Satisfy your craving for Italian cuisine at Gio’s Pastry Shop, Caffee, and Italian Market in Fountain Inn, SC! Gio’s offers a large selection of homemade and imported Italian and Italian American goods, including homemade pastries, cookies, and cakes. Their shop also sells a multitude of Italian groceries, sandwiches, salads, and even serves fresh coffee. There is no better way to experience a culture than through food, and Gio’s will bring a little slice of Italy into your life.
Homemade Baked Goods, The Italian Way
Gio’s has one of the most diverse selections of Italian baked goods in Greenville, thanks to owner Maria Natale. Her pursuit to fulfill her customer’s cravings for Italian desserts ignited Gio’s popularity in the Fountain Inn community. From homemade cannolis, mini cannoli cheesecakes, Italian rainbow cookies, and Sfogliatelle (Clamshell) pastries, no wonder Gio’s has quickly become a go-to bakery. They even have gluten-free options!
Gio’s also produces homemade bread that has a delicious crunchy outside encasing a soft and fluffy inside. Kidding Around’s Maria says that Gio’s bread is the closest to NYC’s Italian bread that she has found in the south. Walking into Gio’s will transport your senses straight to an Italian kitchen. Paired with the vibe of Gio’s, you will feel like you coming home to your Nonna baking in the kitchen (even if you’re not Italian).
Sfgliatelle at Gio’s Pastry Shop
Groceries and Goods Found at Gio’s
Along with Gio’s staple pastries and baked goods, they sell a wide selection of Italian groceries and premade meals. Many of their grocery items are imported directly from Italy, so nothing gets more authentic than that. You can also purchase from a selection of premade foods, such as Pasta Fagioli and Italian Wedding Soup. They even have several varieties of fresh-made pasta and sauce to purchase for your next Italian-inspired meal. Don’t forget to grab some delicious mozzarella to top it off.
So, grab the family and go explore the culture of Italy through the pastries and meals you can find at Gio’s, without ever having to leave Greenville!
Inside: A solid list from local taco lovers- where you can find authentic tacos in Greenville, SC and across the Upstate.
Are you looking for tacos in Spartanburg, SC or tacos in Greenville, SC? We’re right there with you. We’re big taco fans around here, and we’ve tried several restaurants in Spartanburg and Greenville searching for that perfect taco. Here’s our list of authentic taco qualifications and restaurants where you can find them! Buen Provecho!
I recently saw where a national poll declared a fast-food chain as having the best tacos in the country. After some reflection, I realized that this poll result was (most likely) because of the fact that it’s a national chain with a location in every town. I also recently saw where that same chain won runner-up in the local newspaper’s Best Mexican Restaurant Category.
For this, there is no explanation. I can’t understand, or explain it.
That’s one of the many reasons I decided to seek out the best authentic taco in the Upstate. My search was also a quest to relive the tacos of my childhood. As a kid I spent quite a few weekends working at the flea market with my dad, enjoying tacos from a taco truck before it was a trendy thing.
My search in Spartanburg and Greenville is just beginning, but I have some places I’ve tried and some I’m excited to try.
Comal 846
What Makes an Authentic Taco
Before I get to the list, let me just clarify what an authentic taco means to me.
It’s got to be on a soft corn Tortilla. ALWAYS. Don’t get me wrong, I love flour tortillas and hard shell corn tacos. But for the purpose of my quest, only this type of corn tortilla will do
Next and most importantly, is the meat. Save the ground beef for the burgers, we’re looking for grilled meats. Ideally, pork or beef.
The tacos are then completed with a simple topping of cilantro, onion, and a squirt of fresh lime juice.
Occasionally the tacos will be served next to a salad of lettuce, tomato, and cheese – but surprisingly these are not meant to be piled on top of your taco.
NEW to the mainstream (American) Mexican menu – Birria tacos! These are not new to Mexican cuisine; they’ve just become trendy. Now the tacos that were invented to use up the small bits of meat left on the bones after stewing them are expensive. I find this hilarious, but I’m super excited that more of our Mexican culture is being embraced. Have you tried these insta-popular tacos yet? They come with a cup of consume broth for dipping and with or without the melted cheese.
