When you think of Easley, SC, the first thing that comes to mind might be its welcoming Southern charm — but linger awhile in Easley South, and you’ll discover a diverse, lively food scene that rivals bigger cities. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just passing through, the south side of Easley serves up a smorgasbord of flavor, culture, and hospitality. Let’s take a stroll down the bustling corridors of South Pendleton Street and surrounding blocks to sample the best restaurants, cozy cafés, sweet bakeries, and under-the-radar food trucks that define Easley South’s delicious identity.
Standout Restaurants: Where Every Meal Feels Like Home
Easley South is home to a surprising variety of restaurants, with options for every palate and budget.
- Serafini’s Trattoria (805 S. Pendleton St.)
- Cuisine: Italian
- Price Range: $12–$25 per entrée
- Why Go: Family-owned with an intimate, rustic vibe, Serafini’s is the place for house-made pasta, brick-oven pizzas, and rich tiramisu. Locals rave about the garlic knots, and the weekend specials are worth the splurge.
- The Smokin’ Pig (720 S. Pendleton St.)
- Cuisine: Southern BBQ
- Price Range: $10–$18
- Why Go: This regional BBQ favorite draws a loyal crowd for its tender pulled pork, slow-cooked brisket, and smoky ribs. The savvy order the trio platter and linger on the porch with a glass of sweet tea.
- Tokyo Express (5112 Calhoun Memorial Hwy.)
- Cuisine: Japanese Hibachi and Sushi
- Price Range: $8–$18
- Why Go: Quick, affordable, and always fresh, Tokyo Express is your spot for hibachi bowls, sushi rolls (don’t miss the Easley Roll), and teriyaki specialties. Perfect for lunch breaks or casual dinners.
- El Agave Mexican Restaurant (5151 Calhoun Memorial Hwy.)
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Price Range: $8–$16
- Why Go: The colorful décor is just the beginning — authentic street tacos, sizzling fajitas, and homemade salsa keep El Agave bustling. Margaritas are a local favorite during Happy Hour.
Cozy Cafés & Bakeries: Sips, Sweets, and Southern Comfort
You’ll find as many locals catching up over coffee as you will treating themselves to a homemade biscuit in Easley South’s café and bakery scene.
- Silver Bay Seafood Restaurant (7020 Calhoun Memorial Hwy.)
- Cuisine: Southern Seafood Café
- Price Range: $10–$20
- Why Go: An old-school favorite for fried catfish, hush puppies, and shrimp po’boys, Silver Bay feels like an afternoon at your granny’s beach house.
- Marcie Jo’s Bakery & Coffee Shop (813 S. Pendleton St.)
- Cuisine: Bakery & Café
- Price Range: $3–$12
- Why Go: A true neighborhood gem, Marcie Jo’s bakes up decadent cinnamon rolls, scones, and custom cakes made-to-order. Their aromatic coffee (locally roasted) pairs perfectly with a morning treat or afternoon pick-me-up.
- The Exchange Coffee Co. (110 S. Pendleton St.)
- Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Price Range: $2–$10
- Why Go: Modern, airy, and absolutely Instagram-worthy, The Exchange is celebrated for its craft lattes and rotating selection of pastries. It’s a gathering place for students, remote workers, and book clubs alike.
Food Trucks & Hidden Gems: Local Foods Off the Beaten Path
Easley South’s food scene thrives on the unexpected — especially when you check out the food trucks and small, family-run eateries tucked between busier storefronts.
- Taco & Tico
- Cuisine: Salvadoran and Mexican Street Food
- Where To Find It: Usually parked at the intersection of S. 5th St. and Calhoun Memorial Hwy., lunchtime till late.
- Why Go: This truck is a cult favorite for its pupusas, birria tacos, and homemade hot sauces. Insiders know to ask for the daily off-menu special.
- K & W Asian Kitchen (103 S. Forest St.)
- Cuisine: Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese Fusion
- Price Range: $8–$15
- Why Go: Don’t be fooled by its modest strip-mall appearance — K & W delivers bold flavors (try the pad Thai or pho) and warm, personal service.
- Mama Rae’s Soul Food (Pop-Up)
- Cuisine: Homestyle Southern
- Where To Find It: Check their Facebook for the latest pop-up events around Easley South!
- Why Go: Chicken and dumplings, collard greens, banana pudding — Mama Rae’s is a labor of love, with recipes handed down for generations. Support this hidden gem at local festivals or parking lot events.
Where Foodies Gather: Clusters & Local Traditions
The south side of Easley centers around a lively stretch of S. Pendleton Street and Calhoun Memorial Highway. Here, you’ll find the highest concentration of casual eateries, family dining, and coffee shops. Southside also boasts a “First Friday Food Fair” each month (check the local events calendar), where vendors and food trucks pull up around the intersection of S. Pendleton and Calhoun, offering everything from Louisiana gumbo to cupcakes.
Easley’s food traditions echo classic Southern hospitality — generous portions, lots of made-from-scratch recipes, and gatherings that feel like home. It’s not uncommon to see Sunday brunch lines at Marcie Jo’s or backyard pig roasts hosted by The Smokin’ Pig. The community embraces food as both a comfort and a celebration.
Don’t Miss: Pro Tips from Easley South Foodies
- Get to Serafini’s early on weekends: reservations fill up fast!
- Friday lunch at The Smokin’ Pig is a local rite of passage for newcomers.
- For late-night cravings, El Agave’s taco platters and Tokyo Express’s sushi are available until 10pm.
- Marcie Jo’s cinnamon rolls sell out early on Saturdays — pre-order if you can.
- Follow Taco & Tico or Mama Rae’s on social media for real-time pop-up locations and limited-time specialties.
Final Bite: Why Easley South is a Foodie’s Delight
Whether you’re craving an old-fashioned BBQ, artisanal pastry, authentic Salvadoran pupusas, or just a great cup of coffee, Easley South delivers. It’s not just the food — it’s the warmth, creativity, and sense of community that make every meal memorable. So bring your appetite, meet a friend on Pendleton Street, and start tasting your way through one of Easley’s most satisfying neighborhoods.