It’s always a good sign when eating somewhere for the first time to see a line out the door, isn’t it? On the one hand, you may not be super excited about having to wait before eating, but at least you know the food is going to be good once you sit down for the meal! Keep reading for the scoop on a family restaurant in South Carolina where you could expect to find a line out the door upon arrival …
Wade’s Restaurant is located in the downtown area of Spartanburg on North Pine Street.
Anthony Raynor/Google Reviews
Even though there’s a good chance there will be a line out the door when you arrive, especially on Sundays and Thursdays, it moves quickly and before you know it, you’re inside.
Phil Warren/Google Reviews
The restaurant was opened in 1947 by Wade and Betty Lindsey when they purchased a small grocery store on South Pine Street called Mrs. May’s Grocery, which had a small lunch counter where hot dogs, sandwiches, and soup were sold to the workers from Draper Corporation and Duke Power. It expanded to offer hot, home-cooked meals by customer request when Betty began serving her family’s recipes of southern-style meats and vegetables.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
The current location was actually opened in 1985 as the restaurant was growing. By this time, Betty had passed away, Wade had retired, and their son and daughter had taken the reigns.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook The original location ended up closing when it became evident that the best business decision was to concentrate on operating this one, which was larger and already busting at the seams!
During this time, the logo was redesigned to resemble a Wade’s Yeast Roll. People have always talked about and loved the yeast rolls. Even to this day, Wade’s produces 3,500 of its famous yeast rolls by hand each day.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
In 1995, a Wade’s billboard ad featuring a hand-drawn green bean with the headline, “‘Bean’ Me Up Scottie!” became the restaurant’s next claim to fame in Spartanburg. Who could have guessed that a light-hearted billboard campaign with puns based on vegetables or other food items would entertain local residents for more than two decades? It was brilliant, even if a pleasant surprise!
Wade’s Restaurant
And although it’s a meat ’n three restaurant, if you’d like to go lighter you can always opt for the grilled chicken chef salad!
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
If you don’t want meat, there’s a veggie plate option at Wade’s.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
If you love good ‘ole Southern sweet tea, you’ll want to have Wade’s sweet tea. It was voted “Best Sweet Tea” in Herald Journal’s Best of the Best Spartanburg Contest.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
Wade’s was also featured in Southern Living Magazine.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
And whether you split one or have it all for yourself, be sure to save some room for the daily featured dessert.
Eric Batson/Google Reviews
The atmosphere is laid-back and casual, and the employees are always smiling, cheerful, and helpful if you have questions. You’ll feel very at-home.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
There’s even Wade’s To-Go so that you can enjoy home-style food without all the work if you like the convenience or perhaps at times when you need it, such as after a surgery or during busier seasons.
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
Visit the Wade’s Restaurant website or Wade’s restaurant Facebook page for more details and updates. Have you ever eaten at Wade’s Restaurant, and if so, what did you have there? Share with us in the comments section below.
Anthony Raynor/Google Reviews
Phil Warren/Google Reviews
Wade’s Restaurant/Facebook
The original location ended up closing when it became evident that the best business decision was to concentrate on operating this one, which was larger and already busting at the seams!
Wade’s Restaurant
Eric Batson/Google Reviews
Check out the small stretch of shops in Spartanburg and knock out some good shopping while you’re there!
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Address: Wade’s Restaurant, 1000 N Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29303, USA
