2022’s Top Restaurant Standbys for the Carolinas and Savannah

In keeping with Eater tradition, our closeout of the year is a survey of friends, industry types, and bloggers. To kick it off in the Carolinas, Eater asked the group eight questions, ranging from the restaurants they frequented for takeout to the saddest surprises of the year. Responses are in no particular order, and readers are encouraged to leave answers in the comments.

Q. What were your regular go-to destinations for 2022?

Jenn Rice, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering NC
In between travels, I lived off of pad thai takeout at Thaiphoon Bistro, square pizza at Oakwood Pizza Box (plus a bottle of Occhipinti), and Cheeni Indian Food Emporium — which has turned into my writing spot where I linger all day because chai and chaat!

Kay West, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering Asheville
I regularly met friends at La Bodega de Curate in downtown Asheville — just as wonderful at Curate, but more casual, accessible, and likely to find a seat at the bar when spontaneity strikes. Closer to my West Asheville home, I frequently found myself at an outdoor table at Leo’s House of Thirst.

Jai Jones, food writer and photographer
Berkley’s for the cheesesteak, the Old Salt cocktails from Last Saint, the breakfast club at Daps, and the Babas on Cannon peanut mocha.

Cele and Lynn Seldon, Seldon Ink
Blacksheep in Beaufort, South Carolina and Camp in Greenville, South Carolina.

Erin Perkins, editor Eater Carolinas
I went to Raleigh on a research trip and quickly became a regular at St. Roch — I implore everyone who visits to get the gumbo — just do it. In Charleston, I probably visited Vern’s, 167 Raw, and Welton’s Tiny Bakeshop the most often. My go-to cocktail spot in Charleston is Last Saint with the Bath House martini.

Jason B James, photographer and Eater Carolinas contributor
This year, I regularly hit up Vittoria Pizzeria in Savannah, and the Golden Pineapple and Mother Bread & Wine in Asheville.

Matthew Lardie, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering NC
I found myself returning time and again to Queeny’s (Durham), Seabird (Wilmington), and grabbing beers at Lighthouse (Wrightsville Beach).

Stephanie Burnette, Eater Carolinas contributor
I have a giant sweet tooth and always make a bakery stop; when I’m in Greenville I go to Rise Bakery (cardamom bun); in Spartanburg, it’s Downtown Deli & Doughnuts (gluten-free cake slice); in Asheville, it’s Stay Glazed (miso maple donut); in Columbia, I head straight to SmallSugar (choc-almond croissant); in Charlotte and Rock Hill, it’s Amélie’s French Bakery (apricot danish); in Charleston, it’s Brown’s Court Bakery (choc-chip macaroon); on HHI, it’s Hilton Head Social Bakery (pistachio croissant); in Cary, it’s La Farm (white choc baguette); and in Durham, it’s Rose’s (ice cream sandwich).

Marion Sullivan, food editor Charleston Magazine
As always, the Grocery, the Ordinary, and Butcher & Bee

Sam Slaughter, Eater Carolinas contributor
I went to Society (Greenville, South Carolina) as often as I could, many times scheduling meetings there so that I could have more Philly cheese egg rolls with my drinks. The vibe is incomparable when you consider the fun that the bartenders have making drinks, especially on Tiki Tuesdays.

Mike Ledford, photographer and Eater Carolinas contributor
Park Pizza — I look forward to seeing what their pizza of the month is every time. Pink Bellies — Thai Phi is consistently bringing some of the best food in the South to the table.

Barbara Skidmore, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering SC and Savannah
• Sea Wolf on Tybee — Gourmet Hot Dogs and Champagne (Savannah)
• The Grey Market — The TGM Double Burger (Savannah)
• Lewis Barbecue — The brisket (fatty side) (Charleston and Greenville)

Hanna Raskin, editor and publisher of The Food Section
I’m going to refrain here from plugging a chain restaurant’s beverage membership program, which I used extensively while traveling across nine states, and instead point folks to the completely wonderful Friday night dinner service at Ted’s Butcherblock. It’s always a good sign when you have your anniversary dinner at the same place where you’d go on any Friday that you weren’t drinking chain coffee on a faraway interstate: I contend it’s the best steakhouse in town.

Amethyst Ganaway, Charleston chef and food writer
Proof on King, Bowens Island, Malagon, Chasing Sage, Lenoir, Gillies, MoMos

Eric Ginsburg, Eater Carolinas contributor, covering NC
Find me at Sola Coffee in Raleigh, eating the BLT and some “hot mini” doughnuts. I’m also regularly next door at Two Roosters Ice Cream with a cup of either the dark chocolate mint chunk, roasted strawberry and honey, or one of the monthly specials.