Seneca, South Carolina: An Unexpected Foodie Destination
Taking a Trip to Lake Keowee soon? Well if you are a foodie, you are in luck because believe it or not Seneca, South Carolina is surprisingly a major foodie destination. From the finest dining experiences to casual fun for the whole family atmospheres, we are positive you will find something you and your family and friends will absolutely love here in Seneca. Downtown Seneca is filled with fun dining options from quaint little restaurants to sports bars, coffee bars, breweries and more. You can enjoy a modern American menu, traditional, barbeque, sushi, seafood, or any ethnic favorite cuisine here around Lake Keowee.
$$ – $$$ | American (New), Bar, Seafood, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly
Facebook: @LighthouseLakeKeowee | Twitter: @LighthouseLK | Yelp: Lighthouse Restaurant & Event Center | Trip Advisor: The Lighthouse Restaurant & Event Center
The Lighthouse Restaurant is famously known as one of Lake Keowee’s top premiere dining and leisure experiences. At the Lighthouse you can enjoy a casual fireside dinner on the main level or a more upscale dining experience on the second floor with panoramic lake and mountain views. And in the warmer months of the year you can enjoy outdoor dining on the gorgeous wrap around porches and decks. The Lighthouse has much more than just a wide range of dining options. Have a big party or event coming up? Contact the Lighthouse Event Center to host your own dinner party. The Lighthouse is a gorgeous venue for weddings, receptions, cocktail parties, anniversaries, graduations and corporate events. Or simply stop by for a drink and a little R&R at The Bar at The Cabana while you catch some breathtaking views of gorgeous Lake Keowee.
Location: 1290 Doug Hollow Rd. Seneca, SC 29672
Contact: (864) 888-4446
Favorite Menu Items: Crab Bisque, Chicken and Waffles, Salad with Grilled Salmon, Filet, Key Lime Pie, Mac and Cheese, Fish Tacos, Ribs
$ – $$ | American (New), Bar, Pub, Sports Bar, Gluten Free Options
Facebook: @thespotonthealley | Yelp: The Spot on the Alley | Trip Advisor: The Spot on the Alley
All the bar and grill types and sports fans wouldn’t want to take a trip to Lake Keowee without visiting The Spot on the Alley. Located on Ram Cat Alley in the historic district of Downtown Seneca, The Spot on the Alley was voted Best Bar and Best Burger in the upstate area by Reader’s Choice. How’s that for the finest sports bar and restaurant in town? The Spot on the Alley is the place for locals and tourists alike to unwind and have a great time with friends and family, beer, sports and billiards and it’s in the perfect location, just minutes away from Lake Keowee and Clemson University. The Spot on the Alley is always busy hosting fun events for the whole family. Events include trivia, bingo, karaoke, live music and more.
Location: 122 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca, SC 29678
Contact: (864) 985-0102
Favorite Menu Items: Homemade Chips, Fried Pickles, Jerk Wings, Reuben Sandwich, Patty Melt, RT Burger, Cheddar Burger, Sweet Potato Fries
$$ – $$$ | American (New), Cajun/Creole, Mediterranean, Greek, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options
Facebook: @Vangelis | Yelp: Vangelis | Trip Advisor: Vangeli’s
Looking for top notch cuisine in the heart of upstate South Carolina? Look no further than Vangeli’s Bistro. This quaint little gem located in the historic downtown district of Seneca is your go to place for fine dining on Ram Cat Alley. Think crab cakes, tomato soup, blackened salmon and jazz music. Vangeli’s is known for their exquisite fine dining menu, unique wine list and continuously excellent service. Head Chef Evan is a master of his art and always a friendly face around the restaurant. He will make a personal appearance at your table to make sure your party is enjoying their meal and every bit of their experience. Come in for lunch or dinner and grab a cozy table indoors for an intimate setting or enjoy the live Seneca jazz music in our outdoor seating area right on the Alley.
