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We're entertaining company this weekend with a 1 year old and would like to dine downtown for dinner. Not too casual (like the hot dog place, pizza place or subway) but not too upscale.
Well, there's Carolina Ale House. There were lots of families there when we were there during Christmas week. Otherwise, there's also Overlook Grill at Falls Park (which is also downtown). Maybe Liberty Taproom at Fluor Field in the West End as well.
We're entertaining company this weekend with a 1 year old and would like to dine downtown for dinner. Not too casual (like the hot dog place, pizza place or subway) but not too upscale.
Suggestions?
Carolina Ale House
Smoke on the Water
Mellow Mushroom (very kid friendly)
Liberty Taproom
Overlook Grill (best in warm weather so you can sit outside)
I assume by "the pizza place," you were referring to Mellow Mushroom -- or perhaps Bellacino's, Bertolo's, Barley's, or Luna Rosa? There are multiple pizza options in downtown (including my plug, Trio), so I'm simply hoping for clarification.
My first rule with any guests (especially out-of-town) is to avoid any chains. This would eliminate Carolina Ale House and Mellow Mushroom. It's a shame that I have not heard one decent review about Overlook Grill - that's a fantastic location.
My initial recommendations: Sassafras Southern Bistro - this restaurant really highlights SC's cuisine, the prices are decent, and I don't think a one year old would be out of place (I saw a large family with kids the last time I was there). You need to try their shrimp and grits.
Mary Beth's is another very good establishment on McBee very close to downtown. Lack's some of the ambiance of other downtown restaurants but the food is great.
Others: Barley's. I know you don't prefer a pizza place, but it's local (independently owned now, split from the original Asheville store), and has a fantastic beer selection. Decent pizza, calzones, and others. Blue Ridge Brewing Company and Liberty Tap Room both look interesting but I've heard mixed reviews on both.
Check out Upstatefoodie (and, of course, Tripadvisor) for other ideas.
My first rule with any guests (especially out-of-town) is to avoid any chains. This would eliminate Carolina Ale House and Mellow Mushroom.Upstatefoodie (and, of course, Tripadvisor) for other ideas.
However, these are hardly chains in the "Red Lobster right off the interstate" mold.
Upstate, I agree with you - both Mellow Mushroom (MM) and Carolina Ale House are hardly national chains (although MM is getting close). MM now has 23 locations in both North and South Carolina. Usually with any rapid expansion, the atmosphere becomes more "corporate" and food quality/service tanks.
I must confess that MM is very kid friendly and the pizza (at least here at the Greenville location) matches or surpasses Barley's (my opinion only).
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