Flipside Restaurant | Burgers and Barley | Old Town Kitchen | Hobo’s | Kounter | Cibi Cibi | The Pump House | Jasmine Grill | Charanda | The Dixie Pig | NC Noodle Bar | Empire Pizza | Common Market
The Best Restaurants In Rock Hill, SC
There’s no need to travel very far for great food. Rock Hill is teeming with great restaurants that will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you live here or are just passing through, our insider list has all our tried-and-true, can’t-go-wrong, favorite spots in town.
From a casual, laid-back atmosphere to fine dining, fresh hot pizza to savory shawarma. Do you want a convenient location close to all the best activities or perhaps something a little more intimate with a view? Rock Hill has it all. Southern home cooking, Asian, Mexican, BBQ and beyond — you will find your new favorite place here!
1. The Flipside Restaurant
Location: Downtown – 129 Caldwell St, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Locally inspired comfort food with Southern and classic staples. The Flipside is sure to please. It’s no surprise to us that The Flipside is rated No. 1 in Rock Hill. They have excellent service, delicious food, and great options for beverages as well. They have no shortage of great local beer options, cocktails and mocktails. The Rosemary Mojito is as refreshing as it is beautiful. The Flipside also has a private dining space to use for your next event.
Cuisine:
Southern, American
Order This Off Their Menu:
Brunch? Don’t miss the Southern Fried Chicken Monte Cristo. Don’t let the name fool you, it’s nothing like a Monte Cristo. The rosemary ham paired with the fried chicken and gravy just really work together.
Lunch? Grilled Chicken, Spinach, and Apple Salad. The cider vinaigrette is delightful and light.
Dinner? Try the Carolina Trout or the Shrimp and Grits. You won’t be sorry!
Menu: The Flipside Restaurant Menu
The Vibe
Comfortable and slightly more upscale than the usual grind. The Flipside Restaurant has some repurposed architectural elements that make the environment feel homey and cozy.
They have a small, full-service bar area, as well as many booths and tables throughout. You’ll also pass by several outside tables as you walk to the main entrance. The entrance is along a small walkway between buildings and gives the feel that you are sneaking in the side door.
2. Burgers and Barley
Location: Winthrop – 111 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Your local college dive burger joint. Don’t let the looks of this place fool you. The quality of the parking lot is no indication of the quality and freshness of the burgers. The menu has a lot of great burger options where you can substitute the protein or craft your own. Options include custom beef, bison, turkey, chicken, or black bean patties.
They have all-American starters like fried pickles and fried green tomatoes. Don’t forget the salads and mac and cheese too. They have something for everyone, including a full bar with a lot of fresh, local beer on tap. Outside, they have additional seating, fire pits, and a secondary bar. They stay open later than most in the area, which makes it great for a late dinner spot.
Cuisine:
Burgers, salads and more
Order This Off Their Menu:
Like things a bit spicy? Get the Daredevil, with poblano cream cheese, jalapeno frites, and chipotle mayo — the flavor is through the roof.
Want something a little lighter? The Wedge vs. Cobb salad is my favorite salad in town. Get it with the balsamic dressing (it is downright drinkable).
Menu: Burgers and Barley Menu
The Vibe
Inside is a casual mix of high tables, low tables, and booths along the wall. There is ample bar seating as well. Outside, they have a fenced-in yard area that consists mostly of picnic tables. TVs around the restaurant will be showing all the games you want to see.
3. Old Town Kitchen
Location: Lowenstein Building – 300 Technology Center Way Suite #203, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Situated just around the corner from Winthrop and down the street from the hubbub of downtown, Old Town Kitchen resides in the Lowenstein Building. This just might be our favorite spot in town.
The menu highlights thoughtfully curated dishes with atypical components that will have you coming back again and again. They change the locally sourced menu seasonally, and while we have some favorite items that come and go, we always find something new to love. There are classic American dishes like Steak and Fries as well as Southern favorites like Salt & Pepper Fried Flounder.
