What’s Good Here? 4 ‘classic’ Lexington area restaurants
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Lexington County experienced a 7.4 percent increase in population between June 1, 2010 and June 1, 2015.
Last year, the county had 1,350 new housing starts, according to statistics reported to the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina, and nearly 500 permits were approved during the first two months of 2016.
While there are dozens of new restaurants popping up to fill those hungry mouths, there are still some stalwart classic eateries in and around Lexington that have proven they appeal to lifelong residents and newcomers alike.
Stephano’s Restaurant
Stephen and Karen Lollis opened Stephano’s Restaurant on Columbia Avenue in Lexington 40 years ago this year.
“When we opened, this was a two-lane road out front, and we were surrounded by farmland and some houses,” Steve Lollis said.
The Italian restaurant is known for its housemade lasagna, which is made with the Lollis’ secret recipe, slow-simmered sauce cooked in two 24-quart pots. Stephano’s is also a favorite Lexington lunch spot where locals know to ask for the housemade chicken salad and pimento cheese – both on the menu from the Lollis’ catering days.
420 Columbia Ave., Lexington. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, closed Sunday. (803) 359-5436
Rush’s
Sure, it’s a fast-food place – but locally owned. While Rush’s first opened in 1940 as a small drive-in on the edge of the Rush family dairy farm on Broad River Road, it’s since become a Lexington staple as well. In 1987, the restaurant known for its fried chicken, burgers and ice cream treats opened a location at Columbia Avenue and Old Chapin Road, where it is still a mainstay nearly 30 years later.
201 Columbia Ave., Lexington. 10 a.m.-midnight daily. (803) 359-8858
Shealy’s Bar-B-Que
This restaurant is in Batesburg-Leesville, in the western part of the county, but it’s a drive many who live in Lexington and the Lake Murray area are willing to make.
Since 1969, Shealy’s Bar-B-Que has driven home the point that the Batesburg-Leesville restaurant is known for its popular and award-winning pork barbecue. The restaurant’s all-you-can-eat buffet is really where it’s at. Diners can load up on house-cooked country vegetables, fried chicken and a daily rotating main dish such as country-fried steak, fried fish or barbecue ribs. Community-style dining brings everyone together.
340 E. Columbia Ave., Batesburg-Leesville. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily, closed Wednesday and Sunday. (803) 532-8135
Mathias Sandwich Shop
Mathias Sandwich Shop has been serving lunch for 70 years. Started in 1946 by David “Jack” Mathias, Mathias Sandwich Shop remains family-owned and operated. In addition to a wide offering of deli and salad sandwich choices and burgers (try the pimento burger, a customer favorite), Mathias offers up a full breakfast and even serves a breakfast buffet on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
A lunch buffet is offered 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday; locals know to drop in for Friday’s all-day barbecue buffet.
7235 St. Andrews Road, downtown Irmo. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday. (803) 781-4002.
This story was originally published April 27, 2016 at 11:33 AM with the headline "What’s Good Here? 4 ‘classic’ Lexington area restaurants."