Other Lands

On the foggiest night in Greenville, I journeyed out to Other Lands, the “space for slow” to force myself to read Grapes of Wrath for my book club.

I had passed it a couple times on the way to work and thought it looked cool, and I’m always down to find a good spot closer to my house. I love taking a book with me (especially if I’m despising it) because it feels like an event instead of just reading a book on the couch.

Do you see how foggy it was?? I tried.

I’d also been fighting a cold so while I’d usually go for a beer, I got a fresh and cozy hot toddy.

Hot toddy + the worst book I’ve ever read.

Owners, photo from @other__lands Instagram

As you can see past the table, the place was chock full of girl groups, dates, and people just doing their thing like me. The size of Other Lands sets it apart for me because I hate walking into a tiny coffee shop and not finding a seat, or essentially sitting in someone’s lap because everything’s crammed close together.

Although the space is lined with two-seater tables, there’s plenty of room to spread out and keep to yourself. And with so many windows, I’m definitely looking forward to going back during the day, maybe for coffee with a friend on a Saturday morning.

The only thing I found a little odd were the bar stools near the counter seemed a bit short to me while I was waiting for my hot toddy, but then I looked up and saw they were streaming Lord of the Rings on tv and completely forgot about it.

Also, because I’m nosey and love knowing who’s behind what’s going on in Greenville, I scoured their Instagram and saw that Other Lands is family owned & operated by two families (pictured above) which made my small business heart happy!

You can meet the Moorers and Wilcoxes here.

While I just stuck to my one beverage for the evening, they have an impressive menu of cocktails, house brewed beers, wine, coffee, small bites, and sandwiches.

After a couple hours of painstakingly dredging through Grapes of Wrath, I voyaged back into the fog to get some rest, feeling fuzzy (in a good way) from my hot toddy.

I’m really glad to see more spaces like this opening in Greenville, and even though the long suffering migration to California in Grapes of Wrath hurt my soul, Other Lands is a place I’ll happily travel to on a regular basis.

Take-Out COVID-19

As Greenville continues to allow take-out and curbside pickup for its many restaurants, bars, and breweries, I strongly encourage supporting small businesses if you and your family feel safe to do so. Small businesses and their families are hit the hardest, and anything we can do to help the backbone of Greenville stay strong goes a long way.

Here are a few places I enjoyed supporting last week.

Bento Boys

Bento Boys is a favorite on a normal day, and while they are located across the street from Bob Jones University, I imagine their business got hit unexpectedly when students went home to continue the semester online. Since they’re in my area, I dropped in for take-out and got my usual. While I don’t have a photo since I didn’t think to make a post about it, I got their Chicken Hibachi meal with no rice, extra veggies, and they threw in an egg roll! Bento Boys is extremely, extremely feasible for anyone on a budget and a super small business with super big flavor.

Bucky’s BBQ

Another on N. Pleasantburg, Bucky’s BBQ has been a longtime favorite of mine since my college days. I’ve tried every single one of their sides and their sauces are hands-down the best in the Upstate. I got my usual pork plate with green beans and coleslaw, but also highly recommend their mac and cheese and to-die-for (but not because of COVID-19) sweet potato crunch. I sat down with my BBQ, started a quarantine Facebook Live, and chatted to myself for a few minutes.

Barberitos

Barberitos, the king of “Southern Roots. Southwestern Flavor.” isn’t quite as small as other businesses in the area considering they’re part of a chain, but since they use locally sourced farm-fresh ingredients their impact in our community is a great one to support. When they engaged with my Instagram posts to support local amid COVID-19, I gladly placed a curbside pickup order for a Chicken Burrito Bowl. Thanks to beautiful weather, I enjoyed this on my “front lawn” in the sunshine.