Old Town has a full bar with signature cocktails that really take the experience up a notch. They also offer brunch on Sundays.
Cuisine:
American, Southern
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Bang Bang Chicken Sandwich is a mouth-watering work of art. The bang bang sauce has a sweet little kick to it without being too spicy. It also has lettuce, tomato, pickle, and pickled pea relish that is unlike anything I’ve had before. Trust me, it works! It’s served with crispy battered fries.
Menu: Old Town Kitchen Menu
Date Idea:
Surprise your date with a game of cornhole at the American Cornhole League, which is in the same building. Play some cornhole before or after dinner.
The Vibe
A library, a plant store, and a restaurant all walk into a bar… yeah… that’s pretty much the vibe here.
It feels fresh and nostalgic at the same time. Exposed brick walls, huge windows, library-esque bookcases, and vibrant green plants throughout make this place feel wonderfully comfortable, kind of like you want to hide in the bathrooms when they close and stay overnight (or is that just me?).
A good-sized patio provides shaded space for a great outdoor dining experience. They also have a private room to use for special occasions or parties.
Park under the building and bring your ticket to the restaurant because they do validate parking
4. Hobo’s
Location: Winthrop – 520 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Jonesing for a burger? Hobo’s has you covered. They are known for their burgers, shakes, and brews, and for good reason! You can often find live music on the patio or inside, and on Tuesdays they have music bingo.
There are many local beers to choose from, some of which are from right next door — you can’t get much fresher than that. There are hand-spun milkshakes, with or without booze. There are build your own salad or build your own burger options with several different protein stylings, as well as a very diverse menu to please all tastes.
Cuisine:
American, burgers
Order This Off Their Menu:
Fried Banana Peppers, piled high and crispy, dip them in the chipotle ranch.
The Wanderer burger is my favorite: cheese, bacon, BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions. It’s so juicy.
Don’t sleep on the Steak Quesadilla. Ignore the part about it being on a cauliflower tortilla, you won’t even notice, and it is life changing. We have tried just about the whole menu.
Menu: Hobo’s Menu
The Vibe
Hobo’s is pumping life back into a historic building. The Rock Hill Coca-Cola Bottling Company moved into this same location back in 1941. The booths in the restaurant and other wood pieces were made from original wood in the building.
Exposed brick and old signage lend to the rustic, casual vibe here. There is an upstairs area you can use for large parties as well as a patio that overlooks a shared green space with the Perch complex.
Is there a wait? Help pass the time by going next door to Off the Tracks brewing for a cold one
5. Kounter
Location: Downtown – 135 E Main St Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Kounter’s slogan is, “The Rock Hill restaurant where you come to be delighted,” and I believe that to be true. Chef Rob has interesting menu items that will not soon be forgotten. With items like Chicken and Waffle Sushi, Bao Tacos and Lobster Gnocchi, it’s a culinary experience. Kounter also has great cocktails. There’s definitely more than meets the eye here.
The building used to be McCory’s Five and Dime, which resided here for 60 years. In 1961, nine African American students from the Friendship Jr. College were denied service but refused to leave. They became known as the Friendship Nine.
Their names are on the backs of the stools at the counter. Their story lines the hallway just past the entrance of the building, and a historical sign sits outside. Read more about the history of the Friendship Nine.
Kounter also partners with other local restaurants and has fun events from time to time. Check out their events page.
Cuisine:
Unique
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Crabby Patty: chili-lime crab cake with greens, tomato, and fried caper remoulade on a brioche bun. Mr. Krabs would lose his mind over this flavor.
For dinner, check out the Spaghetti Os and Meatballs: Lamb meatballs, anellini pasta with orange-scented ricotta, forest mushroom cream, and crispy basil. Shut up and take my money!!!
