Dining in Darlington County

The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant on Friday night in Darlington is a family tradition for many Darlington County residents Photo By Jana E. Pye

The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant on Friday night in Darlington is a family tradition for many Darlington County residents
Photo By Jana E. Pye

Eat, Shop and Play in Darlington County

As a locally owned newspaper in Darlington County, the News & Press joins the ranks of other small businesses in our county by striving to provide the best product and customer service to our neighbors here at home.

By dining, shopping and enjoying recreation within our county, we are providing tax revenue that affect the following services:

• Darlington County School District

• Darlington County Sheriff’s Department

• Darlington County Fire District

• Darlington County Parks and Recreation

• Darlington County Library System

• Darlington County Historical Commission

• Darlington County Economic Development

• Darlington County Recycling

• Darlington County Emergency Medical Services

Just to name a few!

Whether you choose to spend your dollars in Darlington, Hartsville, Lamar or Society Hill, you are helping our county remain strong. Likewise, by shopping in other counties, you will be helping their county grow.

Generating larger tax revenue per sales dollar to locally owned businesses helps us all – and provides more jobs for our neighbors.

Shopping with small businesses allows you to spend less time driving, allowing you more time to spend with your family.

In the next coming months, we will be featuring places to dine, shop, receive specialty services, and recreation from all across the county. We hope to inspire residents to become a tourist in their own county, seek out new experiences and perhaps try places they frequented in the past. Try new things!

In this first installment, we are sharing several dining experiences for you to try; we have so many to share in the county that we may feature another dining story later on. Be sure to see the photo gallery at the end of the page for a peek at some of the great food, owners, interiors and exteriors!

If you are a Darlington County business that would like to be featured in upcoming features, please contact us at: 843-393-3811.

By Jana E. Pye and Samantha Lyles

When you think of dining out, we hope to encourage readers to think of home first! By dining with locally owned restaurants, you are supporting not only a small business; you are helping keep tax dollars here at home in Darlington County.

In this first installment of Dining in Darlington County, we are featuring local restaurants that may be old favorites, with some new places that have yet to be tried. Be a tourist in your own county!

Betty Sue’s Seafood & Soul Food

If you dream of fresh – never frozen – seafood and the soul food that your Grandmama used to cook, you will find it at Betty Sue’s Seafood & Soul Food. Owners Derrick and Bernadette Echols of Timmonsville are committed to making sure that each dish they serve is delicious, and have enjoyed being part of the Darlington County community. So much so they are considering moving here!

Derrick and Bernadette Echols have brought the freshest seafood and soul food expertly cooked "the way your Grandmama made it" to satisfied diners of their Betty Sue's Seafood & Soul Food Restaurant in Hartsville. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Derrick and Bernadette Echols have brought the freshest seafood and soul food expertly cooked “the way your Grandmama made it” to satisfied diners of their Betty Sue’s Seafood & Soul Food Restaurant in Hartsville.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

“Since we opened this summer, we’ve had customers tell us that we cook they way they remember their Grandmama cooking,” said Bernadette. “My husband grew up helping his mother with her catering business, and he and our chefs Akmim Miles and Cynthia Cooper are experts at cooking fish. We start each day with a prayer, and know that God has led us to the perfect location for our restaurant.”

The restaurant, named for their mothers – Betty, Derrick’s mother, and Bernadette’s late mother Sue – has been busy since they first opened the doors. Entrees include croaker, whiting, flounder, tilapia, catfish, shrimp, oysters, scallops, clam strips, and sides. A specialty is the hushpuppies complete with corn niblets, and sides of fried okra and stewed tomatoes and rice.
The couple plans to add broiled fish and crab legs to the menu, which will be offered in mid November.

Betty Sue’s Seafood & Soul Food is located at 804 South Fifth Street in Hartsville. Their hours are : and their phone number is: 843-917-2007. You can find them on Facebook: Betty Sue’s.

Bow Thai

When Souradet Lengsavat and his wife Siwasuda purchased Bow Thai restaurant in 2012, they knew they had special place.

“We didn’t change a thing,” said Siwasuda. “We had a good menu. We wanted to keep it the same, and make it the best.”

Souradet and Siwasuda Lengsavat, owners of Bow Thai in Hartsville, bring the tastes of their native Thailand to patrons of their downtown Hartsville restaurant. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Souradet and Siwasuda Lengsavat, owners of Bow Thai in Hartsville, bring the tastes of their native Thailand to patrons of their downtown Hartsville restaurant.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

When original owners Pitchsinee Anant and her husband Donald Quist moved to Thailand, the recipes that made customers visit from as far away as Myrtle Beach have remained the same – much to the delight of their regular customers.

