Aiken, South Carolina, August 14, 2025
Aiken, South Carolina — Top Dining Experiences and Local Food “Events”
Aiken offers a vibrant range of dining experiences that feel like local events: from relaxed breakfast meetups and farm-to-table evenings to special date night dinners. Below is a listicle-style guide to notable places in Aiken, presented with location, phone and helpful details for each dining experience.
1. Malia’s
Address: 120 Laurens St SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 643-3086
Cuisine: American, Contemporary
Best for / Type of event: Date night and special-occasion dinners with a seasonally changing menu.
Highlights: Innovative American dishes, intimate atmosphere, thoughtfully curated wine selections, and menus that rotate to showcase fresh, local ingredients.
2. The Willcox Restaurant
Address: 100 Colleton Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 648-1898
Cuisine: American, Southern
Best for / Type of event: Elegant dining, anniversary dinners, and refined Southern-style meals.
Highlights: Located inside a historic hotel setting, the menu blends classic Southern dishes with modern touches, making it suitable for both casual and formal gatherings.
3. New Moon Cafe
Address: 116 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 643-7088
Cuisine: Cafe, American
Best for / Type of event: Breakfast and casual lunch meetups, community gatherings and relaxed daytime visits.
Highlights: Relaxed atmosphere with emphasis on locally sourced ingredients; good spot for sandwiches, salads, baked goods, and casual conversation.
4. What’s Cookin’ Downtown
Address: 123 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 649-1068
Cuisine: Southern, American
Best for / Type of event: Hearty breakfast and comfort food gatherings — ideal for morning community breakfasts and casual lunches.
Highlights: Classic Southern breakfast offerings like biscuits and gravy and homestyle lunch plates, making it a popular comfort-food destination.
5. Duke’s Bar-B-Q
Address: 4248 Whiskey Rd, Aiken, SC 29803
Phone: (803) 649-7675
Cuisine: Barbecue, Southern
Best for / Type of event: Casual group meals and buffet-style gatherings, family dinners and barbecue-focused events.
Highlights: Traditional Southern barbecue served buffet-style, with a variety of smoked meats, classic sides, and homemade desserts—well suited to group dining.
6. City Billiards
Address: 208 Richland Ave W, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 649-7632
Cuisine: American, Diner
Best for / Type of event: Casual hangouts and informal meals with friends and family.
Highlights: Classic diner atmosphere known for hamburgers and comfort classics; relaxed service and a friendly local vibe.
7. La Parisienne
Address: 233 Chesterfield St S, Aiken, SC 29801
Phone: (803) 226-0582
Cuisine: French, Bakery
Best for / Type of event: Breakfast, brunch, and intimate French-style meals — perfect for casual romantic mornings or relaxed weekend brunches.
Highlights: Freshly baked pastries, artisan breads, and classic French dishes that bring a European cafe feel to Aiken’s local food scene.
Quick Notes on Planning Your Visit
- Reservations: Reservations are recommended for date-night or dinner service at intimate spots like Malia’s and The Willcox Restaurant.
- Group dining: Duke’s Bar-B-Q is a strong option for larger groups seeking buffet-style serving and traditional Southern barbecue options.
- Best daytime choices: New Moon Cafe, What’s Cookin’ Downtown and La Parisienne are excellent for breakfast and brunch events.
FAQ
What types of dining experiences are available in Aiken?
Aiken offers a mix of dining experiences including casual cafes, Southern comfort food, barbecue buffet-style meals, French bakery dining, and elegant date-night restaurants.
Do any Aiken restaurants specialize in Southern classics?
Yes. Several local spots focus on Southern cuisine and comfort food, including What’s Cookin’ Downtown for breakfast classics and Duke’s Bar-B-Q for authentic barbecue.
Where should I go for a special-occasion dinner in Aiken?
For special occasions and romantic evenings, consider restaurants with an intimate atmosphere and curated menus, such as Malia’s or The Willcox Restaurant.
Are there friendly spots for groups and families?
City Billiards and Duke’s Bar-B-Q provide relaxed, family-friendly options, while buffet-style service at Duke’s is convenient for larger groups.
How can I find breakfast and brunch in Aiken?
New Moon Cafe and La Parisienne are strong choices for morning meals and brunch, offering locally sourced items and bakery specialties.
Key Features Table
| Restaurant | Location | Phone | Cuisine | Best for / Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malia’s | 120 Laurens St SW | (803) 643-3086 | American, Contemporary | Date night, special occasions |
| The Willcox Restaurant | 100 Colleton Ave SW | (803) 648-1898 | American, Southern | Elegant dining, celebrations |
| New Moon Cafe | 116 Laurens St NW | (803) 643-7088 | Cafe, American | Breakfast, casual lunch |
| What’s Cookin’ Downtown | 123 Laurens St NW | (803) 649-1068 | Southern, American | Breakfast & comfort food |
| Duke’s Bar-B-Q | 4248 Whiskey Rd | (803) 649-7675 | Barbecue, Southern | Group meals, barbecue events |
| City Billiards | 208 Richland Ave W | (803) 649-7632 | American, Diner | Casual hangouts |
| La Parisienne | 233 Chesterfield St S | (803) 226-0582 | French, Bakery | Breakfast, brunch, romantic mornings |
This guide focuses on the experiences and practical details to help plan meals and meetups across Aiken. For up-to-date hours, reservation policies, and current menus, contact the listed phone numbers directly.
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
