South Carolina’s “meat and three” restaurants offer more than just hearty food, they serve up a generous slice of local culture on every plate. Each spot on this list has its own story, menu quirks, and role in the community.
I set out to find seven destinations across the state that honor this Southern tradition, focusing on places where the flavors, atmosphere, and history combine to create meals that linger long after the last bite.
From the scent of fried chicken wafting from a Spartanburg institution to the sizzle of pork chops in Charleston, these restaurants have anchored their neighborhoods for generations. Most let you pick one main protein and three sides, letting you build a meal to match your mood…