8 South Carolina Meat-And-Three Spots Full Of Flavor

Southern cuisine shines brightest at meat-and-three restaurants, where hearty main dishes come with your choice of delicious sides. South Carolina boasts some of the best spots around for this comfort food tradition.

Whether you’re craving fried chicken, country ham, or meatloaf, these nine establishments serve up authentic Southern flavors that’ll make you feel right at home.

1. Charlene’s Home Cooking – Moore

Family recipes shine at this beloved Moore institution where Charlene herself often greets guests with a warm smile. The crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with creamy mac and cheese that locals rave about.

Open only Thursday through Sunday, this cash-only spot creates lines out the door for good reason. Their homemade desserts, especially the banana pudding, provide the perfect sweet finale to any meal.

2. OJ’s Diner – Greenville & Easley

Soul food heaven awaits at OJ’s where the smell of fresh cornbread greets you at the door. Their turkey and dressing rivals any Thanksgiving feast, available year-round alongside perfectly seasoned collard greens.

The friendly staff remembers regulars by name and order. With locations in both Greenville and Easley, this family-owned gem has been satisfying hungry patrons for generations with recipes passed down through the years.

3. Lizard’s Thicket – Columbia

A Columbia institution since 1977, Lizard’s Thicket has grown from a tiny restaurant to multiple locations without sacrificing quality. Their country-fried steak smothered in peppered gravy remains a bestseller decades later.

Early risers appreciate their all-day breakfast options alongside traditional meat-and-three plates. The squash casserole and fried okra transport diners straight to a South Carolina family reunion, complete with that can’t-quite-place-it special seasoning that keeps folks coming back.

4. Mary’s Café – Rock Hill

Mary’s handwritten specials board changes daily, but the quality never wavers at this Rock Hill staple. The meatloaf, seasoned with a secret blend of spices, remains moist and flavorful even hours after coming out of the oven.

Buttermilk biscuits arrive hot and fluffy, perfect for sopping up pot likker from the turnip greens. Mary herself still oversees the kitchen most days, ensuring every plate meets her exacting standards before reaching your table.

5. Ray’s Diner – Columbia

Blue-collar workers rub elbows with college professors at Ray’s, where generous portions come without pretension. Their chicken and dumplings feature tender shredded chicken swimming alongside pillowy dumplings in savory broth.

Sweet potato casserole topped with brown sugar crumble could double as dessert. The walls display decades of local history through photographs and memorabilia, making every meal at Ray’s feel like a step back into Columbia’s rich past.

6. Wade’s Restaurant – Spartanburg

Since 1947, Wade’s has been Spartanburg’s go-to for Southern hospitality on a plate. Their yeast rolls alone inspire pilgrimages from neighboring states – golden-brown, buttery clouds that practically melt on contact.

The fried chicken livers might convert even the most organ-averse diners with their crispy exterior and rich flavor. Wade’s embraces old-school service: food comes family-style, servers remember your name, and nobody leaves hungry or without a takeout box of those famous rolls.

7. Mama Penn’s Restaurant – Anderson

Checkered tablecloths and vintage decor set the scene at Mama Penn’s, where the banana pudding recipe hasn’t changed in 50 years. Their country ham comes sliced thin with a perfect salt cure that pairs wonderfully with red-eye gravy.

The green beans cook all day with ham hocks until they reach that perfect Southern tenderness. Regulars know to save room for cobbler made with seasonal fruits – peach in summer and blackberry in late spring are especially worth the inevitable food coma.

8. The Steak House Cafeteria – Walhalla

Don’t let the name fool you – this Walhalla landmark serves much more than steak in its cafeteria-style line. Their salmon patties, crisp on the outside and tender inside, remain a Thursday special that locals plan their weeks around.

The cucumber and onion salad in vinegar dressing offers a perfect palate cleanser between bites of hearty comfort food. Family-owned for generations, The Steak House maintains traditions that have kept mountain folks well-fed since the 1950s.