I dined at the following restaurants in Aiken (and outside Aiken) as a guest of Thoroughbred Country Regional Tourism on my first press trip since the onset of Covid-19. I had only left my home a handful of times since March so I was more than nervous to eat out.
All of these restaurants in Aiken and the outlying areas mentioned below are following safe social distancing protocols and using facial coverings, so if you’re concerned about dining out like I was, you can feel more comfortable knowing safe guidelines are being followed.
As mentioned, I was really nervous about it but once I saw how responsible both the restaurant staff and guests behaved, I relaxed more and enjoyed the experience. After cooking for a solid six months seven days a week, it was a genuine treat to eat out again.
Restaurants in Aiken
Casa Bella
120 Chesterfield St S, Aiken, SC 29801
Open daily 5-10 pm (one of the few Aiken restaurants open on Sundays) Call to confirm hours.
Take-out, indoor and outdoor seating.
This cozy restaurant features Northern Italian cuisine. We opted to sit outside at one of the cafe tables and it was lovely.
The fresh-baked bread with garlic dipping oil was phenomenal as were the salads. For our entrees, we ordered lasagna and eggplant parmigiana and both were outstanding. I practically licked my plate clean.
Betsy’s Round the Corner
224 Park Ave. SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Take-out, indoor and outdoor seating.
Website
This adorable cafe in downtown Aiken offers a delicious array of salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers and dogs. We enjoyed our lunch at an outdoor table overlooking a little park.
I ordered Betsy’s BLT which was delicious and it’s worth noting that the bacon is not that wimpy pre-cooked kind. They use the good stuff!
My guy ordered the Hound Dog and added Sauerkraut. Both of us loved our sammies and just wish we had room to try one of Betsy’s delectable ice cream treats. Next time…
La Parisienne
233 Chesterfield Street, Aiken, SC 29801
Take-out, indoor and outdoor seating
Website
This newly opened French restaurant and bakery offers a fantastic selection of fresh pastries, cakes and bread. My guy ordered a traditional eggs, sausage and roasted potatoes breakfast and I ordered a breakfast croissant with scrambled eggs, bacon and Swiss cheese on a light, tender and flaky croissant. Divine!
The decor is an eclectic mix of French accents and polo memorabilia; unexpected and fun.
Restaurants Outside Aiken
Manuel’s Bread Cafe
505 Railroad Ave #100, North Augusta SC
Take-out, outdoor seating
Website
After a long stroll on the North Augusta Greeneway, we placed a to-go order and picked it up outside the restaurant in the absolutely adorable Hammond’s Ferry area.
We shared an order of fried ravioli (yum!), a caprese salad and a big ol’ bacon cheeseburger with fries while sitting on a bench overlooking the Savannah River. Perfection.
Meeting on Main
12906 W Main St. Williston, SC 29853
Take-out, indoor and limited outdoor seating
Website
In the mood for good, homestyle Southern cooking? You’ll find that and more at Meeting on Main, a favorite gathering spot for locals and for those traveling between Augusta, GA and Charleston, SC.
The delicious fried chicken was hand-battered and fried to order and the potato salad and coleslaw were some of the best we’ve ever had. We also tried the cinnamon grilled cheese with a side of fries and macaroni and cheese. Comfort food at its best.
Miller’s Bread Basket
483 Main St., Blackville, SC
Take-out, indoor seating
Website
We stopped into Miller’s Bread Basket for an Amish-Mennonite-style meal of “meat and two”.
Restaurant staff serve up your choice of entrees and sides from the buffet bar and it’s not an easy choice. Everything looked so good. I had the meatloaf and my guy had the fried chicken and we each picked two sides, hence the “meat and two”.
I only wish we’d had room for some of their fresh-baked pie!
I know there are lots of other restaurants in Aiken that allow for safe dining, but I was only in town for three days and had a positive dining experience at the above eateries. I also enjoyed breakfast at the legendary Willcox Hotel and I’ll try some more next time! 😉
-Remember, due to Covid-19, doublecheck with the establishment before going to make sure they’ll be open. And wear your mask.
For a digital travel guide to Thoroughbred Country, click here and keep an eye out for more posts from me on the area. I have a lot to say about it!
Other South Carolina destinations you’ll enjoy
- Sonesta Hilton Head Island
- Old 96 District
- Rock Hill and York County
- South Carolina Festival of Flowers
- Beaufort, SC
- Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
- Best Bites in Myrtle Beach
Leave a Reply