Any of you locals from Gaffney SC.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Or perhaps know of Gaffney. I want to know something. There is a long running restaurant that has been a staple of the place for years.
Harold's Restaurant in Gaffney is know for it's world famous Chili Burgers. My question is, has anyone had one, and are they as good as everyone makes them out to be.
Come on guys, let me know.

[lacene]

Hell, I don't know, TD......I live in Hootersville, and eat pickled eggs and pigs knuckles from Drucker's Store.......

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I knew that. Maybe I need to edit that question.

Anyone passing through Gaffney on their way to Hooterville for checkers and "pig knuckles", know anything about Harold's Restaurant?

[Cjssax]

I know they have a giant peach in gaffney, i live about 45 mins away from there, but never heard of it!

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I know they have a giant peach in gaffney, i live about 45 mins away from there, but never heard of it!

Need to give it a try cjssax. I caught a episode of Diners, drive-ins and dives, and they did a story on Harold's Restaurant and it looked to be a classic joint.

[azamugg]

Need to give it a try cjssax. I caught a episode of Diners, drive-ins and dives, and they did a story on Harold's Restaurant and it looked to be a classic joint.

them damn shows are quilty of making me get up afterwards and go eat stuff I have no business eating 5lbs of

[geechee]

If you are willing to go from Texas to Gaffney, for a chili burger, that must be one awesome burger. Now if it was ribs, I could understand it but for a burger, that's a bit much:laugh:

[uscrules]

I live about 30 minutes away and have never heard of Harold's, but if you want the best chilli cheese burger, then go to "The Beacon" in Spartanburg, SC, that is where I grew up.

[geechee]

I live about 30 minutes away and have never heard of Harold's, but if you want the best chilli cheese burger, then go to "The Beacon" in Spartanburg, SC, that is where I grew up.

Well, I'll bet you grew up listening to the Marshall Tucker Band then:thumpsup:

[uscrules]

Went to the same high school. My daughter was friends with one of the band members daughter. Good call.

[geechee]

Went to the same high school. My daughter was friends with one of the band members daughter. Good call.

Toy Caldwell was one helluva guitar picker.

[SEC FAN 5011]

i have been there, and they are that good, and worth the trip. try one of their desserts as well.

[crimsonnation713]

Toy Caldwell was one helluva guitar picker.

here ya go....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhsGnS9av_A&feature=related

[azamugg]

whats that line from a Marshall Tucker song that everybody gets wrong....I forget?

think it was from "Heard it in a love song"

[sheluvsbama]

If you are willing to go from Texas to Gaffney, for a chili burger, that must be one awesome burger. Now if it was ribs, I could understand it but for a burger, that's a bit much:laugh:

Foodies will travel to the ends of the earth to sample the perfect water. The search for the perfect burger certainly knows no limits! :laugh:

[geechee]

Foodies will travel to the ends of the earth to sample the perfect water. The search for the perfect burger certainly knows no limits! :laugh:

I would travel to the ends of the earth in search of knowledge or beauty but food and water I put limits on:laugh:

[TDArkansasOhmy]

whats that line from a Marshall Tucker song that everybody gets wrong....I forget?

think it was from "Heard it in a love song"

I know Azamugg. I never get these words right. I butcher the song every time. I could have swore, one line said, If I ever settle down
you'd be my Guy but it's a good time for me
to head on down the line.
And I thought it was a gay song so I quit MTB over that damn song. But instead of Guy, it was Kind. gez was I a homophobe in the 70's. But here's the real lyrics Mugg.


I ain't never been with a woman long enough,
for my boots to get old.
We've been together so long now
they both need re-soled.
If I ever settle down
you'd be my kind (NOT GUY)
but it's a good time for me
to head on down the line.

Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Can't be wrong.

I'm the kinda man likes to get away,
like to start dreamin about tomorrow today.
Never said that I love you,
even though it's so
Where's that duffle bag of mine?
it's time to go.

Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Can't be wrong.

I'm gonna be leavin at the break of dawn.
Wish you could come
but I don't need no woman taggin' along.
So I'll sneak out that door
couldn't stand to see you cry.
I'd stay another year
if I saw a tear drop in your eye.

Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Can't be wrong.

I never had a damn thing
but what I had, I had to leave it behind.
You're the hardest thing
I ever tried to get off my mind.
Always something greener
on the other side of that hill.
I was born a wrangler and a rambler
and I guess I always will

Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Heard it in a love song
Can't be wrong

[cocky87]

I live 30 minutes away from Gaffney, I think I know where you are talking about but never ate there.

The beacon man... THat brings back good memories Double bacon chili cheeseburger bliss dood... man that place is great. I gota go back there soon

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I live 30 minutes away from Gaffney, I think I know where you are talking about but never ate there.

