While Aiken, South Carolina, may not boast the coastal glamour of Charleston or the urban buzz of Atlanta, this charming Southern town quietly harbors a culinary scene that rivals its flashier neighbors. Here, historic charm meets modern American cuisine, creating a dining landscape where quality trumps crowds and authenticity shines through every locally sourced plate.
Metro Diner
$ | (803) 792-7808 | WEBSITE
You don’t have to wait for Sunday brunch just to get some classic comfort food—the kitchen does a great spread of breakfast staples like fluffy waffles and creamy grits, along with homemade chicken pot pie and crispy onion rings. They serve all day, so it’s great for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch where you can enjoy a slice of carrot cake bread pudding at one of their clean, well-lit tables.
They also have friendly staff, consistent quality, and it’s only a short drive from downtown Aiken.
Chili’s Grill & Bar
$ | (803) 648-8148 | WEBSITE
As one of the most reliable American chains in Aiken, Chili’s is your spot for fajitas, burgers, chicken crispers, and ribeye steaks. If you’re looking for convenience, take advantage of the plentiful parking, as the restaurant is always bustling. If you’ve been there and done that with fancy dining, spend the evening with a few margaritas, some perfectly grilled fajitas loaded with veggies and toppings, or honey chipotle chicken crispers.
The star of the sides is the Mexican street corn, which makes a fine stand-in for dessert at 9pm.
Captain D’s
$ | (803) 641-6476 | WEBSITE
Captain D’s is a mainstay in Aiken, and the restaurant is known for its clean and fairly busy atmosphere. Lunch is the best time to come here, when they serve their popular giant fish sandwich and Oreo cheesecake until closing. They also offer a delicious menu with green beans seasoned just right and fried catfish that was really good. Grab a seat in the wheelchair accessible dining area while the kids enjoy the kid-friendly space.
The service is excellent, with staff demonstrating professionalism and politeness, and the sweet tea is good. However, some customers have noted that the prices have become more expensive. Overall, Captain D’s is a well-organized establishment that values its customers.
City Billiards
$ | (803) 649-7362 | WEBSITE
The menu leans hard on bar classics, with excellent chili dogs and fries and a couple of heartier sandwiches like the prime rib. The space has a lively, casual feel, with a few tables that you’ll need to grab early on busy nights. Happy hour is another solid time to stop by, when they do things like the Philly Cheesesteak with crispy onion rings and the Best Cheeseburger You’ll Ever Eat, which lives up to its name with a punch of flavor.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
$ | (803) 648-0007 | WEBSITE
If you’re the type that would rather wander than wait, you’ll love the old country store section at Cracker Barrel. It’s open all day, but breakfast is where this place really shines. There are plenty of comforting classics like pancakes and country fried steak coming off the griddle, as well as simple menu items that are great for kids.
The overall experience is pretty solid, too—they do a great job with attentive service from friendly staff like Zoe, and the reduced noise levels make conversation easier. For a traditional country-style meal in a friendly atmosphere, Cracker Barrel delivers that comforting dining experience families keep coming back for.
HoneyBaked Ham of Aiken
$$ | (803) 649-6038 | WEBSITE
This is generally just a solid place to grab lunch and relax—the dining area features spacious booths and a quote about Southern hospitality on the wall, and outside, there’s good parking and enough accessibility to have you feeling comfortable. If you’re there for a sandwich, order the Tavern Club and pair it with their signature bread, plus the honey baked sandwich to try.
The Legends Grille
$ | (803) 226-0137 | WEBSITE
You’re not going to mistake The Legends Grille for Augusta National, but whopping hamburgers, mahi-tacos, and exceptional duck entrees will satisfy until that golf getaway. Definitely plan to stop in for dinner—they do great philly-cheese subs, prime rib, and beautifully presented meals with nice views of the golf course from the balcony.
The drink menu here leans heavily on specialty cocktails and the atmosphere is golf memorabilia heavy, though you can still have a cold beer or wine just about any way you want. Bring the family, grab a seat on the balcony, and watch the sunset over the fairways after you eat.
Shane’s Rib Shack
$ | (803) 226-0192 | WEBSITE
Aiken sets the standard for good barbecue. And Shane’s Rib Shack, a local favorite with friendly staff and quick service, is where you should head the next time you’re craving smoky meats. They do a great rib plate with two sides, which is as close as comfort food gets to perfection, plus a handful of sandwiches like the Big Dad and classic fries. Grab your meal to stay, then settle into the somewhat darker seating area that creates a cozy atmosphere for the evening.
The Willcox Restaurant
$$ | (803) 648-1898 | WEBSITE
It’s basically impossible to leave The Willcox Restaurant without feeling like you’ve experienced something special. But instead of just another meal, you’ll find expertly prepared dishes like the signature “Eggs in Purgatory” and entrees with generous portions that you’ll still be thinking about days later. Stop by for any occasion to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and professional service.
They do the classics like their tempting Lite Bites menu and excellent cocktail pairings recommended by the knowledgeable staff, all while the piano player enhances the fancy yet down-to-earth ambiance.
