In Piedmont, SC, the culinary scene is one thing locals and visitors alike can rally behind. With so many exceptional eateries dotting this charming town, settling for a mediocre meal is simply unforgivable. From sizzling Southern barbecue joints to elegant farm-to-table bistros and all the cozy cafes in between, these are the standout spots that define dining here. They’ll have you rethinking your usual takeout routine in no time.
Pizza House of Powdersville
$ | (864) 605-0065 | WEBSITE
Pizza House of Powdersville, a family-owned and consistently clean spot in Piedmont, keeps its menu reliably classic. Dishes showcase the generous portions and perfectly seasoned meats the restaurant is known for, so the moment we fall for the extra cheesy, crunchy pepperoni pizza, we’re equally tempted by the Italian Combo, loaded and ready on time. Whatever item you choose from the calzones, stuffed shells, or fresh salads served in cold bowls, you can count on a satisfying meal.
Burger King
$ | (864) 516-4720 | WEBSITE
Getting through the drive-thru at this Piedmont Burger King can be quick, but so can missing out on its friendly service. It may be tempting to grab a Whopper and eat their reliable breakfast croissant (it never leaves the menu). But it’s the team at the register that provides once-in-a-while kindness (and we mean it—they remember your daily order). Think a young man with a pleasant demeanor, or a manager with a positive attitude that reminds us of a welcoming work environment.
It’s a win-win: the thrill of actually getting your food fast, and whatever the staff hands you with a smile.
Hunt Brothers Pizza
$ | (864) 845-4300 | WEBSITE
The menu at this rural pizza spot in Piedmont stays consistent, but no matter what, there will always be a pizza that you’ll want to eat until the last slice is gone. We’ve had the breakfast pizza loaded with eggs and sausage, and classic pepperoni pizza with perfectly melted cheese covering every inch. And we can confirm, we finished both pies completely.
The $15 pizza joint is the kind of casual place where families share stories over paper plates, friends grab quick dinners after work with a few sodas, and consistently delicious pizza turns an ordinary meal into a memorable one.
Starbucks
$ | (864) 832-0061 | WEBSITE
This Starbucks by the interstate is the kind of highway stop where you always find travelers and remote workers turning quick breaks into productive ones with consistently fresh coffee and breakfast sandwiches. There’s always hot beverages ready to go—often served with over-the-top kindness from staff like Penny who makes every visit feel welcoming.
We love the efficient ordering through the app and the clean seating area, creating a refreshing atmosphere that satisfies two cravings: the need for a quality coffee fix and a comfortable spot to recharge.
Athas Family Restaurant
$ | (864) 269-9586 | WEBSITE
If you love the comfort food part of Southern dining but want to throw away the fussiness (and the high price tag), Athas Family Restaurant in Piedmont is your best bet. The cozy dining room is full of welcoming energy, whether that’s from the sauces simmering in the kitchen or plates of golden chicken fingers whizzing by. It offers a consistent menu of burgers, sandwiches, and plates, so you’ll find your favorites every time you go.
But the always juicy Patti melt, best cheeseburger, and crispy chicken finger plate are all mainstays (we hope forever). It all comes in generous portions, but one bite in you may insist it’s just right for sharing.
Tribble’s Bar
$ | (864) 845-1556 | WEBSITE
Much like a gas station is known for pumping fuel, Tribble’s Bar is known for serving up one of the best bar experiences in the country. The latter is vastly better. There are two entertainment options at the cozy converted spot and with both, you’re guaranteed some excellent fun. The Classic Burger, a dish that’s been around since the early days, is a juicy patty with all the fixings that hits the spot.
But there are also activities, like the lively karaoke nights featuring talented musicians treated like rock stars that will entice you to try something new and stay a few extra hours while you do. Trust us—worth it.
China Town Restaurant
$ | (864) 299-9083 | WEBSITE
China Town Restaurant in Piedmont is the obvious choice when you crave consistently delicious food, huge portions, and a meal so good that you’ll move slower than a line at the DMV just to savor every bite. All the dishes are made with excellent flavor, and it makes for a fantastic choose-your-own-adventure. Curry chicken and house Chowmefa—why not? Egg rolls that are now crispy and tasty—you got it.
But our favorite is the towering portions, with a slow-cooked curry sauce and a flavorful marinade in each generous serving. It’s a hearty, satisfying classic that at least 10 families in the neighborhood order nightly. And guess what? They’re right to.
Arby’s
$ | (864) 269-9653 | WEBSITE
The sandwiches at this quick-meal favorite in Piedmont always deliver on flavor. A couple of the standouts are the savory Market Turkey and Swiss, and the new smokehouse brisket with its smoky richness. But if you’re looking for something different from burgers or chicken, get the turkey sandwich—there are hints of Swiss cheese and the fresh quality of the turkey, which somehow pairs perfectly with the soft roll. We’ve never had another quick-service option quite like it.
3 Friends Bar and Grill
$ | (864) 412-7926 | WEBSITE
Whatever the French dip sandwich is at 3 Friends Bar and Grill, get it. That’s how confident we are in this lively bar and grill in Piedmont. It’s all amazing, hand-cut, and as delicious as it is popular. Try to get a seat in the roomy space and an order of the Cajun Chicken Pasta to complement whatever you’re having—it’s been one of the area’s best dishes for years.
Clock Drive In
$ | (864) 845-3048 | WEBSITE
There are a few things that make Clock Drive In exceptional: the friendly staff who greet you with genuine smiles, the perfectly crisp fried pickles that arrive piping hot, and the sizzle of fresh burgers on the grill, beckoning to you from behind the counter. We’re all-of-the-above kind of people, but we’ll stick to the hot dogs for now.
The classic southern burger joint has a $12 per person average meal price, which always features favorites like a juicy burger with all the fixings on a soft bun so fresh it practically melts in your mouth. Grab a booth, watch the efficient hustle of the well-organized kitchen, and wait for the best hot dog you’ve had in years to hit the table.
