Spartanburg’s Spirits: Cocktail Options in the ‘Burg
By: Sasha Reyes
Special to OneSpartanburg, Inc.
We’ve gone into Spartanburg’s craft beer scene, and we’ve detailed some of Spartanburg’s best restaurants; from international cuisine to hot additions to the culinary scene to some hidden gems across the county.
Now, we’re here to tell you not to sleep on local cocktail spots. From drinks with a view to some new favorites, there’s never been a better time to find some world-class libations in Spartanburg.
Quickly becoming one of Spartanburg’s top cocktail spots is Islas on the Square. Their extensive cocktail menu is a mixologist’s dream. Start with The Hudson, a sophisticated blend featuring Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon with orange and burlesque bitters, or venture into bold territory with El Chupacabra, a creative mix of Mezcal, gin, passionfruit liqueur, a balsamic-blackberry shrub, lime, and a red wine floater.
The bar at Southside Smokehouse is known for its immense list of whiskeys, as well as the same Cajun inspiration that fuels its food menu creations. Go for the zesty Blood Orange Margarita or stay with traditional New Orleans flavors with a Hurricane.
At Heirloom – A Milltown Eatery, the beverage program is as thoughtfully curated as the seasonal menu. Heirloom showcases a rotating selection of cocktails, earning the restaurant a nod as a “Bourbon Destination” by restaurant-and-bar industry groups like Breakthrough Beverage and GreatBourbon.com.
High atop the AC Hotel Spartanburg sits Rick Erwin’s Level 10, offering great drinks with even greater views. The restaurant earned a 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, but the bar is well-stocked with a variety of spirits and a rotating menu of cocktails that will be your perfect happy-hour accompaniment.
Along with boasting some of the best-prepared food Spartanburg has to offer, The Kennedy has an ample bar with expertly-crafted classic cocktails and new takes on timeless recipes that have kept diners coming back over the years. Best of all, The Kennedy’s staff is knowledgeable and can help you make the most of the pairing between your food and your drink of-choice.
Located inside the elegant lobby of the Four Points by Sheraton, Oak 1831 Kitchen & Bar has a long list of classic cocktails including a Cosmopolitan, a Manhattan, Mai Tai, Mojito, and more.
In the heart of the exciting Drayton Mills Marketplace is Dray: Bar & Grill boasts an inventive cocktail menu with interesting creations like The Italian Job, Limoncello and Prosecco with a complex Mezcal, Cointreau, and citrus juices) and the Strong Sailer, a gin-forward drink with lemon juice and St. Germaine for an extra sharpness.
Whether you’re planning a foodie tour or simply looking to enjoy a great night out, these restaurants and bars are sure to provide an exceptional experience that celebrates both good food and top-tier drinks.
