Posts Tagged ‘Restaurants’

Green Laundry Lounge: A Modern Laundromat Taking the Hassle Out of Laundry in Greer, SC

What do laundry, coffee, and wifi have to do with each other? You’ll find all three at Green Laundry Lounge, a modern, eco-friendly laundromat in Greer, SC. And this is not what you imagine when you think of a typical laundromat. It’s bright, incredibly clean, modern, and comfortable. They offer a variety of services from self-service to drop-off services, all geared to take the hassle out of laundry day.

Looking to explore more of the area? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Greer, SC.

What is Green Laundry Lounge in Greer, SC?

Have you ever seen a poll that says something like “Which is worse: doing laundry or cooking dinner?” I don’t know about you, but I have no hesitation in telling you that I despise doing laundry. I’d rather clean toilets than do laundry. Laundry is so time-consuming and boring. But Green Laundry Lounge may change my mind.

Green Laundry Lounge’s Founder and Part-Owner, Jay Desai, is trying to reinvent laundry and dry-cleaning services so communities and families can spend more time together. Desai, who cares deeply for the environment, built a sustainable laundromat. With energy-efficient washers, dryers, and sustainable laundry products, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your laundry is being cleaned safely.

Green Laundry Lounge has an outdoor park, patio, lounge with food and drink options, an iPad station for both kids and adults, books, and a kid’s area to encourage community and gathering together. While you can drop your laundry off, you’re also invited to stay and spend time with your family while you’re doing your laundry.

The entire facility is bright, clean, and well-maintained.

iPad Station and Folding Tables in Green Laundry Lounge

Kids Table at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

How do the Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services work at Green Laundry Lounge?

Green Laundry Lounge’s laundromat uses some of the best laundry appliances available. With washer capacities up to 80 lbs and dryers up to 83 lbs, you’ll be able to wash and dry up to 9 loads at a time (think about how much time you’ll save!). You’re able to choose as many washers and dryers as you’d like, or just utilize one. The largest capacity machines can get you in and out in under an hour.

Each machine has a delicate cycle for your most fragile fabrics. And yes, you can certainly wash and dry your large items like those down comforters and your pet’s bedding.

As for the Dry Cleaning services, Green Laundry Lounge actually uses an Organic Dry Cleaning Technology, better known as Wet-Cleaning. No harsh or harmful chemicals or solvents are used. They only use bio-degradable soap, conditioner, and water. The staff is careful in handling your delicates, and steam machines take care of your ironing and pressing needs.

Green Laundry Lounge offers same-day laundry and dry cleaning services. You can stay and wait on your laundry or drop it off to pick it up later.

They also offer a convenient rewards program that rewards you each time you come in. With every purchase, you get points that can be used for discounts or free services. It’s a great way to save money while getting your clothes clean and fresh.

The Cafe and Lounge at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

Green Laundry Lounge has a Cafe & Lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can have a hand-crafted specialty coffee, traditional chai, Beer & Wine, and a snack while waiting on your laundry. There’s even wifi if you want to get some work done while you’re there.

Most ingredients are sourced locally. Desai believes that if you can find something in Greer or localy, why would you go somewhere else to source it?

While some of the items on the menu are standard year-round, there are also seasonal options. During my visit, I tried the Caramel Crunch Latte, and it did not disappoint.

Green Laundry Lounge Cafe and Laundromat

What will you find at Green Laundry Lounge?

Here are some of the amenities to enjoy at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer:

eco-friendly laundry products
organic dry cleaning (also known as wet cleaning, which is more efficient and more sustainable than dry-cleaning)
multiple payment options, including credit/debit card, mobile pay, or cash/coin
change machines and an ATM
Free wifi
24 hour surveillance
Free sanitizing rinse on machines (each machine is sanitized after each use)
wash and fold service using chemical-free soap
text messages in real-time to keep you updated on the availability of laundry machines
folding tables
TV with news and sports
Cafe with specialty coffees, beer, wine, kombucha, and farm-to-table sandwiches and bowls

Where is Green Laundry Lounge located?

You’ll find Green Laundry Lounge located in the Palms off Brushy Creek Road.

10 Moorlyn Lane Suite G, Greer
864.479.0173

Have you visited Green Laundry Lounge yet? What’d you think?

Enjoy A Pizza Made Just The Way You Want It At Pizza Artista in Greenville, SC

The Greenville location of Pizza Artista has closed.

Pizza at Pizza Artista near Greenville, SC

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Enjoy Delicious Thai Cuisine at Sweet Basil Thai in Greenville, SC

Have you tried Sweet Basil Thai in Greenville, SC?

The Saiyud family moved from Pattaya Beach, Thailand, and landed in Greenville a few years later in 1997. They opened Sweet Basil Thai in 2005, and a few years later I met the matriarch of the family and fell in love with one of Greenville’s most popular Thai restaurants.

