Best of Greenville Outdoor Dining Scene

Here is a list of the best of Greenville outdoor dining spots!

Passerelle Bistro

We’re in the heat of the summer, but the outdoor dining scene is cool in downtown Greenville.  Recently, one of my favorite outdoor dining spots, Passerelle Bistro, won an OpenTable Diner’s Choice Award for Top Outdoor Dining Restaurant. The beautiful cafe over looking Falls Park was chosen from more than 19,000 restaurants in 50 states and was the only restaurant on the list from South Carolina. Chefs serve up comforting French influenced fare like Ratatouille, Saffron mussels, Seasonal Cassoulet, and my favorite, the Baked goat cheese wrapped in a light crispy pastry shell with blueberry lavender jam, candied walnuts, pomegranate balsamic glaze and petite lettuce. 

Passerelle Bistro: 601 South Main Street, Greenville, SC. For reservations: 864-509-0142 or grab some Open Table points by making reservations OpenTable.com! www.passerelleinthepark.com

Lazy Goat

There’s nothing finer than sitting on the patio at  Mediterranean themed, The Lazy Goat, and listening to the sounds of a live concert from the Peace Center’s TD Stage.  Guests can graze on charcuterie and cheese, olives or almonds, fried goat cheese with pistachio dust, and vanilla honey drizzle, or if you’re super hungry check out Chef Jen’s chicken and sausage or seafood paella.  There’s a lovely wine list just recognized with a Wine Spectator award, and a full bar with specialty cocktails and sangria by the glass or pitcher.  No concert?  Sit back and relax to the sound of the water fall and enjoy the bliss of good food and happy company.  It’s time well wasted.

The Lazy Goat: Located at 170o River Place, Greenville, South Carolina 29601.  For Reservations: (864) 679-5299.  thelazygoat.typepad.com

Roost

Roost is one of the newer joints around town.  The farm-to-table style restaurant adjacent to the downtown Hyatt is a favorite of locals for breakfast, brunch, lunch and evening dining.  Seats on the covered patio overlook Main Street and and are ideal for people watching or enjoying a NOMA Square event such as Downtown Alive on Thursday evenings.   The Duck Confit Street Tacos are one of my personal faves. Other interesting menu items: Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs, Vegetarian Pad Thai, Low Country Shrimp and Grits.  For lunch, they have delicious sandwiches and the best salad bar in town ($9), including fresh veggies and salad greens and the fixings, pasta salad, flat bread pizza, soups and more. Whether you’re there for lunch or dinner, the Mile High Cake is a must. Roost is a great spot for meetings because of the attached garage with hassle free parking.

Roost: Located at 220 North Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601. For reservations: (864) 298-2424.   www.roostrestaurant.com

Larkins on the River

For those looking for a finer dining experience, Larkin’s on the River offers an upscale dining experience with steak house fare.  Their dinner menu includes Oysters Rockefeller, Truffled Parmesan Fries, Larkins Favorite Tableside Caesar Salad, and the selection of suculent aged steaks, pork, chicken, lamb and seafood dishes.  Larkin’s Sunday Brunch is a downtown favorite for Mimosas, eggs benedict and a view of the historic Reedy River. Larkin’s is perfect for a date night, or for a nice dinner with friends, especially if there’s a good band playing the Peace Center TD Stage.

Larkin’s: Located at 318 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601. For reservations: (864) 467-9777. LarkinsOnTheRiver.com

Grill Marks

You’ll find the best burger in town at Grill Marks.  This sophisticated burger joint is best known for their giant burgers, adult shakes, and crisp savory french fries. It’s a perfect spot for sunny Saturday dining with the family and in the center of downtown.

Grill Marks: Located at 209 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC  29601.  864-233-5825 www.GrillMarks.com

Soby’s New South Cuisine

You can’t leave town without trying a Soby’s Crab Cake.  It’s one of the popular menu items that put this restaurant on the culinary map.  During warmer seasons, the front of the restaurant opens to the street and there is plenty of patio dining. The downtown eatery is a local haunt for dinner or happy hour drinks.   And for those of you with a sweet tooth, you simply must try their White Chocolate Banana Cream Pie.

Soby’s: Located at 207 S. Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601. For reservations: 864-232-7007. Sobys.com

Nose Dive

The Nose Dive offers urban comfort food in the heart of downtown, where the outdoor dining feels more like a warm neighborhood. Signature dishes include a black angus burger, fish and chips, the pub-favorite scotch egg and a traditional lobster roll. Their bar also offers craft cocktails, small batch wines, and handcrafted brews. They offer lunch & dinner Monday – Friday. Be sure to stop by on the weekend for their superb brunch as well!

The Nose Dive: Located at 116 South Main Street, Greenville, SC 29601.  For Reservations (864) 373-3700 or on Open Table. thenosedive.com.