The beacon man... THat brings back good memories Double bacon chili cheeseburger bliss dood... man that place is great. I gota go back there soon

The Beacon? I think I have seen something on that joint as well. Is the the place where they have curd service and a two story parking level? The story I seen on this is their believe this is where the word, Car Hop originated. In the late 40's early 50's, cars would pull in to this place and before it even got stopped, a employee was hump onto the running boards of those old cars and start taking their orders. They actually had old film clips of this taking place. It was amazing.

[cocky87]

The Beacon? I think I have seen something on that joint as well. Is the the place where they have curd service and a two story parking level? The story I seen on this is their believe this is where the word, Car Hop originated. In the late 40's early 50's, cars would pull in to this place and before it even got stopped, a employee was hump onto the running boards of those old cars and start taking their orders. They actually had old film clips of this taking place. It was amazing.

Hah yeah it's something like that.

I remember having to know my order before I went up to the line. If you don't know it before you get there, they will scream at you "HURRY UP!" "WHATS TAKING SO LONG?!" and stuff of that nature. Was kind of intimadating as a kid :unsure: I think there use to be something called pig's feast or something that consisted of a Huge Bowl of Ice cream... Man good memories.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is in the area.

(It's about the only thing good near the Clemson area) :laugh: jk

[OmahaBound]

The Beacon? I think I have seen something on that joint as well. Is the the place where they have curd service and a two story parking level? The story I seen on this is their believe this is where the word, Car Hop originated. In the late 40's early 50's, cars would pull in to this place and before it even got stopped, a employee was hump onto the running boards of those old cars and start taking their orders. They actually had old film clips of this taking place. It was amazing.

I believe you're thinking of The Varsity in Atlanta.

YouTube - The Varsity Drive IN cashier...Whaddya Have? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJD3_1k3rps)

This is the Beacon in Spartanburg, SC....

YouTube - the beacon drive in (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FnvQzc7syk&NR=1)

Both pretty good if you like grease, chili, and fried things....and who doesn't?!

[OmahaBound]

Hah yeah it's something like that.

I remember having to know my order before I went up to the line. If you don't know it before you get there, they will scream at you "HURRY UP!" "WHATS TAKING SO LONG?!" and stuff of that nature. Was kind of intimadating as a kid :unsure: I think there use to be something called pig's feast or something that consisted of a Huge Bowl of Ice cream... Man good memories.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is in the area.

(It's about the only thing good near the Clemson area) :laugh: jk

The ice cream is the Pig's Dinner. Some of my friends got one before the prom way back when....8 people....couldn't finish it.

My mom hasn't gone back since her first visit before I was born. They were new to town and didn't know the rules/traditions. She got to JC not knowing what she wanted and got sent to the back of the line. Too funny...

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Hah yeah it's something like that.

Man good memories.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is in the area.

(It's about the only thing good near the Clemson area) :laugh: jk

Amen brotha. I hear ya.

I recall back in my Jr. high days we had an open campus. And there was the joint right next door to the school that was legion. The Famous. This bad boy was ran by two Italian sisters which one could barely speak English. Mama Jo and Corkey were their names and these sister forever more could cook a pot of chili.
Everyday, during third period. I eagerly awaited the lunch bell. I had my locker preset to open at the slightest turn of the knob. I toss my books in the locker, then the sprint toward the smell of foot long chili dogs. My budget for lunch was seventy-five cents. So with the Foot long & a glass of water that would bring the total for lunch to fifty cents. Or as kids today say, fiddy cent.
Hard to think that in 1970-71 a chili dog loaded with chili and reach from your palm to your elbow would cost forty five cents.

The other treasures they created was Frito chili pies, which these gals would take scissors and cut the side off a ten cent bag of Frito's and put shredded cheese and ladle it with fresh and piping hot chili. All for thirty cents.

Now talking about your memories.

The Famous was also known city wide for a place for settling you beef with others. As kids a day at school you always heard the phrase, "hey, meet me behind the Famous after school"
I think it's where UFC and MMA was born.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_lpiDRDaH-mU/Rztk_P1cAFI/AAAAAAAADfw/ANLWs_s5VWg/s400/footlong+chili+dog.jpg

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I believe you're thinking of The Varsity in Atlanta.

YouTube - The Varsity Drive IN cashier...Whaddya Have? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJD3_1k3rps)

This is the Beacon in Spartanburg, SC....

YouTube - the beacon drive in (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FnvQzc7syk&NR=1)

Both pretty good if you like grease, chili, and fried things....and who doesn't?!

OK. I have seen something on the Beacon. Since watching that clip. I recall the old gentleman barking out the orders, and from what I understand, they have done it that way for decades.
I have to go there. I want the experience. Maybe lacene can take me the day after Thanksgiving. That is if he and his family will wake me up from all that turkey from the day before.

