Greenwood may not be sprawling, but its culinary scene punches well above its weight. You’ll find cozy Southern kitchens, the kind of barbecue joints locals fiercely protect, elegant spots for anniversary dinners, and unassuming cafes perfect for a quiet lunch. While Greenwood cherishes its small-town charm, we love that it offers both destination-worthy dining and reliable spots for a quick, satisfying bite.
Pizza Hut
$ | (864) 229-4812 | WEBSITE
Pizza Hut—often just called “the Hut”—is one of Greenwood’s most reliable institutions. The family-friendly pizza joint has been around for decades and seems to be universally passed down as the go-to spot for any parent with kids in tow. That’s either due to the hot and ready pies or the Hut’s standout specialty, the stuffed crust pizza, a buttery garlic-seasoned creation best devoured in one satisfying slice.
Add on a booster seat for the little ones and some friendly service from Assistant Manager Kristy, and you will be pleasantly satisfied for the whole meal, or at least until the next birthday party rolls around. Or grab a fresh pie to-go for an easy weeknight dinner.
Dixie Drive In
$ | (864) 229-2312 | WEBSITE
Dixie Drive In is a nostalgic dining experience. From the first chili cheeseburger to the last sweet tea, lunch here is worth the $12 for a combo meal and $15 for the deluxe platter. Once settled at the horseshoe-shaped counter, you’ll have a front-row view of the grill preparing classics like grilled chicken sandwiches with fries.
Meals at Dixie might require skipping the fancy coffee shop for a couple of weeks, but if you need something more casual, you can grab a seat at the retro counter and spend the afternoon with some onion rings. Plus, the best view of the 1950’s charm happens at lunchtime in the sun-soaked diner.
Dairy Queen Grill & Chill
$ | (864) 223-9234 | WEBSITE
Known for quick bites, complete with friendly staff and big smiles, Dairy Queen Grill & Chill brings the flavor and fun of classic American fast food to its corner of Greenwood. There are also about as many treats to choose from here as there are happy customers in line. Grab some hot, fresh burgers made to order, a chicken strip basket with toasted bread, or the decadent Triple Chocolate Brownie Blizzard with its warm brownie and cool ice cream for a casual family outing or a simple solo lunch.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
$ | (864) 791-5148 | WEBSITE
Popeyes is phenomenal. This Louisiana-style restaurant offers their signature deep-fried, crispy wings with a spicy seasoning. The chicken tenders are perfectly crisp, the fries are golden and salty, and the biscuits are buttery and warm. Every bite of the spicy wings (a worthwhile indulgence at $12 for a 5-piece) makes us wish we could take them home in bulk, along with a gallon of the spicy seasoning sprinkled on top at the counter.
The service can be hit-or-miss—sometimes friendly and quick, other times less than welcoming—but the food quality is consistently praised, even if the portions feel a bit smaller and the prices a touch higher than expected. It’s accessible for wheelchair users and caters to various dietary needs, with vegetarian options available. Though the fresh preparation means the food can take a little longer, it’s worth the wait for that crispy, flavorful bite.
Waffle House
$ | (864) 943-1752 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Greenwood’s bustling breakfast scene sits the reliable and welcoming Waffle House. A local favorite, if you visit here regularly, the friendly staff will likely remember your usual booth, your coffee preference, and whether you’re having a good morning. Honestly, the service is really attentive. Almost as attentive as the perfectly cooked waffles and the consistently tasty classic dishes. Always popular, get to Waffle House early on weekend mornings or for a weekday breakfast rush.
Alicia’s #1
$ | (864) 377-6353 | WEBSITE
Alicia’s #1 sits like a tortilla beacon in Greenwood, one of the Upstate’s most authentic Mexican finds. The family-run spot serves up fresh handmade tortillas all day, along with combo plates with steak tacos, enchiladas, empanadas and your choice of a satisfying list of traditional sides. Here the only thing you’ll need to worry about is whether you want green sauce or classic salsa—and, trust me, you want green.
Dine in for a hearty meal, or bring your takeout to nearby parks where you will be the envy of every passing local.
THE HOME TABLE
$ | WEBSITE
This home-cooking restaurant is the most comforting spot in Greenwood. Not only can you find perfectly seasoned vegetables and outstanding fried chicken here, but The Home Table also has the same warmth and care as a grandmother’s kitchen. Every detail, from the friendly owner greeting you at the door to the exceptional service that makes you feel at home, is genuine. This is where you would take someone who thinks true Southern hospitality doesn’t exist in modern restaurants.
Fusion Japanese & Thai
$ | (864) 388-7888 | WEBSITE
Fusion Japanese & Thai is the perfect family dinner destination in Greenwood. This popular spot has authentic Thai curries served with fresh shrimp and an incredible Angel Cheese Roll that keeps the parking lot full every evening. Nothing is too fussy here, from the reasonably-priced lunch menu to the attentive waitstaff making sure the soup arrives hot and tasty.
