Great places to eat in the Palmetto State

Southside Smokehouse is a Carolina-style barbecue joint that also serves a chef-driven menu of classic Cajun and creole dishes inspired by the owner-chef's time in Louisiana. And, unlike most roadside barbecue places in the Carolinas, this one has a great bar. Platters start at $11. 726 S. Howard Ave., Landrum, S.C. 864-457-4581, southsidesmokehouse.com.

Aiken

Track Kitchen, an off-the-beaten-path eatery on a dirt road next to a thoroughbred training track, serves diner-style breakfasts. The atmosphere is the real draw here. This un-air-conditioned, whitewashed cinder-block building is where the elite of the equestrian world eat. The local conversation is as good as the food. Under $10. Closed in summer. 420 Mead Ave., Aiken, S.C. 803-641-9628.

The Stables Restaurant at Rose Hill Estate is located in a historic winter colony estate in downtown Aiken. The old stable facilities have been converted into a restaurant serving casual American, Italian and German fare. It has a great patio, too. Be sure to walk the bucolic grounds after your meal. Entrees start at $16. 221 Greenville St., Aiken, S.C. 803-648-1181, rosehillestate.com.

Oconee County

Dakota Grill is a hidden gem of a steakhouse, 3 miles west of Walhalla on the highway up into the mountains. It's also known for its crabcakes. Entrees start at $15.95. 2911 Highlands Highway, Walhalla, S.C. 864-718-0553, dakotagrillsc.com.

Humble Pie is a no-frills pizza parlor far from any town, but this is the place to come for slices, beers and communing with fellow river rats after paddling the nearby Chattooga River. Large pies start at $11.95. 14237 Highway 76, Long Creek, S.C. 864-647-9098, humblepizza.com.

Greenville

Soby's, a pioneer in Greenville's culinary renaissance whose influence on modern Southern cuisine has been felt far and wide, is still a downtown hot spot. Entrees start at $18. 207 S. Main St., Greenville. 864-232-7007, sobys.com.