South Carolina ‘Mom and Pop’ Restaurant Among America’s Best

There's something special about a "mom and pop" restaurant, especially in South Carolina. It's just nice knowing that your food is made with love and care and that you literally can't get that dish anywhere else. Sure, the chains are great, especially if you're looking for consistency. But, it's just an extra fun experience to go to a "mom and pop" restaurant and have one of their much-praised meals. As it turns out, South Carolina has one of the best "mom and pop" restaurants in America.

The food experts at Love Food have a new feature out about the best "mom and pop" restaurants in the U.S. "Sometimes, only good old-fashioned comfort food will do, and there are plenty of places across the US that dish up exactly that," they explain. "From century-old diners offering belly-busting breakfasts to old-timey Italian joints that have used the same recipes for decades, these are our favorite mom-and-pop restaurants in every part of the country."

Looking at the biggest city in the U.S., Love Food picks Sylvia's Restaurant as the best "mom and pop" restaurant in New York City. They say this place has been around for decades, serving up everything from "expertly made chicken and waffles to shrimp and grits with all the trimmings." Sylvia's was founded in 1962 by Sylvia Woods, and she passed away in 2012. This spot "has a reputation as somewhere everyone is welcome, particularly because of its history as an important meeting place during the Civil Rights Movement." So, if you're traveling to New York City at any point soon, you may want to check out Sylvia's Restaurant and get some of those delicious chicken and waffles. The feature goes on to highlight one great local restaurant in each state, including ours.

So, which South Carolina restaurant is among the best "mom and pop" restaurants in America? It's Sweatman's Bar-B-Que in Holly Hill. I know this spot is known for its fantastic barbecue that you just can't get anywhere else. "The original 1950s location eventually closed, but this cute farmhouse venue opened in 1977 and there's been a storm cooked up here ever since," Love Food states. "Faithful punters come in for the oak, hickory, and pecan-smoked pork, which is doused in a secret recipe mustard-based sauce." If you want to give it a try, they're located at 1427 Eutaw Road. In North Carolina, Bum's Restaurant at 566 E 3rd Street in Ayden was their pick.

From fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to fruits and omelets, the breakfast buffet offers an abundance of choices. As tempting as it may be, there are times when it's probably best to avoid certain food items to ensure a healthy and enjoyable dining experience.

Overall, breakfast buffets make a great choice if you're on the hunt for an economical meal or have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, as they allow you to handpick the items that perfectly match your requirements.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that foodborne illnesses were responsible for sickness in approximately 48 million Americans. Within this number, it is estimated that around 128,000 cases required hospitalization, and tragically, 3,000 cases resulted in fatalities.

Breakfast buffets that lack proper maintenance and supervision may fall prey to stale and unappetizing food items. Dishes sitting out for too long lose their freshness and flavor, posing a risk to your taste buds and stomach. It’s best to opt for recently prepared items to savor the true essence of a breakfast buffet.

In breakfast buffet setups, hygiene can sometimes take a backseat. With numerous diners handling the serving utensils, there is a potential for the spread of germs and contaminants. Items like communal bread baskets and self-service stations may be susceptible to bacterial growth.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), buffets should prioritize swapping food trays rather than refilling them with new food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and ensure food safety. The duration for which an old batch of food has been sitting on the buffet is often uncertain. After two hours at room temperature, the risk of harmful microorganisms thriving on the food increases significantly. Refilling food trays creates a potential risk of cross-contamination between the fresh food and any remaining food on the tray.

When encountering a breakfast buffet, knowing which foods to skip is wise. Here's a rundown of foods to avoid at breakfast buffets.

Many establishments opt for powdered eggs instead of fresh ones, as it's a cost-effective way to prepare large quantities of scrambled eggs to cater to numerous guests at once. However, powdered eggs cannot compare to the taste, texture, and color of their fresh counterparts. Another concern lies in the fact that these eggs are pre-cooked, which means they might sit at unsafe temperatures for extended periods.

According to the FDA, serving eggs immediately after cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Unfortunately, in a buffet setting, it's challenging to determine how long the eggs have been sitting out.

Unless you witnessed the fruit being freshly prepared in the kitchen, it's nearly impossible to gauge how long that eye-catching fruit display has been sitting there. According to the FDA, when fruits are cut, their protective skins are breached, leaving the flesh vulnerable to the surrounding environment and any potential bacteria. This creates two primary reasons that heighten the risk of contamination. Firstly, cutting the fruit makes its water content and nutrients readily available to microorganisms. Secondly, without any heating process, disease-causing germs aren't eliminated, further contributing to the potential hazards of consuming cut fruits from a buffet display.

There’s a joy of pouring your own batter into a Belgian waffle maker, flipping it eagerly, and waiting for that gratifying green light before embellishing it with toppings. However, it's best to exercise caution and avoid the waffle station. As per TikToker Brandi Augustus, a former hotel employee, the waffle batter served there is often old and sour. Instead of disposing of the old batter, new batter is mixed with it. It's worth noting that not all places offering breakfast buffets adhere to this practice, but it's wise to stay informed and make a decision based on the circumstances.