I love their tacos, but I also love the story behind this taco joint neatly tucked away next to the Reedy River. Jorge “Papi” Barrales worked his way up from dishwasher at Soby’s to having Carl Sobocinski, the owner of the Table 301 family of restaurants, invited him to work on a concept. The result is Papi’s Tacos and some of the yummiest authentic tacos you’ll find downtown.
If you stop in for their taco Tuesday happy hour, tacos are just $2 each. Pair your tacos with a cold horchata, Jamaica drink, or a Jarritos Mexican soda, and you have an instaworthy meal, with the beautiful Reedy River as the backdrop. My son and I like to have mother & son dates, catching a show at the Peace Center. This is our favorite pre-show meal. 300 River Street, Suite 123, Greenville SC | 864.373.7274
New to the taco scene in Greenville is Chucho’s Taco Grill. They exploded onto the scene by offering the frequently sought-after quesa-birria tacos. The menu includes a great set of kid’s options too, as well as a drive-thru for contactless pickup. They have Greenville’s BEST Elote too if you like street corn. 3111 North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville 29609 | 864.568.5133
After this article was originally published, readers encouraged readers to head over to the Barnyard Flea market. I was told that the tacos sold from the stand there were insanely good. Guess what? They were right! Plus, due to the low overhead of being located at the flea market, the tacos are inexpensive. I made the mistake of mentioning the taco stand to my dad, a native of Mexico. Let’s say they were a hit. So much so that he was there every weekend eating tacos, weeks in a row. 2000 Highway 101 South, Greer
When you walk in, be prepared to hear the sounds of a telenovela on the TV in the corner. In my opinion, it just makes the experience all the better.
We usually order an assortment of tacos from the menu. They are cooked to order and while that happens you can help yourselves to the freshly made salsa, from the salsa bar. I usually grab a salsa selection and some of the pickled onion/jalapeno mix. Those are for the people who like the heat that makes your sinuses open up, and your eyes water. The tacos were served simply, Just the meat, onions & cilantro. It’s like heaven on a corn tortilla.
Make sure to get an authentic Mexican soda when you stop in. The Senoral Sangria is one of my favorite sodas and it’s non-alcoholic! If you’re planning on eating dinner there, go early. They say they close at eight, and they will politely make yours a to-go order if you get there too close to closing time. 3058 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Taylors | 864.991.8888
Dayna Lee is a Mexican-American transplant from Texas, and she’s bringing the flavors of her childhood to life with pop-ups around the Upstate! You can find her most nights at local breweries, offering up traditional items and fun and creative dishes, like her nachos with a flaming hot Cheeto base, “Flaming Hot Nacheetos”. Follow Comal 864 on Instagram to see where they will be slingin’ tacos next.
Although the tacos at here come with melted queso in them, I think they still warrant being on the list. The tacos here are served in a boat with meat piled high, on two tortillas. So, some assembly is required, but worth the work. I’ve never had a taco here I didn’t enjoy. 903 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville | 864.770.3450
Where to Find Authentic Tacos in Spartanburg, SC
The following places are just some of the places around town you can find such a taco.