The most popular dish on the menu remains the Pad Thai, and when the daily special includes Pad Thai with duck, Bow Thai always sells out.

Souradet is the head chef of the restaurant, and both he and his wife are originally from Thailand. “This is the food we grew up with,” he says.

The menu boasts traditional Thai fare using only the highest quality and authentic ingredients. Their curries and peanut sauce are made from real coconut milk from Thailand, and all meals are served with jasmine rice. Each entrees is prepared fresh and made to order, each dish leaving the kitchen with a perfect representation of Thai cuisine.

The couple attributes the great location in downtown Hartsville as being good for their restaurant, and for their family of two children, ages 10 and 11. “It is convenient for us to shop for food for the business, and get our children to and from school,” says Siwasuda. “In a larger city like Charlotte, that would take 30 minutes or more. We are very happy here.”

The couple would love to offer delivery in the future, and have remained committed to supporting students as servers.

Bow Thai is located at 150 E. Carolina Avenue in Hartsville. For take out or catering, contact them at: 843-917-4026. Hours are: Lunch : Monday – Friday 11-2:30 p.m. Dinner : Friday 5 -9:30 p.m. and Saturday 12 pm – 9:30 p.m.

Jewel’s Deluxe Cafe

When India Rogers took over Jewel’s on the Square in Darlington, she didn’t change a the menu. “The original chefs were already here, and they trained my current ones when they retired,” said Rogers. “Our customers love the ‘meat and three’ and it’s comparable to Mom’s home cooking.”

Ray and Mary Clanton have enjoyed eating at Jewel's Deluxe Cafe for many years. "The food is always so good, and we love the people that run it," said Mrs. Clanton. The couple are two of owner India Rogers' favorite customers. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Ray and Mary Clanton have enjoyed eating at Jewel’s Deluxe Cafe for many years. “The food is always so good, and we love the people that run it,” said Mrs. Clanton.
The couple are two of owner India Rogers’ favorite customers.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

The restaurant has fans that travel from Camden, Florence and points beyond for a taste of the great fried chicken, baked chicken, and the delectable corn bread dressing that the restaurant is known for. In fact, each Thanksgiving and Christmas the kitchen prepares hundreds of pounds of dressing and sweet potato soufflé for customers to add to their traditional family meals.
In addition to the good country cooking, Jewels also sells lighter fare such as sandwiches and salads.

When court is in session at the courthouse across the street, you may bump into a good many attorneys, jurors and judges- and see familiar faces of the regulars that frequent the bustling dining room each weekday.

One of the most unique things about the dining experience is the quaint tradition of writing down your order on a slip of paper to hand to the server directly. Although no one really knows for certain how the tradition began, locals know ahead of time to pick up a pencil on their way by the cash register.

“We love the idea of encouraging Darlington County residents to consider eating at our local restaurants,” shared Rogers. “When you eat with us, you are helping support people that have children that go to school with your children. We get to know our regular customers and call them by name. Personally, I think of my customers as family.”

In addition to the great noontime meals, the restaurant hosts club meetings such as the Pilot Club, and bridal brunches and other events. Visit them at 32 Public Square in Darlington, open weekdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and occasional Sundays. For catering or to place orders, call them at: 843-393-5511.

Joe’s Grill

When you think of eating in Darlington, you think of Joe’s Grill. When new owner Lisa Ralley bought the business from Joey Saleeby in July of 2015, she knew that the name just had to stay the same.

Lisa Ralley, owner of Joe's Grill in Darlington with two of her loyal customers - Chief Jim Stone, far left and David Vaughan, far right... self professed members of the "clean plate club." Photo by Jana E. Pye

Lisa Ralley, owner of Joe’s Grill in Darlington with two of her loyal customers – Chief Jim Stone, far left and David Vaughan, far right… self professed members of the “clean plate club.”
Photo by Jana E. Pye

“We have brought in some new food,” says Lisa. “And we plan on expanding the size of the kitchen, and hopefully doubling the size of the dining room.”

The business has really grown under her leadership, and many of the patrons spoke up during the interview that the worst part of the restaurant is that “The food is so good she runs out!”

Lisa laughed at that, and replied back, “Well I tell y’all to get here earlier!”