Tailgate Tavern
$ | (803) 226-0909 | WEBSITE
This sports-focused tavern has walls of TVs, multiple bars, and plenty of seating, so it’s as flexible as you need it to be and easy enough to visit with friends or a group. This is the spot if someone has a hankering for fried Gouda mac and cheese bites, a grilled chicken avocado sandwich with toasted bread, and fall-off-the-bone barbecue ribs, with a friendly and efficient staff that keeps things moving, even when the place packs out for Thursday night music in the alley.
They do a great casual neighborhood atmosphere that’s worth it for the seared pork chop and steamed broccoli with garlic butter alone.
Track Kitchen
$ | (803) 641-9628 | WEBSITE
Despite the historic photographs on the walls and the worn interior that could use some renovation, at its core, Track Kitchen is a hard-working diner where you should get French toast with bacon and perfectly cooked over-medium eggs on your way through Aiken. It’s the sort of place that warmly welcomes families with abundant parking and wheelchair accessibility, but don’t worry—the cook accommodates special dietary needs with vegetarian and vegan options too.
If you’re in a hurry, the kid-friendly atmosphere makes for quick service, but it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the attentive staff and outstanding food that embodies the spirit of ‘Pockets’ Carter.
What’s Cookin’ Downtown
$ | (803) 649-1068 | WEBSITE
The fluffy, buttermilk-style, plate-sized pancakes coming from the griddle at What’s Cookin’ Downtown are great all on their own, but even more so in Aiken, which can be a quiet zone for breakfast. The menu covers the classics like Reuben sandwiches, but the casserole that’s packed with fresh ingredients is the best option. Go with the family and sit at a table near the wall art where you can keep busy with plenty of coffee, juice, and quick bites like fish sandwiches and salads.
MacK’s
$ | (803) 226-0841 | WEBSITE
If you want to grab a quick lunch and eat a sandwich that hits the spot, it doesn’t get much better than MacK’s. And while they have a variety of options on the menu, you’re really coming here for generously filled sandwiches and perfectly crisped onion rings. The best seats are inside at the tables with live plants where you can watch the friendly staff prepare orders at the front, as well as the downtown Aiken regulars who drop by for their favorite sandwiches.
If you need a little extra, you can customize your order with condiments on the side or count how many times someone orders the Pacer with pastrami and bacon versus the Boardwalk Steak sandwich.
Malia’s
$$$ | (803) 643-3086 | WEBSITE
Think of Malia’s as the Aiken king of upscale American dining—they serve delicious things like Greek beef kabobs, wild boar, and flourless chocolate cake. The lovely dining room is intimate, especially in the back away from the main entrance, which is the ideal place to bring a date you haven’t quite soft-launched on social yet.
If you’re looking for something a little more casual, grab a spot at the bar or outside overlooking the charming street for baked feta, scallops, and shrimp to pair with a few cocktails.
Diablo’s Southwest Grill
$ | (803) 226-0232 | WEBSITE
Diablo’s Southwest Grill provides a better dining experience than many other burrito places, and it’s easy to tell how much care goes into the modern design when you sit at one of the convenient charging tables. Today, the restaurant’s appeal encompasses consistently fresh food and options for various dietary restrictions, all part of the friendly atmosphere. The dining area is perfect for enjoying a relaxing meal, and the attentive staff is great if you’re here during busy times.
The hardworking servers and those behind the counter strive to make each visit special, ensuring timely service even when the place can feel a bit understaffed. Customers often praise the caring attitude, and the menu offers a variety of choices, like the well-made burrito with rice, chicken, grilled vegetables, lettuce, tomatoes, black olives, light shredded cheese, and spicy sour cream.
Even those not usually into burritos can find something enjoyable, and the drink options, such as the Coke Zero fountain mix, round out a wide range to suit every taste.
That Flippin’ Egg
$ | (803) 226-0593 | WEBSITE
A quick scan of the parking lot is reason enough to arrive 15 minutes before the breakfast rush and snag a prime spot near the entrance. After you secure your parking, kill some more time at the counter inside with a cup of fresh coffee or a glass of orange juice. Grab a booth inside if you’re heading here for a leisurely breakfast or catching up with friends. Otherwise, we prefer the tables by the window.
WingPlace
$$ | (803) 644-7777 | WEBSITE
This American spot tucked away in Aiken offers hot wings with that signature wang wang sauce, hefty burgers, and a great Chicken Nachos with Spicy Ranch starter. Seating inside is limited, so plan on arriving early. This place is full of flavor—we’re talking about wings perfectly sauced and cooked right, generous portions that keep you coming back, and a friendly bartender who mixes drinks worth sipping on as you settle in.
If it’s too busy and service slows down, opt for plan B: get your wings to go, and enjoy them at home while savoring every bite.
Little Howie’s of Aiken
$ | (803) 648-0402 | WEBSITE
Little Howie’s of Aiken is a bustling spot on a busy stretch of road. This isn’t the best place to show up for a quick bite during peak hours without planning ahead, but it’s a great option for a family meal or a casual outing—think grabbing dinner after work or a weekend lunch. There’s plenty here beyond just excellent fried chicken, like juicy hamburgers and delicious sides, and even some classic American comfort food.
On busy afternoons, try to snag a spot near the front where the easy pick-up window positions you close enough to see the steady stream of customers coming and going, most of whom will be carrying bags of that standout fried chicken dinner with collards.