Raceway Grill
If the walls of the Raceway Grill could talk, oh the racing stories they would tell. Located off turn two of the speedway, this may be the most historic restaurant on the tour. In the early years of the Southern 500, qualifying was held on Saturday and the race was held on Labor Day Monday; meaning Sunday was a day off at the track. Virtually every driver ate at the restaurant and at times the beer flowed a bit heavy and the party was on.
As far as the food goes, it’s good. The hamburger steak is what to order and with some gravy on top it’s very good. French fries or baked potatoes are both good sides for the hamburger steak.
And, don’t be surprised if NASCAR President Mike Helton; NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee David Pearson, former Richard Childress Racing fuel man Chocolate Meyers or MRN Radio’s Barney Hall are sitting at the next table. They are all regulars on race weekend here.
Address: 1207 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, S.C. 28532
Phone: (843) 393-9212
Redbone Alley
Redbone Alley is a two-story restaurant that gives the feel of downtown Charleston, S.C. with its cobblestone floor, tables with umbrellas and surrounding décor. Even better than the look and great atmosphere is the food, a coastal southern style.
Always popular and tasty is the Low Country Shrimp and Grits or Red Bone’s “Jacked Up” Mac N’ Cheese complete with grilled chicken, three-cheese cream sauce and topped with pancetta bacon. Other favorites include Daufuskie Island Shrimp Curry and Blackened Salmon and Pimento Cheese Grits.
Address: 1903 West Pimento Street, Florence, S.C. 29501
Phone: (843) 643-0035
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
B&B Restaurant
B&B is a Southern cooking buffet very friendly service and incredible food. A sample of the buffet includes fried chicken, roast beef and rice, mashed potatoes, cornbread, baked macaroni and cheese and you have to have the fried okra. The place is small but rarely a wait as the wait staff gets you in and out and always tops off your sweet tea.
Also, their breakfast buffet is similarly fast and tasty with a wide variety of southern favorites. If you’re in Darlington overnight after the race, the Mother’s Day buffet (breakfast or lunch) is perfect.
Address: 1536 South Main Street, Darlington, S.C. 29532
Phone: (843) 393-9534
Race Weekend Schedule: Thursday-Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: Open at 7:00 a.m.
Roger’s Barbeque
Reading and hearing reviews about Roger’s Barbeque certainly makes this a must try. It’s a barbeque buffet featuring vinegar based pulled/chopped pork barbeque, fried chicken, ribs and all the sides: baked mac and cheese, sweet potato pie casserole, fresh green beans, liver hash and you must save room for the banana pudding.
NASCAR insiders have been hitting Roger’s for years and this weekend will be no different. And remember, you’re not here for the white table cloths and valet parking.
Address: 2004 Second Loop Road, Florence, S.C. 29504
Phone: (843) 667-9291
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
McLeod Farm
“Life’s a Peach” is the motto at this family-owned roadside stop that’s been in the McLeod family since 1916. This one is simple; the Peach Enchiladas are the best dessert on the NASCAR tour. Warm and with a scoop of vanilla ice cream this is worth the 15-mile trip from the speedway.
There is a lot more than just peaches with a large variety for fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, canned sauces, ciders, candy. In a separate building is the butcher shop and a small lunch counter. The apple bread is also a winner.
Address: Highway 151 (4.5 miles south of McBee), BcBee, S.C. 29101
Phone: (843) 335-8611
Hours: Daily: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Starfire Grill
The Starfire Grill has a HUGE variety of choices when it comes to good homemade qualify food. American, Greek, Asian, Italian and Southern cuisine is serviced in large quantities in a timely manner. The only wait you may have is getting seated as this is a very popular restaurant in Florence – for good reason.
While the main entrees are all fantastic, try if possible to save room for dessert. In the “Greek diner” tradition, a huge variety of desserts are available. Also, give the broccoli cornbread a try with your meal; it’s a little different by very tasty.
Address: 2130 W. Palmetto St., Florence, S.C. 29501
Phone: (843) 661-7825
Mr. B’s Seafood House
Ask Darlington Raceway track president Chris Browning where to eat when in town for the races and he’ll give you his pick. “You may have trouble finding it, but Mr. B’s Seafood in Hartsville is one of my favorites”.
Online reviews of this place range from “great” to “incredible” raving about the “best seafood inland” the steaks and fried chicken. And, if you’re staying after the race the Sunday buffett has just about everything a Southern restaurant can offer.
Address:964 Lydia Highway, Hartsville, S.C. 29550
Phone:(843) 332-5560