GREENVILLE — Let me preface this by saying that this list is not exhaustive and is focused more on dinner spots.
There aren't any fast food joints or pizza places included (that should really be its own story). Most of these spots serve beer, wine and cocktails, which is not imperative for dining out but is an added bonus for adults who would like a drink with their dinner.
Dining out with kids is always an adventure.
The places, chosen based on me and my family visiting them, focused not only on dining in but also on consistency of service and food, along with atmosphere, accommodations for kids such as space to move (my son does better when he has a place to run).
Some of the restaurants have kids menus, and others that don't make other accommodations like offering split portions or cups with lids, etc.
Please send me your fav spots, and happy eating!
Fork & Plough in Greenville
Fork & Plough
1629 E. North St., Greenville
This neighborhood joint is nestled in the heart of the historic Overbrook district. The food is consistently good and always interesting, thanks to the twice-a-day changing menu.
We’ve had success with ordering small plates for the kids, but there is also a kids menu. The space is comfortable enough and the acoustics accommodating enough that you don’t feel like you’re going to raise eyebrows if your kids have a loud moment or get the side eye if they're playing with cars at the table, but it’s also nice enough that adults look forward to going to dinner here.
And, if you're concerned, the screened-in patio is a good bet.
Don’t miss the margarita, which comes with an orange juice ice cube, and the brussels sprouts will get your kids to eat their veggies.
Home Team BBQ at Holland Park
815 Laurens Road, Greenville
Home Team has slowly become a go-to for our family, and also when we are meeting other families. The field beside the restaurant is perfect for kids and always ensures mine are thoroughly hungry for dinner and also ready for bed when we get home.
The food is consistently good. The kids menu is good, though I will say at 8 years old, the single brisket taco isn’t quite enough to fill up my daughter now.
We’ve also ordered to-go and had a little picnic on the field outside, or even set up shop at Double Stamp Brewery across the way.
We’ve gone here with large and small groups and with as many as six kids in one group, and the staff has always been patient, gracious and kind.
The cocktails are also nice.
Gather GVL
126 Augusta St., Greenville
This might be a given, but Gather has a little bit of everything as well as space for kids to play.
I do like that you can get something for the kiddos and something else for yourself. We have both an avid pasta lover and an ardent pasta loather in our family, so having a variety of food options to choose from is helpful.
Palmetto Seafood Co. is great for fish and chips, and the Lobfather serves up a nice lobster roll. KO Burger and Hendough are pretty much winners with our kids. You'll also find craft beer, wines and cocktails.
Of note, this place can get pretty busy on weekends, so keep that in mind if you go.
The Clock Drive-In in Greenville
The Clock Drive-In
1844 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville
I have Chef Joe Cash to thank for highlighting this spot. It’s one of those places where people from all walks of life and backgrounds come together.
I mean, leave it to a chili cheeseburger to unite us all.
So, yes, my kids like chicken fingers and hot dogs, but if I’m going to feed them those things, I like that it comes from a local place with seven decades behind it.
Quick note about the hot dogs here — they are served with chili, so if this is not what you want, make sure to specify when you order.
You can dine in, which is fun because the open kitchen and the small space offers ample people watching. But, because it is small, there’s not much room to move around if you have a squirmy child.
If you’re in that boat, I suggest taking food to-go and having a picnic in a local park.
Spaghetti Westurn
2728 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville
This is a really neat spot if you’re looking to avoid the fray of downtown. There is ample parking behind the building, and reservations are usually easier to come by.
The pasta-focused food menu is tasty and reasonably priced. You won’t find a huge menu here, but the scratch-made pastas are distinctive and the whole vibe is playful (they show Spaghetti Western films in the background).
While the more creative pasta dishes are delicious, so is the simple pasta with marinara and fresh parmesan.
There is also a cocktail menu and a nice wine selection.
There isn’t really space for kids to run around here, but the movies playing did offer some distraction. We also brought books and a deck of cards and felt right at home.