Sirin Thai

As you all know, Sirin Thai is one of my all-time FAVORITE restaurants in Greenville. They’re a little farther from my house, but I knew I would get take-out from them at some point. I went with my usual Panang Curry with chicken at medium spice and this meal was the highlight of my week. Sirin Thai is indescribably close to my heart, and to think of how they’re affected through this as one of the newer restaurants, it really gets to me. But all emotions aside, their food is incredible. This photo doesn’t do them justice whatsoever, but trust me there was way more food.

Sidewall Pizza

Friday nights are pizza nights, and although we usually get Marco’s Pizza, in light of the current situation I went for Sidewall Pizza. I saw on Instagram (yes, Instagram runs my blog decisions) that they established the Sidewall Pizza Employee Relief Fund with the promise to donate 100% of all gift card purchases to provide assistance to their staff including pizza makers, cooks, dishwashers, and servers. I bought a gift card, called in my order, and picked it up that evening. The take-out line was spread out every 6 feet with safe, happy pizza enthusiasts. Our pepperoni pizza was so good, I’m vying for it to become our new normal.

If you’re supporting local, feel free to tag #gvlenthusiast so I can see and share it, and please visit Kill COVID, Not Small Biz for an extensive list of Greenville restaurants offering take-out, curbside, and online services.

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”
― Shannon L. Alder

The Bohemian Cafe

You know what happens when your friend works retail and you take a day off? You get brunch. You know what else happens? You forget that it’s Friday, and there’s no brunch.

My dear friend Megan and I went for an early lunch (accidentally) at The Bohemian Cafe and even though we forgot what day it was, we still helped ourselves to a couple of hearty Bloody Marys and got to chatting. Megan and I tend to be friends that talk so much we forget to look at the menu, and it was probably at least twice that the server graciously extended our time to order. We finally buckled down to look at the menu, and made our choices.

I apologized to my vegetarian friend that although I usually eat vegetarian in her presence out of respect, I really, really, really, really wanted to get a burger. She nodded and I looked away before I felt too guilty. She ordered the grilled cheese with a side salad and I got the Bohemian burger with fried chips. I’ve realized recently I eat burgers for the blog a lot and should probably change that.

Anyway, the atmosphere is not just artsy but spunky with gorgeous touches of greenery. I love the leaves around the bar and large potted plants in several corners. The windows let in plenty of natural light and the simple blinds give it a twinge of home feel.

Our food arrived quickly and as you can tell, I was stoked. Megan is a saint for taking this picture against her dietary preferences, so in her honor I’ve donated $15 to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, one of her favorite organizations.

Our initial gloom over missing brunch dissipated the moment our food arrived. My Bohemian burger (with egg) was incredibly satisfying. Each layer was perfect in its own right, but together made a mean combination. It’s honestly it’s just an amazing burger and you should go try it for yourself (and also donate to ASPCA if so inclined.) Megan raved about her grilled cheese so much that I really want to try it next time. My fried chips on the side were good, too, but I was pretty full from just the burger. We each got another Bloody Mary and talked about everything under the sun. At the rate we were going, we could’ve stayed until dinner enjoying Bohemian, Bloody Marys, and each others’ company.

As I’ve said about Sirin Thai & Limoncello, I love a place where I’ve not just eaten a good meal, but I’ve made memories, too. Thanks for being that, Bohemian.

Liked: Accidental lunch, Bohemian burger, Bloody Marys, grilled cheese (per Megan’s review), and fun times with a friend, artsy atmosphere, greenery, gracious service

Just okay: Fried chips, but I was full

Would pass: N/A

Would I go again? Indubitably

Flying Biscuit Cafe

By now, you must have heard that Greenville got it’s very own Flying Biscuit Cafe. But just in case you haven’t… I went on opening day to tell you all about it! I even took off work to go! Just kidding, I was already on a staycation. But I probably still would’ve tried.

Photo from Google

From the outside, Flying Biscuit Cafe doesn’t look like much, but with its reputation in Atlanta, Charlotte, and Charleston, an abundance of Greenvillians flocked to it ready for biscuits. Once you get inside, you get a better understanding of why this place is so sensational. Murals cover the walls left and right, and if you look up you’ll see flying biscuits and blimps on the ceiling, too. Their homage to Greenville with the mural on the brick wall makes its mark as an invitation for the community.

