10 of the best new restaurants in SC, according to Yelp reviews. Check them out

Patrick McCreless
The full lineup of meat and sides at Lewis Barbecue.

Where do you want to eat tonight?

It’s the age-old question that has plagued couples and friends — that has started arguments. The problem can even be compounded when you or your loved ones are tired of eating out at the same places, in part because you’re unaware of new restaurants that have opened.

The crowd-sourced review site Yelp has tried to alleviate part of this problem by keeping tabs on new restaurants and whether customers are enjoying them.

Below are 10 of the best rated new restaurants in the Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, North Charleston and Myrtle Beach areas, according to Yelp. The top two best rated restaurants were chosen for each location. All the restaurants listed have been open for a few weeks to three months at the most.

Columbia area

  • Frida’s Tacos & Bar promotes itself as a place for University of South Carolina students and Columbia natives to enjoy authentic Mexican food. The restaurant’s menu has all the Mexican dishes you could want, from various types of tacos and burritos, to tortas and plates with offerings of Gorditas and chicken empanadas. Frida’s is located at 601 Main Street.

  • Like many Americans, South Carolinians can’t seem to get enough chicken and that’s an obsession Cash’s Chicken hopes to capitalize on. The restaurant offers chicken tender baskets, Bird Dog sandwiches, freshly-baked croissants and more. Cash’s is located at 145 Chapin Rd., Chapin.

Greenville

  • John Lewis, founder of Lewis Barbecue in Charleston six years ago, recently opened a second location in Greenville and it’s been a hit so far. You’ll have plenty of barbecue options to choose from at the new spot, from beef brisket, pulled pork and ribs, to turkey breast and Texas hot guts sausage, which is made in house. Lewis Barbecue Greenville is located at 214 Rutherford St., Greenville.

  • Scoundrel offers an upscale dining experience of French cuisine. Start your meal off with a sampling of Golden Ossetra Caviar or escargots, followed by entrees such as ribeye, grilled chicken or glassy skin duck. Scoundrel is located at 18 North Main Street, Greenville.

Charleston

  • Ritual is a rooftop restaurant offering quality Mexican cuisine in a unique atmosphere. The restaurant focuses mainly on seafood dishes, but provides other options, like grilled lamb chops and steak. Ritual also has a brunch menu and a variety of cocktails. Ritual is located at 145 Calhoun St., Charleston.

  • A sports-themed restaurant and bar, The Natural offers fun games and plenty of televisions to watch your favorite teams, along with tasty food. The menu includes traditional American fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, wings and pizza. The Natural is located at 3297 Maybank Highway, 301, Johns Island.

Myrtle Beach

  • JEM Social bills itself as a cocktail lounge and social eatery that serves refined, classic American dishes. Sip on one of their many cocktails like the Mai Tai, Tequila Sunrise or Singapore Sling. Then sample smaller meals like Ahi tuna tacos or a charcuterie board or feast on larger entrees, such as Korean fried chicken, tempura fish and chips and grilled salmon. JEM Social is located at 7601 N Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach.

  • Fulfill all your Mexican food cravings at El Ranchito Salvadoreño. The restaurant’s menu consists of various kinds of tacos, quesadillas and fajitas, along with dishes such as pupusas, carne asada and tamales. El Ranchito is located at 4339 SeaMountain Highway.

North Charleston area

  • El Callao Latin Fusion offers a fresh take on Latin cuisine. Menu options include tacos and sandwiches. Or you can try one of the house specials, from sautéed beef tenderloin to chicken breast in a special coconut curry sauce. El Callao is located at 5060 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston.

  • La Rustica is a small Italian restaurant with plenty of heart and flavor. Here you’ll find a wide array of authentic Italian cuisine, including fresh-made house pasta, such as cannelloni, Fettuccine Bolognese and lasagna. La Rustica is located at 315 N Magnolia St., Summerville.

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