Mauldin, South Carolina, offers a delightful variety of hidden food gems for lovers of diverse and authentic flavors. Here are the top 5 hidden culinary treasures in Mauldin for food lovers:
- Tommy’s Snack Bar in Kellett’s Korner: A longtime family-owned roadside service station restaurant known for its breakfast and lunch featuring coffee, grits, biscuits, hotdogs, and hamburgers. It’s a beloved local spot frequented by politicians and city administrators, offering an affordable and truly local experience.
- Mauldin Open Air Market: A charming, old-fashioned produce stand open year-round. It features a wide variety of fresh produce and specialty items sourced from Upstate farms, including dairy, sausages, pimento cheese, jams, and more. This market lets visitors taste real local flavors direct from the region.
- Stella’s Southern Bistro: Opened in 2019 by Chef Jason Scholz, this restaurant is acclaimed for its farm-to-table Southern cuisine, showcasing fresh, local ingredients and creative dishes that have won accolades from across the Upstate dining community.
- Piccola Italia: A hidden gem for authentic Italian cuisine in Mauldin, serving delicious pasta and pizza that offer guests a genuine taste of Italy without leaving South Carolina.
- Nana’s Kitchen: Known for comforting homestyle meals that feel like home, Nana’s Kitchen is a favorite for locals seeking hearty, satisfying Southern dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
These spots highlight Mauldin’s inviting local food culture with a range of experiences from casual roadside diners to refined Southern farm-to-table, authentic Italian, and nostalgic home cooking. They provide both residents and visitors an opportunity to indulge in rich culinary traditions and fresh local flavors.
SOURCES
[1](https://evendo.com/locations/south-carolina/mauldin/best-restaurants)
[2](https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Restaurants&find_loc=Mauldin%2C+SC)
[3](https://discoversouthcarolina.com/articles/in-mauldin-hidden-gems-are-in-plain-sight)
[4](https://thebougiefoodie.net/travel-inspiration/5-hidden-gem-destinations-for-food-lovers-with-a-taste-for-adventure)
[5](https://www.wanderwithwonder.com/where-to-find-the-best-hidden-culinary-gems-on-your-next-trip/)