What's for Sunday Supper in Greenville?
/Let’s get cozy, shall we? It has been murmured often along the byways of Greenville that lots of our favorite dining spots are sadly closed for dinner on Sunday. But what if you are gathered with family and/or friends, the home cook needs a break and you just want a nice meal without a whole lot of fuss? Or dirty dishes. Some of the places mentioned in the following post are old standbys, not too many newbies, but that’s what old standbys are for - Sunday supper in Greenville!
A few are white tablecloth because sometimes you need that to celebrate before Monday comes around again. Some represent regional chains… and there’s nothing wrong with that! Comfort is often born of consistency (and longer business hours) which that kind of stability makes possible. Of course Greenville’s own Table 301 Group is represented and we all know their chief (chefs’?) aim is making us deliciously comfortable, so, bon appetit, y’all!
This is many a visitor’s first taste of Greenville. It’s where the locals often take folks on their maiden voyage to Main Street. BECAUSE the barbecue array is vast, comprehensive, generous in a way that says welcome to the South! All the selections come with a flight of sauce options so you can experiment and get acquainted with the local flavors we know and love. AND it’s in a great location - 1 Augusta St #202 Open Sun 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Number 1 Green-certified restaurant in the country. Yep! So what exactly does that mean? From compostable takeout cartons to sustainable building materials, water efficiency to renewable energy sources, and proximity to public transportation, everything is environmentally conscious. And the food is awesome! It’s not a kitchen design studio like so many of us thought while hopping by. The Bahn Mi Salad (topped with pulled pork or crispy tofu) will knock your socks off and The Shrimp Burger will make you swoon. Go give them a good Greenville welcome as they are already giving us another shiny pin in the national map. Parking in the back at 1609 Laurens Rd Open Sun 4 p.m. - 9 p.m
Located in the old Ford’s Oysters space, Brazwells is another eatery with Charlotte NC roots. It’s a solid sports pub with the classic munchies you might expect with a bit more flourish. They put the “premium” in the pub. Meatloaf and fish ’n’ chips are headliners and there’s a daily Blue Plate Special. I think there is some sort of ball game on Sunday nights you can watch with your pals on the conveniently placed tv screens. Take it easy at 631 S Main Open on Sunday 10 a.m. - 2 a.m
Romance you say? Intimate and sublime, perched on the hillside above the bridge at Falls Park, if country French is what you’re craving Passerelle has a table for you, with a view! Perfect location, delightful menu. That was easy! Sip and sigh at 601 S Main. Open Sun 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Got kids? Er, young people? Mellow mushroom’s pizzas/salads/sandwiches are beloved by all, old and young, near and far, but this is a favorite after-the-game/event place to make sure everyone in your group can get something they like. And lots of it. It’s Casual and Fun. Everyone can relax here. Sitting still and indoor voices can be reinstated on the car ride home. Pick out your pie at 1 Augusta Street #201 Open Sun Noon - 9 p.m.
Antonino Bertolo’s Pizza and Wine Bar
Like your Italian fare a little cozier, a little more low key? Antonino’s has been featured on this blog before because they rock at what they do. This is the Sicilian family owned joint you’d expect to find in Brooklyn or on Long Island - and they have a tradition uphold! Settle in here for some quality time at 200 N Main St. Open Sun 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Time to splurge! It’s that white tablecloth experience. Mention Larkin’s and you’ll get a faraway gaze as folks reflect on their last time there. Modern American classic dishes elegantly interpreted, superlative service, historic building, great view. Enormous wine list. Signature Seafood Tower, Gouda Mashed Potatoes, Tableside Caesar Salad. Enjoy that special evening at 318 S Main St. Open Sun 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Couple of couples in your crew, or just the two of you? Is urban just the way you roll? Hike up the stairs and hop up to the tall tables for a tapas style nosh. Sure to inspire ample and happy idle chatting about the week gone by and the one ahead. Don’t fret, they have entrées too. City folk will feel comfy in this chic, local wine bar ‘round the way. Linger over that elegant cocktail and look wise. 20 N Main St. Open Sun 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Their full name is Purple International Bistro and Sushi, and they are all of these things, but it buries the lead! The Sushi is a feast for the senses and arguably the best in town. Warm, inspired décor and a mezzanine I would recommend for that nice date or entertaining old friends. Roll in to 933 S Main St. Open Sun 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Blockhouse Restaurant and Oyster Bar
Is your Sunday for steak? Offering a fine dining experience in a casual atmosphere to Greenvillians for 33 years, the Blockhouse features aged and hand cut steaks grilled over a hickory wood fire. As the name implies, there is also surf to go with that turf! Equestrian themed and very reasonably priced. They also have a nice wood deck that didn’t make it into the previous patio dining post. Saddle up at 1619 Augusta St. Open Sun 11 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.
Saskatoon Steaks, Fish and Wild Game
How about a mini vacation to the Pacific Northwest? Step into the lodge for elk, bear or more traditional four-legged fare. Rainbow trout or salmon on a cedar plank? How about pheasant or… ostrich? It’s a gastronomical day trip (by jet) to a wild world. You could use an evening out of the ordinary. Grab your favorite lumbersexual and step through the portal at 477 Haywood Road. Open Sun 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Did someone say grits? Biscuits? Fried okra? This is feel-good Southern food in a bright, colorful atmosphere that would make a great finish for anyone’s week. The only hard thinking you need to do here is decide from the scrumptious menu. You can’t miss, so, eenie meenie miney mo! You know you’ll be back to try the rest. If you have trouble smoothing those edges off, the signature cocktails tend to feature bourbon. Just sayin’. On the plaza at 1 North Main St. Open Sun 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
If Main Street's restaurant scene had a galactic center Soby's would be it. Local favorite haunt to see and be seen and be comfortable as well. You will be pulled into Soby's vortex eventually so Sunday supper is as good a time as any! The New South cuisine is at once upscale and down home. The She Crab Soup is a huge hit with just the right touch of sherry and will warm your cockles as the weather turns colder. In fact, the appetizers and starters on this menu could easily keep you occupied for several visits. Order up a bunch with friends and make some selections from yet another enormous wine list and you're topping off Sunday in style. Snuggle up at 207 S Main St. Open Sun 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 5 - 9 p.m.
Just look at all those dishes you don't have to do! Everyone fed and happy, all caught up and ready for the week ahead. Well, at least you can feel that way. Pleasant dreams in Greenville!
--Percy
