Mellow Mushroom

A long time personal favorite of mine, Mellow Mushroom is easily my favorite pizza joint. Although this review is my second deviation form local businesses, Mellow still represents an integral part of the Clemson wine and dine atmosphere.

As with any Mellow location, a happy atmosphere is everything. Housed on the bottom floor of the old Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity house, this place holds heritage and memories for many, myself included. Being a Pike, I have many friends (all of whom are now alumnus) that not only partied at this location, but also lived there. A close family friend of mine, Steve Phillips was house manager of this location back in the late 70s and early 80s for 3 years straight.

In the process of being converted from a fraternity house into a pizza bistro, the house has had its second floor rafters removed . A small border, approximately 2 feet was left along the edge of each upper floor walls providing support for the antiquated furniture and housing fixtures. Such decor gives patrons a look into the past when the homestead housed many Clemson students.

If you have ever eaten at a Mellow Mushroom then you know first hand the pies are second to none. Although the menu offers many pre-made patterns for wonderful pizzas, but I prefer to 'build my own' as the menus dubs it.

A hand tossed speicalty pizza and a cold pint of lager suits my mood for any meal.



189 Old Greenville Highway
Clemson, SC 29631-1373
(864) 624-1226

What's it called......Friar's Tavern?

Everyone has heard of Fiesta Grill... I mean Flip Flops... actually, I think its now called Friar's Tavern. In the three years I've been a part of the Clemson community, the stucco party bar has gone through some intense make-overs; none of these which seem to help it stay in business any longer than the last.

Regardless of the name, the establishment has always been prime real estate for college partying tailgaters during football season. The drink menu closely resembles that of any other higher education watering hole with one exception, the Jet Fuel. Invented sometime prior to the current owners, Jet Fuel is a smoothly mixed ice slushy containing only three ingredients: one part ice, one part orange concentrate mix, and one part Everclear. The combined concoction could give Charlie Sean a buzz --- a perfect house drink for patrons looking for a quick gameday fix.

The food menu spans more ground that Epcot does cultures. All in all from what I've seen Friar's is a jack of all trades when it comes to edibles and an ace of none. Regardless, for the gameday munchies, mixed with a little Jet-Fuel, the food might just taste as good as any.

All in all if you're looking for a party hearty kind of time, a fitting atmostphere, and enough chips, salsa, and cheese sticks to get you by ---- Friar's is the place for you. Anything else and you better keep walking, the Esso is down the street.



163 Old Greenville Hywy.
Clemson, SC 29631
(864) 653-4008

Paw's Dinner

Off the beaten path for the average college student, Paw's Diner lies out towards Seneca on the side of Highway 123. With a southern, down home, old timely diner appeal,  Paw's is everything it should be and nothing it isn't.

Little has changed about Paws since it first opened nearly 3 decade's ago. The food is still delicious and cheap, the staff is still homey and hospitable, and the establishment itself worries little about appearances because it knows it cooks some mean entrees.

Paws is infamous for its 'meat and three specials' but my personal favorite is the breakfast plates. Fresh to order, you get 3 eggs, grits, toast (or biscuits and gravy), bacon/sausage, and coffee all for right around $4.00. Don't be fooled by the price either; their portions are meant to fill and the flavor meant to satisfy. 

So next time you're up early and on the go, stop on in and grab a quick, delicious bite!

10920 Clemson Boulevard
Seneca, SC 29678-1374
(864) 654-9891

Time for a Cook-Out

Although the focus of this blog is in general dealing with a variety of home grown and home cooked authentic local foods, the grand opening of a new restaurant on the fast food strip is causing quite a stir in the student community.

The recent expansion of North Carolina chain fast food restaurant 'Cook Out' into Clemson has taken the spot light off all other cuisine. This new establishment is experiencing an exciting amount of buzz that has put it on the fast food track to the top.

Among many of the new additions to the Clemson menu that's helping to fuel the fuss is the fact that the food is relatively cheap, very timely service, and features two separate drive through lanes.

Cook out started as a family owned, and privately held fast food joint in North Carolina. In fact, until the opening of the Clemson store, cook out operated only in the state of North Carolina. Founded in 1989 by Morris Reaves, he and his son, Jeremy Reaves (current CEO), the key players in this family business are looking to make Cook Out a household, friendly name.

