Top Restaurants in Western South Carolina

Brian S.   -   Following up from a Christmas movie \\\\\\\"A Christmas Story,\\\\\\\" I ventured to capture a pleasurable Chinese dining experience that might match ... more

Brian S.   -   Following up from a Christmas movie \\\\\\\"A Christmas Story,\\\\\\\" I ventured to capture a pleasurable Chinese dining experience that might match my mood. I did some research and decided that the reviews I had read this place was worth a visit. Once I arrived, the place was basked in the residue of oil of old. The murky hue of oil stained walls, ceiling left me to believe that this was for lack of a better description China\\\\\\\'s equivalent to the southerners greasy spoon. When approached by the woman behind the counter who seemed a little rushed and exhausted. I placed two orders one for dining in and one to go. As I looked for a table I noticed they had not been cleaned but looked for the cleanest of the several open tables available. A regular came in and we started up a conversation regarding the Christmas story but neither of us was moved towards joy of dining here. The mixed Szechuan/Lo mein style food I asked for was served in a large to go tray. Ready for the road after completing my dining session. The food was heavily dosed with starch to maintain consistency, the application of lo mien noodles may not have helped but it was reminiscent of a thick rue. What I love about most Chinese food is freshness and savory flavors. The vegetables were fairly fresh most likely bought in bulk from the local supplier not from a fresh farm store. The whole meal though palatable was not in style of Szechuan. The flavor was more like prepackaged production line rather than prepared freshly prepared. The heat came from local peppers instead of traditional pepper oil and fresh Sichuan peppers. For a quick bite and taste of the orient I would recommend you avoid this establishment in lieu of finding something a bit cleaner with at least more detail to the customer over production value. less

FoodFreak   -   MENU: Large menu that offers fried/broiled/boiled seafood, grilled/fried chicken, steaks. Big selection of seafood that ranges from swordfish to oyste ... more

FoodFreak   -   MENU: Large menu that offers fried/broiled/boiled seafood, grilled/fried chicken, steaks. Big selection of seafood that ranges from swordfish to oysters to baby shrimp. Crab legs too! ATMOSPHERE: Very well decorated. Something to look at on every wall. Beautiful hand paintings through out the restaurant. SERVICE: Fast and friendly. PRICE: Anywhere from $5.95-$12.00 a plate. Lunch specials everyday and diner specials Tuesday-Thursday. DESSERTS: Cake. Huge slices that are big enough for at least 2 people. -----This is my favorite "go to restaurant" whether I'm meeting my friends for dinner or taking the kids out to eat after a soccer game. Great place for a family of 2 or a family of 20. It is impossible to leave here hungry, you definitely get your $ worth. I have been satisfied with this restaurant every time. If you're craving seafood this is the place to go. less

LeeMellon   -   Great little place to eat and relax. Chef Darrell Miller is just a good cook! The other day they had Salmon and Grits (a speciality of the house) that ... more

LeeMellon   -   Great little place to eat and relax. Chef Darrell Miller is just a good cook! The other day they had Salmon and Grits (a speciality of the house) that was to die for! The best selections of teas I've ever seen. And the best iced tea - homemade with leaf teas - no concentrates! If you haven't tried this place you really should. They have a British Southern vibe - very good! less

MrsDabs   -   Mutt's BBQ recently catered a LARGE party for us, 100 expected with about 75 showing due to the weather ... Mutts was SPOT ON from the start ... arriv ... more

MrsDabs   -   Mutt's BBQ recently catered a LARGE party for us, 100 expected with about 75 showing due to the weather ... Mutts was SPOT ON from the start ... arrived on time, set up on time, had everything they needed, handled themselves professionally yet very personable, and the food ... OH MY LORD! THE best BBQ and sides I've found in my 13 years in the South! Will remain my favorite for life! less

swalsh40   -   I recently dined at Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill and had such a great experience, I just had to write a review! I saw that they were not yet listed o ... more

swalsh40   -   I recently dined at Sweetwater Sports Bar & Grill and had such a great experience, I just had to write a review! I saw that they were not yet listed on dine.com so I added them. They are fairly new and under new ownership, they have expanded their dining area as well as their menu from the last time I visited. My husband had the shrimp and grits special and said it was the best he has ever had. My cheeseburger was amazing and our appetizers were right on point. We were greeted instantly and our server was prompt and attentive. Definitely try this place out, you won't be sorry! Oh, and they have the BEST Martini list, for those who are of age!! I live in Charlotte area and would prefer to drive the 10-20 min into Lake Wylie for this experience again. less