Since I was solo, I sat at the bar and started looking at the menu. I already had my coffee for the day, so I stuck with water which came with a paper straw. I was pleased to see that Flying Biscuit already implements eco-conscious products. With a variety of menu options such as an Egg-stravaganza, Southern Scramble, and Biscuit Pot Pie, my indecisiveness kicked in full gear. I decided the smartest breakfast must be the “Flying Biscuit Breakfast” so I asked for that. The staff seemed to work great together with a few different people checking in on me throughout my visit. 

My breakfast came with two eggs, grits, chicken sausage, and a biscuit with cranberry jelly. The eggs and biscuit were good, but when it came to the grits, chicken sausage, and cranberry jelly I had a shut the front door moment. I mentally re-opened the door and shut it again. I didn’t grow up eating grits (my mom’s from New Jersey) but these were the bomb dot com. I’ve grown to love alternatives to regular sausage with turkey and chicken options, but whatever seasoning they have on the chicken sausage is out of this world. When I tried the cranberry jelly with the biscuit, even the staff wanted to come and talk about how good it was. Seeing as my book club goes out for breakfast often, Flying Biscuit Cafe will definitely be on the list.

Liked: Grits, chicken sausage, cranberry jelly

Just okay: Eggs (no surprise here) and biscuit. The cranberry jelly made the biscuit

Would pass: Water, I would go for coffee next time

Would I go again? Yes, with book club friends!

13 Stripes Brewery

13 Stripes Brewery sits in the popular Taylors Mill area surrounded by art studios galore. As a resident of Taylors, I had visited the brewery a few times before and even ran into my childhood neighbor, Nick, who was a bartender there.

While making plans at 13 Stripes, I decided to take the opportunity to try out The Farehouse right next door. We took some friends who were also new to The Farehouse and hit the Mill.

Photo from Yelp

After a more or less lovely dinner at The Farehouse, we hopped over to 13 Stripes. Named in commemoration of the original 13 colonies, this local brewery creatively names their beer on tap with titles like “Light and Glory” and “Bloody Tyrant.” Featuring bar seating, furnished picnic dining tables, leather couches, and an outdoor patio, this warehouse space provides plenty of options for social interaction. Did I mention they even have a foosball table? 

After asking about their selections, I got the “13 Elephants on Parade.” For round two, my friend recommended the “Book of Peaches” which I tried and loved. You can read more about their selections here.

This particular evening they were showing the Rugby World Cup on a projector with couches facing the screen for viewers to settle down and enjoy. There weren’t a lot of people there, but I imagine if they continue streaming special events they will gain some loyal regulars. 

One thing I find particularly special at 13 Stripes is their bar rules. Bar rules in most places are typically “keep your kids quiet and stay off your phone” [cue Luke Danes], but these are more than do’s and don’ts. I’m always a fan of “the fuller beer is yours” as a rule.

Photo from gvltoday

Given the great selection of beer, chill atmosphere with games and foosball, friendly bartending, and overall good time, I’d say I might find myself a regular at 13 Stripes in my corner of town. I’ll see you again, soon!

Liked: 13 Elephants on Parade, Book of Peaches

Just okay: Rugby showing, but just wasn’t my vibe for the night

Would pass: N/A

Would I go again? Again and again and again

Carol's Ice Cream

Carol’s Ice Cream lives in the Villages of West Greenville between The Village Grind and Beautiful Demise boutique. A friend and I were looking for custard, and I suggested Carol’s Ice Cream for somewhere new and local to try. One thing I love about the Villages of West Greenville is that parking is so much easier than Main Street or anywhere near the heart of downtown. The Villages are almost another world in themselves with lots of unique places to visit.

