Rock Hill’s culinary scene is booming! Forget driving miles for a decent meal – this city is packed with restaurants that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this curated list showcases Rock Hill’s must-try dining experiences. From casual bites to upscale elegance, Southern comfort food to international flavors, Rock Hill has something for every palate and budget. Find your new favorite spot amongst our top picks!
Top Rock Hill Restaurants: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
This guide explores a diverse range of Rock Hill restaurants, highlighting their unique cuisines, must-try dishes, and overall atmosphere. Get ready to discover your next dining destination!
1. The Flipside Restaurant: Southern Charm and Culinary Delights
Location: Downtown Rock Hill – 129 Caldwell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
The Flipside Restaurant embodies Southern hospitality and culinary excellence. Consistently ranked among Rock Hill’s best, it offers locally-inspired comfort food with Southern and classic American staples. Their extensive drink menu boasts local craft beers, creative cocktails, and refreshing mocktails.
Cuisine: Southern, American
Must-Try Dishes:
- Brunch: Southern Fried Chicken Monte Cristo (a unique twist on a classic)
- Lunch: Grilled Chicken, Spinach, and Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
- Dinner: Carolina Trout or Shrimp and Grits
Atmosphere: Cozy and upscale with repurposed architectural elements, a full-service bar, and outdoor seating. A private dining space is also available for events.
Interior of The Flipside Restaurant with diners
2. Burgers and Barley: Craft Burgers and a Lively Atmosphere
Location: Winthrop University Area – 111 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Burgers and Barley is a college-town favorite known for its high-quality burgers, extensive beer selection, and lively atmosphere. Customize your burger with various protein options (beef, bison, turkey, chicken, or black bean), or choose from their signature creations.
Cuisine: Burgers, Salads, American Bar Food
Must-Try Dishes:
- Daredevil Burger: Featuring poblano cream cheese, jalapeno frites, and chipotle mayo for a spicy kick.
- Wedge vs. Cobb Salad: A fresh and flavorful salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette.
Atmosphere: Casual and energetic with high-top tables, booths, a full bar, and a spacious outdoor patio with fire pits and a secondary bar.
Burgers and fries served at Burgers and Barley
3. Old Town Kitchen: Seasonal Dishes and a Chic Ambiance
Location: Lowenstein Building – 300 Technology Center Way Suite #203, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Old Town Kitchen offers a refined dining experience with a seasonally changing menu featuring locally sourced ingredients. Their innovative dishes and craft cocktails elevate classic American and Southern cuisine.
Cuisine: American, Southern, Contemporary
Must-Try Dish: Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich with a unique pickled pea relish and crispy fries.
Atmosphere: Stylish and inviting with exposed brick, large windows, lush greenery, and a spacious patio. A private dining room is available for special occasions. Parking validation is available.
Stylish interior of Old Town Kitchen with plants and bookshelves
4. Hobo’s: Burgers, Brews, and Live Music
Location: Winthrop University Area – 520 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Hobo’s is a popular spot for burgers, craft beers (including local brews from Off the Tracks Brewing next door), and hand-spun milkshakes. Enjoy live music on their patio or indoors, and participate in their Tuesday music bingo.
Cuisine: American, Burgers, Bar Food.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Fried Banana Peppers: Crispy and flavorful, served with chipotle ranch.
- The Wanderer Burger: Topped with cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions.
- Steak Quesadilla: A surprisingly delicious option on a cauliflower tortilla.
Atmosphere: Casual and rustic, featuring reclaimed wood from the historic Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company building, exposed brick, and a patio overlooking a shared green space.
Hobo's restaurant exterior with patio seating
5. Kounter: A Culinary Journey Through Unique Flavors
Location: Downtown Rock Hill – 135 E Main St Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Kounter offers a truly unique dining experience with Chef Rob’s innovative and unforgettable dishes. From Chicken and Waffle Sushi to Lobster Gnocchi, Kounter’s menu is a culinary adventure. The restaurant is located in a historic building with ties to the Civil Rights movement, adding a layer of cultural significance to your dining experience.
Cuisine: Contemporary American, Fusion.
Must-Try Dishes:
- The Crabby Patty: A flavorful crab cake sandwich with a fried caper remoulade.
- Spaghetti Os and Meatballs: Featuring lamb meatballs, orange-scented ricotta, and crispy basil.
Atmosphere: Intimate and stylish, preserving elements of the building’s past as McCrory’s Five and Dime while offering a modern dining experience. Reservations recommended.
Kounter's interior with bar seating and historic details
6. Cibi Cibi: Gourmet Food Truck Fare at Slow Play Brewing
Location: Winthrop University Area – at Slow Play Brewing, 274 Columbia Ave, Rock Hill, SC
Cibi Cibi is a beloved food truck parked outside Slow Play Brewing, offering a perfect pairing of craft beer and delicious food. Their menu features gourmet burgers, crispy Brussels sprouts, and flavorful wings. Enjoy Taco Tuesdays and other rotating specials.