Conveniently located in downtown Spartanburg, Burrito Hub has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab tacos in the hub city. The tacos are reasonably priced, they have the best Elote in Spartanburg, and they have margaritas! Follow them on social media to know when they have specials. 2601 East Main Street Street, Spartanburg | 864.274.3077
This restaurant is very popular in local foodie groups, with good reason. The food is authentic, reasonably priced, and good. I enjoy the carne asada and al pastor tacos, with a side of scratch-made refried beans. There’s a salsa bar to customize your tacos if you’d like to add some heat. Conveniently located next to I-26, don’t let the Roebuck address deter you from trying the tacos here. 6198 Highway 221, Roebuck | 864.913.1500
One glance at online reviews and you’ll be ready to head to Wellford to enjoy some tacos here. The portions are generous and reasonably priced. 105 B Little Mountain Road, Wellford | 864.336.5008
Already a favorite with readers in Greenville. The newly opened location in Roebuck is turning diners in Spartanburg into fans. Their yummy authentic tacos and awesome kids meal deals are a reason Uncle Bertos is a favorite with my family. For residents on the westside of Spartanburg, the Simpsonville location might be closer to dine at. 2509 Stone Station Road, Roebuck | 864.586.3973 100 Batesville Road, Simpsonville | 864.234.6501
This super popular taco truck can usually be found in the parking lots adjacent to the national taco chain, near I-26 and W.O. Ezell Boulevard. You can call in your order so it’ll be ready when you pull up. 7785 Warren Abernathy Highway, Spartanburg | 864.279.7527
Tacos & Bla Bla Bla is a brick-and-mortar restaurant that serves up delicious, really affordable tacos. And on Taco Tuesdays, tacos are only $2! With multiple locations across the Upstate, there’s likely one near you. Multiple Locations
A Few More Tacos to Try in Spartanburg
Other taco restaurants in Spartanburg that have been recommended to me by readers, that I have yet to try are:
Delicious Pasteleria I’m excited to try the tacos this bakery serves up, it comes highly recommended! Plus their baked goodies look really tempting! 106 South Blackstock Road, Spartanburg SC
El Burrito 3614 Parris Bridge Road, Boiling Springs | 864.814.0770
There are plenty of awesome Mexican and taco places that are not on the list. I hope this inspires our readers to head out and explore the little tucked away restaurants, with awesome authentic offerings.
There are plenty of awesome taco joints and Mexican restaurants that are not on this list, and for that, I apologize. I hope this list inspires our readers to go on their own search for authentic tacos. Where do you go for authentic tacos?
There’s a place tucked away in the foothills of Travelers Rest that will transport you far from the daily grind of everyday life in the Upstate. Hotel Domestique’s Restaurant 17 is the place where you can pour yourself into a seat on the patio, and just breathe in the surrounding beauty. The menu is carefully curated, utilizing ingredients supplied by local farmers, cheese artisans, beekeepers, and more.
A meal at Restaurant 17 is more than just nourishment, it’s an experience. Paired with a weekend getaway stay at Hotel Domestique, you’ll forget you’re less than an hour from home.
Restaurant 17 in Travelers Rest, SC
Owner’s Name: Rich Hincapie
Do you have a kids menu? Yes What are your contactless delivery options? Curbside pickup
Do you offer outdoor dining? Outdoor dining – covered, open & heated What makes your spot unique? Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Restaurant 17’s beautiful setting is the clear root for the restaurant’s modern, place-driven perspective. It all adds up to an experience that brings people together over tables of authentic, thoughtful food and drink. Where old-world hospitality meets familiar European views, the cuisine reveals an elevated twist on classic Italian and Mediterranean favorites. Chef Haydn Shaak marries classical training with his dedication to local farms and ingredients to craft a truly unique menu inspired by the seasonality of the Upstate.
What dish is the most popular? Southern Fried Chicken Padano
What dish are you the proudest of? Chef Haydn’s Southern Vegetable plate features local and seasonal vegetables from our local farmers, and we are proud to showcase the produce of our region in a unique, fresh way.
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? The Cheese & Charcuterie Board and House Made Ricotta Dip are must-haves for snacks to start. For Small Plates, the Purple Gnocchi and Grilled Octopus are house favorites. Finally, for entrees, the Duck Breast and Shrimp Puttanesca are fan favorites!
Looking for a new restaurant to try? Our very own CAMP restaurant in Greenville is one your whole family will enjoy! But this isn’t the kind that will require an overnight stay. We have all the information you need to know before you visit CAMP.
CAMP | Tostada
The location that formerly housed the Greenville News offices is now one of the newest social hubs of Downtown Greenville. The AC Hotel, Insomnia cookies, and CAMP offer guests to Camperdown Plaza fine dining, cocktails, warm cookies & entertainment on the outdoor stage.
About CAMP
CAMP restaurant in Greenville is newest member of the Table 301 family, and just like its siblings, is another local favorite. Bringing on Executive Chef Diego Campos, who is bringing his experience at The Lazy Goat, Soby’s, and Passerelle Bistro, with Sous Chef Matthew Ballero at The Lazy Goat is quite the coup for the restaurant. His love for locally sourced ingredients and his Mexican heritage shine through in the dishes that are set before guests.
