Restaurants in Clemson
Regardless of whether you’re a student, college sports fan in town for a game, or just a visitor wanting to experience all that Clemson has to offer, at some point you’re going to need a good place to eat. Luckily, Clemson has no shortage of those.
From delis to fine dining steakhouses, Clemson has a wide array of fantastic restaurant options. To help narrow your search, we’ve compiled this list of some of the best restaurants in Clemson.
The Smokin' Pig
Image: The Smokin' Pig Website
The Smokin’ Pig is a popular BBQ restaurant that specializes in BBQ meats and homemade side dishes. From traditional BBQ Ribs, BBQ chopped brisket, chopped chicken, and chopped pork sandwiches. They also feature BBQ plates with BBQ sliced brisket, ½ slab ribs with your choice of sides.
If you are feeding a large family or group you can order their BBQ meats by the pound and sides in bulk amounts. They also have catering and tailgating specials that you can order ahead of time. There are four locations to choose from including the Clemson area.
Pot Belly Deli
Image: The Pot Belly Deli Facebook
Pot Belly Deli is a local business that caters to a wide clientele with hot and cold sandwiches and salads. They have a diverse menu that includes numerous vegan options. They have pickup and catering that is designed to support corporate, individual, and Clemson University customers.
Along with a big selection of hot and cold sandwiches the features daily sliced deli meats, fresh veggies, and sauces. They have numerous sides to choose from as well, like lettuce salad, macaroni salad, home fries, and fresh-made chips.
Rick Erwin's Clemson
Image: Rick Erwin's Clemson Website
If you prefer traditional sit-down dining, Rick Erwin’s Clemson may be your speed. Rick Erwin’s features a full menu of fine foods include steak, seafood, pasta options. There is also a nice selection of appetizers on the menu. The dining room is well decorated and provides a really nice atmosphere.
There is also a fully stocked bar that features well drinks and draught, bottled beers, and wines. They also offer several private dining options which include large size rooms for very large parties and smaller private sitting rooms for those very special occasions.
SunnySide Cafe
Image: SunnySide Cafe Website
SunnySide Cafe is a local favorite in the Clemson area that is open for breakfast and lunch only. Their breakfast menu includes eggs, omelets, pancakes, french toast, and a breakfast sandwich. For lunch, they have several options to choose from including several styles of freshly made salads, sandwiches, wraps, subs, and quesadillas.
Pixie & Bill's
Image: Pixie & Bill's Website
Pixie & Bill’s is a fine dining establishment that includes inside dining and takeout options. The menu is very diverse including steak, prime rib, several seafood options, duck, chicken, and pork entrees. There is a full bar that serves up well drinks, draught, and bottled beers, and many wines to choose from.
There are two different levels of dining areas with their main dining area downstairs and upstairs dining area is designed for large seating areas. There are large screen TVs and an outside covered deck.
Elkmont Tap & Cellar
Image: Elkmont Tap & Cellar Facebook
If you are looking for a place to have a bite to eat, a drink, and relax with some friends, check out Elkmont Tap & Cellar. The menu features a couple of deli trays that include Boar’s Head Deli meats, crackers, cheeses. They also serve a number of cold and hot sandwiches and wraps, and handmade pizzas.
If you are looking for some local beers, you are in luck, they feature 16 craft beers on tap, well-drinks, and a wide selection of wines.
The Esso Club
Image: The Esso Club Facebook
The Esso Club is a well-known sports bar in Clemson and is a favorite spot for the Clemson college students. The food menu features typical sports fare like wings, sliders, wraps, and many sides to choose from. There is a full-service bar that serves well drinks, craft, domestic beers on tap, bottles, and a big selection of wines to choose from.
They have a full-size dining room and also offer full-service catering that includes a wide selection of foods. You can even order all of your tailgating needs ahead of time for game day tailgating.
Mellow Mushroom
Image: Mellow Mushroom Clemson Facebook
If pizza is more your style, you need to visit the Mellow Mushroom, the number one pizza place in the Clemson area. It is located just minutes away from Memorial Stadium on the Clemson University campus. They offer calling, online ordering to be picked up and they also have catering services for special events as well. You can also order appetizers, sandwiches, hoagies, calzones, and many other things to select from. When dining in you can purchase one of the many well drinks available.
Nick's Tavern & Deli
Image: Nick's Tavern & Deli Facebook
Nick’s Tavern & Deli offers typical bar food options including sandwiches, fried foods including wings, and fried sides. The sandwiches include both hot and cold options and vegetarian options as well. You can get a wide variety of well drinks, beers on tap (domestic and craft), and bottled.
Traditions on the Lake
Image: Traditions on the Lake Website
Traditions on the Lake is a fine sit-down-style restaurant that features ample indoor and covered outdoor seating. The menu is very diverse including appetizers, pasta, sandwiches, and a variety of seafood options to select from. They serve both lunch and dinner during the weekend and brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. You can also choose from the bar area that includes beers on tap, well drinks, and wines.