There are meat-and-three spots, and then there’s Wade’s, open since 1947, where dozens of dishes are made from scratch. It’s nearly impossible not to choose the lunch line to pig out on it all. Baked beans are stuffed with meat, fried chicken parts are crisp, yeast rolls are ideally squishy, and mashed potatoes are whipped and fluffy. Eat at Wade’s and check out the latest t-shirt designs with the tagline.

The original Willy Taco is here in Spartanburg on East Main. The bar is smaller than its sibling locations but memorable for its devoted staff and all juice margs. Willy Taco Hub City is the incubator for specials and it is fun to try them all. For an old school order, the giant Dang Chimichanga is a stand out. It’s massive.

Dunbar is a quieter street in downtown Spartanburg, tree-lined with easy parking and The Lemongrass Kitchen is a homegrown delight. The Vietnamese menu includes especially good glass noodles, rice noodles, seven to eight types of pho (order the meatball) and rice dishes. Daily specials, topped with fresh herbs, show off the breadth of the kitchen. If banana leaf wrapped dumplings are available, order them.

Eat like a local and have breakfast at DDD. Vegan cinnamon rolls, gluten-free donuts, breakfast sandwiches stuffed with herbed egg frittata on focaccia are all winners. A self-service coffee station is piled with hilarious mugs including quips like: I see the assassins have failed. Lunch is stacked with salads, soups, sandwiches and thoughtful vegetarian offerings.

Though Nu-Way produces a solid patty melt and crisp fried fries, this is a straight up dive bar with a greasy griddle and strong inelegant drinks, pool tables, and bands that play well into the night. If the band has more than three members, it sets up in front of the door and guests walk through upon entry. There’s always a fun mix of people, happy to hang at Nu-Way. It’s a bucket list bar, for sure.

One of the oldest breweries in the state, RJ Rockers is an iconic stop for craft beer in the Upstate. With the recent addition of The Deli Korner to the taproom, Rockers is a place to drink local, eat local and listen to area bands onsite. Though Son of a Peach is a popular order, The Brown Eyed Squirrel is a nicely balanced ale with notes of black malt and a little chocolate. Rockers sits just behind Cribbs Kitchen, so wander between the two. There will be plenty of locals to hang out with.  

William Cribb’s first restaurant was Cribb’s Kitchen, and it remains a cornerstone of dining and service in Spartanburg. With a lovely cocktail list and a ton of local beer, customers may be tempted to hang at the bar, but they should stay and eat. There’s pear salad and blue-cheese-crusted ribeye, giant sandwiches, and a market white fish seasonally prepped. The deviled eggs with chimichurri and crispy pork hit the mark.

Chef William Cribb and his partner Raj Patel opened the Kennedy after Cribb served as SC Chef Ambassador, and it’s a top dining experience in the Upstate. The modern brasserie’s interiors lean Deco — the best seat is at chef’s counter with serious access to the kitchen. The menu is freshly seasonal; if available, the oyster service, the corn gnocchi and the pork shank are standouts. The Kennedy also serves lunch and notably brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

For a Jersey-style sub go to Monster Sub. It’s located by West Gate Mall and the strip center has ample parking. Giant subs are stuffed with fresh meats and cheese and piled into ideal French bread with the right chew. The hot subs are satisfying, but specialty deli subs like the Don with its combination of prosciutto, capicola, salami, fresh mozzarella, sweet peppers, and balsamic glaze, feel well-defined.