With his talent, and experience, Chef Campos could very easily be the screaming caricature of a chef you see on reality shows; but nothing could be further from that than this. He interacts with patrons and takes great pride in the food he’s sending out. His Executive Sous Chef, Matthew Ballero brings his unique passion, and we couldn’t be happier about that. The talent and creativity that these two chefs bring to the “Table (301)” will shine through, no matter what items you decide to order.
The menu might sound intimidating and meant for special date nights only, but CAMP is family-friendly right down to the sourcing of its ingredients. The Upstate family that owns Colonial Milling is fostering a young entrepreneur in the family. Their young son, Grant, has created his own side business selling the fresh eggs from the chickens on the farm he loving refers to as “His Girls”. It’s these eggs that CAMP uses for their Mixed Green salad.
Imagine the look on your children’s faces when you are enjoying your meal at CAMP, and you lean over and share that story with your child! I think it’s pretty impressive to have to supply a fine-dining restaurant with the main ingredient on your resume at the age of ten!
The restaurant is center stage in Camperdown Plaza and offers outdoor dining and a walk-up bar. Families are able to visit the plaza for an event and grab a drink to enjoy. I can’t wait to head back and sample more off of the menu at CAMP.
Oh, and save room for dessert! Trust me.
CAMP | Crispy 6 Minute Egg & Mixed Green Salad
CAMP Restaurant in Greenville, SC
Owner: Carl Sobocinski Chefs: Executive Chef / Diego Campos & Executive Sous Chef / Matthew Ballero
Do you have a kids menu? Yes
What are your contactless delivery options? Not currently offering delivery
Do you offer outdoor dining? Yes
What makes your spot unique? At CAMP we hope you find it’s your home away from home. We want our guests to feel comfortable while also enjoying dining in a beautiful space with incredible service. From our rooftop space to our chef’s counter and indoor/outdoor bar seating, we hope to provide our guests with a sense of comfort, fun, whimsy, and (of course) satisfaction from a diverse selection of good food and beverages.
Inside: Greenville locals enjoy a peanut butter chocolate cake at Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar in Downtown Greenville, SC. Learn about the cafe, the menu, and what they loved.
Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar brings a slice of Old World culinary delight to the heart of Greenville, South Carolina, morning, noon, and night. This charming café, an extension of its original Charleston location, has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors.
Quick Summary: Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar
🍰 Chocolate + peanut butter + cake = YES, please.
We stopped by Carmella’s Café in Downtown Greenville and fell hard for their Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. Think rich brownie base, moist cake, and a dreamy peanut butter-honey layer… 🤤
During our recent visit, we indulged in their decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake. This dessert features a chocolate brownie base layered with rich chocolate cake and a luscious peanut butter and honey filling.
Despite a fairly stout evening crowd with a long line, we actually didn’t wait long. The line moved quickly. So, we recommend that you don’t let a long counter line deter you from enjoying something delicious when you visit.
Carmella’s offers both indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining atmosphere. The outdoor seating provides a pleasant spot to enjoy the vibrant surroundings of downtown Greenville, especially after a leisurely stroll through the area.
Beverage Highlights
Beyond desserts, the café boasts an impressive selection of coffee drinks. Guests love the variety of flavors, like the lavender vanilla iced latte. Their menu includes unique offerings such as the Shakerato—a blend of four espresso shots, simple syrup, and half-and-half, shaken and strained. Additionally, the Wide Awake Shake combines cold brew with espresso gelato and whipped cream, catering to those seeking a caffeinated treat.
Savory Selections
For those craving savory options, Carmella’s serves breakfast items like the Breakfast Sandwich—featuring egg and cheddar on an English muffin or bagel with choices of bacon or sausage. Their lunch and dinner menu includes gourmet sandwiches such as the Turkey Asiago, made with house-made ciabatta, roasted turkey, asiago cheese, and fig jam.