Cuisine: Burgers, Sandwiches, American, Bar Food
Must-Try Dishes:
- Classic Cibi Cibi Burger: A double patty burger with caramelized onions and melted cheese.
- Fried Chicken Sandos: Available in various spice levels.
Atmosphere: Casual outdoor dining on Slow Play Brewing’s patio. Dog-friendly. Live music and events often take place at the brewery.
Cibi Cibi food truck parked outside
7. The Pump House: Upscale Dining with River Views
Location: Riverwalk – 575 Herron’s Ferry Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730
The Pump House is Rock Hill’s premier fine dining destination, boasting stunning architecture, breathtaking views of the Catawba River, and an elegant ambiance. Their menu features sophisticated Southern-inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list, and handcrafted cocktails.
Cuisine: Upscale Southern, Contemporary American
Must-Try Dishes:
- Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits: A Southern classic elevated with fresh ingredients.
- Blackened Tenderloin Cobb Salad: Featuring a flavorful honey balsamic vinaigrette.
Atmosphere: Elegant and refined with multi-level dining spaces, both indoor and outdoor, offering panoramic river views. Dress code recommended.
The Pump House exterior showcasing its unique architecture
8. Jasmine Grill: Authentic Mediterranean Flavors
Location: Cherry Road – 2476 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Jasmine Grill offers authentic Mediterranean cuisine with generous portions and a wide selection of dishes and sides. Family-style platters are also available.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Must-Try Dishes:
- Chicken Shawarma Plate: Served with Baba Ganoush and a refreshing side salad.
- Kafta Kebabs: Enjoy with Tapoleh salad and soup.
Atmosphere: Clean and casual dining space with booths and tables.
Jasmine Grill interior with booths and tables
9. Charanda: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds
Location: Two Locations: Dave Lyle – 2476 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 and Newport – 4811 Old York Rd Ste 101, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Charanda is a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine. Their extensive menu features classic dishes and their signature Ultimate Margarita is a must-try.
Cuisine: Mexican
Must-Try Dishes: Gringo Dip, Birria Tacos, Arroz Con Pollo, Chimichangas.
Atmosphere: Lively and vibrant with a traditional Mexican restaurant decor, booths, tables, and outdoor seating.
Charanda restaurant interior with colorful decor
10. The Dixie Pig: Rock Hill’s BBQ Haven
Location: Celanese Area – 2007 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
The Dixie Pig is a Rock Hill institution for barbecue lovers. Enjoy classic pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and all the Southern sides you crave.
Cuisine: Barbecue
Must-Try Dishes: Pulled Pork Sandwich or Plate, Chopped Brisket, BBQ Hash, Mac & Cheese.
Atmosphere: Classic BBQ joint with a casual and unpretentious vibe.
The Dixie Pig's exterior with signage
11. NC Noodle Bar: Authentic Asian Flavors
Location: Cherry Road – 2365 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
NC Noodle Bar is a standout among Rock Hill’s many Asian restaurants, offering authentic Thai cuisine with customizable spice levels.
Cuisine: Asian, Thai.
Must-Try Dishes: Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice, Pad Thai.
Atmosphere: Clean and simple with a variety of seating options, including a bar area and outdoor seating.
NC Noodle Bar interior with tables and chairs
12. Empire Pizza: More Than Just Pizza
Location: Two Locations: Celanese – 1405 Riverchase Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 and Newport – 4811 Old York Rd STE 106, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Empire Pizza offers a diverse menu beyond pizza, including salads, wings, calzones, sandwiches, pasta, and more. They also provide gluten-free and low-carb options.
Cuisine: Pizza, Italian-American, Bar Food.
Must-Try Dishes: Two Brothers Supreme Pizza, Greek Salad, Meatballs with Garlic Knots, Pizza Bowl (low-carb option)
Atmosphere: Casual dining with a lively bar scene. Booths, high-top tables, and a patio are available at the Celanese Location. Music bingo nights are featured.
Empire Pizza interior with bar area
13. Common Market: Deli Delights and Craft Beer
Location: Downtown Rock Hill – 161 West Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
Common Market is a popular spot for deli sandwiches, craft beer, and a vibrant atmosphere. They offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner options with vegetarian and vegan choices available.
Cuisine: Deli, American, Sandwiches
Must-Try Sandwiches:
- The Dilworth Scandal: Roasted turkey, bacon, cider-braised onions, and firecracker sauce on ciabatta.
- Pimpin’ D: Pimento cheese with bacon and tomato on sourdough.
Atmosphere: Bright and eclectic with a unique mural, diverse seating options, and a spacious outdoor patio. Located next to Two Scoops Creamery for convenient dessert options.
