Frogmore stew, shrimp and grits, barbecue and fried chicken all make up standard issue South Carolina dining fare. Those traditions and more can be found on menus in the Palmetto State, with some savvy chefs putting newfangled spins on old favorites while others plate the unpredictable.
Hyman’s Seafood
This multi-generational Charleston business has been operating in one form or another in the same location for nearly 120 years. Even before the first forkful hits the tongue, the entertainment begins. Play name-that-celeb by perusing the array of brass plaques on the tables and the plates on the wall proclaiming notable Hyman’s clientele. But, you don’t have to be Neil Armstrong or Sandra Bullock to appreciate the time-honored menu. Southern sensibilities run throughout: boiled peanuts, sweet tea and fried green tomatoes. She-crab soup is a Charleston staple, and Hyman’s offers one of the more celebrated versions. Go light with soup, salad or a taco trio. Or cast a serious net with a seafood platter made your way, featuring as many as five entree items crowding the plate. The staff says the bone-in fried flounder is the overall best seller. Others dig into the Carolina Delight, a fried grit cake with a shrimp, salmon or salmon croquette topper. There’s also a full bar, with fresh sangria and Hyman’s signature bloody mary among the favorites.
215 Meeting St., Charleston, S.C. 843-723-6000, hymanseafood.com, @hymansseafood.
Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe
Contemporary foodie thought goes into Southern classics at this eatery located in Columbia’s hip Five Points area. Drop in at lunch for po’boys, burgers and sandwiches. The former can be had with either fried catfish, shrimp or oysters stuffed into a baguette with dill pickle tartar sauce. Some dinner faves make the lunch list, too. Fans rave over the buttermilk fried chicken — crispy yard bird doused in tasso ham gravy. Others opt for salmon glistening with a peach mustard barbecue sauce glaze. Additional popular dinner picks include the fried oysters appetizer and the filet mignon wrapped in bacon. Some regulars keep Monday nights at Mr. Friendly’s in their dinner rotation for the signature house-ground meatloaf special and half-price wine. Before getting friendly with Mr. Friendly’s, click on the website for daily specials.
2001-A Greene St., Columbia, S.C. 803-254-7828, mrfriendlys.com, @Mr_Friendlys.
Otto Izakaya
The phrase “you are exactly where you need to be,” plastered in large letters, glows on the wall just above the open kitchen in this Japanese-style gastropub. Devotees hold true to the mantra, especially when hunger calls at odd hours. Open most nights until 2 a.m., Otto Izakaya specializes in bar grub spiked with various Asian flavors and styles. Owners Peter Lieu and Doug Yi, both veteran restaurateurs, settled on the concept after Lieu saw the izakaya craze firsthand while vacationing in Japan. A sprawling sushi menu joins small plates, sliders, rice and noodle dishes, dumplings and more. Thinly sliced jalapeno peppers rest atop the Typhoon roll, a blend of yellowtail tuna, salmon and avocado. Lotus root chips get the nacho treatment with melted Monterey Jack cheese, Sriracha sauce and scallions. Bacon fried rice, bibimbap, fried baby octopus and oodles more might make the decision challenging. Late-night diners score big with buy-one-get-one-free sushi rolls 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
15 Market Point Drive, Greenville, S.C. 864-568-8009, otto-izakaya.com.
Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar
Chef-owner Clayton Rollison calls his Hilton Head Island joint an American bistro with Southern soul. After Hurricane Matthew hit, Lucky Rooster took the soul of Southern hospitality to a new level by feeding first responders. Low lighting and cozy tables make the place a date-night preference. Dishes for the discerning roll out of the kitchen, but the relaxed environs keep things casual. The menu morphs and rotates. Keep an eye out for Rollison’s shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, corn, English peas, leeks and other ingredients. You might find a pan-fried pork cutlet buddying up to a soft poached egg, or a sliced butcher’s steak fanned out in front of you. Don’t be surprised to see collard greens tinged with beer, and bacon nestling next to an ample helping of locally sourced fried chicken. Those looking to expand their palates might have the opportunity to try foie gras or bone marrow. The bartenders get creative, with cocktails such as the Coastal Collins, featuring gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda water and a lemon twist. The staff recommends reservations. When calling, don’t forget to ask about the live music schedule.
841 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 843-681-3474, luckyroosterhhi.com, @luckyroosterhhi.
Mon Amie Morning Cafe
Mon Amie brings a French countryside ambiance to Spartanburg’s eastside, offering laid-back breakfast and lunch. A cup of Cafe du Monde coffee might go well with an omelet that boasts chicken, mushrooms, spinach and gooey brie. Eggs Benedict, several different takes on French toast, breakfast croissant sandwiches and other morning glories help fuel customers for the day ahead. Toast the sunrise with a MonaMosa, made with champagne, orange juice and a splash of cranberry juice. Lunch choices include salads, crepes, sandwiches and more. The kitchen staff dresses up its fries — they call them Fabulous Frites — with herbs, parmesan cheese and sea salt. Free yourself of caloric concern and consider a dessert crepe. The Ooh La La tempts with strawberries, banana, toasted nuts, Nutella, whipped cream, strawberry glaze and chocolate syrup. Feeling decadent? Add a scoop of French vanilla ice cream.
2601 E. Main St., Spartanburg, S.C. 864-541-7981, monamiemorningcafe.com.
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