Darlington is a charming Southern town, and the racetrack is only the beginning. There’s the historic district, the local museums, the friendly smiles—and some truly remarkable food, too. Yes, of course you should try some classic barbecue. But there’s also inventive Southern fusion, farm-to-table freshness, and so much more. Just make sure you save room for dessert, or else we’ll tell your grandma.
B & B Restaurant
$ | (843) 393-9534 | WEBSITE
This is your grandmother’s kitchen, and we mean that as the highest praise. This Darlington mainstay, a local favorite for years, serves up a comforting lineup of homemade classics, like peach cobbler, catfish stew, and strawberry crunch cake. The peach cobbler is the perfectly balanced standout, with every spoonful moving through layers of sweet, savory, and tender.
Southern Charm Restaurant
$ | (843) 944-5088 | WEBSITE
This local gem has been a Darlington favorite for years, and it’s our go-to spot for a comforting breakfast of sausage and fresh biscuits. They serve other things like pancakes and grits, but we recommend sticking to the classic Southern breakfast. Maybe it’s just because we can smell the home-style cooking while we wait, but their eggs seem fluffier than at other nearby diners.
Purple Fish Coffee Company
$ | (843) 944-0315 | WEBSITE
This volunteer-run coffee shop is a wonderful choice for a cozy afternoon. The outrageously delicious coffee and hot chocolate could sustain you through a busy day, but they’re no less lovely to enjoy in the quiet moments. (They’re also sturdy enough to hold up well on the walk to the stage area.) If you’re settling in, appreciate the comfortable seating. Purple Fish Coffee Company’s welcoming atmosphere is a pleasure to relax in and sip.
Holt Brothers BBQ – Darlington
$ | (843) 944-0158 | WEBSITE
Holt Brothers BBQ has been a Darlington staple for years, and it’s the most authentic barbecue spot in town. (If you’re coming straight from the track, you might want to wipe the dust off your boots—this place has a real down-home feel.) There’s a lot to love about this no-frills joint. After the complimentary hushpuppies and some starters like fried okra or wings, try a few different meats, like the majestic pork ribs or brisket (half-racks are plenty of food).
When the friendly staff brings you the check, they also point to the wall covered in racing memorabilia. If you can name the driver in the faded photo by the register, they might just throw in an extra side of greens.
Bojangles
$ | (843) 393-3500 | WEBSITE
Before or after grabbing some quick and satisfying Southern comfort food, head to Bojangles for a meal that hits all the right notes. This restaurant, which offers a wide variety of chicken, tenders, and fixings, is known for its cleanliness and fast service, and despite the occasional busy rush and staff challenges, it’s a reliable, welcoming spot for food that’s often good, fresh, and hot.
The kitchen staff efficiently prepares the food, with the chicken fried to perfection and having a great spicy flavor, and favorites like the pork chop biscuits are particularly well-received. Staff like Juicy are praised for great customer service, and even on a busy night, a new cashier showed a great attitude while the manager ensured the order was correct. With its delicious food and continued improvement in service, Bojangles remains a popular choice for a satisfying bite.
Darlington Mercantile & Confectionary
Just a short stroll from the busy downtown shops, Darlington Mercantile & Confectionary offers a sweet (and savory) escape with its wide selection of ice cream flavors and tasty sandwiches, and there’s rarely a crowd at this clean, welcoming spot with cozy seating by the window. Expertly made sandwiches come loaded with fresh ingredients and generous portions, and we never leave without a scoop of their delicious ice cream or a refreshing milkshake.
You’ll find all the usual comfort food favorites, but the surprise hit is the daily special sandwich, always made fresh and packed with flavor.
Takis Diner
$ | (843) 393-8979 | WEBSITE
Takis Diner, a 1950s-style eatery in Darlington, SC, offers a true all-American diner experience with delicious and varied country foods. It’s one of the area’s best options for a welcoming sit-down meal with friendly service. The steak and cheese omelet is a fantastic choice here, as is the made-to-order breakfast burrito, served with crispy Texas Toast. Orders are prepared quickly even for takeout, and the staff communicates well and is always ready to help.