Growing up in the restaurant business – her family ran Bazen’s restaurant in Florence – Lisa is a restaurateur at heart. She describes the food as “Southern comfort food” and her regulars are a loyal group.

Each week, she offers specials; Monday: meatloaf; Tuesday: chicken and dumplings; Wednesday: salmon patties; Thursday: baked chicken and dressing; and Friday: catfish. The restaurant also offers three other meats daily.

She had offered evening hours, but did not see a lot of support so she has gone back to the 7 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. schedule, and is open on the first and third Sundays of each month.

One of the toughest parts of running such a successful business is that by the end of each day, the food is completely sold out. “Lord, I never get to eat here,” says Ralley. “We are nearly always sold out!”

Regular customers Jim Stone and David Vaughan say they are part of the “clean plate club” at the Joe’s Grill, holding court at the table by the far left side of restaurant. “It’s the best,” says Vaughan. “I eat here every week,” echoed Stone. “It’s always so good.”

Joe’s Grill is located at 306 Russell Street, open weekdays 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Their phone number is: 843-393-9140.

The Lighter Side

Lighter Side, Inc. restaurant was founded in 2016 by Catrina Penny. Her vision is to improve customer’s lives through remaking classic and new meals with fresher and higher quality ingredients. To achieve this vision, the source of the many of the items are from the Carolina’s and surrounding states. All entrees are prepared GMO free, and no high fructose corn syrup is used in any of the meals. The Lighter Side is committed to providing better food for real people. “It’s your health. It’s your LighterSide.” Many items are gluten free and diabetic friendly.

Diners at The LighterSide in Hartsville have a choice of eating at the bar to watch their favorite teams, or dine in the large dining room. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Diners at The LighterSide in Hartsville have a choice of eating at the bar to watch their favorite teams, or dine in the large dining room.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

The large restaurant features delectable entrees such as shrimp and grits, Maryland style crab cakes, pan seared salmon, center cut file topped with apple glaze, the “Good Old Boy” – ground fish smothered in bourbon sauce topped with caramelized onions and sautéed mushrooms; Brazilian Bistro steak marinated in coffee spice blend with a bourbon glaze; 14 ounce certified Angus beef rib eye; and pan seared pork chops; chicken cutlets lightly breaded with mushrooms, pearl onions and bourbon glaze; and pasta with grilled eggplant, portabella mushrooms, onions and red peppers in angel hair pasta with sherry wine cream sauce served with choice of chicken, shrimp or steaks, along with a variety of burgers, salads, and signature sides. A delightful beer, wine and inventive list of cocktails, appetizers and delicious desserts make this a new dining treat for patrons wishing for a new experience in dining. A full size bar with plenty of seating with large screen televisions make this a popular location to watch sporting events. A new menu has just been debuted, and patrons are encouraged to come try the new enrees.

Lighter Side is located at 217 North Fifth Street in Hartsville, directly across from the Center Theater. The hours are Mon. – Weds. 11:00 am. – 9:30 p.m.; Thurs. – Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Sun. Closed.

They may be contacted at: 843-332-7000 and at their website LIGHTERFOOD.com and Facebook LighterSide.

Mamma Mia

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a freshly made pizza pie, and few restaurants can top the piping hot pies served up by Mamma Mia, located at 114 Ward Street in Darlington. Boasting special recipe pizza dough topped with homemade sauce and mozzarella, Mamma Mia’s provides an authentic New York-style pizza without having to brave the Big Apple traffic.

The food at Mamma Mia's is always a treat for diners, owner Vincenzo Monterosso shares his native Sicilian recipes at his popular restaurant in Darlington.

The food at Mamma Mia’s is always a treat for diners, owner Vincenzo Monterosso shares his native Sicilian recipes at his popular restaurant in Darlington.

You can dress your order any way you like, choosing from a variety of premium toppings, including steak, grilled shrimp & chicken, or you can select one of Mamma Mia’s specialty pies like the Philly Deluxe (Philly steak, mushrooms, onion and green peppers), the classic Margarita (tomatoes, olive oil, basil, garlic, and mozzarella), or Mamma Mia’s Favorite (tomatoes, spinach, garlic, feta and mozzarella, and Alfredo sauce).

The menu includes a variety of delicious Italian fare, like calzones, Stromboli, and pasta dinners (ranging from manicotti and tortellini to eggplant parmigiana), salads, and hot sandwiches – all of which can be enjoyed with a nice glass of wine or a cold beer. For those with a sweet tooth, be sure to sample some of Mamma Mia’s yummy desserts, including an New York-style cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, tiramisu, and cannoli.