[cocky87]

Amen brotha. I hear ya.

The Famous was also known city wide for a place for settling you beef with others. As kids a day at school you always heard the phrase, "hey, meet me behind the Famous after school"
I think it's where UFC and MMA was born.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_lpiDRDaH-mU/Rztk_P1cAFI/AAAAAAAADfw/ANLWs_s5VWg/s400/footlong+chili+dog.jpg

Haha :thumpsup:

Id like to have tried one of those...... :(

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Haha :thumpsup:

Id like to have tried one of those...... :(

Too late cocky87, like everything else that was great, The Famous doesn't exist any longer. Only the memories, scars and fractures remain today.

[JerryBeeds]

I ate the best naner puddin samich I ever had at that joint.

[OmahaBound]

Another really tasty place in the Upstate along these same lines is The Cafe in Jonesville. Unless you get your meal "A-Plenty" at The Beacon, most meals can be finished. At The Cafe the burger club is so huge you don't need fries. If you get fries and finish the whole thing they should offer you a free angioplasty as well.:laugh:

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Another really tasty place in the Upstate along these same lines is The Cafe in Jonesville. Unless you get your meal "A-Plenty" at The Beacon, most meals can be finished. At The Cafe the burger club is so huge you don't need fries. If you get fries and finish the whole thing they should offer you a free angioplasty as well.:laugh:

I love hole in the wall joints OmahaBound. I think you find some of your best eats there. That place sounds great.
Last week end a family friend that lives in Little Rock came back to the city I live in for a visit with my mom. I took the two birds out to lunch and had a chance to visit with her for a hour or so. We got to talking about eating joints that doesn't exist any longer in town, and that's when she told me that I had to come to LR and she would take me to a place that has been around forever.
The place is called Cotham's Mercantile.

http://www.roadfood.com/photos/5583.jpg

Built in 1917 on the banks of the Arkansas River in rich land, it first served as a general store for locals who farm the area. In 1984 it began to serve lunch for hungry farmers in Scott Arkansas. And has remain the same since.
Best know for their Hubcap hamburger. They also have a few other things on it's menu.

http://www.roadfood.com/photos/5584.jpg

The reason I like these kinds of places is they don't take flack off of anyone. As Burger Kings Motto once said, "Have it your way", then Cotham's is "Have it Our way or hit the road". This is what I mean by that.
Hours and Policies
Seasons: Open Year Round
Meals Served: Lunch,
Store Hours: Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted: No
Alcohol Served: No
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Outdoor Seating: No
Reservations Accepted: No
Delivery Available: No
Takeout Counters: No
It's sorta like, Hey, we cooking today if you want some than come and get it.

http://www.roadfood.com/photos/5586.jpg

"Remote as it is, Cotham's is packed every day at noon. Its motto is 'Where the Elite Meet to Eat.'"

Since talking to her about this place. I've ask others and they agree. It's an experience all must try and they really enjoyed the food.

Abbreviated Menu

Chicken Fried Steak $6.00
Fried Chicken $6.00
Fried Pie, Peach $2.00
Hubcap Hamburger $8.00

[OmahaBound]

I love hole in the wall joints OmahaBound. I think you find some of your best eats there.

I completely agree. When I had more time to go on road trips we used to specifically seek out those types of diners/restaurants. Whether they be famous or not, they are the types of places where you can really get a sense of the community at large, and that's the whole purpose of traveling new places.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

No doubt OB. The area I live at in Arkansas was once rich with those kind of places. Family own and operated, consistent each and every time and comfort food with your name on it.
But now those places are sadly have fallen by the waist side. That gripes me to no end.
Just yesterday my brother and nephew ask me to join them for dinner. We discuss where to go and the frustration set in. All we had to choose from were all the major franchises.
I hate it, but while in different cities it gives you a chance to keep your eyes open for the dive that you didn't know existed.
I envy small town America that have such places.

[Coqui]

if you're ever around santee/vance/eutawville, make sure you check out Sweatmans BBQ. by far the best in SC, at least from what i've had. i try to make it down there when i do deliveries in that area for my job. only problem is that theyre only open Friday & Saturday, and i'm pretty sure theyre always closed the whole month of august. Also, best skins i've ever had, and the tea is pretty good too:ph34r:

edit: Sweatman’s BBQ, Holly Hill, SC « Pork and Whiskey (http://porkandwhiskey.wordpress.com/2006/09/02/sweatmans-bbq-holly-hill-sc/)

[cocky87]

No doubt OB. The area I live at in Arkansas was once rich with those kind of places. Family own and operated, consistent each and every time and comfort food with your name on it.
But now those places are sadly have fallen by the waist side. That gripes me to no end.
Just yesterday my brother and nephew ask me to join them for dinner. We discuss where to go and the frustration set in. All we had to choose from were all the major franchises.
I hate it, but while in different cities it gives you a chance to keep your eyes open for the dive that you didn't know existed.
I envy small town America that have such places.


