**** THIS RESTAURANT IS PERMANENTLY CLOSED ****
Artisan ice cream is a rarity in the Deep South, and while Edisto River Creamery is no exception to that rule, I make a point of enjoying some licks here whenever I pass by. The product is plebeian– from a mix, I’m sure — but becomes a happy treat when configured in a milk shake or as the foundation for an enthusiastic sundae. Top of the line is a banana boat: three large dollops (preferably vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) set upon a bed of halved bananas and topped with hot fudge, butterscotch, pineapple chunks, strawberries, chopped nuts, whipped cream, and a Maraschino cherry. Unless you are really, really hungry, it’s enough for two.
While the ice cream is fine in its modest way, the foot-long hot dog really is special. It’s all-beef, dense and garlicky, bisected and cooked on a grill until its edges begin to crisp. I like it topped with meaty (no bean) chili, chopped raw onions, and yellow mustard; sauerkraut and other condiments also are available. Hot dog accompaniments include pasta salad, potato salad, or cole slaw as well as hand-cut French fries. Cooked in clean peanut oil, the fries are thick enough to offer brittle edges and creamy middles. They’re a best dish. The menu also lists a short selection of cold sandwiches and pulled-pork BBQ.
Located on a main road heading into (or out of) the city, Edisto River Creamery & Kitchen is a homey place infused with its proprietors’ personalities. Decor includes professions of Christian faith, expressions of gratitude, and general life encouragement to those who crave it.
Other Nearby Restaurants
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Backyard Cafe
West Columbia, South CarolinaThe Backyard Cafe is a destination for handsome hamburgers, after-5pm Dixie dinner & from-scratch ice cream atop squares of gooey butter cake.
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Blue Canoe Cafe
Ridge Spring, South CarolinaLocated in a grand old Main Street bank building, the Blue Canoe is a cheerful town cafe with good coffee an’ pastries and locally-sourced meats & veggies.
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Aiken Fish House & Oyster Bar
Aiken, South CarolinaA locals’ favorite for all manner of fresh seafood and fine accompaniments, Aiken Fish House & Oyster Bar is a nice, clean place to dine.
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Prime Steakhouse
Aiken, South CarolinaBig-city sophisticated but small-city hospitable, Prime Steakhouse is first-class all the way, featuring the best beef for miles around.
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Variety Restaurant
Aiken, South CarolinaPortions are huge, service is old-style hospitable at the Variety, a favorite of South Carolina square-meals eaters who know good steaks and fresh seafood.
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Fishnet Seafood
Johns Island, South CarolinaPoint to the fish you like and Fishnet fries it to order. Especially good are devil crabs (here called Jesus crabs) and big milky fillets of Carolina flounder.