's Island.

Top review

MbVIP

Dined 5 days ago

AlI ate a great time and awesome service. Love the Pawleys Pie dessert!

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Stella's Bistro - Simpsonville

4.9

4.9 (2168)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Greenville

About the restaurant

**PLEASE NOTE** THIS IS THE STELLA'S IN SIMPSONVILLE ON FAIRVIEW ROAD
Parties larger than 8, please call the restaurant for reservations!
Stella’s Southern Bistro in Simpsonville- open for 16 years, is a staple of this area. We offer cuisine influenced by the coastal Carolina's & American south. We support regional food artisans & emphasize the importance of sourcing products harvested locally. Stella’s offers from-scratch menu, genuine hospitality, full wine list & crafted cocktails all served in a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
Enjoy the menu cuisine of nationally recognized Chef Jason Scholz.
Private Dining: Stella's can accommodate groups up to 50 in size in our beautiful & private Indigo Room.

Top review

Catherine

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

Our meal was scrumptious and Emily, our server, was knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive. We chose the tomato bisque and the sampler platter and the meal was outstanding! I highly recommend Stella’s Bistro.

Ruby Lee's

4.8

4.8 (365)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Southern)

Hilton Head

About the restaurant

The new Ruby Lee’s on Wild Horse!
The new Ruby Lee’s offers more of what patrons of Hilton Head Island have come to love and expect in the past: delicious southern cooking and a comfortable yet stimulating atmosphere that offers the perfect way to enjoy sports or outstanding blues, jazz and soul from local and regional artists. If you’re not familiar with Ruby Lee’s, it’s a locally owned restaurant, started by Tim Singleton (known to Low-country residents as an athlete and head coach). The restaurant is named for Singleton’s late grandmother who is the inspiration for the Southern-style menu. The new and revamped version of the original; yet it still captures the Southern feel-good themes that have an uncanny way of making you hungry for fried chicken, shrimp and grits, corn bread, and sweet tea the moment you walk in the door. If, for some reason, you’re not quite ready to eat after walking in the door of Ruby Lee’s, you’ll notice a pang of hunger once you look at the menu.

Top review

PuraVIP

Dined 7 days ago

The drinks and food were great. Great ambience, love the art work on the walls. The Ross band had everyone singing and dancing.

Sassafras Southern Bistro

4.9

4.9 (3423)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Greenville

About the restaurant

Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, South Carolina, Sassafras Southern Bistro serves an eclectic menu of American cuisine with a truly Southern influence. Menu items include steak, fresh seafood, salads, and amazing desserts. Sassafras Southern Bistro has a full bar featuring local beers on tap and an extensive wine selection both by the glass and by the bottle.

Start out your meal at Sassafras Southern Bistro with one of their amazing appetizers like the spicy pork tenderloin or the famous blue crab and pepper-jack nachos. Choose from entrees like the raved about shrimp and grits or the filet with house made pimento. Some vegetarian and gluten free options are available upon request.

Top review

Summer

Dined 3 days ago

Our experience at Sassafras was amazing. The service was top notch. The food was delicious. We had two of their martini’s as well. They were so good. The atmosphere was very nice and I love the brick walls. We were celebrating my birthday. They also give free dessert for your birthday which makes this place great most places do not do that now.

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Popular dish

Steak & Gorgonzola Fondue Nachos

Popular dish

Marinated Beef Tips

Anson

4.8

4.8 (4865)

$50 and over

Regional American (Southern)

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Anson was named one of OpenTable's 50 Best Southern Restaurants in America for 2018 |

Top review

William

Dined today

We had a very good experience at Anson. They were extremely accomodating and the food was, for the most part, excellent, the only miss was the halibut which was on the dry side. We would definitely recommend Anson and we will return.

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Popular dish

Whole Crispy Flounder

HogsHead Kitchen & Wine Bar

4.6

4.6 (450)

$31 to $50

Regional American (Southern)

Hilton Head

About the restaurant

Known as one of the best scratch kitchens in the area, HogsHead offers guests fresh and innovative cuisine, along with Lowcountry staples like chicken & waffles and shrimp & grits, all with the best staff in town. Ask them to recommend their favorite handcrafted cocktail or expertly pair wine from the extensive by the glass or bottle list to complement your dinner.

The ever-present Chef/Owner and Philly native John Pashak has been nominated for four James Beard Awards in the Mid-Atlantic area. All the sauces, dressings, desserts and even focaccia bread are made daily from his handwritten recipes. Local fresh catch and filet specials are offered nightly along with the full menu which includes gluten-free options.

Top review

Gary

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Amazing meal, amazing staff. Can not say a single bad thing about this resturant.

Virginia's on King

4.5

4.5 (3068)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

This sophisticated Southern dining spot blends the comforts of a traditional Southern kitchen with familiar regional dishes prepared with the utmost care for quality and flavor. The menu incorporates local fresh ingredients and old family recipes to bring you Southern cooking, Lowcountry style.

*menus subject to change, please visit www.holycityhospitality.com for current menus

Top review

Bob

Dined 3 days ago

Virginia's has always provided a comfortable and friendly atmosphere to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. Our server was very attentive and helpful with suggestions. We enjoyed She crab soup, waffles and fried chicken, country eggs Benedict as well as fried green tomatoes. Prices are moderate and of good, good value. There are plenty of parking garages nearby for an easy drive into and out of downtown Charleston. You will be delighted you chose to dine at Virginia's.

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Popular dish

Fried Green Tomato Benedict

4.5

4.5 (871)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Downtown Charleston

About the restaurant

Rudy Royale combines a fun atmosphere with approachable yet elevated seasonal cuisine. This establishment has an extensive cocktail list and takes pride in serving a great selection of local beers. Chef & Owner Macready Downer consistently elevates and updates our menu to provide something new and delicious every visit. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're looking for a casual meal or a special occasion dinner, Rudy Royale is sure to please. Make a reservation today -- we'd love to serve y'all.

Event & Private Dining Spaces Available.

Top review

Jerry

Dined 5 days ago

Raymond was an excellent server. Food was well prepared and very tasty. Chicken Pot pie and Banana Pudding were standouts.

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Popular dish

Notorious Chicken Sandwich

Calhoun Street Tavern

4.5

4.5 (295)

$30 and under

Regional American (Southern)

Bluffton

About the restaurant

A comfortable room where fine spirits are drank, laughs are had, and stories are told. A public house for travelers and locals alike. Cold beer, classic cocktails, and familiar faces are just the start of it.

We strive to offer Old Town Bluffton, SC a timeless neighborhood watering hole just a couple blocks from the bluff. Paired with a chef driven menu of southern plates, thoughtful service and comforting lowcountry classic food.

After a swell day on the river or a rough one at work, bring a friend or come alone. Whatever you do... pull up a stool and stay awhile.

You are home.

Top review

Vickie

Dined 2 days ago

Had a great meal with excellent service. We were able to enjoy conversation with friends.

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