Willcox Hotel | Grand Hotel | Aiken, SC

Not Typical Roadfood, That’s For Sure

A meal at The Willcox hotel does not exemplify Roadfood. Strictly speaking, the qualities of this grand hotel would banish it from a rigorous Roadfooder’s itinerary. After all, a typical Roadfood restaurant is not stylish, does not cost a lot of money, and serves meals that clearly reflect regional flavor. Yes, you will find glimmers of Dixie on the menu — collard greens gratin with that steak? cheese grits with breakfast? Still, I don’t suggest coming here for a representative taste of Central Savannah River Area foodways. On the other hand, The Willcox offers a golden opportunity to savor brilliant New American Cuisine in a setting that is historic, romantic, casual but polished.

What to Eat

You cannot pigeonhole the menu. Many dishes reflect global reach. Over the years, I have enjoyed Moroccan sweet potato soup, Arab-inspired shakshuka, and beef carpaccio Japanese style with tempura oysters. On the other hand, I have tucked into some items that are uniquely American, but with a twist. How about waffled mac ‘n’ cheese with bacon? Dessert of PB&J made from panna cotta, Concord grape jelly, and peanut butter crunch? A posh S’mores that includes chocolate bourbon mousse? An Arnold Palmer cake that mixes tea and lemon flavors in a completely different way? The menu varies week to week and season to season, but always can can count on a big, juicy, beautifully grilled and gorgeously dressed hamburger or a handsome steak. (And oh, the truffled fries that come with the burger!)

Plan Ahead

Note: The Willcox is a thriving hotel and spa and is, without doubt, THE place in town to stay as well as to eat. Reservations for a meal are recommended. Reservations for lodging in this grand hotel are essential. Around the beginning of April when the Masters Tournament is played across the river in Augusta, rooms get booked a year in advance.