7 Flavor Packed Meat and Three Restaurants in South Carolina

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.

There’s a comforting consistency to the food, but each kitchen brings its own spin to classic recipes. Here are seven South Carolina meat and three spots I believe are worth a visit, even if you don’t think you’re hungry yet.

1. Wade’s Restaurant, Spartanburg

If comfort had a taste, it might just be found at Wade’s in Spartanburg. This landmark opened its doors back in 1947, and for many families, it’s where Sunday dinners outside the home still happen. I always notice the fresh yeast rolls, baked every day, stacked high in baskets, soft and warm, wafting an inviting aroma.

Their fried chicken is the highlight for regulars, perfectly crisp and never greasy. But I think the appeal runs deeper: a plate here feels honest, unpretentious, and satisfying. Creamed corn, mac and cheese, and green beans are among the lineup of sides, with each recipe reflecting decades of careful tweaking.

You’ll spot groups lingering over sweet tea and swapping stories, which becomes part of the charm. Wade’s isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a community touchstone where time slows down and familiar flavors are celebrated. If you’re searching for a genuine slice of Spartanburg, you’ll likely find it here.

2. Haile Street Grill, Camden

On a quiet corner in Camden, Haile Street Grill has become a gathering place for locals who crave familiar, home-cooked meals without any fuss. The first time I visited, I was greeted by the kind of warmth only found in well-loved small-town spots. Their menu is concise but hits all the right notes for comfort food lovers.

Meatloaf and fried chicken headline the offerings, each cooked with a patience that comes through in every bite. Sides like mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables balance the richness of the mains. There’s usually a fresh-baked dessert waiting on the counter, reminiscent of something a favorite aunt might serve at a family meal.

The grill’s charm isn’t just in the food, though. Staff take the time to ask about your day, and neighbors mingle at nearby tables. It feels like a place where everyone is welcome, and every meal is a reason to linger a little longer.

3. Genesis Family Restaurant, Bennettsville

Every time I walk into Genesis Family Restaurant in Bennettsville, the sense of community hits first. There’s a neighborly vibe that’s hard to manufacture, staff greet regulars by name, and newcomers quickly feel at home. The baked chicken and dressing are a highlight, especially on their dedicated days, always drawing a crowd.

The sides deserve equal attention. I often load my plate with collards, seasoned okra, and lima beans, each prepared in a way that feels both homespun and reliable. Every dish seems to have its roots in years of shared family meals.

Genesis is more than a place to eat; it’s a spot where people reconnect and share news over plates of food that speak of comfort and belonging. I leave feeling not just full, but also a bit more connected to Bennettsville.

4. Bertha’s Kitchen, North Charleston

Step inside Bertha’s Kitchen and you’re instantly surrounded by the scents and sounds of a true North Charleston institution. The focus here is on Gullah-inspired soul food, with recipes that have been handed down, and perfected, through generations. I’ve watched regulars debate which meat to order: fried pork chops, tender ribs, or the ever-popular fried chicken.

The sides shine just as brightly, especially the mac and cheese and collard greens, which are lively with seasoning but never overpower the mains. There’s an energy in the dining room, fueled by friendly chatter and the steady pace of the kitchen.

Bertha’s isn’t about showy presentations; it’s about satisfying, soulful meals that stick with you. If you want to understand the heart of North Charleston’s food scene, this spot offers a flavorful starting point rooted in local tradition.

5. Big Mike’s Soul Food, Myrtle Beach

If you’re in Myrtle Beach and craving a meal that will fill both your plate and your spirits, Big Mike’s Soul Food is a stop you won’t regret. This welcoming spot has become a favorite for locals and vacationers alike, thanks to its warm atmosphere and stick-to-your-ribs cooking.

The menu leans on Southern staples that never miss, crispy fried chicken with golden skin, flaky fried fish that practically melts apart, and meatloaf that tastes like it came straight from a Sunday kitchen table. Plates here are served with generous portions, no frills, just honest comfort food that leaves you satisfied.

What really sets Big Mike’s apart, though, is the lineup of sides. Each one is prepared with care, from creamy mac and cheese to tangy potato salad and slow-simmered collard greens. These aren’t afterthoughts; they’re dishes with soul in every bite, rounding out a meal that feels both hearty and heartfelt.

6. Charlene’s Home Cooking, Moore

Charlene’s Home Cooking feels like walking into a friend’s kitchen, only the portions are bigger and the choices wider. Tucked away in Moore, this Upstate restaurant has built a reputation for unpretentious soul food that sticks to tradition.

The menu changes daily, but you’ll usually find fried ribs, pig’s feet, or chicken paired with a long line of vegetable sides. Locals rave about the squash casserole, okra dishes, and candied yams, each one tasting like it came straight from a Sunday dinner table. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with Charlene herself often making the rounds to greet diners.

Nothing is over-styled here, plates are hearty, flavors are bold, and service feels personal. If you want food that’s deeply rooted in Southern home cooking, this is the place to sit down, eat slowly, and feel like you’re part of the community.

7. Mary’s Cafe, Rock Hill

Mary’s Cafe in Rock Hill has the kind of menu that feels instantly familiar, even on your first visit. Known for its meat-and-three setup, the cafe serves comforting mains like country fried steak, fried pork chops, and baked chicken. The sides are just as important, and regulars swear by the macaroni and cheese, fried squash, and collard greens.

The food here is simple but satisfying, seasoned the way Southern kitchens have done for generations. The dining room has a no-frills charm, and that’s part of its appeal, you’re here for a plate of honest food, not fancy décor.

Staff keep things friendly and efficient, making it easy to relax into the meal. Many locals treat Mary’s as a weekly stop, a reliable spot for lunch that always delivers on flavor. For travelers, it’s a chance to experience small-town Southern comfort at its most genuine.