What Do Our Readers Think About Carmella’s Cafe & Dessert Bar?
Here’s what our readers like to order when they visit Carmella’s Cafe, check out all their opinions on our Facebook Community Page!
Carmella’s Café & Dessert Bar welcomes guests daily from 8 am to midnight, making it the perfect spot for early breakfasts, leisurely lunches, or late-night dessert cravings.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, a hearty sandwich, or a specialty coffee, Carmella’s offers a diverse menu in a delightful setting.
355 South Main Street, Greenville
Find more delicious things to enjoy in Downtown Greeville.
Have you tried Southside Smokehouse & Grill? We are very fortunate in the Upstate to have so many little towns with hidden gems, sprinkled around to discover. Southside Smokehouse & Grill in Landrum, just south of the NC border is one such gem!
Chef Sarah McClure creates delicious menu items to lure diners to the smokehouse. You’ll find her husband and co-owner Robert Hall behind the bar mixing cocktails that will be the envy of all your friends on social media when you tease them with photos.
Are you looking for vegan restaurants in Greenville, SC? Or maybe you’re looking for vegetarian restaurants in Greenville?
The lifestyle of eating meat-free isn’t new, but it has become more mainstream in recent years. The days of going out to eat as a vegetarian or vegan and eating a dinner of side dishes are gone, as restaurants cater to a new fanbase. You know a plant-based diet is mainstream when traditionally meat-heavy BBQ places offer a meat-free alternative!
We’re here to clarify some things and then help you find the delicious meals you’ll want to seek out with a list of vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Greenville, SC.
Coastal Crust | Green Salad & House Marinated Olives Appetizer
Vegetarian, Vegan, & Plant-Based Diets – What’s The Difference?
Growing up with a Godmother who was a vegetarian, I quickly learned to read labels and ingredients before offering her things. Items I had never thought of included animal by-products, and even to this day, some things surprise me. Once, someone pointed out that one of the fruit-filled pastries in the grocery store bakery contained a pork by-product (and it wasn’t lard). So what’s the difference between Vegan, Vegetarian, and Plant-Based diets lifestyles?
Vegetarian VS Vegan: A vegetarian diet is the most flexible of the options. There are several sub-categories of vegetarianism; most eliminate meat from their diet and retain some animal-sourced items, such as eggs, cheese, honey, or other non-meat)
Vegan VS Plant-Based: The critical difference is that veganism includes avoiding animal products of all kinds, including clothing, while plant-based usually refers strictly to the diet. So vegan would be the most extreme of the three, with no consumption of animal-derived products at all.
Bar Margaret – Greenville, SC Vegan/ Veggie burger option
Blue Moon Specialty Foods – Spartanburg, SC Veggie lunch plates, veggie wraps (omit the cheese for vegan), and a large selection of prepared meals in their market.
Core Life Eatery – Greenville, SC It offers several “build-your-own” menu items that can very quickly be made vegan. The pasta used is rice noodles, and they offer roasted tofu as an alternative meat option.
V. V. Spot – Serving The Upstate, SC V.V. Spot offers Vegan food restaurant tours and is a great way to learn how you can make small changes in your current eating habits to be healthier. You might be surprised! If you want to learn more about what V.V. Spot offers, check out our Review of The Vegan Restaurant Tour Of The West Village.
Are you looking for a great place to enjoy some Nashville Hot Chicken on the west side of Spartanburg? If you haven’t been to Flavorshack Hot Chicken and Ribs in Duncan yet, you have no idea what you are missing! This locally owned chicken shack offers patrons huge servings of chicken and more! Find out why Spartanburg residents have fallen in love with this family-friendly restaurant.
It took longer than I care to admit for my kids and me to make our way to the hot chicken place that people were talking about on social media. Then one night I was craving fried chicken, so I thought of Flavorshack, and called in an order. I couldn’t wait to get the food home. The car ride was torture because it smelled so good!
One of the problems I think we can all agree on when it comes to fried food is that it doesn’t travel well. I’m not sure if the owners have employed some sort of wizardry or witchcraft, but after a 15-minute car ride home, getting the kids situated, and finally sitting down to eat my own food – It was SO crunchy! I even had friends comment that they could see the crispiness in the photos I posted to Instagram!
