Neighborhood Guide: Summerville

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 , 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 , 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

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 - 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.

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