Sipping and Snacking Under the Clemson Sun

by: Lauren Drain

Solé on the Green

There’s nothing quite like summer in Clemson. The days are warm, the lake is calling, and the absolute best way to wind down is with a great meal under the open sky. As someone who has spent the last few months happily eating my way through Tiger Town (a tough job, but someone has to do it!), I’ve scouted out the absolute best spots to grab a bite al fresco. Whether you’re looking for a lively game-day atmosphere, a peaceful lakeside view, or just a shaded spot for a cold drink, here are my personal favorite Clemson patios where the vibe is just as good as the food.

Evolve

Sitting in the middle of downtown’s main strip, Evolve is a cute lunch or dinner spot, that provides a quiet, high-end atmosphere with incredibly friendly staff. They are happy to help navigate the menu and give recommendations. Evolve is also great at accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions, even going as far to have a vegetarian menu. The outdoor section is great for people-watching and admiring the beautiful view of Bowman Field and Downtown Clemson. Due to their residency on the sidewalk, outdoor table space can be limited during busier hours. The modern take on a rustic aesthetic provides a new-age feeling for the space, definitely very Instagram-post friendly.

Señor Birds

This is the place to be on Cinco de Mayo. They throw a big party within the restaurant, with music and an open dance floor. Outside of the holiday, Señor Birds has a lively energy with bold decor and an adorable bar area. The outdoor patio is equally decorated, providing a view of the soccer field, along with other parts of campus. There is also a tiger statue in front of the restaurant, which is well known amongst students and locals for its uniqueness, acting as a colorful pop in the mix of green that runs along the street. Señor Birds just released a new menu item that has caught the eyes of many: soft serve margaritas. The thick, creamy swirl blew up on local social media, everyone deeming it a must-try.

Solé on the Green

Overlooking the 18th hole at the Walker Course, this dining spot is incredibly well-known by Clemson locals. Both their brunch and dinner menus have passionate fans. It seems you could spin a wheel and point a blind finger at the menu, and you will still end up with a delicious plate in tow. With a full bar, Solé on the Green really has it all for an after-golf meal. With weekly deals and specials, it would be easy to become a regular of this establishment. Their patio overlooks the water and the course, adding eye candy to the already mesmerizing atmosphere. Their most popular item seems to be the spinach artichoke dip, a must-try. The staff is super helpful and kind, adding to the experience itself. Their signature drinks are tantalizing, leaving you thirsty for another after the last sip passes your tongue. Overall, a wonderful pick for a casual or more high-end meal, very versatile for the event.

Joe's NY Pizza

A place for the die-hard Clemson fans, the orange-and-purple-clad building provides a variety of tasty flavors. Despite pizza being their specialty, Joe’s is more widely known for their giant calzones and strombolis. When I say giant, I mean nearly the size of a newborn baby. They offer an array of pastas, also coming in very shareable portions. The staff is young and friendly, often committed to conversation with their patrons, and has a very special relationship with their regular attendees. The actual patio itself is spacious and well decorated: seasonal brewery themed umbrellas scattered at each table, plants lining the exterior, fairy lights draped overhead, and an open view of Patrick Square. They even have a big outdoor table for larger parties that wish to enjoy the sunshine. Joe’s NY Pizza loves to entertain; they offer live music, trivia, a weekly pizza buffet, and impromptu events within the store and patio. Information on all of this, and recurring deals, can be found on their Facebook page.

Clemson Wine Bar

Despite what the name implies, Clemson Wine Bar offers more than just an exquisite glass of vino. They have a full bar and dinner menu, with a wide range of craving crushers. Their portions are perfect, with plenty of shareable apps for the table. The service is friendly and attentive, and the bartenders are a favorite amongst their frequent flyers. The wine is praiseworthy, with knowledgeable staff to guide you towards the perfect glass to suit your taste. Their beer selection is also nothing to scoff at, providing an experience for patrons of any palate. The outdoor seating itself is small but mighty, with a few tables to enjoy the view of Patrick Square and its passing shoppers. It is a perfect spot to have a flight with some friends and converse in the warmth of a Clemson summer day.

Kite Hill Brewery

Self-proclaimed “Clemson’s original brewery”, Kite Hill offers a wide selection of 16 house taps of beers, specialty wines, and non-alcoholic drinks. Their food menu far surpasses a bowl of bar mix, providing a well-rounded food and drink experience for parties of all shapes and sizes. The space is pet and family friendly, with a spacious and entertaining outdoor patio space. They are currently in the process of laying out turf for this play space, which should be finished by their anniversary on June 13th! I encourage you to try as many of the beers as possible, for their options are always plentiful and exciting! For a beer place, surrounded by wheat and hop, it took me by surprise that they offer gluten free bread on their menu. No stone left unturned over at Kite Hill, truly a fun evening for anyone and everyone!

Walk-On's

Co-owned by our very own Dabo Sweeney, Walk-On’s is the perfect sports bar: cold beer, televisions sprouting from every wall, friendly and attentive staff, and a grand selection of tasty bites. Their appetizers are delicious and easy to share, with an absolutely astonishing buffalo sauce that makes their wings crave-worthy. They also have an entire menu of specialty cocktails if beer is not your vice, so there are options for everyone. They have a very spacious outdoor patio space, facing the main road of downtown. Their food is high quality, my personal favorites include their seafood poboy and ribeye sliders. It is a great place for a casual dinner, as the space is typically lively with the buzz of conversation. They really take “sports bar” to the next level, with hearty meals that stray from the pub food expectation.