Many guests enjoy coming back regularly to support this family-owned business that closes at 2:00 pm on Saturdays.
Raceway Grill
$ | (843) 393-9212 | WEBSITE
Raceway Grill is a cozy NASCAR-themed spot in Darlington, and it’s mostly known for grill items and wings. But in the dining room, you can enjoy an 18oz hamburger steak with bold flavors and top-notch presentation. There’s also a classic atmosphere where you can get fresh-cut fries or tasty burgers with homemade sauces. The food isn’t anything fancy, but this is a great place to sit for a while while you eat something with attentive service from the knowledgeable staff.
Joe’s Grill
$ | (843) 944-0626 | WEBSITE
If Darlington is a whirlwind of NASCAR excitement, historic charm, and Southern hospitality, then Joe’s Grill is right at the heart of it all. This family-run spot on the local scene has plenty of cozy indoor seating, but the move is to grab a booth by the window and watch the town go by. Pair it with one of Joe’s must-try grilled liver and onions plates, which come with perfectly caramelized onions and tender, flavorful liver.
The service is friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. At around $12-15 for most entrees, the prices are as reasonable as the atmosphere is welcoming. Don’t miss the daily specials—the Monday fried flounder platter is particularly popular with regulars. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you’ve even finished your meal.
Race House Diner
$ | (843) 944-5129 | WEBSITE
If you’re craving Chinese food and want something that hits all the right notes, head to Race House Diner for a satisfying meal. You’ll find amazing Chicken Fajitas with tender chicken, smoky bell peppers, and flavorful onions here. The steak hibachi is perfectly cooked, accompanied by delicious fried rice. Whatever you order, expect generous portions and friendly service. The food is off the chain good and surprisingly delicious, making it a must-visit spot despite the simple ambiance.
Mamma Mia
$ | (843) 968-9285 | WEBSITE
Mamma Mia has been serving the best pizza in Darlington for years, long before they made drive-thru service this convenient. We’re not going to tell you which pizza you should order, because that is your choice as a customer, but we will say that you should probably pair whatever you get with their delicious wings and enjoy it fresh from the drive-thru.
The service can get really busy, so consider checking out their friendly staff led by Vinny, who goes above and beyond to ensure everything is set up perfectly.
Carolina Lunch/Dairy Bar
$ | (843) 393-4531 | WEBSITE
You might be planning to splurge on barbecue or burgers, but the best breakfast choice in Darlington is actually Carolina Lunch/Dairy Bar. This cash-only spot is tucked away with plenty of parking, and the thing to order here is a fantastic BLT sandwich or their highly-recommended barbecue with slaw. Finishing those chili cheese fries should earn you a hometown trophy.
Tenampa Mexican Restaurant
$ | (843) 944-5052 | WEBSITE
After countless visits, Tenampa still serves up reliably delicious Mexican food. This local favorite is run by a team that treats regulars like family, especially Vanessa, who makes everyone feel instantly welcome. It’s all about the fresh ingredients here—generous portions of steak and shrimp, plus endless chips with salsa and guacamole—and each meal comes with that cozy, no-fuss atmosphere that keeps people coming back.
Tenampa is open daily for lunch and dinner, with quick service and no wait times, though arriving early on weekends is wise.
Subway
$ | (843) 393-6529 | WEBSITE
Subway serves just about everything you’d expect to find in a classic sandwich shop. Turkey subs, Italian BMTs, and veggie delights? Check, check, and check. You can also get fresh salads and cookies, as well as chips and drinks. But the main reason you come here is the excellent service from enthusiastic staff who remain courteous even during challenging times. The kid-friendly atmosphere and wheelchair accessibility make it a popular choice, though parking can be tight.
While coupons aren’t accepted anymore, the delicious subs that leave you with leftovers the next day are worth every penny of the reasonable $8-12 price range.