Wade’s Restaurant
A Southern Icon in Spartanburg: Wade’s Restaurant
If you want to understand Southern "Meat n' Three" culture, you have to go to Wade’s Restaurant in Spartanburg. This isn’t just a local favorite—it’s a landmark. They’ve been serving the community since 1947, and they even have a James Beard "America’s Classic" award to prove they are the real deal.
Stepping into Wade’s feels like a warm invitation to a family dinner. It’s high-energy, bustling, and steeped in nearly 80 years of history, but most importantly, the food tastes like it was made by someone who actually cares about the recipes.
The Main Attractions
Wade’s is best known for their Fried Chicken, and for good reason. They brine it overnight and hand-batter it daily. When it hits the table, it is piping hot and crispy, while the meat stays juicy and tender. It’s the kind of chicken that ruins other fried chicken for you.
Beyond the bird, the rotating daily menu offers scratch-made comfort:
Homemade Meatloaf: Usually offered twice a week (typically Wednesdays and Fridays), it’s easily some of the best I’ve ever had. It’s savory, perfectly seasoned with a hint of onion, and topped with a tomato sauce that has just enough acidity to balance the richness.
Friday Fish Fry: I’m not normally a flounder person, but Wade’s changed my mind. Just like the chicken, it’s brined and hand-battered. The result is a flaky, crisp fillet that pairs perfectly with their homemade tartar sauce and hushpuppies.
Turkey & Dressing: This is their most popular item for a reason. Slow-roasted turkey, cornbread dressing, and homemade giblet gravy. It’s Thanksgiving on a plate, any day of the week.
The Legendary Sides (and that Roll!)
Every plate comes with a choice of bread and 2–3 sides. Listen to me: You NEED the yeast roll. They hand-make 3,500 of these every single day. They are soft, pillowy, and so iconic - to the point that the restaurant logo was actually designed to look like one.
With about 15 sides to choose from daily though, you can’t go wrong — but here were my highlights:
The Potatoes: Both the creamed mashed potatoes with gravy and the sweet potato soufflé (warm with cinnamon) were standout favorites.
Creamed Corn: A perfect balance of savory and delicately sweet.
Turnip Greens: Buttery with that classic, authentic bitterness.
Mac & Cheese: This is a baked-style mac—very cheese-forward rather than soupy.
The Extras: The string beans are buttery and fresh, the broccoli is cheesy, and the coleslaw has a perfect creamy tang.
The Verdict
Wade’s is the gold standard for affordable Southern hospitality. You can get a massive Meat & Three with a famous yeast roll and a sweet tea (served over their signature crushed ice) for around $15.
It’s rare to find a place that has grown from a 1947 grocery store lunch counter into a massive operation without losing the "homemade" soul of the food. Whether you’re a Spartanburg local or just passing through SC, Wade’s is a mandatory stop.
