Greenville South Carolina Guide
This was my first visit to Greenville, South Carolina. It was a quick 2 1/2 day adventure, so I fit in what I could both in Greenville and outside some of the suburbs.
One thing I noticed right away was how nice their downtown area was. Not just because they have Falls Park on the Reedy smack in the middle of it, but it was clean, public bathrooms are everywhere, and nice seating areas all over. While they have bars and nightclubs, there is also ample shopping and restaurants, so there is a reason to go there during the day. A Jeni’s ice cream and an Anthropologie are two good reasons! It had so many things I wish Orlando, a much larger city whose downtown should be so much better, would implement.
The Commons
The Commons is a food hall in Greenville located next to Unity Park and has access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Inside are several counters (larger and nicer than the average food hall stall): Methodical Coffee, the Bake Room, a taco spot, a beer/wine spot, and a restaurant, Golden Brown & Delicious. Perhaps the most impressive thing about the entire complex is how they created it in green space so you can bring kids to the splash pad and playground, adults can walk the park or take their food to-go and enjoy on picnic tables, or it's a quick pitstop if you are biking the trail. There is also ample parking. It was properly planned, which Orlando could learn from when allowing developers to dump food halls in the middle of urban spaces without considering its impact and challenges.
GB&D
Golden Brown and Delicious is one of the eateries located in the Commons. It has a larger indoor seating area (you can also eat on the patio) and offers a mixture of American food items like burgers, fried chicken, avocado toast & some Asian dishes. I didn’t quite understand where a Bibimbap bowl came into play here, so I didn’t order it and kept it safe with a crispy chicken sandwich. However, it was a solid sandwich, and my husband liked his burger, so it’s definitely a nice spot to hit up for a low-key lunch with a park within walking distance.
The Anchorage
Located on Perry and Pendleton Street on a strip of cute and hip shops and local businesses, the Anchorage was an excellent meal where absolutely everything hit, but the portion size. They make it clear that servings are small plates, which is exceptionally accurate. So don’t go starving, or you might spend too much.
If you dine here, I don’t think you will be disappointed in the quality of the food. In 2018 The James Beard Foundation recognized The Anchorage as a Semi-Finalist for Best New Restaurant, and each dish showcased the talent in the kitchen. Ingredients are ethically sourced and produce grown by them or nearby farms. We got a bread service that comes with butter and Bourbon Liver Mousse. The bread comes from a local bakery, literally within walking distance. We also tried the Red Snapper Ceviche, Heritage Pork & Walnut Ravioli, Atlantic Halibut, and a decadent dessert.
I would return to The Anchorage if I find myself in Greenville again, perhaps for Brunch.
LEWIS BARBECUE
There are quite a few BBQ options in Greenville (going as far out as 30 minutes from the city center), and per a passionate Reddit thread, there seemed to be a variety of fan favorites. Smokey Dreams, Sticky Fingers, Henry’s Smokehouse, SBH BBQ, and Hometeam were all among the spots mentioned. However, I happened to be in Greenville when a new contender entered the scene. Lewis BBQ had recently opened a location in Greenville after being a strong contender in Charleston. The owner got recognition from helping Franklin BBQ in Austin before opening up his own spot.
I am curious to know if I made the right decision in which BBQ eatery I chose, but the meat here was great, except for the pulled pork. It had the most intense and jarring apple cider vinegar taste I’ve ever experienced. I’m aware vinegar is used in the process, but something seemed off in the ratio. Or perhaps this is his signature style? I didn’t care for it, but the brisket and hot guts were great.
This plater, which consisted of 1/2 lb of pulled pork, 1/2 of brisket, and one link of the hot guts with sides and fountain drinks, was $65. BBQ prices are getting quite insane, so there is a drawback with how inflation has affected what we are paying at spots like this. Still, overall, it was a good meal.
Sidewall Pizza
Sidewall Pizza has multiple locations around the Greenville area, and we stopped at the location North of Greenville in Travelers Rest. It's located in a cute strip of local shops, so you can eat and take a little walk right after to burn a few calories. We split up the pie, pepperoni and half triple pepper, and also got a small apple salad (sliced local apples, dried cranberries, red onion, curry candied pecans, goat cheese, organic baby spinach, maple cider vinaigrette). The one pie was plenty for two people with a few slices left over, and the pizza was delicious. Note that they have gluten-free options.
