Welcome to Variety Restaurant
Variety Restaurant, located at 921 York St NE, Aiken, SC, is a beloved dining gem that has been serving the community since 1931. Known for its fantastic seafood and juicy steaks, this cozy, mom-and-pop establishment boasts a warm atmosphere complemented by friendly staff. Diners rave about the fresh flavors, generous portions, and delightful sweet tea. Standout dishes include perfectly cooked catfish, oysters, and home-battered fried mushrooms. With a reputation for great service, Variety Restaurant captures the essence of local dining, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers seeking quality comfort food.
Variety Restaurant: Reviews & Ratings
Food was cooked perfectly , delicious,and a lot of it! Friendly staff !
Hole in the wall in AIKEN SC. Fantastic seafood and kid friendly. Had great service and amazing food.
If you want some great local seafood and steak then the Variety is most definitely the place you need to eat!!! It is my absolute favorite! The seafood is always fresh and is amazing! You can not possibly get a better tasting steak from anywhere else! It is so juicy and good! The staff is always helpful and friendly! The drinks are awesome! The owner is always there also.. Great food and atmosphere!
My parents grew up in Aiken and recently took me here when we were in town visiting. I thought the seafood was fresh and very fairly priced. I got catfish, oysters, shrimp, scallops and deviled crab for 25. Unsure of the bad reviews about pricing on side items, but the restaurant is older; what else do you expect from a place that’s been there since 1931? Staff was awesome and very friendly. Highly recommended.
Great sweet tea, home battered fried mushrooms absolutely delicious and more than plenty on quantity. As a matter of fact everything we ate was plentiful and delicious. All fresh made to order. Definitely a mom and pop cafe. Absolutely delicious
Doesn't look very fancy from the outside but what a fabulous meal we had. I had the deviled crab dinner with baked potato and salad. Everything was cooked perfectly. Salad was very fresh and crisp. Husband had sea bass which was also excellent. The servers was friendly and attentive. Met the owner who had been there over 40 years. Super nice people. Can't wait to visit again soon!
Best food in Aiken. Owner very involved. Comes out and personally talks with customers. Willing to please everyone. Come hungry, because portions are very generous. Specials all the time. Seafood caught fresh. Awesome experience.
Food was freshly prepared and delicious. Servers were personable and able to answer questions. Atmosphere is dated and dark - but food makes it worth it!
Location
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921 York St NE, Aiken, SC 29801, United States Hotline: +1 803-648-6987
If you're wandering the charming streets of Aiken, South Carolina, make sure to stop by the iconic Variety Restaurant. Located at 921 York St NE, this hidden gem has been a beloved local institution since 1931. With its rich history and timeless appeal, Variety offers diners a delightful culinary experience that combines comfort and quality.
The moment you walk through the door, you are greeted by the warm atmosphere and friendly staff, who work tirelessly to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional. As you settle in, you can expect to enjoy a menu crafted with care, featuring an impressive array of seafood and steak options that many patrons rave about.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the outstanding quality of the food. Jeffrey Childress describes it as “cooked perfectly, delicious, and a lot of it.” The portions are generous, making it a perfect place for families or those with hearty appetites. Rick Shellem echoes this sentiment, praising the restaurant as a fantastic seafood spot that is also kid-friendly, further emphasizing its charm as a local favorite.
Among the stars of the menu, R Busbee recommends indulging in the fresh seafood and juicy steaks, claiming the latter is unrivaled in taste and quality. The commitment to freshness is palpable with every bite, whether you're enjoying crispy catfish, succulent shrimp, or the delightful deviled crab. And speaking of favorites, James Abney mentions an impressive value for the variety of seafood offered in his platter, showcasing not just great tastes but also affordability.
The culinary experience extends beyond the entrees. Customers rave about home-cooked sides that are fresh and made to order. Cathleen Smith shares her love for the home-battered fried mushrooms and the great sweet tea that pairs perfectly with any meal. It’s this dedication to quality and abundance that keeps patrons returning for more.
At Variety Restaurant, you're not just getting a meal; you're experiencing a slice of Aiken's history, wrapped in warmth, friendliness, and deliciousness. With the owner often present to greet guests, it's evident that this establishment is rooted in community and passion. If you’re in the area, make Variety the next stop on your food adventure—you won’t be disappointed!