If you have ever chased the perfect bite in the Upstate, Earle Street Kitchen and Bar in Anderson is where the search gets deliciously derailed. The rustic chic vibe sets the stage, but it is the Southern comfort with a clever twist that keeps you leaning in for one more bite. Locals whisper about the fried goat cheese fritters like a secret they cannot keep. Bring your appetite and a little curiosity, because this hotspot knows exactly how to win you over.
Fried Goat Cheese Fritters
You know that dish you taste once and then crave for weeks. That is the fried goat cheese fritters here, a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and crisp. A light honey drizzle and a little salt make the edges sing, while the warm center melts into a dreamy bite.
The texture contrast is what hooks you first, then the clean goat cheese flavor keeps you going. Share a basket to start, or do not, because you will guard these like treasure. Every crunch reveals that smooth center and you just keep chasing it.
Pair them with a bright cocktail or a local beer to cut the richness. The fritters also play well with salads if you want something fresh on the side. Simple idea, smart execution, absolutely addictive.
Shrimp and Grits With a Twist
These shrimp and grits walk the line between comfort and flair. The grits come silky and rich, hugging every spoonful without feeling heavy. Plump shrimp get a quick sear, then bathe in a savory sauce that whispers smoke and spice.
It feels familiar yet new, the kind of plate that warms you up fast. The balance is spot on, with crispy bits of bacon and a pop of scallion brightness. You end up slowing down to make the bowl last, but it does not last long.
If you are a purist, the technique will win you over. If you love bold flavors, the pan sauce does the heavy lifting. Either way, this is a must order for first timers.
Hot Chicken With Honey Sriracha
When heat meets sweet just right, you get this crowd favorite. The chicken arrives crisp and juicy, with a honey sriracha drizzle that dances without overpowering. It is the kind of spice that wakes up your palate and invites another bite.
Some nights it lands over grits, other times over mashed potatoes, and fried okra makes a crunchy cameo. The sides are not afterthoughts, they are part of the story. Each forkful blends texture, warmth, and a little kick.
If you are spice shy, do not worry, the honey keeps it friendly. And if you love heat, ask for extra drizzle. Either way, you walk away satisfied and a little smug for ordering well.
Collard Green Egg Rolls
Collard greens in egg rolls sounds playful, and it totally works. The greens bring soul, the wrapper brings crunch, and the dip ties it together with a tangy note. One bite and you get that familiar Southern comfort tucked into a handheld snack.
They are perfect for sharing with the table, or for hoarding while you swear you will only eat one. Each roll holds together beautifully, so you get a clean bite and big flavor. The seasoning rides on smoke and a little acid to keep things lively.
Order these with a cold beer and a stack of napkins. They are a brunch darling and a dinner ice breaker. Thank the regulars who told you to try them first.
Fried Green Tomatoes Starter
Fried green tomatoes show up here in their Sunday best. The crust is light and crisp, the tomatoes tangy and just tender. A swipe of creamy sauce or pimento cheese turns every bite into comfort on repeat.
You get that satisfying crunch followed by a bright, acidic snap. It is a starter that sets the tone for the whole meal. Grab one fast or watch them disappear while you reach for your drink.
They pair nicely with a citrusy cocktail or a Southern lager. If you love texture, this checks every box. If you love classic flavors, the kitchen respects the roots and nails the finish.
Sunday Brunch Highlights
Sunday brunch at Earle Street feels like the neighborhood at its best. The vibe is easy, the music is friendly, and the Bloody Mary and Mimosa setup keeps things festive. Dishes lean hearty with a few bright twists so everyone finds a favorite.
Expect eggs your way, biscuits that soak up sauces, and playful specials that change with the season. Service moves quickly even when the patio is buzzing. You might wait during peak hours, but the energy makes it part of the charm.
Bring a crew and share plates so you can try more. The brunch menu rewards curiosity, especially with those famous starters. Come hungry and plan to linger.
Taco Platter Trio
The taco platter gives you options without the FOMO. One bite brings you coastal mahi, another leans porky and savory, then the chicken ties it all together. Fresh slaw and a squeeze of lime make each taco pop.