Menu: Kounter Menu
The Vibe
Kounter still resembles an old five and dime, with its counter and stools in place. However, it has been jazzed up and brought into the current century. It is an intimate space, so if you are planning a large party or not wanting to wait for a table, be sure to book a reservation.
6. Cibi Cibi
Location: Winthrop – @ Slow Play 274 Columbia Ave, Rock Hill, SC
Cibi Cibi is the mother of all food trucks in Rock Hill. They have the best burger, great crispy Brussels, and some dang good wings. Situated conveniently right outside Slow Play Brewing, you can have your favorite beer while chowing down on the best grub.
They do Taco Tuesday up right but just be ready for the menu to change up from time to time. It really is quite amazing all the delicious things that can come from one truck.
Cuisine:
Burgers, sandwiches, etc.
Order This Off Their Menu:
You’ve got to do it! The Classic Cibi Cibi burger is a double patty mess of cheesy, melty goodness with caramelized onions. I dream of this burger, it’s that good.
They are also known for their fried Chicken Sandos, but go easy on the heat, they don’t mess around. You don’t have to prove yourself to anyone, we know you’re cool!
Menu: Cibi Cibi Menu
The Vibe
It’s a food truck! Take it to-go, sit on the patio, or go inside Slow Play to eat. Friendly dogs are welcome on the patio, so take your pooch to dinner with you. Benefit from the live music and other happenings at Slow Play for dinner entertainment.
7. The Pump House
Location: Riverwalk – 575 Herron’s Ferry Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29730
Easily the nicest restaurant in Rock Hill. This one-of-a-kind restaurant was anything but fancy before it was turned into the beautiful place it is now. A rectangular brick room perched atop a concrete base has been transformed into this five-story, architectural beauty, with lovely views of the Catawba river.
Diners can enjoy their food and libations from multiple levels, inside or out. There is a bountiful wine list and plenty of Instagram-worthy cocktails to go around.
Cuisine:
Southern-inspired cuisine
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Shrimp and Anson Mills Grits, a classic favorite. They do it up right. The Blackened Tenderloin Cobb Salad is a delight, with the honey balsamic adding just a touch of sweetness.
Menu: The Pump House Menu
The Vibe
Upscale, dimly lit, and intimate. Don’t come wearing an old T-shirt. I mean, they’ll still serve you, but don’t be that guy. Elegant and classy but not so much that you feel uncomfortable.
8. Jasmine Grill
Location: Cherry Road – 2476 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
You’ve passed this place at least a hundred times. Do yourself a favor and stop next time. This is as authentic as it gets for Mediterranean food in Rock Hill. The menu and portions are large with plenty of side items to choose from. Jasmine Grill also offers family-style platters.
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Chicken Shawarma plate with Baba Ganoush and a side salad (has a fresh, flavorful minty taste with light dressing) or try the Kafta Kebabs with Tapoleh salad and soup.
Menu: Jasmine Grill Menu
The Vibe
This location used to be an old Del Taco. It still has that fast food building vibe to it, but one of the first things I noticed walking in, aside from the delicious smell wafting up my nostrils, was how clean everything was.
You can see straight back to the kitchen, and it is immaculate. Booths and tables fill the space and there are always people coming and going.
9. Charanda
Location: Dave Lyle – 2476 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 and Newport – 4811 Old York Rd Ste 101, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Rock Hillians can be quite territorial about their Mexican restaurants, like almost to the point of losing friends over it. I like and frequent a handful of different Mexican restaurants in town, so don’t come at me. Having to pick just one was hard, but for me Charanda wins. If you disagree, go order their Ultimate Margarita, and if you still disagree then we can chat about it.
If you are like me and are watching your figure… after gorging on chips, salsa, and that amazing ranch stuff they give you, you still order your meal. So go for it. Order the Fajitas Charanda served sizzling and heaping with steak, shrimp, chicken, and chorizo!
Enjoy. We only have one life to live, good thing there are two Charandas in town.
