Dine and Drink Through SC's Golden Corner

By Jordan Bannister

Inspired by mountain history and propelled by culinary innovation, Lake Hartwell Country has a flavor for everyone’s palette. Not sure where to go? Check out these must-stop places for eats and drinks in the Golden Corner of Upstate South Carolina.

In Anderson, at Mr. Rivers Breakfast Joint, you’ll hear a big stack of syrupy pancakes calling your name or try their gorgeous, colorful frittata. Start your day off with a great meal, a cup of java, or a bubbly mimosa—there are no wrong answers at Mr. Rivers.

For our friends with a sweet tooth, The Sweetery has what you’re looking for in the form of an old-fashioned bakery with Southern classics like pecan pie, pound cake, and red velvet cake. Or find new favorites in their signature Uggly Cake, chocolate amaretto cheesecake, and toffee bar cookies. Getting a bakery off the ground is one thing but keeping a small business alive in this economy can be, in a word, challenging. The Sweetery team is taking it in sugary stride. “We love our customers,” says store manager Ryan Jarahian. “Our regulars come by so much that it’s like they become part of the shop… and some folks come all the way from neighboring states just to try one of the cakes they’ve heard about. It’s really humbling.”

Just outside of Electric City on Highway 76, you can pop into Pendleton for some greens at Ruffage, although we’ll admit, we’d rather have the Son of a Biscuit breakfast bowl; not much greenery in that one but a ton of juicy sausage, cheesy biscuit base and a sunny side up egg. They have lunch options as well, so order up a Carolina Cuban and try it with their homemade honey basil coleslaw—it’s got just the right balance of sweet and tangy with huge flavor.

For a full Sunday brunch, and we do mean full, the Village Bakery & Café has a buffet-style breakfast every Sunday including shrimp and grits and bakery classics they’ve become famous for.

Do some shopping in Pendleton while you’re downtown. From Newtique Boutique to the Pendleton Bookshop, and all the antique stores in between, the Village Green has what you’re looking for. If you’re in the market for just one more sugar rush, pop into the Pendleton Candy Company; with the sweetest gifts and kindest staffers, you’ll definitely leave with a smile… and a rubber duck. See for yourself what we mean!

Headed to Oconee? Don’t skip Humble Pie’s for their Plain Jane pizza or try a wilder house-made combo like their Bull Sluice pie with sundried tomatoes, named after the most famous rapid in the nearby Chattooga River. Top it off with a cup of fresh coffee at The Gauge Coffee House right next door in Long Creek. Between the two, they have a little bit of everything from bagels to quesadillas, and nothing is off-limits after a day on the water. Say “hi” to our friends at the Chattooga Whitewater Shop while you’re up there and tell ‘em the team at Lake Hartwell Country (LHC) sent you!

If you’re in the mood for a libation, sip on some spirits at Chattooga Belle Farm’s Distillery, right up the road from Humble Pie. Take in their expansive grounds, which include their farm and vineyard, as you sample their gin, whiskey, and Carolina moonshine options. Bottles are only available for sale at the distillery, so get your fill and get your reserves before you hit the road. Business manager, Taylor Hamilton says, “We believe in creating exclusive, handcrafted liquors that can only be found here in the Upcountry. We invite everyone to come in, tour our facility, and have a unique, interactive experience with our team and our spirits.” She promises it will be unforgettable and we can’t help but agree with a big, MuscaShine “Cheers!”

On the other side of Oconee County, Jocassee Lake Tours has a series of affordable boat tours that are uniquely customized to your family’s needs; Kids tours, senior tours, and romantic sunset tours of the lake or high energy kayak tours of the shoreline, dedicated to learning more about the natural elements all around you. Want to go alone? Rent a boat so you can take the whole day to explore the majesty of Lake Jocassee.

The Lighthouse Restaurant on stunning Lake Keowee offers upscale southern flair with their Creole shrimp deviled eggs and local favorites like their scallop and trumpet mushroom salad or perfectly charred filet mignon with fried shrimp. Their famous crab bisque is served year-round as well as their creamy risotto for a richer, fuller addition to your plate!

Ready for a walk? Hop out of the car, stretch your legs, and visit Yellow Branch Falls in Walhalla for a peaceful in-and out hike through dense woods and over trickling creek beds. At the tail end of the trail, you’ll find Yellow Branch Falls cascading over dozens of steep rocks, which is the perfect place to stop and take in the view.

Pickens County sports a profile all its own. For chicken wings and a pint on gameday, head to Clemson for the Esso Club orelevate your choices at Evolve Kitchen + Table with their crispy Brussels sprouts with a smooth honey reduction or a warm plate of truffle fries. Try the Chop Cheese Hoagie at Loose Change, a local favorite, or one of their quesadilla specials. Ask any Tiger- town local about where to get a good steak and they’ll say Pixie & Bill’s. They have the best cuts of meat with a variety that speaks for itself; their menu boasts poultry, seafood, and veal with exemplary sauces and sides to finish any meal off.

Having a local brew in the Upcountry is a must-do! In fact, our friends at Kite Hill Brewing Company in Clemson were kind enough to work with the LHC Team on a collaborative beer called Go Chasing Waterfalls, a cream ale with a light finish featuring images and hiking coordinates of our area’s most iconic waterfalls. You’ll find the falls’ locations, a message to get outside to enjoy Lake Hartwell Country’s immaculate natural beauty, and a reminder to “pack-in-pack-out” to help end waterway littering. A win-win for everyone.

For a little live music, join the City of Seneca for their Thursday night sensation, Jazz on the Alley. Every Thursday from April to October, Ram Cat Alley turns into a swinging celebration of rhythm from 5 pm to 9 pm. The shops are open late, and restaurants are serving to-go so you can enjoy the entertainment on the street.

For more of an all-in-one experience, The Silos in Easley is your best bet for food options to meet everyone’s needs; they house the area’s best Indian restaurant—Indigo Kitchen— as well as Inky’s Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies, and more. Silos Brewing Company has an incredible locally-brewed beer selection, slushies and seltzers, and an inviting indoor/outdoor atmosphere.

As you can tell, the possibilities are endless with the hospitality to match in Lake Hartwell Country. For more on these featured hot spots and others, visit lakehartwellcountry.com/food-and-beverage.