Greenville: Soby’s – Southern food with a modern twist

Soby’s is a cozy restaurant located right on Main Street in Greenville. The menu primarily features traditional Southern cuisine with a modern twist, and the restaurant mainly uses local ingredients, letting what’s in season dictate what’s on the menu.

What first caught my attention was the charming patio, adorned with string lights hanging between the large trees surrounding the space. I hadn’t made a reservation, and the patio was, not surprisingly, fully booked, so I got seated at a nice table indoors. The restaurant was bustling, and the atmosphere was lively, with the other guests at the tables mainly consisting of larger groups. I prefer that kind of bustling places when I’m having dinner by myself, which can otherwise be rather awkward, especially at almost empty restaurants.

After visiting South Carolina and Georgia several times, I’ve really developed a taste for Southern food, and I get particularly happy, when I see Fried Green Tomatoes on the menu, which was the first thing I spotted at Soby’s. If there are fried green tomatoes on the menu, then you know, what I’ll be having for a starter.

Greenville is known for its many microbreweries, so of course I had a beer with my meal. On the staff’s recommendation, I ordered a Belgian Blonde beer called Feral Garden Gnome from the local Liability brewery. The refreshing, slightly fruity flavor was a perfect match for the food I had.

Soby’s is known for Shrimp & Grits, so that’s what I ordered as my main course. I’ve tasted both excellent and rather underwhelming versions of this Southern classic, but the version Soby served that night was one of the best I’ve ever had. I sometimes find Shrimp & Grits to be rather bland and boring, but the Shrimp & Grits at Soby’s had this delicious red sauce with tomatoes, Tasso Ham, and Andouille sausage, which added a bit of smokiness to the flavor and perfectly complemented the big bouncy shrimps and the grit.

I really, really wanted to try one of the desserts, but I was so full I couldn’t squeeze down a single bite more, so dessert will have to wait until next time I’m back. Tarcy’s Pinecone and Amaretto Cheesecake, I’m coming for you!

Soby’s, 207 S Main St, Greenville, SC