Oconee County has many draws for the outdoor adventure lover but did you know that it’s a foodie hotspot too? These locally-owned restaurants in Seneca, SC were some of my favorite on my recent trip!
I met some of the friendliest people here, the weather was amazing at the end of May so it was a great time to take advantage of outdoor seating opportunities.
I would love to plan a return visit just for the food! I know there are probably tons of good restaurants that I missed. I think eating was one of my favorite things to do in Seneca!
There are also many great restaurants in Walhalla located nearby that you should try.
These are the restaurants in Seneca that I was able to try or that came highly recommended from multiple locals that I spoke with.
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Visit Oconee during my trip. As always, all opinions are my own. This article may contain affiliate links that I earn a small commission from at no additional cost to you.
9 Delicious Restaurants in Seneca
Brews On The Alley
If you need a quick pastry or muffin for breakfast then Brews on the Alley is the spot for you. They can make any coffee drink that you might want and they also serve tea.
There is a pastry case right by the cash register where you can pick out what you want. I had the chocolate croissant and my only regret is that I didn’t have them heat it up.
The mocha that the barista made was absolutely perfect with a great ratio of chocolate to espresso. If you come right when they open, you’ll basically have the whole place to yourself.
At least, I did. It’s a cute and peaceful spot to sit and hang out for a while so I was sad that I had to scarf down my croissant and run.
If you love cute coffee shops then make sure to put 1820 Coffee House – one of my favorite restaurants in Alvin, TX – on your list. These Winston-Salem cafes should go one there too.
Dimas Brothers Cafe
All you need to know is – beignets.
Their french toast was delicious, eggs scrambled to perfection, and the potatoes and bacon hit the spot. But the beignets. Those were the show stopper.
They come sprinkled in their cinnamon maple spice with a cream cheese dipping sauce.
Dimas Brothers is a quaint cafe and local favorite because they serve great food consistently and their menu has a great variety.
I wish I had been able to stop by for lunch because I loved my breakfast so much!
313 Cafe
Another popular breakfast spot, the 313 Cafe serves unique dishes with fresh ingredients. Many people love their house blend coffee too.
It’s a cute building with a coffeehouse vibe and you can find lots of healthy options on the menu here.
People also rave about the friendly and fast service!
Strickland’s Restaurant
My husband and I called in a breakfast order at Strickland’s the day that we had our Jocassee Lake Tour and I was blown away by my breakfast sandwich.
Huge slices of Challa bread, tasty egg, crispy bacon, and a generous amount of cheese. Who doesn’t love lots of cheese?
If you have plenty of time, then stop in for one of their hearty meals but it’s really a great place to get a to-go order if you’re in a hurry too.
It’s a great spot to grab something if you’re planning an early hike to one of the waterfalls near Walhalla too.
Solé Grill and Sushi Bar
This is the perfect spot for a great meal in a casual atmosphere! They also usually have fun mixed drink specials if you like cocktails.
The sushi is a huge draw here as they have some of the best in the area and SO MANY options to choose from. Their burgers are also really good too.
Sushi is usually hit or miss with people so this is a great option since they have sushi as well as plenty of New American food options.
Usually, they announce their specials on their Facebook page so follow along there to see what they have for the week!
Mayberry’s
Named after Mayberry from the Andy Griffith Show, this is a great sandwich spot that also serves delicious comfort food. They have a casual and cozy atmosphere with friendly servers.
When you walk in there’s also a cute little wall full of gift items for purchase. Mayberry’s is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and also serve craft beer!
I’ve heard the potato salad is incredible – and I love a good potato salad so this place is next on my list when I visit.
Papa Julio’s Bar & Grill
If you’re looking for Mexican food in Seneca then look no further! Papa Julio’s serves great Mexican dishes and has a lively atmosphere.
During warmer weather, they have huge slide up doors that will open and bring the outside in. They also have outdoor seating along the sidewalk.
Get there early for the best seats though because this place gets crowded. I had the Yolanda’s which were very good, especially with their guacamole.
Vangeli’s Bistro
I cannot say enough good things about my meal at Vangeli’s. This place is an absolute must if you want an upscale dinner.
Their menu is constantly changing based on the fresh, seasonal ingredients that they can get. Plus they have an extensive wine list and drink menu – they even won the 2022 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator!
Be sure to make reservations if this restaurant is on your list because you don’t want to miss out on this experience. I had The Chop which came with mashed potatoes and squash. I’m drooling thinking about it.
My husband had Lamb Lollipops that were out of this world. I’ve never really liked lamb but that dish had me rethinking things.
Oh, and I can’t forget about dessert. The Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake was absolutely spot on.
Keowee Brewing
If you are a brewery lover then you have to make a stop at Keowee Brewing. The inside is so bright and airy and their back patio is super spacious and they have a few shades hung to block the sun.
I tried a couple of their beers and really like each one, but they also have wine and slushies. Their menu includes snacks like a Bavarian Pretzel and Pub Pork Nachos.
You can also get sandwiches, wraps, and personal pizzas here. It’s also super dog-friendly which is a plus for us!
The laid-back vibe of this brewery reminded me of the ones I went to while visiting Conroe, TX.
Wrap Up: Where to Eat in Seneca, SC
As you can see, I loved visiting these restaurants in Seneca! Each meal was delicious and I met some of the nicest people here. Southern hospitality at its best.
Whether you’re visiting, you live here, or are just passing through, I hope you’ll find this list helpful and try out some of these amazing spots.
Have fun exploring Oconee County and trying these fun restaurants!
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