Aiken’s culinary scene offers an overwhelming array of excellent restaurants, making it hard to choose where to dine. But we’re here to help you navigate it all. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot for a special occasion or simply craving exceptional local flavors, let this guide lead you to Aiken’s finest dining destinations.
KFC
$ | (803) 648-0231 | WEBSITE
A stop at KFC in Aiken might make you remember why fast food can still hit the spot on a busy day. This reliable spot is known for its friendly service and hot chicken, with a manager who keeps things running smoothly. You’ll find classics like crispy fried chicken ready in just a few minutes, served by polite cashiers in a clean drive-thru and parking lot.
However, during peak hours, you might encounter some hiccups with availability—perhaps missing a biscuit or finding the unsweetened tea out of stock. The place could use tighter inventory checks to ensure every order is complete, but when everything aligns, it delivers exactly what you crave.
Mellow Mushroom Aiken
$ | (803) 474-8454 | WEBSITE
You can come to Mellow Mushroom Aiken for their fantastic pizzas (most tables have a view of the kitchen action), or you can focus on the other dishes—like the artichoke dip, creative toppings, or the Maui Wowee, which is one of the best in Aiken. As far as pizza places go, this charming spot is pretty inviting. You’ll be enjoying your fresh pie to a warm and welcoming atmosphere, surrounded by other families sharing slices and people that clearly just came from exploring the Alley.
HoneyBaked Ham of Aiken
$$ | (803) 649-6038 | WEBSITE
OK this one might take some planning since HoneyBaked Ham of Aiken gets busy during lunch hours. And for good reason, this spot has some of the best sandwiches in town. Every sandwich here is solid, in particular the bread, which is a menu highlight. But the non-sandwich is great, too (try the Tavern Club), and what makes this place even better is that you can buy their honey baked hams and other items to take home.
Firehouse Subs Shops @ Richland
$ | (803) 643-9677 | WEBSITE
When all else fails, Firehouse Subs. You can never go wrong here, and we encourage you to visit Firehouse Subs every now and then to remind yourself how reliably satisfying it is. Recent improvements keep the experience fresh and consistent, but it’s the staples like the Hook and Ladder sandwich and the salt and vinegar chips that we’ll always come back for.
Panera Bread
$ | (803) 648-0448 | WEBSITE
This is the fast-casual follow-up to the bakery-café chain known for its fresh ingredients. Like everything in the Panera family, this location is a reliable spot with satisfying food. Here, you’ll find American classics with modern twists—like the spicy steak and cheese sandwich. Of course, several options focus on salads (like the half SW Cobb, now larger in size).
Also worth noting is that their pre-order system makes things efficient in case you want to grab your meal quickly and enjoy the ample parking around the building.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (803) 642-8175 | WEBSITE
Aiken has more chain restaurants than any other town in South Carolina. Our last count was twelve, and they’re all operating within a few miles of each other. And, despite our trust issues with corporate dining, they’re all pretty decent. Applebee’s Grill + Bar, an American grill spot, is another one of those restaurants.
They have things like a tasty and satisfying fiesta lime chicken, a delicious spinach and artichoke dip that tasted like it was made with care from the kitchen staff (that’s a compliment), and incredible onion rings. Most dishes range from $12-$22, and it works for a casual night out with family or friends.
Firehouse Subs Shoppes @ Whiskey
$ | (803) 649-5170 | WEBSITE
Firehouse Subs Shoppes @ Whiskey is the casual sandwich spot in the Shoppes at Whiskey. And while the subs here are good (with options like the classic Italian and turkey bacon ranch) the main reason to come here is for the outstanding value. The prices are fair and the portions are generous, giving you a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming. In other words, even if the parking is chaotic at least this will be good.
Hardee’s
$ | (803) 649-4452 | WEBSITE
This fast-food spot is reliable and a little bustling, with a flat-top grill putting out some satisfying food behind the counter. Everything that grill touches is worth ordering. We like the ham and cheese sandwich combo, but don’t overlook the gravy biscuit, and breaking up the meal by ordering both is a good idea. Hardee’s works for families since everything is easy to grab-and-go, but it’s great for solo travelers, too. No matter why you’re here, it’s an easy place to get a solid meal.
And in case you want to enjoy some classics at home, they sell biscuits and various other things in their bakery section.
Tailgate Tavern
$ | (803) 226-0909 | WEBSITE
This is one of the only spots in town that specializes in sports viewing—with walls of TVs, multiple bars, and plenty of seating to catch any game. Tailgate Tavern has a few different crowd-pleasers to choose from (for example the “fall off the bone” barbecue ribs or the fried Gouda Mac and cheese bites), and we like them all. Be prepared, though—this popular place gets very lively, especially on Thursday nights when music is featured in the alley. So definitely plan on joining the fun early.
Captain D’s
$ | (803) 641-6476 | WEBSITE
Captain D’s is a well-known restaurant that offers a delicious menu, particularly their popular giant fish sandwich and Oreo cheesecake. The service is excellent, with staff demonstrating professionalism and politeness. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly, making it a suitable choice for families. The staff is very friendly, courteous and very manable. The food was good – the green beans are seasoned just right and the fried catfish was really good. The sweet tea is good.
However, some customers have noted that the prices have become more expensive, with entrees now running around $15-20. The restaurant is known for its clean and fairly busy atmosphere, with hot food served in a bright, family-friendly dining room with comfortable booths. Overall, Captain D’s is a well-organized establishment that values its customers.
Habanero’s Mexican Grill
$ | (803) 226-0458 | WEBSITE
This authentic Mexican grill offers solid food with good service and a convenient location. The tacos al pastor were absolutely delicious, while the fajita nachos came loaded with too many green peppers and onions. The salsa was a bit bland, but the queso, salsa, and chips trio was excellent. Outdoor seating is definitely the way to go for the best experience. Unfortunately, the steak and shrimp dish with pasta was disappointing—it lacked the flavor and seasoning you’d expect.
With most entrees around $15–$20, it’s a casual, straightforward spot where the hits outshine the misses.