News Summary
The food series “America’s Best Restaurants” is currently filming in Columbia, South Carolina, highlighting local eateries like East Bay Deli and Arabesque. East Bay Deli’s standout Dixie Darling sandwich impressed the host, while Arabesque showcased Lebanese dishes. The show also featured Brubaker’s Café & Bakery, noted for its Carolina Beef sandwich. Throughout the state, host Theo Williams explored various dining locations, including Silver Bay Seafood and Wingnutz, celebrating South Carolina’s culinary diversity. Additionally, two romantic spots, Charlie’s Coastal Bistro and Slightly North of Broad, gained recognition ahead of Valentine’s Day. Greenville’s Comal 864 was highlighted for its Tex-Mex cuisine.
Columbia Brings Exciting News for Food Lovers
In the vibrant city of Columbia, excitement is brewing as a popular food series called “America’s Best Restaurants” rolls through South Carolina. Over the last two weeks, the show has been busy filming at various local eateries, showcasing the unique flavors that the state has to offer. Two key spots that got the spotlight were East Bay Deli – The Hub and Arabesque, bringing food enthusiasts along for the taste-testing journey.
A Flavorful Adventure at East Bay Deli
On February 6, 2025, the crew captured what many foodies would describe as a delightful encounter at East Bay Deli, located at 1426 Main Street. Known for its New York-style deli fare, this local gem impressed host Theo Williams, who touted the Dixie Darling sandwich during a promotional segment. Filled with a triple decker of roast beef, turkey, Swiss, and hearty toppings on toasted rye, it seems this sandwich might become a people’s favorite.
Williams also sampled the East Bay burger and the fried chicken wrap, highlighting how essential quality and flavor are to creating awesome dishes. With 11 locations across South Carolina, East Bay Delis offer something tasty for everyone in the area.
The Cultural Experience at Arabesque
Just a day before, the filming crew delved into the colorful offerings of Arabesque on 2930 Devine Street. Here, the menu features Lebanese delicacies that include baba ganoush, grape leaves, and the much-praised lamb shank. Host Williams couldn’t stop sharing his enthusiasm for the robust flavors and wholesome ingredients that reflect the restaurant’s dedication to culinary heritage. Arabesque has been serving customers since its establishment in 2012 and actively honors the legacy of its founder, further emphasizing the connection between cultures through food.
Brubaker’s Café & Bakery Steals the Show
Another highlight from the series included Brubaker’s Café & Bakery, located in Sumter. At the café, which became a local favorite shortly after its debut in 2020, Williams was treated to the special creation called the Carolina Beef sandwich. The chef’s homage to his father involved yummy roast beef paired with chow chow, mustard, and homemade bread. The scrumptious treats didn’t stop there; Williams also indulged in a giant chicken salad croissant and a ham and fig sandwich.
Taking a loaf of their beloved bread home, it’s clear that Brubaker’s is not just a stop for a meal; it’s about creating memorable experiences associated with delicious bites.
Celebrating Diverse Culinary Options
But the adventure didn’t end there! Throughout the week, Theo Williams explored a range of dining choices, hitting up spots like Silver Bay Seafood in Simpsonville and Wingnutz in Fountain Inn. Each location has its own unique twist on flavor, demonstrating the wonderful variety of South Carolina’s food scene.
Meanwhile, earlier in January, a different host from the series traveled to the Greenville area, filming at a mix of local favorites including Tropical Grille and Rustic Farms Pizza Co. This early spotlight brings attention to the state’s rich culinary diversity, ensuring that there’s something for every palate.
South Carolina’s Romantic Eateries Shine
As Valentine’s Day approached, two restaurants also made it on the list of the country’s most romantic dining spots, according to OpenTable and Yelp. Charlie’s Coastal Bistro on Hilton Head Island and Slightly North of Broad (SNOB) in Charleston both earned acclaim as top destinations for a romantic meal, appealing to those looking to impress their loved ones.
A Culinary Recognition for Greenville
Not to be overlooked, the city of Greenville has joined the spotlight, as the restaurant Comal 864 gained national attention for its authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. This charming spot has transformed from a pop-up in 2019 into a recognized culinary staple, recently named in USA Today’s list of top restaurants in the country. With a focus on community, quality ingredients, and cultural connections, this establishment presents a delightful addition to Greenville’s energetic food scene.
As Columbia and neighboring cities continue to shine with their diverse and mouth-watering dining options, there’s no doubt that South Carolina is fostering a warm, inviting atmosphere for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Make sure to keep an eye out for the episodes as they unfold on various platforms, showing off the best of what South Carolina has to offer!
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Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