Carrying on his parent’s tradition of treating customers like family, Chin Saiyud is now running the restaurant while his parents enjoy retired life back in Thailand. If you’ve ever dined at Sweet Basil, then you know, this isn’t just a business for the family, it’s a passion. That is reflected in every dish that leaves the kitchen.

Aside from opening one of the Upstate’s most popular Thai restaurants, you might be surprised to know that another popular Thai restaurant in Greenville was opened with help from the Saiyud family.

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine in Greenville, SC

Owners name: Chin Saiyud

Do you have a kids menu? Yes

What are your contactless delivery options?
Pickup inside, curbside

Do you offer outdoor dining?
Outdoor Dining – Open Air

What makes your spot unique?
Family owned and operated since 2005. We are from Thailand but have been living in Greenville for 20+ years. Family recipes

What dish is the most popular? Pad Thai, Panang Curry, Tom Kha Soup, Amanda Chicken

What dish are you the proudest of?
We specialize in Thai curry

It’s my first time at your restaurant, what do you suggest we order?
Pad Thai, chili noodle, spring roll, Amanda chicken, cashew nut, Panang or green curry, seafood basil.

Gifting Options: Gift certificates

Learn About Other Local Restaurants We’ve Featured on Kidding Around

What Locals Have To Say About Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine

Thai food is so good here!!! Love Sweet Basil

Kimberly S

My kids like the pineapple fried rice (and so do I!) I’ll have to try some of these other dishes.

Joy H

By far the best Thai in the area!

Chad R

Love Sweet Basil and SUPER convenient to those of us living off of Woodruff Rd/Five Forks

Kristen B

This is my favorite Thai restaurant of anywhere I have ate. My go-to is the Massaman and I love the Tom Ka (spelling?) soup. Everything is delicious and tastes so homemade and fancy if that makes sense. We went last week and felt very safe in regards to covid.

Angela W

What!? Our favorite restaurant is getting a highlight! Chinavit Saiyud and Apple Assadaporn Krueakot are amazing chefs and hosts! Sweet Basil is the best you can get!

Nadine L

Learn More About Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine

Sweet Basil Thai Cuisine
8590 Pelham Road – Unit 15, Greenville | 864.627.4151

Do you have a favorite dish to order at Sweet Basil? Let us know, so we can try it too!

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Try some of these restaurants in Greenville, SC next time you’re looking for a new place to grab a bite to eat.

Kid-Friendly Coffee Shop in Fountain Inn, SC Offers Amazing Flight of Coffee

Looking for great coffee in Fountain Inn, SC or want to try a delicious flight of coffee? Steam Coffee & Cream is a fantastic place to try! And they are super family-friendly so, a huge bonus. It’s only about 20 minutes from Greenville, SC.

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Find Food Perfection at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery: Greenville, SC

Wondering if a visit to Greenville’s Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery should be on your to do list? Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery in Greenville, SC is a popular local food grocery and cafe with sandwiches, baked goods, and a wide selection of farm fresh produce and goods. Located along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, it’s the perfect place for families to enjoy great food and outdoor activities. Plus, they have a fun outdoor play area for kids to burn off steam while you enjoy a coffee and stecca. Win-Win!

Looking for more great places to eat out AND play with your family? Check out our list of Places to Dine And Play in Greenville.

I had heard many great things about Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery before I actually stepped foot inside the converted warehouse, where an assault on my senses took me to another world of blueberry scones, perfect lattes and an eye-opening array of fresh produce and baked goods. It’s like entering a little world of food perfection in the middle of Greenville – well, actually, in the middle of the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Swamp Rabbit Grocery: Local Food

The Swamp Rabbit Café offers an incredible variety of local and fresh food and the owners obviously take great pains in finding the best products to offer customers. Over the years, the café and grocery has expanded their space. They have increased seating capacity in the café and now command an even more abundant and spacious grocery section. At least half of their food offerings are sourced from within 150 miles of Greenville so that customers know where the food comes from and are assured of its quality.

Plus, your dollars are going back into the local economy, so it’s a win-win for everyone. There are a variety of seasonal goods like apples, greens and vegetables plus refrigerators full of local meat, organic and sustainable dairy items, and even goat’s milk gelato. They also have a wall, yes, a wall, of nuts and seeds and a favorite from my own childhood – dried pineapples.

The shop also has a weekly produce box that you can pick up that is full of seasonal ingredients. Also, check their Facebook and website for deals as they often will post on social media their newest offerings. If you are a glutton for punishment, follow them on Instagram. The pictures of gorgeous food will have your mouth watering all day long. For a video tour and interview with one of the co-owners, Mary Walsh, see here.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe: Coffee, Snacks and More

After you get done perusing the grocery, head down the steps to the café side, it’s only a matter of deciding what you’d like to have from their offerings of coffee, muffins, scones, sandwiches, salads, and soups.

