Best Diners in South Carolina

Beacon Drive-In, Spartanburg, SC

This world-famous eatery is a South Carolina tradition you simply must experience for yourself. They’re well-known for their lemon-infused sweet tea, huge portions of comfort food, and fun, fast, friendly service with every visit. There’s been a line out the door for over 60 years and counting, but you’ll be glad you joined it.

The Early Bird Diner, Charleston, SC

You don’t have to be an early bird to enjoy a great meal here, but the food is sure to make you want to get out of bed in the morning. This breakfast, lunch, and dinner locale specializes in made-from-scratch fare with a heaping helping of southern hospitality. You’ll find all the best diner staples like chicken and waffles, fried pork chops, egg dishes, burgers, and meatloaf, among other savory eats.

Fillin’ Station Diner, Hollywood, SC

Reminiscent of an old-fashioned gas station, you can fuel up on some of the best diner food in the state. Open for lunch daily and breakfast on the weekends, you can eat your fill of chicken, burgers, and rotating daily specials that will have you coming in every day to see what’s cookin’. It’s not a huge place, but what they lack in size they more than make up in taste and atmosphere.

OJ’s Diner, Greenville, SC

OJ’s Diner is a refreshing experience in big city Greenville’s high end eateries. This place brings back the personalization and homey service you expect from a hometown diner, especially in a place where chain restaurants are flourishing. It’s one of the best places in the area to grab a meat-and-veggie plate that tastes every bit as good as Grandma used to make.

Ray’s Diner, Columbia, SC

No diner experience is complete without a tasty homemade cake topping the counter. Everything they make is created from scratch with love, offering you the true southern diner experience in every bite. Make sure you save room for dessert here.

Summer’s Restaurant, Newberry, SC

As Newberry’s oldest diner, you can rest assured they’ll treat you and your appetite right. It’s the best place in town to grab a burger and fries, and each meal comes complete with friendly service and an atmosphere that makes you feel right at home.

A&P Restaurant, Greer, SC

Counter service, cozy booths, a drive through window, and a southern-infused menu give you everything you need for the authentic diner experience. This is some of the freshest cooking you’ll find in town, plus there’s plenty of variety to give you the culinary experience you crave.

Key Insights at a Glance

• Beacon Drive-In, Spartanburg - A South Carolina tradition with lemon-infused sweet tea, generous comfort food portions, and friendly, fast service that’s been drawing lines out the door for over 60 years.
• The Early Bird Diner, Charleston - Known for southern hospitality and scratch-made diner staples, including chicken and waffles, fried pork chops, burgers, and meatloaf, served for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
• Fillin’ Station Diner, Hollywood - Modeled after a vintage gas station, this small diner offers big flavors with daily specials, burgers, and weekend breakfast, making it a favorite for its charm and hearty dishes.
• OJ’s Diner, Greenville - A refreshing, homey diner experience in Greenville, known for its delicious meat-and-veggie plates reminiscent of homemade family meals in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
• Ray’s Diner, Columbia - Offers true southern cooking made from scratch, with homemade cakes on display for a classic diner vibe; saving room for dessert is a must.
• Summer’s Restaurant, Newberry - Newberry’s oldest diner, popular for burgers, fries, and a warm, familiar atmosphere that makes every visit feel like home.
• A&P Restaurant, Greer - Offers counter service, cozy booths, a drive-thru window, and a menu full of fresh, southern-inspired dishes, perfect for a classic diner experience with plenty of variety.