Mamma Mia’s Restaurant in Darlington is open weekdays from 10:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m., and call-in orders are welcome at 843-968-9285. And be sure to visit their second location in Bishopville at 213 Gregg Street – same awesome food at a new locale!

The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant

The popular North Carolina Mayflower restaurant chain has only one South Carolina location, and thankfully for Darlington County we are the lucky location!

Mitchell Merriman prepares to serve customers at The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant on Harry Byrd Highway in Darlington. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Mitchell Merriman prepares to serve customers at The Mayflower Seafood Restaurant on Harry Byrd Highway in Darlington.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

The large seafood restaurant is home to bountiful portions of seafood platters piled high with large portions of fresh seafood, fries and delicious hush puppies. One of the most popular dishes is the Fried Captain Smith’s combo platter (with flounder, oysters, scallops, popcorn shrimp and deviled crab), and the Mayflower Onion with horseradish sauce appetizer is a perennial favorite, along with daily specials keep the restaurant parking lot full daily for lunch and dinner.

Manager Kala Roscoe said that the restaurant celebrated their 6th year anniversary on Tuesday Oct 11. “When we moved here from Cheraw, we already had a loyal following of patrons from Darlington County.” She said. “We host many large church groups, and they like the fact that we are a family style restaurant and do not serve alcohol.”

The restaurant employs 25+ employees, and now that the Rock Hill location closed they are the remaining Mayflower location in the state.

The address 1765 Harry Byrd Hwy. Darlington. The hours are 11 – 9 p.m. daily, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. The phone number is: 843-393-9181.

McB’s Sweets and Treats

Tucked away in the small town of Society Hill is a new hidden treasure eatery, The Mc B’s Sweets and Treats restaurant on Main Street opened on September 1 The food is lovingly prepared by Leonard McKnight handling the breakfast and lunch fare, with Robbie Byrnes serving her mouthwatering baked goods.

Robbie Burns prepares to serve a slice of her freshly iced red velvet cake at Mc B's Sweets & Treats in Society Hill. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Robbie Burns prepares to serve a slice of her freshly iced red velvet cake at Mc B’s Sweets & Treats in Society Hill.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

The most popular food is southern fried chicken and homemade, hand patted hamburgers, fries, chicken, hamburger steak is a popular one. Salmon patties are another specialty that has been a favorite with diners.

“When my regulars come in, I fix their plate- I know what they want and bring it to them,” said Leonard. “If it’s good, they tell their friends. We have had a lot of customers tell us they came in because of what their friends told them!”

The location on Main Street has two dining rooms; they plan to offer a buffet in the second side at a later date.

Robbie, who is from Society Hill, teaches full time and comes in each morning to help set up for the breakfast crowd, and comes back at the end of the day and weekends to do her baking. “This has been my dream, “ she says. “I’d love to bake full time. I really love having this big kitchen to work on my cakes.” Her top requested sweets are her pound cake, red velvet, and chocolate cakes. “Not many places do their desserts in house anymore,” she says. “Having a fresh dessert is what keeps our customers coming back.”

McKnight, who hails from Florence, grew up in the restaurant business. “My father runs a restaurant in Lake City, and I learned from him that good food and good customer service are the best thing you can give a customer. I try to serve each meal as if it were what I would want to receive as a customer.”

Since opening this summer, the restaurant has seen a tremendous amount of people coming in for a full breakfast and the country-cooking lunches.

The restaurant is open from 6 a.m. until 4 p.m., seven days a week, breakfast and lunch.

Raceway Grill

Tony Baird took over the infamous Raceway Grill next to the Darlington Raceway in January 5th of this year. Recently retired from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Department, Baird is also an Ambassador for the NASCAR track.

Tony Baird, new owner of the Raceway Grill, shares his grilling expertise with a host of delighted patrons of the iconic restaurant. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Tony Baird, new owner of the Raceway Grill, shares his grilling expertise with a host of delighted patrons of the iconic restaurant.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

“I grew up eating here,” says Baird. “I’m having a blast doing this… I’m living the dream!”

Barid was born in Hartsville, and grew up in Bishopville; when he moved back in 1998 after he got married, he started thinking about opening a restaurant. “My Mom was in the catering business, and I always enjoyed cooking. The former owner, Ernest Scurry’s wife Judy and my Dad are first cousins. This time I asked them if they ever decided to retire to sell it to me. It’s been a challenge but it’s been fun.”