The scones are amazing – fluffy on the inside, crusty on the outside, and full of flavor. Why so delicious? The owners explain that they are so careful about what they bake with and only use “flour, evaporated cane juice, local free-range eggs, local milk, local butter, yeast.” The difference from other baked goods, like at a grocery store, is very noticeable.

If you are visiting for lunch, you have to give the turkey pesto sandwich a try. It is delicious, with the perfect balance of turkey, deliciously crafted basil pesto, all assembled on stecca. It is a go-to sandwich of mine on a regular basis. They also have gluten-free bread options if you need that.

Bring the Kids

The owners of Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery not only have an eye, and palette, for quality coffee and food, but they also thought of the weary parents who are in need of respite. Just outside the café is a little fenced-in yard full of toys for the little ones to play with while mom and dad get their coffee and scone fix. It’s perfect for a Saturday morning to relax and let the kids get out some energy.

The Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery playyard.

Easily Accessible

The café is right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail so you can easily access it from there as well. I saw a bunch of families with their kids on bikes or in pull-along trailers stop in for a quick snack. If you take your car, there is plenty of parking.

Find the Swamp Rabbit Café at 205 Cedar Lane, Greenville, SC 29611.

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery Hours:
Open Daily: 7:30 am – 8 pm

Spartanburg Restaurants Your Family Will Love

Hunting for a great local restaurant that your family will love? Local mom Jennifer put together this list of awesome restaurants in Spartanburg to check out. This list includes hot spots downtown, family-friendly dining in Boiling Springs, and more.

Hungry? It’s a good thing you’re in Spartanburg! Our charming town is quickly becoming a foodie haven. At this point, I have lost count of all the new restaurants opening up in Spartanburg. As we all #seespartanburgrise, we also get to enjoy the perks that come from this revitalized growth like incredible restaurant options.

While my family likes chain restaurants just as much as the next family, we love eating locally. When we eat locally, we support small businesses and boost the local economy. And, we get to enjoy unique food dishes and dining experiences. Plus, when out-of-towners come to visit, we’d much rather take them to a local restaurant than to a place they can eat back home.

With that being said, I’ve prepared this list of ten of my family’s favorite local restaurants. It no way covers all the many outstanding restaurants in the county. For instance, with so many new restaurants opening in 2017 and 2018, we simply have not had the opportunity to try them all. (But, it is my stomach’s ultimate goal!)

This list is perfect for those new to Spartanburg or visitors looking for some local flavor.

Wade’s Southern Cooking

Wade’s is a local icon. You cannot live in Spartanburg without visiting Wade’s at least once. And, I highly doubt that will be your one and only visit. It has been serving Spartanburg locals Southern classics and meats and threes since 1947.

Why kids love it – Mac and cheese are considered a vegetable.

Photo credit: Wade’s

Bubba’s BBQ and Bash

If you have guests visiting, you have to feed them good ole’ Carolina barbecue at least once. With tons of barbecue options, I am going with my family’s personal favorite, Bubba’s BBQ and Bash. In addition to excellent barbecue, they also offer fall-off-the-bones ribs and baked macaroni and cheese that always leaves me craving more.

Why kids love it – Barbecue is messy and gives them an excuse to lick their fingers clean.

Taco Dog

Can’t decide between Mexican or American? Look no further than Taco Dog! Located in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, Taco Dog has been settling restaurant debates since 2003. Its unique menu offers tacos, nachos, burritos, and uniquely-topped hot dogs.

Why kids love it – Do I even need to explain this one?

Downtown Deli & Donuts

Just like the name suggests, Downtown Deli & Donuts is a downtown breakfast and lunch spot serving deli food and donuts. However, it is far more than your traditional deli or donut shop. They offer artisan donuts with unique flavors (as well as gluten-free donuts) and a lunch menu that is full of healthy and tasty salads and sandwiches.

Why kids love it – They get to decorate their own donut.

Manny’s

Manny’s in Boiling Springs is always packed! This is because they offer a wide selection ensuring everyone finds something they will like, and it is budget-friendly. This Greek and Italian style family restaurant offers pizza, calzones, wings, subs, spaghetti, gyros, and more.

Why kids love it – Chicken fingers, fries, and spaghetti

Monsoon Noodle House

Located right in the middle of downtown, Monsoon Noodle House has a cool atmosphere and excellent food. Their noodle bowls have been satisfying Spartanburg locals since 2008. If my opinion isn’t enough for you, they’ve been voted Best of the Best Chinese Restaurants for three years now.

Why kids love it – Smaller plates of Lo Mein just for them

Mon Amie Morning Café

Mon Amie Morning Café, on the Eastside, serves savory French food for breakfast and lunch (or just dessert). The restaurant is delightful, and the food is outstanding. No matter if you visit for breakfast or lunch, you will walk away with your belly full and happy.

