6 Best Restaurants in The Midlands and Upstate, South Carolina

Dumplings—both pork and shiitake—are king here, along with spare ribs, crab rangoon, and sesame balls. You order from the menu—the compact dining room is a bit small for traditional dim sum carts—but there are no wrong choices.

Stacks of colorful shipping containers house mini-kitchens circling a central courtyard at this outdoor food hall. Grab an acai bowl, a signature sushi roll, or a basket of fried chicken, and find a spot to kick back and enjoy the live bands on weekends.

Mirrors and art adorn the walls at this French-inspired bakery and café serving coffee, sandwiches, soups, and cheese plates. Next door, the retail shop sells wine, kitchen gadgets, French table linens, and fancy food items.

Tucked into a nearly subterranean ground floor space, this new vegan go-to helps to fill the void left behind by the closing of The Whig—a former owner of that dive bar is behind The Hoot's dim garden bar vibes. Order a seitan-based Philly Sando, a bowl of shroom "mac & cheez," or a baked tofu sandwich with chili-ginger spread, then stick around for a chai margarita and a game of pinball.

Who knew that barbecue sauce could be the base for such tasty salad dressing or that pimento cheese could elevate a fillet to near perfection? Appetizers of fried pickles and country ham–spinach dip only add to the creative thinking that makes Mr. Friendly's such a local treasure. The ever-changing wine-by-the-glass menu is another.

Grab a cold brew and shakshouka for breakfast or a roasted sweet potato bowl with a side of marinated cucumbers at this veggie-forward counter-serve café.