Known for its historic homes, azalea blooms, + for being the “birthplace of sweet tea” Summerville, S.C. has a long and storied history. Their motto is “The Flower Town in the Pines,” and it’s where residents + tourists have traveled since the late 1700s to find relief in the sweltering Charleston heat – hence the name, Summerville.
Now, the booming town resides in one of the fastest growing counties in the state with housing developments, restaurants, + local businesses popping up every day. It was also ranked as one of the “South’s Best Retirement Towns” this year by Southern Living.
So the next time you hop on I-26 W, travel north about 25 miles + follow our guide for the best places to eat, drink, shop, + play in the town of Summerville.
Start your day
Cuppa Manna | Photo by @cuppamanna
Cuppa Manna, 100 S. Main St.
Known for their coffee, bubble tea, + avocado toast.
Biggby Coffee, 717 Old Trolley Rd.
Cafe serving fresh espresso in all hot, iced or frozen lattes.
Corner House Cafe, 1609 Beech Hill Rd.
Fresh coffee, pastries, sandwiches, + more.
Sunrise Bistro, 110 Miles Jamison Rd
Serving up breakfast staples including french toast, open-faced omelets, biscuits and gravy, + much more.
Toast of Summerville, 717 Old Trolley Rd Unit 10
Pair your breakfast with bottomless mimosas.
Eva’s on Main, 129 S Main St
Southern staples cooked up with locally sourced ingredients.
First Watch - Summerville, 1097 N Main St Suite 202
Freshly prepared dishes, juices, + baked goods. Come for breakfast or stay for lunch.
Visit
World’s Largest Sweet Tea, 200 S Main St.
Stands over 15 feet tall + can hold up to 2,524 gallons of sweet tea.
Summerville Dorchester Museum, 100 East Doty Ave
“The Summerville-Dorchester Museum promotes understanding and appreciation of our region and heritage through guided tours of the museum, lectures, demonstrations, exhibits + research.”
Flowertown Theatre, 133 S Main St.
Community theater in downtown Summerville.
Colonial Dorchester State Historical Site, 300 State Park Rd,
“Visitors can watch as archaeologists unearth the settlement’s history.”
Get outside
Hutchinson Square, 102 S. Main St.
A local gathering space in the heart of downtown Summerville. Renovated in 2019.
Azalea Park, 500 S. Main St.
A 12-acre garden with walking paths, tennis courts, + of course, seasonal azaleas.
Doty Park, 320 N. Laurel St.
Features picnic tables, a playground, walking paths, + more.
Gahagan Park, 515 West Boundary St.
A sports-oriented park with football fields, baseball fields, shelters, + more.
Stop for some grub
Five Loaves Cafe | Photo by @anne.realtor.chefswife
Five Loaves, 214 N Cedar St.
Open for lunch, dinner, + weekend brunch. Our team recommends the soup flight.
The Eclectic Chef, 125 Central Ave.
Cooking studio, catering, + gourmet food to go.
Crust Wood Fired Pizza, 1097 N Main St.
Featuring a variety of pizza + local craft beer.
Taco Boy, 106 Front St.
Tacos, salads, rice bowls, + more.
Matt’s burgers, 102 S Cedar St.
The chili cheeseburger is highly recommended by their Facebook community.
Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream & Sandwich Cafe, 1205 N. Main St. + 602 Old Trolley Rd.
More than just ice cream – try their burgers, sandwiches, + famous hot dog.
The Ice House Restaurant, 104 E. Doty Ave.
Eclectic farm to table southern fare. Our team recommends the Pecan Fried Pork Chop.
Oscar’s of Summerville, 207 W 5th N St.
Traditional Southern foods served in a casual luxury environment.
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, 114 Central Ave.
Casual seafood.
Montreaux Bar & Grill, 127 West Richardson Ave
You can’t see it front the front, but be sure to check out their backyard bar + patio!
Myles and Jun Yakiroi, 710 Bacons Bridge Rd.
This authentic Japenese restaurant has a 4.8 star rating on Google with over 400 reviews. Opens at 4:30 p.m.
Swig & Swine, 1900 Old Trolley Rd.
Slow-smoked meats + cold craft beer.
Low Country Fish Camp, 903 Central Ave.
A laid-back rustic restaurant with fresh, local seafood.
The Red Pepper, 709 N. Maint St.
Voted Best Italian by Summerville Journal Scene readers, 2008 & 2013.
Italian Bistro, 1605 Central Ave
Voted best Italian by Summerville Journal Scene.
Halls Chophouse, Located in the Nexton Community, 106 Greeting House Rd.
Opening Summer 2019
Shop
Guerin’s Pharmacy, 140 S Main St.
Founded in 1871, this old pharmacy also has local gifts, souvenirs, + a 1920’s soda fountain.
Summerville Farmers Market, 200 S Main St.
Saturday’s from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Coastal Coffee Roasters, 108 E 3rd N St.
Specialty coffee that’s locally roasted.
Lowcountry Olive Oil, 103D S Main St
Featuring a large selection of gourmet olive oils.
Four Green Fields, 117 Central Ave., Unit A
Art, gifts, + gourmet food.
East Winds, 134 S Main St.
Women’s apparel + jewelry.
Piazza Home, 127 Central Ave.
Home decor + design studio.
Fly Modern Apparel, 14 E Richardson Ave.
Modern women’s apparel.
Every Thing Chic, 126 S Main S.
Vintage store with decor, gifts, + more.
Summerville Antique Gallery, 901 N. Main St.
Local antique furniture, toys, + more.
Antiques & Artisans Village, 619 Old Trolley Rd.
Antique furniture, signs, + unusual finds.
Bakers Garden BBQ Kitchen, 807 Central Ave
A reader described it as “A true mashup. You can buy plants and things for the garden and on Thurs-Sat. get fabulous BBQ.”
Fancy a nightcap
Flight of beer | Photo by @oakroadbrewery
Accent on Wine, 132 S Main St.
Wine + charcuterie bar.
Wine and Tapas Bar, 103 S Main St. Unit A
Offering small plates, a kids menu, charcuterie, paninis, + more.
Oak Road Brewery, 108 E 3rd N St.
Local beer. Our team recommends the Coastal Carolina Evening, Coffee Porter, 6.0% ABV.
Wide Awake Brewing, 1907 Varner St.
Established in 2019.
Homegrown Brew House, 114 S. Main St.
Local brewpub.
Come for an event
Third Thursday Event | Photo by Summerville Dream
Third Thursday - The 3rd Thursday of every month from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Sweet Tea Festival - Sept. 21, 2019
Summerville Italian Feast - Oct. 20, 2019
Summerville Family YMCA Flowertown Festival - Apr. 2020 (exact dates TBA)
Azalea 5K - April 18, 2020
Have a favorite place or even that’s not on our list? Let us know in the comments below.