Location: 119 Ram Cat Alley, Seneca, SC 29678
Contact: (864) 973-8887
Favorite Menu Items: Lamb Risotto, Surf and Turf, Ribeye, Crab Cakes, Lobster, Filet Mignon, Crab and Shrimp Pasta, Seared Halibut, Fried Oysters, Blackened Chicken Cheddar Pasta
$$ – $$$ | Italian, Pizza, Build Your Own Pizza
Facebook: @joethepizzaman | Twitter: @joethepizzaman | Instagram: @joesnewyorkpizza104 | Yelp: Joe’s New York Pizza | Trip Advisor: Joe’s New York Pizza
It’s the best pizza in the south they say. Joe’s pizza is the perfect pizza for everyone. Even the pickiest eater in the gang will love this taste bud satisfying and soul filling delicacy. With two conveniently located stores in both Clemson and Seneca, Joe’s Pizza has become a hit for college football fans and Seneca locals alike. Come on in for lunch or dinner and grab a favorite menu item or build your own pizza however you like it!
Location: 685 By-Pass 123, Seneca , SC 29678
Contact: (864) 888-0009
Favorite Menu Items: Cheese Pizza, House Pizza, Supreme Pizza, Baked Spaghetti, Garlic Knots, Godfather Sub, Pepperoni Twists, Build Your Own Pizza
$$ – SSS | American (Traditional), Sushi Bar, Japanese, Sushi, Seafood, Gluten Free Options
Facebook: @SoleGrillandSushi | Twitter: @Sole_Grill | Yelp: Sole’ Sushi Bar and Grill | Trip Advisor: Sole Grill and Sushi Bar
Sole Grill and Sushi Bar is more than just talk. This casual dining experience comes with just the right amount of class. The restaurant offers delicious kitchen fare ranging from sushi and seafood to burgers and steaks. You may hear people in the area talking about their excellent chicken, great wine, martini olives and the stunning full bar. All the hype you may hear about this place is true. You must come see for yourself!
Location: 700 ByPass 123, Seneca, SC. 29678
Contact: (864) 882-9463
Favorite Menu Items: Spicy Yellowtail and Salmon Roll, Fireside and Rugby Roll, Spicy Tuna and Georgia Bullfrog, Beef Tataki, Gyoza, Fish Tacos, Pork Belly Tacos, Honey Almond Glazed Salmon, Grapefruit Jalapeno Moscow Mule
$$ – $$$ | American, Barbecue, Smokehouse, Gluten Free Options
Facebook: @blackssmokehouse | Yelp: Blacks Smokehouse | Trip Advisor: Black’s Smokehouse
Looking for a killer smoked barbeque joint? You found it. Black’s Smokehouse is the finest place to get real smoked barbeque in upstate South Carolina. Blacks’ uses locally farm raised organic meats that are smoked daily to ensure freshness. And if that doesn’t steal your interest, you might like to know that all Black’s Smokehouse meats are slow smoked over real local hard wood for hours to give it a mouthwatering smokey flavor. There are many barbeque sauce flavors to choose from and all are homemade in house. If you are a BBQ lover you can’t possibly miss out on this one of a kind smokehouse experience. Visit Black’s Smokehouse in the Bountyland Area of Seneca for lunch or dinner asap!
Location: 1528 Blue Ridge Blvd (SC Hwy 28), Seneca, SC 29672
Contact: (864) 280-2577
Favorite Menu Items: Pulled Pork, Jalapeno Grits, Brisket, Baked Beans, Burnt Ends, Smoked Wings, Rib Tips, Mac and Cheese, Okra, Baby Back Ribs, Cole Slaw, Prime Rib
$$ – $$$ | American (New), Mediterranean, Soups, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Beer Bar, Wine Bar
Facebook: @PresstFoodAndWine | Instagram: @presstfoodanddrink | Yelp: Presst Food & Wine | Trip Advisor: Presst Food & Wine
Real food doesn’t have to be hard to come by everywhere you go. In Seneca it surely isn’t. PRESST Food and Wine brings you whole food so you can feel 100% good about what you eat. The makers behind this famous Seneca lunch spot always start from scratch with fresh, unrefined whole food ingredients. Enjoy deliciously pressed sandwiches on house made breads, fresh salads with bold and all natural colors, hearty rice and grain bowls and warm pita wraps. PRESST is located near the retail corridor of Seneca, making it a convenient stop for a quick and healthy lunch on the go. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available for you to enjoy a fresh and energizing meal.