Why kids love it – Crepes are more fun than sandwiches.

Gerhard’s Café

Hidden inside a shopping center is one of the locals’ favorite restaurants that offers both fine dining and a pizzeria. Do not let the fine dining fool you – Gerhard’s Cafe includes a pizzeria that is great for families with more budget-friendly and kid-friendly menu options.

Why kids love it – It is a lively atmosphere with big tables and a small outdoor green space.

Without a Children’s Menu, But Still Worth It

If you feel safe taking your kids to local restaurants that do not offer kids menus (but offer great food), then you absolutely must try these two:

Willy Taco

Since opening in 2013, Willy Taco has quickly become a local favorite. People kept coming back and waiting on busy nights to taste their funky tacos and try their fun drinks. While they do not offer a kids’ menu and you have to pay for chips and salsa, they do offer a plain cheese quesadilla and an atmosphere that will entrance your children.

Do you have a restaurant your family loves to add to our list? Add it in the comments!

Piney Mountain Bike Lounge Has a Pump Track Out Back

Local mom Liene reviews Piney Mountain Bike Lounge in Greenville, SC. This unique bicycle shop and taproom should be on your summer bucket list!

There is one spot that definitely needs to be on your bucket list this summer if you live in Greenville and have kids who enjoy riding bikes – Piney Mountain Bike Lounge!

Piney Mountain Bike Lounge is a cross between a bicycle shop and a taproom, complete with a pump track out back! Located between downtown and Paris Mountain, the Lounge caters to mountain bikers on their way to and from the mountains. It has also become a gathering spot for the local community to come together and share their love for riding – or share their love for craft beer while their kids are busy wearing themselves out on the dirt bike course!

Why we love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge

Our most recent visit was a weekday. The boys were all still running full steam, wearing on my last nerve. We still had several hours of daylight, and so we loaded up three kids, three bikes and three helmets and headed to Piney Mountain Road.

Although the exterior looks much like it did when it was the Landscapers Supply, the interior has been completely revamped. On one side is the bar, serving up craft beer alongside what is the bicycle repair space. On the other side is a lounge, complete with couches, a foosball table and handlebars in the place of mounted trophies. The center is filled with all the latest cycling gear and bicycles, trail maps on the walls of favorite dirt biking destinations in the area. Finally, in the back you’ll find the former loading dock, converted to outdoor patio. Full of picnic tables, the space overlooks the pump track, a small, looping trail system that you can ideally ride continuously without pedaling.

Since their grand opening in March, Piney Mountain has settled in with a rotation of food trucks to make the Lounge truly a one-stop evening hot-spot. Including Upstate favorites such as Automatic Taco, Ellada Kouzina and Chuck Truck, for the current schedule check the website or follow Piney Mountain Bike Lounge on Facebook. For the beer enthusiasts, a list of the 14 regional and local craft beers on tap can be found here. The pump track is closed when it’s wet for safety reasons as well as to protect the track, and a waiver must be signed before use. Usually one of us will take the boys & bikes around to the track and get them set up, while the other orders food and beer and gets settled in at one of the tables by the track – then it’s just a matter of shouting out a few encouraging words to keep them circling the track while we enjoy our meal.

Piney Mountain offers a variety of tune-up and service options as well as a demo option if you’re looking to buy a bicycle but not quite ready to commit. For those with kids in middle or high school that might be interested in a mountain biking team, NICA (the National Interscholastic Cycling association) is coming to Greenville and often meets with Piney Mountain – check out Upstate Composite on Facebook for more info.

When it comes down to it, I’m really more of a Swamp Rabbit Trail gal than a Paris Mountain cyclist, but Piney Mountain is a great addition to the cycling scene in the Upstate. Whether you’re looking to get your bike ready for the season, catch up with friends after a day at Paris Mountain, or just ‘cycle’ through some of that energy in the kids on these long days, make sure to swing by the Lounge this summer!

Plan your own trip to Piney Mountain Bike Lounge

20 Piney Mountain Road, Greenville
864.603.2453

For more information about Piney Mountain Bike Lounge visit their website. They can also be found on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook

See Liene’s original post on her blog, Femme au Foyer, here.

Does your family love to bike together? Don’t miss our list of places to ride your bike in Greenville.

Would your family love Piney Mountain Bike Lounge as much as mine does?

Meet Liene

Mother of three young boys, Liene is constantly on the move since returning to Greenville in 2012. Whether she’s exploring the state parks and natural areas of the Carolinas or teaming up with other moms to organize activities for the kids, she’s always searching for the next adventure in the Upstate. For everything from hiking, travel, cooking and crafts to multicultural & global education posts, visit her blog, Femme au Foyer.