GVL Directory

GVL- Greenville

Saffron- In my opinion, it is the best Indian restaurant in town. 10/10. Saffron is typically on a wait for dinner, so come early. Authentic Indian food that will transport you to India. My favorite is the Paneer Lamb Tikka Masala. Also, a cool dish to try is the Papadum, Samosa Chaat, and Naan Bread! Absolute favorite local spot. 

Rick Erwins - My favorite Greenville Steak. I’ll admit, I’m a steak girl. I greatly enjoy good food and finding that preferred steak can be hard. Rick Erwin’s is my absolute favorite, with smokey, wood-fired flavor, incredibly tender, and steaks that are always perfectly cooked. I’m a medium-rare girl myself. The sauces are perfect. Their Béarnaise sauce is creamy delicious, with a hint of citrus that pairs beautifully with the meat. This has become the spot I keep coming back to for my birthday dinner to celebrate.

Passerelle - Swoon. This is one of my all-time Greenville favorites. Sitting outside overlooking Falls Park, with the sophisticated patio and elevated French atmosphere. The setting isn’t the only thing that is swoon worthy. Their food is incredible. We have come here several times. The flavors consistently remind me of bright and dimensional. Their French Onion soup is PERFECT. They nailed the classic combination of rich cheese, savory broth with the right balance of acidity. It’s perfect. Seared salmon was perfectly cooked with a surprising golden-brown crunchy crust with savory sauce. We always have such a great time here and we can’t want to go back.

The Commons- Unity Park - I love the Swamp Rabbit. It was one of the reasons we moved to Greenville, and I’m excited to see the city continue to pour in continued hard work to make it amazing. It shows. One of my favorite things to do is go to Unity Park and grab lunch, coffee, a sweet treat, or dinner from the Commons. From the coffee shop to the restaurants, we haven’t had a bad meal. It is the perfect hang out for casual meets ups to fuel up after a fun walk, run, or ride.

SVL- Simpsonville

The Slice- Hands down best pizza I’ve ever had even trumping the pizza I had in my travel to Italy, Chicago, and NYC. They do offer a gluten-free crust pizza (not celiac friendly), but it is the perfect size for one, and it has herbs in the crust- chefs kiss my favorite. I can eat gluten again, but I still find myself ordering their gluten-free pizza crust. The herby crunch paired with their divine sauce and cheese combo makes we weak in the knees. Simple, but perfect. The new upstairs patio is the ultimate hang out area. Live DJ hosts. Heaters in the winter. Such a fun spot in the exploding SVL downtown! 

Thai Cuisine Restaurant- A magic hole in the wall that will transport you to the best Thai restaurant in the GVL area. The food is crazy affordable, and it is out of this world. Extensive menu including very good inexpensive sushi! An absolutely local hidden gem! (My favorite is the yellow curry or massaman curry medium spice or their Thai Lava roll for sushi. Dynamite noodles I hear, and I enjoy their stir fry too. It is solid.)

Henry’s Smoked BBQ- This place is a small hidden gem with BBQ that will excite your Uncle Bobby with joy. Meat is tender and juicy with the perfect balance of smokey flavor. I’m a sauce girl, and their BBQ is the right amount of tangy and sweet. It is perfection with their meat. Taking a sweet you will be transported back to simpler times with their simple decor, but the food here really shines. Their sides also shine on their own merit with tangy slaw, rich baked beans, and hearty potato salad. They also cater, so keep this in mind for your next gathering to make hosting easier! 

Cycle Haus- Love bikes and love beer? Cycle Haus is the one the best places in town to connect with cyclist friends and find a group rides to explore new roads. From recovery rides to faster drop and race-style rides, there’s something for every cyclist. Beer selection on tap is great along with non-alcoholic beers are also available, if you aren’t currently drinking alcohol. Their casual relaxed setting makes the perfect place to relax and connect with friends. It’s not just a bike shop, but a community.

Sweet Sippin’- Live music, best snacks, and a great selection of wine and beer. An absolute winner in my book. Their rooftop hang out is complete with a firepit, cozy couch, and a huge flat screen TV. Looking to grab some friends and watch the game! This is the perfect spot! It’s a hidden gem in SVL, and it is 10/10 a place you don’t want to miss. They have an outdoor patio that is a super great place to hang and relax after a fun ride! Are you a cyclist? Sweet Sippin’ is also known for their Recovery Sunday Recovery Ride at the Clock Tower, which is a fun way to get some miles in and meet new friends.

1885- Wowzers- their beer on tap selection is impressive. This is a great place to grab a beer and hang out with friends while enjoying a beautiful day. I especially love this place, because they have prosecco on tap, and they have frozen wine slushies in the warmer months. Think frozen margarita but make it wine. Plus, they have live music on the weekends, fire pits, and a cozy outdoor atmosphere.

Warehouse at Vaughn’s- Don’t know what to grab tonight? No worries. Warehouse at Vaugh’s has you covered! Mexican, Seafood, burgers, ice cream, and more! After you order your food there is a massive outdoor hangout space. They frequently host live music. This place draws a big crowd so come early!

Mauldin

Tavola- Looking for a unique culinary experience? Tavola at Bridgeway Station is a ramic, upscale Italian spot that feels like a little trip to Italy. Their house- made pasta and sauces are incredible, and the menu changes seasonally to keep things fresh. If you have your heart set on a particular dish, don’t wait too long to go! For an extra- special experience make a reservation for the counter, where you’ll get a front-row view of the kitchen and can watch the chefs craft each dish. Best seat in the house! It’s intimate, elevated, and an experience all its own. 10/10 date night spot.

Mercato Cafe & Coffee- One of my favorite coffee shops to go hang out to catch up with one my girlfriends. They have unique coffee creations. My recent favorite was Christmas in July, complete with Christmas sprinkles. When you walk in you’re greeted with the cutest local artist corner, perfect for finding a souvenir or a gift. They have outdoor seating that pairs with a beautiful view of the BridgeWay Station. I’m excited to watch this area continue to grow!

TR- Travelers Rest

Topsoil- Elevated locally grown plates. We came here for a celebration meal and loved the fresh, inspired flavors. The relaxed yet refined atmosphere made it the perfect romantic date-night spot. Everything was exceptions, and the flavor combinations felt thoughtful and creative. Hands down, I’d come back to celebrate another special milestone again.

The Community Tap- I love a fun ride on the Swamp Rabbit, and this is the perfect pit stop in TR. Park the bikes and grab a beer or an NA option. They have a casual restaurant on-site if you need something more substantial, plus a great beer selection along with coolers stocked with more options. It’s like a local convenience store with drinks, snacks, beer, and food. What could be better? We enjoyed sitting outside enjoying company with friends to fuel up for a fun ride. Next time, I want to catch some live music!

Whistle Stop at the American Cafe- Did someone say classic Southern Comfort? Growing up in TN, I’ve had my fair share of amazing home-cooked Southern style meals. If you are craving a meal that would make a Southern proud, this is a cozy place. The fun train theme makes for a memorable visit. It’s right off the Swamp Rabbit, which makes this a lovely place to stop for dinner after a long walk.

Fountain Inn

Farehouse- Fountain Inn has grown so much over the last few years. Farehouse is such a great addition to the area. The food is absolutely delicious. The soft pretzel with beer cheese makes me weak in the knees. From the dry aged pork chops, shrimp N Grits, to their short ribs everything is packed with flavor. It feels like a savory, home-cooked meal elevated by a chef who truly knows Southern food. Chef’s-Kiss. I’m excited to see Farehouse become a Fountain Inn staple.