Joe's Grill - Darlington, SC

So this week, I took my manager with me on my travels and we did an impressive amount of cold calls to try to generate some new customers. When we were in Darlington, we stumbled past a corner lot with a gravel parking lot and a trailer that said "JOE'S GRILL. FAMOUS SINCE 1952" So of course, we had to stop.


As you've probably been able to tell, I am a huge fan of local, one-of-a-kind, home cooked deliciousness. So when I suggested to my manager that I wanted to eat at Joe's, he looked at me and said "are you trying to suck up to me? I love greasy spoons!" (At this point in my head I was thinking, 'Duly noted: easy way to suck up is to take him to somewhere off the map, also what is a greasy spoon? This place is called Joe's?')


So when you walk up into Joe's, there are these steep steps and a narrow doorway, and you open the door and the place is crammed with tables and people. We were free to sit anywhere we please, so we chose a corner booth so we could have the best view of the joint. 


A part of me was nervous when the menu was brought out: it was a photocopied handwritten daily menu in hard-to-read handwriting. And they only served meat + 3. I went for the grilled pork loin, while my manager selected the meatloaf. While we waited, Joe brought out our pitcher of tea. Yes! This is one of those amazing places where they bring you a glass of ice, and a pitcher of sweet tea, and you never have to wait for a refill! 


While we were waiting for our food to be cooked, we took the time to look around the restaurant. Darlington is well-known for its speedway and the races that happen there, and this restaurant was almost racing themed. Pictures of Dale, Jimmy, and the other nascar greats covered every space on the walls, along with paraphernalia from racing sponsorships ( Budweiser/nascar signs, the likes), and picture of fans with their favourite drivers. I grew up in a NASCAR loving family, with a father who raced in the Busch league when I was young. Needless to say, I am a fan. This place was a restaurant after my own heart.


When our food came out, it was delicious. My manager and I both cleaned our plates, and the biscuits and cornbread brought out only added icing to the cake. Spread with REAL butter (it was so fresh and good, you'd think he had just milked a cow and made it himself), they melted in your mouth and left me happy, stuffed, and ready for a nap!


A super friendly staff, welcoming environment, and delicious food make for an Emily Approved dining experience. If you're ever in Darlington for lunch, I'd strongly suggest finding time to eat here. But make sure you hit an ATM first: they only take cash!


You can find Joe and his tummy-filling grill at:
306 Russell Street
Darlington, SC 29532-3324
(843) 393-9140