TD if you want that small town feel I got the perfect place for you try out.

I live in Smyrna which is currently the smallest populated City in South Carolina

Smyrna, South Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smyrna,_South_Carolina)


Smyrna is surronded by 3 of my favorite Burger joints

2 are in Hickory Grove

and 1 is in Sharon.

The 2 in Hickory Grove is C&M Convience (just a small store) and Eddies Short Order. 2 of the best burgers you will get (amongst other fried goodies)

and my one of my favorites is this place... Sharon Grill

About Us (http://sharongrill.com/aboutus.aspx)

I understand what you mean by the since of community and just a relaxed feel. Makes you remember the good ol day's before places like Chilis long horn and such became so big...

ahh :(

[TDArkansasOhmy]

TD if you want that small town feel I got the perfect place for you try out.

I live in Smyrna which is currently the smallest populated City in South Carolina

Smyrna, South Carolina - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smyrna,_South_Carolina)


Smyrna is surronded by 3 of my favorite Burger joints

2 are in Hickory Grove

and 1 is in Sharon.

The 2 in Hickory Grove is C&M Convience (just a small store) and Eddies Short Order. 2 of the best burgers you will get (amongst other fried goodies)

and my one of my favorites is this place... Sharon Grill

About Us (http://sharongrill.com/aboutus.aspx)

I understand what you mean by the since of community and just a relaxed feel. Makes you remember the good ol day's before places like Chilis long horn and such became so big...

ahh :(

Wow, 59 people. I bet it's a close knit group of people. I live in a city of 23,682. Not a huge city, but not a wide spot in the road either. The look has change in the last several years, and for the worse to me. We have several Hispanics and northerners who have recently relocated here and I don't know anyone any more. Franchises are plenty, and mom & pops are few. And I'm a sad puppy when I think of that.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

"What do ya have, what do ya have..."

[uscrules]

Foodies will travel to the ends of the earth to sample the perfect water. The search for the perfect burger certainly knows no limits! :laugh:I may have found that perfect burger this past weekend in NYC. I was up to visit my two sons and he said Dad I will take you for the best burger you have ever had. It was at "Shake Shack" in Madison Square. This too has been featured on food network as the best hamburger in the world. It was worth the wait (30 Minutes) to get it.

[TDArkansasOhmy]

I may have found that perfect burger this past weekend in NYC. I was up to visit my two sons and he said Dad I will take you for the best burger you have ever had. It was at "Shake Shack" in Madison Square. This too has been featured on food network as the best hamburger in the world. It was worth the wait (30 Minutes) to get it.

Any idea when the program is suppose to air on the Food Network? I would like to learn more about this burger. If it's what you said it is. I have a friend that would UPS that to me. lacene is quiet the friend. He still owes me from the hot beverage machine I sent him a while back.

http://www.cartoline.it/pics/_zoom_flash.htm?immagine=scherzi_150404_01.swf

[TDArkansasOhmy]

Damn, it's too hot to eat. Is it that way in South Carolina as well. Waiter, can I get a refill on ice tea over here please?

http://www.wmo.ch/pages/mediacentre/news/archive/images/HEAT_WAVE_072605.jpg

[GamecockDieHard]

Five Guys beats the fool out of the Beacon. I ate at the Beacon...ONCE. It's not all that and I go to Spartanburg every week. It's mostly hype where masochists get beat up by a bunch of illiterates yelling at you to "hurry up." Some people assume it must be great because of the abuse they give out. Personally, I'm like Gus and don't like surly bartenders.

[uscrules]

I have to agree the food is on th greasy side. I once got an order to go and drove about 5 miles and the onion rings had white grease formed on them. That did it for me. I rarely ever eat there myself and I grew up here. My good friend is now the manager of the place. But you have to go there once for the atmosphere. It is kinda like the Varsity in Atlanta.

[cocky87]

Five Guys beats the fool out of the Beacon. I ate at the Beacon...ONCE. It's not all that and I go to Spartanburg every week. It's mostly hype where masochists get beat up by a bunch of illiterates yelling at you to "hurry up." Some people assume it must be great because of the abuse they give out. Personally, I'm like Gus and don't like surly bartenders.

The beacon was good when I went there which has been a few years back. (But if you don't like grease, i agree this is not the place for u)

I have recently went to 5 guys near my work, and it is quite good :D.

Id have to say the best burger ive eaten this year is from Red Robin.

(Aside from the burgers my gramps grills up on Sundays :p)