The company's marketing plan and consumer orientation give a very down home feel that is embedded in the roots of its southern Christian origins. Food and drink packaging feature a variety of phrases that embelish not only pro-religious statements (John 3:16) but also draws on a patriotic appeal (THANK YOU GOD FOR AMERICA).

Having eaten there myself for the first time this past Thursday I can say that I was very pleased with the overall experience. I favor the flavor of home cooked food and Cook-out does its best to accommodate. The menu is diverse and full of customizable options that will remind anyone of a backyard BBQ.

Although its technically not locally owned, I give the establishment two thumbs up for service and quality. I'm always game for a Cook-Out.

356

With a style and presence all of its own, 356 holds its own personal niche in the downtown scene of Clemson, South Carolina.

Originally the location was host to Martin's Drug store from 1907 to 1975, the now modern-era bar has a unique look and feel that attracts many of the college town patrons. 

Directly next to Tiger Town Tavern on College Avenue, the establishment sports heavy leather sofas and an open feel complimented by the intrinsically designed bar array. The abstract art work profiled against the antiquated masonry work furthers the open and spacious feeling that the bar staff work hard to promote. Door bouncers help to keep the influx of customers at a comfortable level of 100 - 125 so it never feels overly crowded.

In addition to the full bar selection, this watering hole is known for its renowned selection of fine sushi rolls, edamame, and southern styled sweet tea. 

 

Regardless of the adventure you're seeking, quiet and intimate or rough and ready, 356 has the utility to offer and satisfy all customers, so long as you get there early!

Loose Change

When Loose Change first opened its doors in the beginning of 2005 its popularity was somewhat lacking. For a southern college town, the atmosphere simply didn't fit and the amount of business being driven through the doors reflected this misfit bar's lagging reputation. Originally done up as an artsy/cafe sort of establishment, management soon came to realize such was not the popular choice for Clemson.

After a quick revamp of its image, Loose Change rapidly became a popular hot spot for locals and college kids alike.

Although first impressions after walking through the door would suggest that the focus in solely on drink, don't be fooled. The kitchen staff offers a wide variety of very reasonably priced tasty delectables. Anytime from 4pm to 10pm patrons can indulge in everything from MexTex styled finger foods to Wings and full blown southern burgers.

Saturday night marks the weekly acoustic country music covers and  its never uncommon the find the joint packed with members of the community from all walks of life.

At this point in time I'd like to take a moment to give a shout out to a good friend and Fraternity brother of mine, Trey Hemphil. Trey is a very recognizable bartender and patron of Loose Change. It also happens that he is a member of the class that dictated the origin of this blog, so it is only fitting that he be dually noted.

Next time you're looking to start your evening early with the combination of good drink and economical food, head to Loose with that spare 'change' and ask for Trey.

Loose Change
349 College Avenue
Clemson, SC 29631-1433  
864.654.1090

Monk's Corner Cafe

This week's need to satisfy my id takes me off the beaten path to Clemson's neighboring town of Central for some home-cooked southern hospitality.

Unknown to a major portion of the Clemson community, Monk's Corner Cafe has long catered to those seeking a quieter atmosphere with simple reminders of traditional southern food.

Operated out of a converted Mill house on the outskirts of the town of Central (between the ONLY redlight and Wal-Mart), the food is essentially all fried but par to none.

I was born in raised in the south and I know a thing or two about a home cooked meal. My family has grown their own vegetables and killed their own meat since well before I was born. As with all Mothers that cook southern varieties of dishes, their skill is unmatched. That being said, Monk's corner is my first choice for southern style burgers, fried okra, salad, and corn hush puppies when I just don't feel like going through the effort myself.

The location itself appeals to a homey feel and the staff couldn't be more friendly and welcoming. If you're ever in the mood for a hearty solid meal, drive the extra mile and 1/2 to give Monk's a try.

However, be ye warned. They offer no soy burgers or edamame at this establishment. This food is the real deal.


Monk's Corner Cafe
107 Church Street
Central, SC 29630-4234
864.639.4957

Tiger Town Tavern

A regular name on College Ave. strip, Tiger Town Tavern (or Triple Ts, as it is commonly referred to) is probably one of the better known Clemson bars.