Location: 12019 N. Radio Station Rd, Ste. A, Seneca, South Carolina 29678
Contact: (864) 973-8978
Favorite Menu Items: Banana Bread, Waffles, Gyro, Pot Roast Sandwich, Cinnamon Buns, Tomato Bisque Soup, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Summer Garden Salad, Mediterranean Wrap, Fennel Chicken Salad Sandwich, The Duke Sandwich
Blue Heron Restaurant and Sushi Bar
$$ -$$$ | American (New), Sushi Bar, Seafood, Sushi, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options
Facebook: @blueheronrestaurantandsushibar | Yelp: Blue Heron Restaurant & Sushi Bar | Trip Advisor: Blue Heron Restaurant & Sushi
Located just outside of Seneca, Blue Heron Restaurant and Sushi Bar is a Clemson favorite. Blue Heron is the longest standing sushi bar in the area serving the finest in steaks and fresh seafood since 2002. The restaurant prides itself on the use of high quality ingredients that are grown on local farms or produced abroad. Blue Heron is the place for everyone. The Restaurant offers different weekly features and specialty drink specials that vary from week to week and day to day. There is always something brand new to dive your taste buds into. And you can forever be sure to find the same loved favorites on the menu upon every visit. Blue Heron Restaurant and Sushi Bar offers a magnificent fine dining experience for family, friends or coworkers. Enjoy everything from a happy hour atmosphere to a cozy or fancy sit down dinner.
Location: 405 College Ave, Suite 130, Clemson SC 29631
Contact: (864) 653-3354
Favorite Menu Items: Sushi, Steak, Fried Grouper, NY Strip, Cobbler, Duck, Fried Green Tomatoes, Grits, Crab Cakes, Ice Cream, Sea Bass Special, Ahi Tuna and New York Strip
$ – $$ | Coffee & Tea, Coffee Bar, Beer Bar, Bier Garten, Craft Beer
Facebook: @BrewsontheAlley | Twitter: @BREWSontheAlley | Yelp: BREWS on the Alley | Trip Advisor: Brews On The Alley
Coke or Pepsi? Books or movies? Coffee or craft beer… How dare anyone make you choose! At Brews on the Alley you don’t have to. Brews on the Alley is Seneca’s only craft beer and coffee bar experience. Also located on Ram Cat Alley in Downtown Seneca, Brews on the Alley is like The Spot’s hipster cousin. With the same fun for the whole family atmosphere The Spot on the Alley provides, Brews on the Alley is a little less sporty and a lot more crafty. Their beer program includes twenty draft beers in addition to a large variety of bottles and cans from the best and the most unique craft breweries both near and far. And to put the cheery on top, coffee and craft beer are both available to go. How’s that for a bonus?!
Location: 109 Ram Cat Aly, Seneca, South Carolina 29678
Contact: (864) 973-8923
Favorite Menu Items: Welder’s Agave Wheat, Future World IPA, 32/50 Kolsch, Coffee is for Closers, Fullsteam, Laughing Skull Amber Ale, Capsized on Nitro, Forthy Beard, Hop Crisis DIPA
Blue Marble Deli and City Market
$$ – $$$ | Deli, Sandwiches, Soups, Salad, Cafe, Delicatessen
Facebook: @bluemarbledeli | Yelp: Blue Marble Deli & City Market | Trip Advisor: Blue Marble Deli And City Market
Chefs Matt Black and Mark Winters are the masterminds behind this classic deli style restaurant and newly expanded market. Blue Marble has been a favorite amongst Seneca locals for years to come and their recent expansion has boosted popularity for the small local deli. Blue Marble now includes a bakery and butcher shop along with their long loved deli restaurant. Matt and Mark have put a lot of hard work into this new deli and market concept located on Market Street in Seneca. Come dine with them for lunch or dinner and enjoy their classic deli favorites in a newly renovated and modernized atmosphere.
Location: 286 Market Street, Seneca, South Carolina 29678
Contact: (864) 280-6717
Favorite Menu Items: Rueben Sandwich, Potato Salad, Gorilla Cheese Sandwich, Godfather Sandwich, The Big Tony, West Coast Salad, Tomato Soup, Jersey Joe, Cuban Sandwich, Portabella Patty Melt, Bacon Bacon Bacon Sandwich