Anonymous   -   I previously dined at Ristorante Divino when they first moved into their location on Gervais Street. I don't remember much from that visit, except ... more

Anonymous   -   I previously dined at Ristorante Divino when they first moved into their location on Gervais Street. I don't remember much from that visit, except that my dad really enjoyed his lamb, and that I knew I was in a "fancy" restaurant when the server removed a small card and crumbed my table before the dessert course. I've never really considered going back, thinking it was too haute for me. Ten years later, I recently re-visited the restaurant, and fortunately my palate and dining experience in Columbia has improved enough to be able to appreciate Divino's for what it is - a fine dining establishment with great food and wine, and a helpful and knowledgeable staff. The first thing I noticed about my reintroduction to Divino's was the building and location. Over the years, the popularity of the Vista area has led to a ridiculous parking problem. Lack of nearby garages and free parking has made a habit of circling the area for twenty minutes looking for a space. Divino's does have valet parking, but also has a more than adequate parking lot directly behind the restaurant (mention to any attendants that you are dining there and you shouldn't have to pay). I was expecting older decor and a "stuffier" atmosphere, but when I walked in I noticed that was not the case at all. The building and furniture had a very classical feel to it, while still being comfortable (especially the chairs). The bar area is small, but cozy and has a good view of Gervais Street. The food was excellent. I had the Italian sausage and polenta appetizer, which was a fairly decent portion for an appetizer. My main course was the lamb, which appears to be a nightly "special." I've had some poorly cooked lamb in my day, however my meal that night was cooked perfectly and well plated. Everything tasted very fresh. Our server did an excellent job and was very knowledgeable with the specials and menu. The wine list is exceptional. I'm not as knowledgeable about wine, but the list was extensive and one of the largest I've seen for a Columbia Restaurant, second maybe only to Solstice Kitchen. The hostess checked on us during dinner and made sure to ask how everything was, which I appreciated more than the customary "how was everything" that restaurants usually give you as you're walking out the door (when it's too late to do anything). The chef also came out and asked about our meal, which I've only had happen at one other restaurant in Columbia. Pricing at Divino's is very reasonable. I was originally going to write that it's slightly more expensive than most restaurants in the Columbia area, but after looking at the menu again, realized that that's not the case. Appetizers, soups, and salads are in the $7-$8 range, and entrees around $22 - $28. A meal at Outback Steak House or Harper's would run you about the same price for smaller portions. Ristorante Divino brings an exciting vibrancy to the heart of Columbia and the Vista area, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone that loves authentic Northern Italian food. less

Robin W.   -   The Food here is Gr8!!! The Tea is NOT like syrup!!! IF it shud seem like syrup, all u wud haf to do is add a little water, thats not hard to do!!! Th ... more

Robin W.   -   The Food here is Gr8!!! The Tea is NOT like syrup!!! IF it shud seem like syrup, all u wud haf to do is add a little water, thats not hard to do!!! The BBQ and Hash is awesome and the FRIED Chicken is the BOMB!!! less

Anonymous   -   Carolina Deli is the best Deli on Earth! The aroma of fresh baked bread, cookies, & cakes is awesome. The customer service is 5 star! The cater bu ... more

Anonymous   -   Carolina Deli is the best Deli on Earth! The aroma of fresh baked bread, cookies, & cakes is awesome. The customer service is 5 star! The cater business lunches hot or cold meals. Great Box Lunches for conferences and meetings. Reasonable rates. Corporate billing is available. Website is: www.carolinadeli.com less

Gene H.   -   The food here was very delicious. Our steaks were cooked perfectly. So far i have tried the T-Bones, Filets, and Ribeyes at Charlies and all have been ... more

Gene H.   -   The food here was very delicious. Our steaks were cooked perfectly. So far i have tried the T-Bones, Filets, and Ribeyes at Charlies and all have been excellent. My wife did try the chicken once and it turned out to be a little tough, but its her own fault for ordering chicken at a Steakhouse. The staff is very friendly and always takes care of us. This places is definately worth going to. less