For one, Carol’s Ice Cream takes cuteness to a new level and is all about nostalgia. Sharing an exterior with the Village Grind, the front area offers beautiful outdoor seating with a polished wooden table and modern industrial chairs. I swooned over the vibrant ‘Fall Flavors’ chalkboard and the old-style font of “Carol’s” on the window. Right inside is an exuberant mural, 100% Instagram-able, which I took full advantage of. The wall is lined with games which always gets me excited. I don’t care if it’s for kids - I’m playing! We approached the counter to place our orders. I got chocolate custard with whipped cream and chocolate crumbles on top, while my friend got the same with peanuts as her topping. Service was friendly and fast, and we browsed the wall for games. We swiped Guess Who and Chutes and Ladders and took a seat.

I’m sad to say, as cute and fun as everything is in this space, my friend and I found the custard to be a little icy. Custard should be smooth, creamy, and indulgent. Maybe I caught them on a bad day, but, even with an outstanding atmosphere, this one missed the mark on their product for me. For most places I say I would go back for something else, but in this case I would pass. So sorry, Carol’s. I wanted to love you!

Liked: Charming atmosphere and vibes, loved board game wall! Friendly and fast service

Just okay: N/A

Would pass: Custard :(

Would I go back? Not for this one

Gringo's Cantina

When planning my visit to Gringo’s Cantina, I took the opportunity to plan epic girl’s night out. I grabbed a close friend and prepared to dine like the classy queens we are. Gringo’s is basically a castle of tacos, so the theme fit.

Known for their myriad of interior decorations and unique taco combinations, Gringo’s flaunts “people come from all over to see our Art, taste our Food, sample our award winning Margaritas and relax.” I met my friend Katie on a Thursday night for dinner. We met in the loft area, and were quick to browse the variations of taco choices. Although I’d usually splurge for drinks and chips, I skipped the extracurriculars and dove into entrees. I’d been to Gringo’s in the past, but with their menu re-vamp for Fall 2019 I was sure to try something new. I browsed the signature tacos and soon picked the Chicken Tinga and Carne Asada. Katie chose the Carne Asada and Fried Avocado tacos.

Our food came quickly and I bit into the Chicken Tinga like I hadn’t eaten tacos in years. The pickled red onion, hominy, cheddar jack cheese, and tequila lime cream were an absolute perfect combination for peek “delicioso.” Hands down, I don’t know anyone that could make a better taco. If Chicken Tinga were a friend, they would be the friend everyone wanted to have. My friend gushed about the Fried Avocado taco, and I got jealous that I didn’t make the same decision. I moved on to the Carne Asada, and honestly, it just couldn’t follow the Chicken Tinga. I’ve learned that in my head Carne Asada anything should be melt in your mouth steak-y goodness, but after having it twice recently in different places, I think I just don’t prefer it. The Carne Asada was like trying to have a new best friend after you lost the first one. It won’t ever be the same.

I must mention that other than the food, Gringo’s has a special vibe. This is a place where people chat and talk to each other and are happy to do so. We had easy conversation with the server and customers around, but not intrusively. Gringo’s is also dog friendly, so when a customer’s sweet pitbull came and laid down next to us, we loved and welcomed our table guest. Since few restaurants allow pets, I’m glad to know I can take my own princesses pup here. In addition to the loft area, Gringo’s also offers a downstairs dining room, two bars, an outdoor patio with giant Jenga, several opportunities to hear live music, participate in trivia and other community events, and the list goes on and on. Gringo’s proclaims they are “the best hangout spot in Greenville” and given the stats, I kind of can’t argue with them.

Another Greenville restaurant added to my favorites list, I loved catching up with a great friend over delicious tacos at Gringo’s. I’ll be back, and next time indulging in chips and salsa!

Favorite things: Chicken Tinga taco for life <3

Just okay: Carne Asada taco

Would pass: On my bad decision to not order the Fried Avocado taco

Would I go again? Definitely, and with more classy queens