Cuisine:
Mexican
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Gringo Dip, Birria Tacos, Arroz Con Pollo, or the Chimichangas. All delicious!
Menu: Charanda Menu
The Vibe
Strip mall Mexican restaurant — exactly what that means to you is exactly what it is. Vibrant and tiled, long booths and plenty of seating means you never have to wait too long for a table. There are several outside tables as well.
10. The Dixie Pig
Location: Celanese – 2007 Celanese Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
I like pig butts and I cannot lie. If you do too, then you already know about The Dixie Pig. This is Rock Hill’s favorite BBQ. Great BBQ options from pulled pork to ribs to brisket, with all the fixings you crave.
Cuisine:
Barbeque
Order This Off Their Menu:
Don’t mess around, get the pulled pork BBQ sandwich or plate, OR if you are feeling frisky order the chopped Brisket. BBQ Hash and the Mac & Cheese are the sides you want to order.
Menu: Dixie Pig Menu
The Vibe
Divey BBQ joint next to a laundromat… but how else would you know it’s legit?
11. NC Noodle Bar
Location: Cherry Road – 2365 Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732
There are so many Asian places in Rock Hill, but don’t sleep on NC Noodle Bar. Drunken Noodles, Basil Fried Rice and Pad Thai are all great options that come highly recommended. You can tailor the spice level to your liking. Generous portions and friendly staff.
Cuisine:
Asian, Thai
Order This Off Their Menu:
My favorite item is the Basil Fried Rice, though I do love the Chicken Pad Thai as well. There are a lot of options to choose from, and I don’t think there are any wrong ones.
Menu: NC Noodle Bar Menu
The Vibe
Nothing too remarkable, the place is clean and there are low tables, high tables and there is also a bar area. There is an outside seating area, though I’ve never seen anyone sit out there.
12. Empire Pizza
Location: Celanese – 1405 Riverchase Blvd, Rock Hill, SC 29732 and Newport – 4811 Old York Rd STE 106, Rock Hill, SC 29732
Empire is more than just a pizza place. They have a very well-rounded menu. Salads, wings, calzones, sandwiches, meatballs, pasta, wraps, etc. Looking for low-carb or gluten-free options? They do a pizza bowl with all the stuff minus the crust. It’s delicious. They also have gluten-free crust options.
Cuisine:
Pizza and more
Order This Off Their Menu:
Get the Two Brothers Supreme if you are looking for pizza. Otherwise, they have a great Greek Salad. I typically get a small salad and a slice or wings. Oh, and their meatballs come with two garlic knots. YUM!
Menu: Empire Pizza Menu
The Vibe
Feels like a pizza place attached to a bar. They get a loud bar crowd if you go a bit later for dinner. They also do music bingo one night a week, so if you are wanting to have a good conversation you may want to call ahead to see what they have going on before dropping in. They have booths lining the walls, high tables in the bar, and a good-sized patio at the Celanese location.
13. Common Market
Location: Downtown – 161 West Main St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
I can’t explain the excitement I had when I heard Common Market was coming to Rock Hill. This place is so awesome y’all. From the amazing beer selections to the amazing deli. You can get breakfast, lunch, or dinner here. Everyone is friendly, and the space is so unique. They have great vegan and vegetarian options as well as many meats.
Cuisine:
American, deli
Order This Off Their Menu:
The Dilworth Scandal, roasted turkey, brown sugar bacon, cider-braised onions with firecracker sauce on ciabatta. Or try the Pimpin’ D, pimento cheese with bacon and tomato on sourdough. But everything is great!
Menu: Common Market Menu
The Vibe
Bright and unique. A fun white rabbit mural is painted on the back wall. A mishmash of diverse types of chairs and tables fill the space. There is a great outdoor area to have your lunch.
Getting breakfast at Common Market? Grab a coffee at Two Scoops next door OR grab home-made ice cream there for dessert after your amazing meal at Common Market.