Greenville’s bustling beverage scene is setting a new tone for the city.
Fresh off a hectic two years of living the nomad life, I was eager to plant roots in a new town. I eventually decided on Greenville: a small city in South Carolina’s Upstate backdropped by the Blue Ridge Mountains. What charmed me initially was its sprawling green spaces and quaint downtown. As I traversed the city’s suburban pockets, I discovered an equally rich food-and-beverage scene.
From upscale Georgian cuisine to eclectic Southern bistros, there’s a reason People recently named Greenville one of the top new foodie cities in America. (It’s also one of the locations Top Chef will be filming in for its 2026 season.) But while the food has gotten plenty of deserved acclaim, the city’s cocktail scene remains underrated. For those eager to try those libations, here’s a taste of what’s available to sip on.
FRIDAY:
My foray into Greenville begins by checking into The Westin Poinsett: a historic hotel in the heart of downtown. This year marks its 100th in operation, so it’s the perfect time for a stay.
A short walk from the space is Sum Bar, where chef Khailing Neoh’s rotating dim sum plates pair perfectly with seasonal cocktails made with baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor. Bejeweled is my personal favorite, with génépy Le Chamois, house orgeat, lime, and butterfly pea flower.
Right around the corner from Sum Bar, and on my list to visit next time, is Swordfish Cocktail Club, a speakeasy with sophisticated cocktails. But this time I’m headed to Camperdown Plaza and upstairs to Juniper, a garden- inspired gin joint with panoramic views of the city. The lush decor and cocktail menu change with the seasons but always pull me into the moment.
An invigorating walk through Falls Park is a natural next step. After admiring the city’s waterfall, speakeasy Vault & Vator on the other side of the Reedy River is the place to go for a nightcap. Here, the mixologists craft drinks based on a list of words customers choose from the menu. Tonight, an elusive blend of floral and fizz sounds just right.
SATURDAY:
To shake off the late night, I start the day with a trip to Methodical Coffee, then take a walk down Main Street to Reedy Rides to rent a bike. Following the path of the famous Swamp Rabbit Trail, the city’s 28-mile urban green- way, brings me to local grocer and food stop Swamp Rabbit Café. The store’s signature stecca bread tastes better at the picnic tables. Afterward, it’s time to scour their vast assortment of local pro- duce, craft-brewed beer, and souvenirs, then haul the loot to nearby Unity Park. For lunch, it’s Indian curry or Spanish tapas at the neighboring food hall The Commons, then a stop at Golden Brown & Delicious for the house bloody mary.
After some responsible imbibing, I bike back to the hotel to reset. Later on, The Village of West Greenville calls. Drifting through the neighborhood’s art galleries ends with a stop at Bar Margaret for a Damn Good burger and cOlá Fashioned cocktail. (It’s a tradition.) To end the night, I cross the street to The Rabbit Hole, Greenville’s Alice in Wonderland inspired craft cocktail bar. Rum in a teacup. Charmed!
SUNDAY:
Before checking out of The Westin Poinsett, I grab breakfast at their 1920s-inspired café Spoonbread, where drinks like a lemon drop martini or mimosa are available from the attached hotel bar, then explore the rest of Greenville’s quaint downtown. Exotic finds await at Vintage Now Modern, while the popular M. Judson Booksellers is housed in a stunning Beaux Arts-style courthouse. Aching feet is the signal for lunch, and it’s time to reflect at Pomegranate on Main. With the restaurant’s signature pomegranate martini in hand, I wonder how such a small city has so much to offer.
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