The restaurant has long been known for their hamburger steaks; in fact, during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 this year Darryl Waltrip requested a plate be sent over during the Labor Day race and ate it at the booth. “HE gave us a shoutout on air for NBC,” said Baird. “That was pretty cool.”

Other drivers such as Bobby Allison, Chocolate Myers and others frequent the restaurant each year. The late Dale Earnhardt, Sr. had a special seat that has become a patron favorite spot to eat their meals.

The new food Baird added to the menu has been an added bonus to customers – flame grilled.

“Personally, I don’t like a steak cooked on a flat top, that’s my personal opinion,” he says. “I added an open flame charbroil grill when I first came, and we do our steaks and grilled chicken, grilled pork chops all on charbroil grill. It gives it more flavor. We might be the only place around where you can actually get sear marks that is not a chain restaurant.”

The restaurant is known for their hand cut fries, and family atmosphere with memorabilia from the racetrack. “We have regulars all the time been coming 40 years,” he continues. “Judy is still here, and all the old favorites like homemade chicken salad, in house made Thousand Island and blue cheese dressing. Baird buys the large majority of his meat and other food locally. “I try to keep it here.”

In the future, Baird hopes to expand his kitchen.

Raceway Grill is located at 1207 Harry Byrd Highway (Hwy. 151) in Darlington near the Darlington Raceway. They are open 11 a.m. Weds – Saturday, and close at 9 p.m. Phone: 843-393-9212.

Shoney’s in Hartsville

A Shoneys is a Shoneys…unless you walk into the Shoney’s in Hartsville. The family friendly restaurant known for their breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner salad bar and buffet has been a staple in the community.

web-shoneys

“We provide good customer service and great food,” said manager Ben Sasser. “We have our loyal customers that come in each week and we strive to give them a great dining experience at each visit.”

The restaurant hosts many groups and is a favorite of all ages. Their popular Thursday night breakfast buffet is a year ‘round treat, as is their wide array of items on the buffet. The signature All American Burger is a Shoney’s classic favorite.

Many children of Darlington County have grown up having the staff sing the “Happy Birthday” song tableside as they celebrate their birthdays with a meal at the Hartsville Shoneys, and many hunters choose the location before they go out on their annual excursions.

The chain offers a new lighter fare menu for folks watching their diet, and the location offers takeout orders for parties and tailgating.

Shoney’s is located at 905 South 5th St. Hartsville. Their hours are: Mon.- Thurs.: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Fri. – Sat.: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sun.: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

843-332-5315 Earn a free appetizer and free birthday dessert when you join the Shoney’s E club at www.shoneys.com.

Sweet Jane’s Cafe and Wine Bar

Whether you’re planning a special night out or looking for a new regular lunch spot, check out the upscale and intimate setting of Sweet Jane’s Cafe and Wine Bar, where proprietors Jane and Gary Johnson and Julian McLennan offer an array of tasty dishes prepared with locally sourced fresh ingredients.

Lorin Brunelle serves up a glass of red wine at Sweet Jane’s Cafe and Wine Bar. Photo by Samantha Lyles

Lorin Brunelle serves up a glass of red wine at Sweet Jane’s Cafe and Wine Bar.
Photo by Samantha Lyles

Lunch items range from savory Cuban-style pork sandwiches to crisp salads, and the dinner menu is an ever-evolving exercise in culinary exploration for diners and for the Sweet Jane’s family. Recent examples include a savory tomato basil soup, mahi mahi with roasted potatoes, and penne with sausage ragu. Stop in most any evening and enjoy a seared-to-perfection ribeye steak, or plan a date night around a favorite weekly special – like the popular Thursday night offering of lowcountry favorite shrimp and grits. Desserts are freshly prepared on-site by Jane, and treats recently on offer include flaky-crusted apple pie and wonderfully moist coconut cakes and Italian crème cakes.

The latest menu items are announced daily on Sweet Jane’s Facebook page, where you can also reserve your spot at their next fun and educational wine or beer tasting social. Sweet Jane’s is available to host or cater parties and events, including bridal showers and baby showers, birthdays, family reunions, and business meetings. Contact them for reservation information at (843) 393-0550 or visit them at 26 Public Square in Darlington. Open weekdays from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. and some Saturdays for brunch from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. (check Facebook for Saturday hours)

Subway in Darlington:

When you think about eating fresh, Subway comes to mind. But what consumers don’t know, is that each location is a privately owned franchise. “As owners, we are much more hands on than most corporately owned chain restaurants,” said Lars…., owner of the Darlington and the Mullins Subway restaurants. “I am in both locations three days a week, so I get a chance to work with my staff and get to know the customers in each place. That makes a difference. That allows us to be more involved in the community…and I can relate to my staff better. I’m in the back washing dishes just like they are, and helping on the line and on the register. We are a team.”

