Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar

Interior dining area at Congaree National Park featuring a green hedge wall and a yellow neon sign above a wooden bench.

Honey-Dasted Fried Chicken brines 18 hours, then bursts with a crackling crust. Mac & Cheese Waffles pair creamy, cheesy texture with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken for a bold crunch. Fried Green Tomatoes arrive panko-crusted, sitting atop goat cheese grits with a bright red pepper coulis for a zesty contrast.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken; Mac & Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken; Fried Green Tomatoes
Local Specialties: Cocktails featuring South Carolina breweries and distilleries; local SC beers; Southern classics with Appalachian influence
Popular Items: Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken; Mac & Cheese Waffles; Fried Green Tomatoes

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken; Mac & Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken; Fried Green Tomatoes
Local Specialties: Cocktails featuring South Carolina breweries and distilleries; local SC beers; Southern classics with Appalachian influence
Popular Items: Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken; Mac & Cheese Waffles; Fried Green Tomatoes
Menu Recommendations: Skip generic combos; get Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken and Mac & Cheese Waffles. For drinks, order So Fresh & So Green, Green cucumber martini; pair with a local beer.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Entrees $18.39–$29.89; Sandwiches $16.09–$19.59; Sides $6.39; Lunch combos $10.99
Reservations Policy: Reservations accepted and recommended, especially on weekends and holidays; advance booking advised, often available up to one day ahead.
Typical Wait Times: Typical wait times exist for a popular spot; book in advance; weekend times most affected.
Payment Methods: Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Cash
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Happy Hour Times: 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, Monday–Friday
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Street parking nearby; no on-site lot.

Visit strategy

Best For: Families with kids
Casual dinners with friends
Date nights
Not Ideal For: People in a rush seeking ultra-fast service; strict vegan-focused dining
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Moderate
Vibe: Cozy
Chic
Warm
Rustic
Noise Level: Moderate buzz
View Type: Urban setting
Busiest Times: Saturdays and evenings
Best Visit Times: Weekdays or early dinner hours to avoid crowds; reservations recommended
Tips Advice: Book in advance for weekends.
Try the Mac & Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken for texture contrast.
Hit the Hoot & Holler Happy Hour 4-6pm for starters and drinks.
For GF needs, order Shrimp & Grits or Pan-Seared Salmon; pair with a local SC beer.

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Delivery through Tupelo Honey website and third-party apps (DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats)
Dress Code: Come as you are
Beverage Program: Full Bar with Craft Cocktails, local beers, and a full wine list
Local Beers: Local SC beers
House Made: Scratch-made dishes
Signature Cocktails: Magic Lemonade; So Fresh & So Green, Green cucumber martini
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Extensive Kids Menu; welcoming to families
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Seating: 1
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Mac & Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken; Fried Green Tomatoes with goat cheese grits
Unique Factor: Mac & Cheese Waffles with Asheville Hot Fried Chicken
Nearby Facilities: Urban area with nearby amenities; street parking nearby
Recent Updates: New Bull Street District location in the Bull Street area; continued expansion of Southern fare.
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays, especially during Hoot & Holler Happy Hour (4:00 PM–6:00 PM), to enjoy deals. Saturdays are the busiest; plan accordingly or book ahead.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic fried chicken order, get Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken—crisp, brined perfection. For cocktails, order the So Fresh & So Green, Green cucumber martini.
The Vibe Check: This is cozy yet contemporary Southern dining—casual, friendly, and inviting; bring family, friends, or a date and enjoy a relaxed vibe.
The Crowd Factor: Saturdays bring the busiest crowds; reservations help; arrive early for weekend queues or order ahead.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want iconic Southern dishes with creative twists; SKIP IF: you need ultra-fast service or vegan options (limited explicit vegan items).
Distance From Park: approximately 23 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: The hype centers on iconic Honey-Dusted Fried Chicken and the Mac & Cheese Waffles. Expect generous portions, reliable heat and texture balance, and solid value for mid-range prices. The vibe is warm and welcoming, with a steady crowd supporting the kitchen’s scratch-made approach.

Location

Photos

Crispy fried chicken with sliced jalapeños served at Congaree National Park dining area.

Congaree National Park plate features a grilled cheese sandwich with seasoned potato bites and a small side of ketchup on a wooden table.

Frequently asked questions

Is there GF options?

GF options exist: Tupelo's Shrimp & Grits, Pan-Seared Salmon, Grilled Harvest Chicken, and some sides like Stone-Ground Goat Cheese Grits and Mashed Potatoes.

Is takeout available?

Yes. Takeout is available via the Tupelo Honey website and third-party apps.

Is parking available?

Street parking is available nearby; there is no on-site lot.

Are reservations needed?

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays; book in advance.

Is there a kids menu?

Yes, there is an extensive Kids Menu with items like buttermilk fried chicken tenders and mac & cheese.