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Adjacent to the original train depot, this elegant restaurant has long been a favorite of visiting alumni, parents, faculty, and students intent on a special night out. The historic redbrick building has been a community cornerstone since the 1890s, and even a fire in 1997 failed to lessen its ability to charm and impress. Diners at Calhoun Corners find plenty of choices before them – Prime Rib or filet mignon, crab cakes or shrimp and grits, duo of duck or French-cut lamb chops. And as the kitchen looks both regionally and internationally for its culinary inspirations, the wine list keeps pace by featuring selections from all over the globe.
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CENTRAL. For an authentic touch of Italian cookery in the Clemson area, hop on Highway 93 and make your way to this cozy little cottage, located in Central. Owner-chef John Robinson trained for a year at Apicius Cooking School in Tuscany and showcases his creativity and culinary know-how in stunningly delicious renditions of rack of lamb with goat cheese and balsamic pan sauce, prawns and polenta, pumpkin and mascarpone manicotti, and handmade ravioli. Wine pairings (both Italian and American) are available for $15, and if you play cards just right, Robinson may even offer to cook up a tasty something that's not on the menu.
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PENDLETON. Boasting some of the area's coziest accommodations, Liberty Hall is a listed residence whose two-level, wrap-around porch and old fashioned charm recall the best qualities of Southern gentility. Inside, heart pine floors, original fireplaces, and high ceilings recall times long since gone, and each guest room is comfortably and individually appointed with antique furnishings and art. On the main level is the inn's fantastic restaurant, which features a dynamic repertoire of seasonal New Southern numbers. Representative mains include pan-roasted duck breast with andouille sausage, pork tenderloin with cornbread pudding, and lobster-macaroni and cheese casserole.
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Founded back in 1971, Pixie & Bill's is generally counted among Clemson's classiest dining rooms. It's hard to argue otherwise, considering the cozy space, with its fireplaces, antique furnishings, and original art, consistently sends the same pleasant message: "Sit, eat, and stay for a while." Prime Rib, steak, and seafood dishes are staples here, and the kitchen also serves up several chicken, pasta, and vegetarian options. NB Pixie & Bill's now has lake access and a dock, so patrons can visit by water and even phone ahead and have orders brought to their boats.
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5. Seasons by the Lake
100 Madren Center Rd, Clyde V. Madren Conference Center, Clemson, SC 29634 · 864-656-7444
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CAMPUS. The halls of academia may not cast a shadow on Seasons by the Lake, but its location at the University's Madren Conference Center makes it an important part of the campus dining scene. First-rate service, classy environs, and stunning views of both Lake Hartwell and the Walker Course's 18th green are signature components of the Seasons experience. What truly sets it apart, though, is the creative fare, which emphasizes regional delights like Carolina crab cakes, salmon napoleon with fried green tomatoes, and center-cut beef tenderloin with Clemson blue cheese.
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Harold "Mac" McKeown learned a thing or two about making a good burger in his day. When he finished school in 1956, mentor Dan Gentry helped him buy a small roadside eatery between Clemson and Pendleton. Over the years, the walls have changed and regulars have come and gone, but one thing has remained consistently true: If you want a good cheeseburger combo in Clemson, this is the place to get it. And while you're here, keep your head on a swivel – everywhere you turn are framed faces and autographs of the famous athletes, politicians, and entertainers who've sipped sweet tea here. NB Local lore has it that Mac's has terrific shakes, but that it takes a brave soul to order one because they don't like making them.
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PENDLETON. One the most historic public buildings in the region, Farmer's Hall has been in continuous use as a gathering place since the 1820s. As a restaurant, it's one of the area's most popular choices, and the kitchen staff does a solid job of diversifying selections so patrons can go Continental (fettuccini alfredo or carbonara) or American (pan-fried trout or pork loin). When the weather's cooperative, it's nice to "brunch" on the brick patio and savor Southern-spun specialties like sweet tea, shrimp and stone-ground grits, and homemade chicken salad.
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DOWNTOWN. One of the area's more upscale dining establishments, the Blue Heron definitely fills a much-needed niche for students, faculty, and locals on the prowl for nice downtown digs and a menu that goes beyond hot wings and sandwiches. In point of fact, the kitchen delivers on several well conceived mains, most of them inspired American classics like steaks, pastas, and burgers (their's are refreshingly gourmet). Surprisingly enough, though, what really impresses the campus-heavy clientele are the consistently superb sushi rolls. NB The downstairs bar area offers a more laid back scene, featuring pool and a few tables for dining.
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9. Sardi's Den
520 Old Greenville Hwy, Clemson, SC 29631 · 864-654-7427
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Granted, there's nothing aesthetically impressive about this roadside shack located a few miles north of the campus ... but then, if you let your eyes guide you, you're going to miss out on what a lot of folks feel are the best baby-back ribs in the Upstate. Friendly service, crickity wooden tables, and good-old-fashioned eats - these have made Sardi's Den a legendary gathering place for everybody from Hog-riders to college deans, students to deep-pocketed alumni.
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SENECA. Granted, Weinacker's Restaurant is a bit of drive and you'll definitely want to consult a map before hitting the hilly, Oconee County back roads. Those who do make the trip, though, are in for quite a treat because this lakeside pleaser is a true find. White tablecloths and muted lighting help give the interior a romantic tinge, if that's what you're going for; otherwise, so long as the weather's nice, ask to be seated outside on the patio. As for the cookery, Weinacker's may be lakeside, but it's no fish camp! They pride themselves on serving excellent cuts of steak and fresh seafood, and their signature Carolina mountain trout may be broiled or deep-fried.
Looking for a restaurant? We've explored the options, checked with critics, and pounded the pavement to offer only the best. Recommendations come complete with contact information and a brief description highlighting the important features of the restaurant. Fit our choices to your mood, or let us guide your tastes. You'll likely find a few places that not even locals know about.
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