The Anderson, Oconee, Pickens areas each have thriving restaurant scenes. Residents dine at fine places such as Restaurant 4126 in Anderson or Rick Erwins in Clemson's Patrick Square. Neighbors gather at popular spots like The Smokin’ Pig off of Clemson Boulevard. There are plenty of happy-hour deals and lots of good choices for kid-friendly dining. Here are some of the local picks for favorite restaurants and dining experiences.

Earle Street Kitchen and Bar

This place is a gem, offering Southern comfort food with a twist. Many dishes have locally sourced ingredients. Here you can taste trendy and delicious cuisine without breaking the bank. Pick anything from their menu and you will not be disappointed. They also offer a very popular Sunday brunch with outdoor seating.

134 W. Earle St., Anderson, SC; 864-965-9052

Summa Joe's

Summa Joe's is a charming, retro restaurant with very good food with fresh ingredients, great variety, and friendly and efficient service. Whenever you have that feeling like: "I'll know what I want when I see it," go here. Just be patient; this place can get busy.

127 N. Main St., Anderson, SC; 864-965-9030

Sullivan Metropolitan Grill

Sullivan’s Metropolitan Grill is a favorite local restaurant we support. It’s a wonderful sit-down restaurant for the whole family. Originally opened as a hardware store during the late 1800s, our unique building has morphed into the fine-dining destination for lunch, dinner, business meetings, catering affairs and weddings in Anderson.

208 S. Main St., Anderson, SC; 864-226-8945

Raines On Main

Great atmosphere. Great food. Great prices. The owner and his wife are super nice, and always take the time to speak to every guest. Best pool tables in the area, and drink prices are cheaper than almost every place downtown.

312 S. Main St., Anderson, SC; 864-622-8339

The Smokin’ Pig

Three words — get the brisket! The Smokin' Pig may look like a country shack, but serves some of the best barbecue in South Carolina.

6630 Clemson Blvd., Pendleton, SC; 864-646-5150

720 Anderson Dr., Williamston, SC; 864-841-2323

701 S. Pendleton St., Easley, SC; 864-442-5074

The Boondocks

The menu is Southern, i.e. plenty of options to have a burger, chicken fingers and salads. They feature the bird-dog, a tasty, uniquely Southern treat. The food is great, and the hushpuppies are out of this world. They use only quality ingredients to bring their customers the best food possible.

3819 N. Hwy 81, Anderson, SC; 864-540-8181

J. Peters Grill & Bar

Really great service in a restaurant with a superior atmosphere. For the quality of the restaurant, the prices are reasonable, and the early-bird specials are practically a steal. The menu at J Peters includes true recipes such as she-crab soup and slow-roasted prime rib but also includes some amazing new flavors as well.

202 S. Main St., Anderson, SC; 864-224-0040

115 Interstate Blvd., Anderson, SC; 864-222-0090

Restaurant 4126

4126 brings a special and unique fine-dining restaurant to Anderson, SC. The aesthetically pleasing environment, and the food is presented in a thoughtful way that is simple yet elegant.

It’s an experience that should be shared with family and friends. Order signature dishes inspired by local favorites with a Southern fine-dining twist.

4126 Clemson Blvd., Anderson, SC; 864-844-9820

Elkmont Tap and Cellar

Quaint pub with excellent service and food. There are about 15 craft brews to choose from and several excellent wine choices. The Elkmont Club is a popular item; we recommend it with a side of delicious potato salad.

100 Liberty Dr., Unit #3, Clemson, SC; 864-653-7002

Rick Erwin’s Clemson

It is an A+ experience from start to finish. Rick Erwin's Clemson offers a dining experience like no other in the area. The restaurant’s atmosphere and interiors are lovely, the food is delicious, and the craft drinks are on the mark. It is obvious that the staff are all well trained and that they enjoy their jobs. You will thoroughly enjoy the entire dining experience.

127 Market St., Clemson, SC; 864-654-9466

313 Café

This cafe is beautifully decorated in a rustic/industrial style. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is clean and quiet. The coffee, waffles, and omelet are delicious. Lots of room to breathe in the simple, well-decorated combo of a classic coffee bar with farmhouse-restaurant style. The menu isn't huge, but everything on it is excellent.

807 By-Pass 123 #16, Seneca, SC; 864-539-2131

Joe’s New York Pizza

This is the home to superb pizza, pasta, and other eats. This pizza is the specialty here, and there are various specials throughout the week. The service is always great. Enjoy some of the best pizza in the South, where your taste buds are sure to dance a jig; even the pickiest of eaters will be satisfied. It will fill up the soul.