Founded by J. C. Cook, Tiger Town Tavern first opened its doors in the fall of 1978 on the premises of the former 'Study Hall' (also a bustling sports bar & grill, just appropriately named for a college town). The location has seen a variety of businesses and tenants dating all the way back to the beginning of the 20th century when the upstairs of the old 'Feed Bag' was rented out as student and young professional apartments. Although originally half its current size, Triple Ts has since expanded into the former Pizza hut franchise and is still known as having the 'old lounge' and 'new lounge' parts of the bar.

As with all local businesses in the college town, much of the establishment itself plays off of its customer's loyal and reverent love for their Clemson tradition. The University's mascot is humorously depicted in a drunken caricature sitting atop of frothing mug of American beer that represents the bar's logo (designed by former bartender and manager Marshall Feimster). Although originally the locale served food, its main emphasis was undoubtedly on the bar. When the US legislature passed a bill in the mid 1990s increasing the legal drinking age to 21, Tiger Town Tavern underwent extensive renovations to update its kitchen services and today offers a full fledged varieties of food stuffs. The menu is filled with delectable food items all cleverly (and not so cleverly) named after famed Clemson athletes and leaders.

The upstairs of the building has served as a private club, Top of the Tavern, since 1995 but answers to my questions on this matter were dodgy at best.

Tiger Town Tavern is best known as a rock & roll bar that is easily one of Clemson's most well known, 'places to be'.



Tiger Town Tavern
368 College Ave.
Clemson, SC 29631
(864)654-5901

* Accreditation to ClemsonWiki and Tiger Town Tavern for their contributions to the article.

The Esso Club

Anyone who has ever been a student at Clemson University is well aware of the place that The Esso Club holds as a Clemson tradition. Established in 1933, its status as one of the top sports bars in the country is famous world wide, largely due to the extensive and loyal Clemson fan base.

Started as an Esso petrol service station from 1933 all the way up until 1956, it soon became mentioned more of its ability to serve alcohol than its ability to service automobiles. Between the years 1956 and 1958, the Esso station was the only place in Clemson that you could go in, sit down, and have a beer. This is when the term The Esso Club was first coined by Mr. Tom LewEllen. The establishment quit selling gas in 1985 and became solely dedicated to the game day beer emporium its known as today. The year 1997 brought The Esso Club into the national spotlight as the "#2 Must See Sports Bar in the Nation" in Sports Illustrated, and the following year ESPN is quoted saying that "If they had a national championship for a college sports bar, The Esso Club would be our pick to win it all".

Although the establishment is as rich in history as the patrons whom frequent it, it also boasts a finger licking menu that aspires to take on the best of any southern dining. A personal favorite of mine is the Thursday night $0.45 fried chicken tenders, fried mushrooms, fried pickles, and a bucket of ice cold long neck beer. Regardless of the day of the week, the food is always hot and the drinks are always cold. The club even has a special Game Day menu that makes the Esso experience that much better.

The Esso Club and Clemson Tradition are practically synonymous. The business and the building that shelters it hold a very special place in the hearts of Tiger Fans across this great nation.

*Acknowledgments to theessoclub.com for contributions to this article.

Tiger Town

Clemson is a name that finds itself indistinguishable from the University and the town surrounding it. The two are so intertwined in the workings of the community and student life that when the word Clemson is even mentioned there is do differentiation between the two entities.

A small time college town would be nothing without a noticeable downtown bar scene. Although this is hardly the full focus of Clemson students and alumn, it is still an integral part of the Clemson experience. Everyone has a favorite menu item, everyone has a favorite special, and everyone knows that one guy, Good time Charlie, that just happens to be at all the bars following a Clemson Tiger football victory. If you've ever wondered who's got what on the grill, as well as what to wash it all down with, this is the place to look. The purpose and function of this blog is to highlight the specials and individuality of local Clemson cuisine & beverages. However, don't be put off, the focus is not just for 21 year old college boozers. We'll dig into everything from Triple T's birthday traditions, to the Esso Club's Game Day Special, all the way to Flip Flop's imfamous Jet Fuel.

Work up an appetite, save that pocket change, and check back next week as we head downtown for some Clemson grub and drink!



"There's something in these hills that has touched every one of them, something that has rubbed off on them in varying degrees, something that has built within the breasts of all Clemson men and women an enduring spark akin to an eternal pride." - Joe Sherman