the best places to sip, shop, and unwind
A20 Market & Café is one of those places perfect for lingering. Stop in for a pistachio milk cappuccino (trust me, it’s the order) or your typical go-to before browsing their mix of gifts, clothing, and home finds. It’s equal parts café and curated boutique, and always worth the walk. Open every day.
Perched on the Reedy River, Local Honey & The People’s Tap blends the best of coffee, beer & wine. Their matcha is the best in town, part of an extensive and creative drink menu. Settle into the cool, laid-back interior or grab a seat outside and people watch the Swamp Rabbit Trail with the riverfront as your backdrop. Closed Mondays.
Right in the historic downtown courthouse, M. Judson is one of Greenville's go-to gathering places. The shop was named for Mary Camilla Judson, one of the founders of Greenville Women’s College, giving the space a tie to the city’s literary and educational roots. Inside, shelves are lined with thoughtfully chosen books and tucked-away nooks are the perfect place to pause with a good book. Open every day.
Just down the marble staircase below M. Judson you’ll find The Altar Spa, a retreat tucked away in the center of downtown. Recently voted America’s Best Day Spa by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards, it is known for its massages, facials, and candlelit hallways that feel worlds away from Main Street above. Their iS Clinical Fire & Ice facial, aka the “Red Carpet” facial, is a local favorite for achieving the instant glow. Open every day.
When Greenville starts to wind down early, locals know to head to the bar at Halls Chophouse, one of the city’s favorite late(ish)-night spots. Open every weekday until 10 p.m., it pairs a fantastic menu with daily live music that keeps it fun. On the cocktail list, Bill’s Bramble is a crowd favorite, while the hot pepper martini is a must-try for anyone bold enough to order it.
For the most special cocktail experience in town, Swordfish Cocktail Club is a must if you're in Greenville on a Wednesday through Saturday night. And if not, it's reason enough to plan a second visit. Even the bar itself is a work of art, crafted entirely from copper. Alongside the drinks, the pomme de terre has become the dish everyone whispers about, a must-order to pair with your glass. One of Greenville’s best-kept secrets, Swordfish is hidden behind an unmarked entrance, giving it the feel of a true speakeasy discovered only by those in the know. Reservations recommended, simply text them at 864-434-9519.
If you’re up for a fifteen-minute walk down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, The Commons is worth the detour. This modern food hall sits right along the Reedy River and brings together some of Greenville’s local favorites under one roof. You’ll find Methodical Coffee, Golden Brown & Delicious for brunch or burgers (one of my favorite in town), Automatic Taco for something casual, and Community Tap for a local craft beer. With indoor and outdoor seating and views of the trail, it’s one of the best spots in town to linger over a coffee or meet friends for lunch.