The Commons
147 Welborn St., Greenville
Like Gather GVL, the nature of The Commons being a food hall means you have a variety of food to choose from. And even though there are only three food tenants now, they all make really great food, so you really can’t go wrong.
It will also be neat to visit when Phase 2 is complete and there are even more offerings to choose from.
GB&D is consistently good. Sure, the burger and fries have a following, as does the bibimbap bowl, but at dinner, the restaurant also does entirely different items. You don’t always know what you’ll get, but you can be assured that the team has created something great.
Automatic Taco is consistently good, and the tacos are sizeable.
If you are interested in an adult beverage, The Community Tap features great wine and beer and nonalcoholic wines and beers, and GB&D has cocktails, while Automatic Taco has a tequila bar.
After dinner, hit up Unity Park to let out some energy.
Dishes at Topsoil Kitchen & Market in Travelers Rest
Topsoil Kitchen & Market
13 S. Main St., Travelers Rest
This is maybe the priciest spot on the list, but one I feel like when you dine there, it feels nice but not stuffy. The dishes are creative, tasty and always interesting. The restaurant now has two James Beard semifinalist nominees in the kitchen.
What we like to do here is sit on the expansive screened-in porch, which allows for less stress if the kids move around.
Topsoil didn’t have a set kid’s menu in the past, but if you ask, they do have dishes they can make. We have had some of the best homemade pasta with marinara for my son and a beautiful charcuterie and veggie board for my daughter.
If the kids get restless, there is the Swamp Rabbit Trail and a beautiful garden within view of the porch. Likely wouldn’t let the kids alone on the trail as the avid cyclists pass frequently, but it’s a nice place to walk post-dinner.
Sofrito Latin Cuisine
1757 Woodruff Road, Greenville
This is a place we go if we are dining out and craving Latin cuisine. You can find tacos, sure, but the menu also includes Latin dishes like empanadas (made the Dominican way here), ropa vieja, mofongo and Latin steaks.
There is also a selection of vegan and vegetarian options, as well as a kids menu. We’ve also made a meal out of ordering a couple adult entrees and a few appetizers and sharing with the kids.
The sopon de mariscos (seafood stew) is a winner with my kids, and my daughter loves the steak.
If margaritas are your thing, you’ll be happy here.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park in Simpsonville.
Scuffletown Food Truck Park
206 Ladean Court, Simpsonville
This newish place opened in December and is built with adults and kids in mind.
The owners have created dedicated space for kids to play, and the six resident food trucks offer a variety of bites to please anyone.
There is also beer and wine available.
Look for regular events, as well. Past ones have included movie nights, yappy hours, holiday festivities and live music.
Kitchen Sync
1609 Laurens Road, Greenville
Since opening in 2015, Kitchen Sync has grown a loyal following. The homegrown restaurant is family-owned, and the food is consistent and balances creativity and tried-and-true favorites with ease.
Try the gritz fritz (fried grits) with collards and pepper jam, or the burger.
The kids menu is standard, but scratch-made, and a hell of a deal for the quality.
The menu also includes pizzas, a steak and Carolina catfish.
The shrimp burger is a star here, and don’t skip the beets by K (lightly fired beets served with the best smoky aioli).
Also nice here is a small space out front where kids can play.
Asia Pacific in Greenville
Asia Pacific
420 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville
If you’re looking for really great Chinese food with more traditional flavors and technique, this is your place. Owner Alva Mak is gracious and has created an incredible oasis for Chinese food and Asian ingredients.
While admittedly my kids aren’t keen to gobble up the spicy chicken feet or the bitter melon and scrambled eggs, on various occasions, they did enjoy the duck and the chicken lettuce wraps.
My daughter also liked the shrimp in garlic sauce, despite it being a little spicy. The favorite was the sautéed pea tips, which I have never seen anywhere else and are packed with unexpected flavor.
If your kids get antsy, which mine did, there is an incredible grocery store attached perfect for exploring (with adult supervision of course).
