Best South Carolina Under-the-Radar Restaurant to Try

South Carolina is home to many delicious eateries and restaurants. In that spirit, let's get into the best South Carolina under-the-radar restaurant to try. Maybe you're someone who sticks to the favorites. I certainly have my favorite spots that I frequent more often than others. But, sometimes it's nice to find a restaurant that's a bit off the beaten path. It's nice to find something new that perhaps other people haven't discovered yet.

Visittheusa.com has put together a list of the best South Carolina restaurants that are off the beaten path. These are spots that are pretty under the radar, but maybe they won't be for long. "Sometimes the most memorable meals are served in places tucked away – places that locals know and love, that visitors can discover on a scenic drive," they said. "South Carolinians can rattle off a hearty list of restaurants matching this description."

Before we get to No. 1 on the list, let's look at some of the other spots that Visittheusa.com deems the best in the state. No. 5 is a spot that so many people love: Peaches Corner, which is located near the boardwalk in Myrtle Beach. This spot has delicious hot dogs and burgers with tons of toppings, and they actually got their start back in 1937, according to the publication. Another popular spot for hot dogs that made the cut is Harold's Restaurant at No. 6. Harold's Restaurant has been around since 1932 and offers chili burgers and downtown Gaffney. Visittheusa.com suggests to, "order yours all the way with mustard, chili and onions." Because why not go all out? When it comes to steak, The Mill Pond Steakhouse made the tally at No. 10 on the list. The special spot in Rembert "serves high-quality steaks, aged and cooked to perfection." The outlet also suggests to try their shrimp and grits. All of those spots are detectible, and I'm happy to see them make the cut. Overall, their list features a range of different kinds of food places, from steakhouses to seafood restaurants to hot dog stands.

Now let's get to the best of the best. What's the No. 1 best South Carolina under-the-radar restaurant to try? Their pick is SeeWee Restaurant in Awendaw, which has fantastic golden-fried catfish and hush puppies. "Daily specials showcase South Carolina signatures such as Lowcountry boil, a one-pot wonder of shrimp, corn and potatoes and homemade desserts," Visittheusa.com states about this best South Carolina under-the-radar spot. Congrats to SeeWee for the honor.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.