Urban Wren
If you are a wine lover, Urban Wren might need to find its way on your list. It’s a wine-centric restaurant with lots of indoor and outdoor cozy seating and a menu of smaller plates to enjoy with your selections. Since I’m not much of a wine drinker, I stuck with their limited cocktail list. I think your success here will depend on what items you order because I don’t believe they will all satisfy the same way.
What we ordered:
Paper Bag Salad
Kalbi
Chorizo-Lobster Corn Dogs
Fin and Belly
The Paper Bag salad was probably the standout dish, and the corn dogs had so much potential, but the outer breading was soggy, so that was a letdown. Other items were served cold or simply just not worth the price point. If you want a chill place to drink wine and maybe nosh a little, you could check this place out, but otherwise, leave it off your list. It’s not worth the money. After dining here, I’m surprised it’s on Eater’s list for Greenville.
RISE BAKERY
This is the bakery down the street from The Anchorage. We ended going here twice, and I got a really delicious breakfast sandwich before we left town. I wish I had a picture of it, but I quickly scarfed it down. While it’s hard to beat Orlando bakeries, this spot is worth a visit while in Greenville.
COFFEE
Methodical Coffee
You have two options to visit Methodical Coffee in Greenville. The counter inside the Commons, and their downtown shop with is steps away from Anthropologie. At this location I got their Tres Leches latte which was awesome. Not overly sweet, so you could still taste the espresso. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating, not to mention a public courtyard. Mast General is nearby, so you can grab a drink or go check that place out.
The Village Grind
This adorable coffee shop is walking distance from Anchorage and had plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The coffee was solid, and the service was quick. They also have a small pastry selection, and often get doughnuts from a local baker.
Bridge Coffee
Bridge. Coffee was a cute little shop in Travelers rest that is an impact based for-profit. Instead of being non-profit they focus on being self-sustainable but with a mission to serve the community the way a non-profit would. Hence the name Bridge Coffee. I only ran in for a iced latte to go, but it was a decent spot for a coffee break.
Due South Coffee Roasters
Due South is located within Hampton Station, a mixed-use area with local restaurants, and some other local businesses. There is a large outdoor space you can sit and enjoy and patron the other businesses if they are open, but if you go in the morning it will mostly likely be quiet and empty.
LOCAL GREENVILLE SHOPS
Page & Post
I found Page and Post as I took a short walk after dinner at The Anchorage. It is an adorable gift shop that is relatively new to the area. They had a nice assortment of gift items focusing on local makers from all over; I spotted some goods from Orlando! Page and Post is one of the few, if not only, shop like it in Greenville, so I would go if you are visiting. Imagine a smaller version of the Good Crowd.
The Vintage Market of Greenville
This vintage market is full of legit vintage items, so it’s not the most practical place to find something for everyday use, but very cool to check out.
Toy Federation
This toy shop is located in Greer, about 25 minutes outside Greenville. If you aren’t into vintage toy hunting or collectibles this isn’t for you, but if you are the selection is pretty amazing.
Other spots we checked out:
NATURE
BALD ROCK HERITAGE PRESERVE
If you want a scenic overview with almost no walking required head to Bald Rock Heritage. You can drive right up to it and walk out onto the large rocky overlook. It looks like there is a steep drop off, but it’s actually more of the rock beneath you and you can walk down it carefully.
Wild Cat Falls
If you make your way to Bald Rock Heritage Reserve you will pass this tiny waterfall on the side of the road. There is a car pull off and as you walk to the falls you will see steps up that connect to a trail you can hike if you are feeling adventurous. If you don’t feel like hiking you can just explore the small area and be on your way.
Places I wanted to go but didn’t have time for/weren’t open:
Gather GVL (I heard it wasn’t that great and pricey so I didn’t make it a priority)
EXTRA INFO
Where I stayed: AirBnb
Parking in Greenville: Parking in Greenville isn’t as bad as Asheville. There is free 2 hour parking downtown if you can find a spot, otherwise have those parking apps handy.