A few weeks later, it was time to decide how to celebrate my son’s birthday. His current favorite meal is chicken pot pie, and that’s what he wanted to eat for his birthday dinner. I asked our awesome Kidding Around Spartanburg community group members to find a delicious chicken pot pie, and several people mentioned Flavorshack Hot Chicken & Ribs. Once again, they hit it out of the park! The chicken pot pie was full of chicken breast chunks and topped with a flakey pastry. He loved it.
They honestly have something on the menu for everyone, including frozen margaritas for thirsty parents.
Flavorshack Hot Chicken & Ribs in Duncan, SC
Owners name: David Robertson
Do you have a kids menu? Yes
Do you offer outdoor dining? No
What makes your spot unique? The finest handcrafted Nashville hot chicken and ribs this side of the Tennessee. Everything is cooked to order.
What dish is the most popular? Chicken fried chicken
What dish are you the proudest of? Ribs & Tenders
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? The ribs and tenders give you the best of both worlds.
Are you looking for a family-friendly place to eat out or a way to have dinner all ready to heat up at home after a long day? Black Sheep Café and Catering can help you no matter which you prefer.
Until this family-owned restaurant popped up on my list of places to feature, I’ll be honest, I’d not heard of it previously. Now, that I have, it’s all I can think about. I started seeing foodie friends, like The Pickens Foodie posting about it, and I knew I had to get to Piedmont to check them out.
The mixture of homestyle American menu items mixed with Hispanic and Caribbean items would have sealed the deal if I hadn’t already been convinced. Then something caught my eye in the info they submitted that impressed me, a technique I don’t think anyone else that caters locally uses.
I am also proud of our whole pig cooked in a Chinese box when we cater.
Black Sheep Owner & Chef – Elizabeth Barrera
No. She’s not talking about one of those origami-style folded white cardboard boxes your fried rice comes in. She’s talking about La Caja China (Lah Cah-Ha Cheena), the Hispanic version of your Big Green Egg. If you’ve ever been to a pig roast where the whole pig is wrapped in a million banana leaves and then buried and topped with coals, you know that – A/ it’s amazing, B/ it’s a LOT of work, C/ you can’t just go digging holes and setting fires in your yard if you have an HOA. That’s where La Caja China comes in. So, the fact that Black Sheep Cafe & Catering uses this to prepare their catering feasts, means they KNOW what’s up.
Black Sheep Café and Catering in Piedmont, SC
Owners name: Cody, Jesse & Elizabeth Barrera (left to right)
Do you have a kids menu? Yes
What are your contactless delivery options? Curbside pickup
Do you offer outdoor dining? No
What makes your spot unique? Chef Elizabeth is from Colombia, and you will see some Latin dishes on our specials and Catering. Chef Cody is born and raised in South Carolina. You will see some good ol’Southern dishes on our specials and catering as well. The fact that we offer take-and-bake dinners for Pickup or delivery is a big deal for Piedmont.
What dish is the most popular? chicken bacon ranch wrap What dish are you the proudest of? It is so difficult just to pick one. I am proud of our Carolina burger from the lunch menu. I am proud of our Gumbo from our take and bake dinners. I am also proud of our whole pig cooked in a Chinese box when we cater.
It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order? Order from the special board, you won’t regret it. Our specialty sandwiches and Salads are very popular. we have regulars that just go straight to our chef’s feature menu
Wondering if you should try Burrito Hub in Spartanburg? Find out all about the owners, the menu and the little things that make this locally owned Spartanburg restaurant special.
Hugo Montanez is bringing the joy of eating authentic tacos to Spartanburg with the food at Burrito Hub. For most people it only takes a single visit to get completely hooked on the delicious street tacos and other menu items.
Burrito Hub sits quietly on a corner, adjacent to the courthouse in Downtown Spartanburg. Just a few blocks from Main Street. It was on my “Taco-to-try” list for a long time, and for that I’m regretful. I usually order enough to enjoy them for lunch the next day, I wouldn’t be able to make them myself for that price!