Shirley Warren of Darlington places her order at the Subway on Pearl Street, while Nita Godbold (left) and Lacey Mattox complete orders. Photo by Jana E. Pye

Shirley Warren of Darlington places her order at the Subway on Pearl Street, while Nita Godbold (left) and Lacey Mattox complete orders.
Photo by Jana E. Pye

Each employee is trained to be Subway sandwich artist, something that Lars trains himself. “That way the sub you eat in Washington State is the same you’ll eat in South Carolina,” he says. “Our consistent menu allows people to know what to expect.”
Subway has recently been using non-GMO and healthier items. “They cost a little more for us, but we find that consumers are asking for healthier alternatives and cannot always find that when they are dining out.”

Catering is a large part of their Darlington business, and customers can call in a catering order and the staff can get it done in 30 minutes or less, compared to many restaurants that require a 24 hour advance notice.

Subway is located at 1001 Pearl St, Darlington. The orders are . To call in an order, contact: 843-393-6529

Taki’s Diner

People come in for the nostalgic 1950’s themed decor, the great food… and often, just to see owner George himself.
Taki’s Diner, owned by George and Marilyn Nikolakakos, has been a Darlington favorite since 1990. The 1950’s is Marilyn’s favorite era, and husband George says the theme has been one that patrons have loved…especially children!

George Nikolakakos with the popular Elvis statue inside Taki's Restaurant in Darlington. "Kids love this!" Photo by Jana E. Pye

George Nikolakakos with the popular Elvis statue inside Taki’s Restaurant in Darlington. “Kids love this!”
Photo by Jana E. Pye

“We have many people taking photos with Elvis,” says George. “He’s a big favorite with the kids!”

The food is scrumptious, with traditional Greek favorites with American fare that pleases the palette of all ages.

The biggest seller, according to George, is their burgers and hamburger steaks. “But, it’s all good,” he says. “We have people that come here just for our chicken too, and our rib eye steaks for dinner.”

The customers come from all over, including Cheraw and Florence.

The restaurant is busy for all three meals, with an expanded breakfast menu with signature omelet’s, bustling lunch fare and hearty dinners. Often local bands perform in the restaurant, combining the appeal of great food with live music for a special dining experience.

On the weekends, Taki’s Sunday buffet has been drawing a large crowd. The Nikolakakos’ sons are both in the restaurant business too, with their eldest son running Nick’s Barbeque in Darlington and he youngest helping in the restaurant in the evenings while he attends college by day.

The restaurant is located at 609 Pearl St, Darlington, open daily 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Phone: 843-393-8979

Tenampa

If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine in a friendly, family-oriented atmosphere, look no further than Tenampa Mexican Restaurant, located at 40 Public Square in Darlington. With a wide variety of tasty dishes prepared in traditional ways, the menu at Tenampa is sure to sate your cravings for spicy, savory, and undeniably delicious south-of-the-border fare.

Tenampa Mexican Restaurant proprietor Juan Valencia arrives with piping hot lunches for diners Photo by Samantha Lyles

Tenampa Mexican Restaurant proprietor Juan Valencia arrives with piping hot lunches for diners
Photo by Samantha Lyles

“I’d say our food is more authentic than some other restaurants because we cook things the way we like to eat. This is the kind of food we cook for ourselves,” says Tenampa proprietor Juan Valencia.

Menu staples include sizzling fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and quesadillas, and Tenampa’s unique house specials. All dishes incorporate delicious cooked to order ingredients, like freshly prepared guacamole, chorizo, and seafood. Also, a kid-friendly menu is available with plenty of items to suit your picky little ones. Tenampa’s full-service bar boasts an array of beer, wine, mixed cocktails – including specialty margaritas – and quality sipping tequilas like Patron and Don Julio.

Valencia says he hopes to bring live music into the business in the future, paying homage to the restaurant’s namesake: Tenampa is named for a Mexican entertainment hotbed that nurtures the careers of young musicians and launches some into stardom.

Tenampa Mexican Restaurant is open Monday through Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Phone-in orders are welcome at 843-944-5052.
Mobile users, please click link to view slideshow of photos! Dining in Darlington County Photos

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