The consistently-top-notch-food energy makes it easy to love, especially while enjoying the above-average ginger dressing or waxing poetic about the fresh hibachi.
US Wings & Deli- Greenwood
$ | (864) 223-3668 | WEBSITE
Tucked into a nondescript strip mall, the casual US Wings & Deli shares a parking lot with a dry cleaner, a convenience store, and a nail salon. Driving past, you could mistake it for any other fast-casual spot were it not for the steady stream of locals picking up orders. The place serves straightforward American comfort food, like baskets of bone-in wings, Philly sandwiches, and fries praised for their seasonings.
The simple, no-frills dining area also makes a decent backdrop for a quick lunch with coworkers, or dinner with friends who just want to watch the game without fuss.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (864) 229-9026 | WEBSITE
A certified Greenwood classic, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store serves homestyle comfort food that doesn’t feel pretentious. Most folks dining in the welcoming restaurant are enjoying a family outing, a casual lunch, or the sort of simple pleasure you share with loved ones. Staff go out of their way to make every minute here feel comfortable, like offering friendly greetings and serving up biscuits and gravy with genuine warmth.
And the satisfaction continues once the expertly prepared dishes like fantastic homestyle fried chicken and the hashbrown casserole hit your table. If you can’t wait until the next family gathering to have a meal at Cracker Barrel, there’s also breakfast served all day.
Migs Pizza
$ | (864) 229-3330 | WEBSITE
Migs Pizza bucks the trend other fast-casual spots appear to revel in—it’s open most of the day and never seems to run out of fresh pies. And while the dining area is fairly compact, Migs Pizza offers a straightforward, efficient ordering system where you pay upfront, so you can enjoy a fantastic philly sub or super steak sandwich as the kitchen intended: Freshly made, with friendly service, amidst the aroma of baking dough and sizzling meats.
While Migs Pizza offers the standard pizza and calzone, it also serves gyros, meaty Stromboli, and, importantly, fantastic philly subs stuffed with savory fillings throughout the day.
Wendy’s
$ | (864) 223-4845 | WEBSITE
The reliably familiar fast-food chain Wendy’s serves a menu of customer favorites like the Pretzel Baconator and Chili Baked Potato. Everything tastes pretty solid, especially considering the quick service and reasonable price. We appreciate that you can grab a quick solo lunch, swing through for a family dinner after sports practice, or whatever combination of food and occasion in between. Make sure to double-check your order before you leave.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (864) 229-4052 | WEBSITE
No, you’re not dining at a five-star steakhouse, but instead, you’re at the most reliable restaurant in Greenwood. Chili’s Grill & Bar doesn’t feel like anywhere else in town, and the satisfying food here gives you even more reason to settle in for a hearty meal. The menu spans from the large and flavorful Old Timer burger to the absolutely amazing new BBQ brisket sandwich you may want to order a second round of.
It’s a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and pretend you’re just enjoying a straightforward, enjoyable meal instead.
Eggs Up Grill
$ | (864) 854-9750 | WEBSITE
Tucked away in Greenwood’s bustling streets, Eggs Up Grill serves as a reliable retreat for those seeking a straightforward, satisfying meal. Its clean, cute interior offers a simple but comfortable atmosphere where you can enjoy a hearty breakfast or lunch without fuss. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite with friends or settling in for a leisurely family meal, this spot delivers consistently good food at reasonable prices.
The attentive staff keeps coffee cups full and ensures service remains prompt, making it an ideal place to start your day or refuel midday.
Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant
$ | (864) 223-7740 | WEBSITE
Get a dose of vibrant energy with lively conversations, festive Mexican decor, and bustling weekend crowds at Ernesto’s Mexican Restaurant. Run by a team of attentive servers, Ernesto’s makes some of the best tacos in town with fillings ranging from well-seasoned meats, generous portions of refried beans, and, yes, avocado salad. Plus, the warm chips that keep coming feel deeply satisfying.
Throw on a couple of street tacos, a few rounds of margaritas, and a big molcajete for two for a casual Sunday lunch with family.
Firehouse Subs Greenwood
$ | (864) 227-1698 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Greenwood may look like any other casual sub shop lining the streets of Greenwood. But this sandwich spot uses its space well and fills every square inch with folks looking for a good meal. The menu at Firehouse Subs stays consistent, so even if you make a weekly pit stop here, you can always expect the same generous portions alongside options like the classic Hook & Ladder and gluten-free bread.
Grab a booth and dig into a massive sub piled high with toppings, or come with a few of your buddies and split some sandwiches while hanging out in the clean, inviting atmosphere.
