By: Kathleen Neustaetter, Staff Writer
Spartanburg, S.C. is bustling with college students from seven different institutions trying to dine on a budget. On campus dining options are not always healthy or they can become extremely repetitive, so many students venture off campus to eat. Spartanburg has many options ranging from Italian, Greek, Barbecue to Asian cuisine, but many students don’t know the wide array of options, often preferring locations that accept Terrier Bucks, like Cribb’s Kitchen, Lime Leaf, Papa John’s and Monarch Café.
Outside of those restaurants that accept Terrier Bucks, many Wofford students dine at Willy Taco, Pokenori, Japan House and Wild Wings. Although Pokenori recently opened this summer, Wofford students frequently visit the shop, conveniently located in downtown. There, they provide fresh seafood, which can be served in a burrito or a poke bowl. You can even order online in advance and pick up your meal at a designated time.
All of these frequented restaurants are great, but there are many more hidden gems within Spartanburg.
Basil’s B-52 is a family owned business featuring salads, soups, steaks and sandwiches. They are known for their peppercorn steak and Greek salad. Basil has a very diverse menu that caters to even the pickiest of eaters – there is something for everyone at Basil, whether it be something light or more filling. It has been well-loved within the community since its opening in the early 1980s. Basil’s B-52 is open for both lunch and dinner. They are located at 110 Garner Rd, Spartanburg, S.C. Prices are college-student friendly.
Bubba’s BBQ & Bash is “the only BBQ place around that does it the old fashioned way…with fire!!” Bubba’s serves a variety of barbecue plates with two sides of your choice. Customers can order ribs, steak, grilled chicken and other meats.
Even though they are a barbecue joint, Bubba’s also offers soups, salads, burgers and grilled cheese. Some of their side options include fries, macaroni pie, hush puppies and chips. Bubba’s is a quintessential southern restaurant serving simple but satisfying barbecue. You can even order online! Bubba’s BBQ & Bash is located 827 W Blackstock Rd, Spartanburg, SC. Prices are friendly.
Two Samuels is a great lunch and dinner spot if you are looking for a nicer restaurant in the Spartanburg area. The menu includes soups, fresh salads, sandwiches and burgers. The menu is also fairly healthy, offering a kale & quinoa salad as well as a chipotle black bean burger and other delectable options.
Since the prices are on the more expensive side, the restaurant offers Groupon discounts. At this moment, customers can go online and pay $18.00 for a $40.00 dollar meal for two people. Two
Samuels is a great place to take your parents or even go on a date night. They are located at 351 E Henry St, Spartanburg, SC.
Wade’s Restaurant serves “Southern cooked meats and vegetables.” Wade’s has a great friendly and family atmosphere. Locals love Wade’s and this is evident through its 70 years of operation since its establishment in 1947. Every day the menu changes its offerings.
A customer favorite, you can order a “meat and two vegetable late” or a “vegetable plate” where you are able to order four vegetables from a provided list. In the past, some vegetables have included macaroni & cheese, sweet potato soufflé, cinnamon apples and green beans. All meals come with Wade’s famous yeast rolls and cornbread, along with sweet tea.
They also have terrific desserts. Wade’s offers pecan pie, silk pie, peanut butter pie, lemon pie and hot apple pie. They love pie! If you are not in the mood for fried chicken, Wade’s also offers hamburgers, grilled cheese and other sandwiches. They are located on 1000 North Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC. Prices are friendly.
Wild Ace Pizza & Pub is a downtown staple. As a popular destination, Wild Ace has two locations: one in Spartanburg and one in Greer. Every Tuesday night is trivia night, every Wednesday night appetizers only cost $5.00 and on Thursday nights customers can order two gigantic slices of pizza for $1.00. Each slice of pizza is almost as big as someone’s head!
Trivia night is extremely fun as customers can be asked to guess the title and artist of a song playing. If you correctly guess the majority, you are awarded a Wild Ace gift card. Even more so, the atmosphere is extremely friendly and inviting. A bar is located at the back of the restaurant for those 21 years or older. The Spartanburg location is 148 W. Main St in downtown Spartanburg.
Ice Creams & Coffee Beans Deli & Bakery is sweet little spot in Spartanburg. They serve an assortment of sandwich plates, sides, soups, salads and baked goods. Each whole sandwich plate is served with a choice of bread and two sides. Each half sandwich is served with a choice of bread and one side. There is even a pimento cheese sandwich! Some sides included are fruit cups, potato salad and chips.
If you have a sweet tooth, browse their amazing bakery offerings. Their cake options include red velvet, chocolate, Italian cream, strawberry, butter pecan and German chocolate. Additionally, they offer a variety of pound cakes. Furthermore, their pie options include derby pie, brownie, pecan pie, pumpkin pie and French silk pie. Other baked goods include banana bread and fresh croissants. Prices are friendly. They are located on 1735 John B. White Sr. Blvd, Spartanburg, S.C.
A great place to get brunch is The Crepe Factory. They offer both sweet and savory crepes depending on what you are looking for. If you are unable to have gluten, the Crepe Factory also has a gluten free menu!
The Crepe Factory opened in March 2016 and has become a popular destination. An example of a savory crepe is their “Main St.” crepe. It includes creamy nutella and graham crackers finished with toasted marshmallows and belgian chocolate. An example of their savory crepe is their “Pine St.” crepe. It includes smoked turkey with aioli, applewood bacon, hearty greens, tomatoes and avocado, topped with a sunny side egg. Besides crepes they also offer salads and handcrafted espresso drinks. Prices are friendly.
