I’ve been a resident of the Greenville, South Carolina area since 2006 (2002 if you count my four years of college). Greenville is a great place to live and to visit – we have hundreds of restaurants and basically every store except Ikea!
Most posts and articles about Greenville are heavy with recommendations for the downtown area, which is arguably the “best thing” about visiting here.
After living here for 16 years, we only visit downtown a couple times a year. It’s very busy, crowded and feels less and less “southern” every time we visit. Downtown Greenville is fun every once and a while, but on the average weekend we prefer other places to eat and shop. Want to visit Greenville like a local? Here are my recommendations!
In referring to Greenville, I’m including cities in Greenville county like Greer, Taylors and Easley. I’ve lived in all these cities and have favorites from all over the county!
RESTAURANTS
Mr. Salsa Mexican (Taylors) – 4800 Wade Hampton Blvd, Taylors: Everyone needs a go-to Mexican restaurant, and this is ours. I’ve been eating here for at least 14 years and have always had great food and quick service!
Tipsy Taco – A great mid-range Mexican place with something for everyone. I love their taco salad, quesadillas, loaded queso, and the a la carte taco options.
Willy Taco – not good for picky eaters, but a delicious “chef driven fresh twist on Mexican fusion.”
Tropical Grille – My go-to choice for catered food, but also a great place to stop for lunch. It’s affordable, healthy and so delicious.
Eggs Up Grille – Only open until 2, but they serve breakfast and lunch. This is more of a basic diner-style menu – they have great home fries.
Wild Ace Pizza (Greer) – Our favorite local pizza place!
Great Bay Oyster House (Greer) – One of our favorite date night spots. Sit by the window for a pretty view of downtown Greer.
The Farehouse in The Taylors Mill (Taylors) – A pretty trendy restaurant in a unique location!
Little Pigs BBQ (Greer) – My favorite place for South Carolina BBQ, both for dine-in and takeout.
Coyote Coffee Cafe (Powdersille, Easley, Pickens)- A great place for lunch & coffee.
Flying Fox Coffee (Greer) – The best coffee in town. They always have a seasonal menu with really delicious drinks. It’s located in downtown Greer, so you can enjoy the Hallmark movie small town vibes while you’re there.
Brusters – Not a local restaurant, but it’s my absolute favorite place for ice cream!
SHOPPING
Thrifting: Miracle Hill Thrift Stores– they are clean, organized and support a great ministry.
Cottage Grove Vintage Market – High end home decor with distinctive Southern flair.
The Oops Co. – Overstock deals on name brands like J Crew, Ann Taylor, Simply Southern and more. I love shopping here!
My Favorite Dollar Tree – 905 South Batesville Road, Greer
ENTERTAINMENT
Mauldin Theatre Company – Our favorite place to see a show. We’ve seen Newsies and The Hunchback of Notre Dame here, and they both were nearly Broadway level.
The Greer Children’s Theatre – We’ve seen Beauty and the Beast and Frozen Jr. and loved them!
The Logos Theatre – “State-of-the-art productions with family-values entertainment.” It’s been several years, but we attended A Christmas Carol, Anne of Green Gables and Silent Star (an original Christmas musical) and enjoyed all of them. This one is more like shows you’d see at the Sight and Sound Theatre in PA and less like a Broadway style theatre.
Spartanburg Little Theatre – We’ve seen The Sound of Music, Holmes and Watson, and Cinderella – all great shows.
If you’re a local, did I leave out your favorite non-downtown spot? Leave it in the comments so we can all give it a try!
You Might Also Enjoy:
- What I Love About The South
- Girls Weekend in Boone, NC
- 10 Ideas To Make Road Trips Pleasant & Affordable
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Come Home For Comfort 
Good recommendations! We just ate at Mr. Salsa this evening. We often get the fajitas for one. It is a very generous serving and plenty for two.
Mr. Salsa is the best! I don’t think I’ve ever ordered anything other than the chimichanga or nachos. 🙂
I love the Bleu Porch. 😊
I wish they were open on Saturday!
WOW – and thank you! This is one of the best (and timely) posts for me ever! My husband and I are praying about moving…and Greer is one of the top three (or two!) places we are excited about. We are planning a survey trip, of sorts, next month. I now know where we can eat…and try to work in some shopping too!! Thanks a billion!
That’s so exciting, Jennifer! Please feel free to shoot me an email if you have any specific questions about this area (comehomeforcomfort at gmail). This really is a great place to live!