Nothing feels heavy, even when you clear the board. Seasoning shows restraint with just enough heat. It is a smart pick when you want variety with your drink.
Ask the server for a pairing from the bar, maybe a crisp beer or a bright margarita style sip. The plate is generous and easy to share. Light, flavorful, and fun to eat.
Baked Potato Soup Starter
On a cool day, the baked potato soup is a hug in a bowl. It is creamy but not cloying, with cheddar, bacon, and chives hitting all the right notes. You get a comforting spoonful that brings you back for another without thinking.
The texture is smooth with little bites of potato for substance. Bacon adds smoke, while the chives cut through with freshness. You will want bread or a fritter on the side to swipe the last bit.
Start here if you are settling in for a long chat and a slow meal. It sets a cozy pace for everything that follows. Simple, familiar, and very well done.
Elevated Salads With House Touches
Salads at Earle Street do more than check a box. They layer textures and flavors so every forkful feels crafted. Fresh greens, thoughtful toppings, and a smart vinaigrette make a clean, satisfying plate.
Add grilled or fried chicken if you want a protein lift. The kitchen seasons with a steady hand, letting each ingredient shine. It feels bright and balanced, not like a side project.
Order one with a shareable starter and you will hit both comfort and freshness. It is a great move if you plan to save room for dessert. Light, flavorful, and surprisingly memorable.
Pork Chop Favorite
When you want hearty, the pork chop delivers. Seared nicely with a juicy center, it lands with a glossy pan sauce that ties the plate together. The portion feels generous without going overboard.
Mashed potatoes and a green side round things out, keeping the focus on that well cooked chop. The flavor leans savory with a hint of sweetness. It has that Sunday supper energy any night of the week.
Pair with a fuller bodied beer or a whiskey forward cocktail. It is the kind of dish that makes you sit back and smile. Straightforward, satisfying, and consistently good.
Fried Okra Side
Fried okra here wins over skeptics. The batter stays light and the okra keeps its snap. A sprinkle of seasoning makes it pop without hiding the vegetable.
It works as a starter with drinks or as the side that steals the show. Dip if you want, but it does not need much help. This is the crunch you crave with hot chicken or seafood.
Order extra if your table is full of nibblers. It is easy to share and even easier to finish. Southern classic, handled with care.
Mahi Mahi Special
The mahi mahi special tells you the kitchen likes to play by the coast. A well seared fillet sits over creamy grits or seasonal sides. The sauce brings depth without drowning the fish.
Each bite breaks clean and tastes fresh. If you are a shrimp and grits fan, this is a nice pivot. It keeps the comfort while giving you something a little lighter.
Ask about the nightly preparation so you can choose your sides. A squeeze of lemon brightens everything around the edges. It is a polished plate that still feels relaxed.
Craft Cocktails and Local Brews
The bar program fits the vibe perfectly. You get classic cocktails with tidy twists and a lineup of local beers that change with the season. Nothing feels fussy, just well balanced and easy to enjoy.
Ask the bartender for a pairing with your order. Bright drinks lift rich plates, while whiskey notes cozy up to the pork and chicken. Service is quick even when the room is buzzing.
It is a great stop for a casual date or a catch up with friends. Sit inside under the warm lights or take it to the patio when the weather cooperates. Either way, you are in good hands.
Atmosphere and Vibe
Earle Street mixes urban polish with Southern ease. Wood, brick, and warm lights make the room feel welcoming right away. You settle in and forget the clock for a while.
It can get loud when the place fills up, but the energy feels friendly. The patio adds breathing room on nice days. Staff keep things moving without rushing you.
Come for comfort food, stay for the laid back rhythm. It works for families, dates, and big friend tables. A neighborhood spot that feels like a little occasion.
Pricing and Portions
Prices sit in the friendly zone for the quality on the plate. Portions feel fair to generous, especially with shareable starters. It is easy to build a meal that fits your appetite and budget.
Weekend peak times can mean a wait, but the value still holds. The kitchen focuses on fresh flavors over heavy sauces. You walk out satisfied without a sinking feeling.
Grab a starter, split a main, and leave room for dessert if you can. The menu gives you plenty of levers to pull. Honest pricing, big flavor, smart choices.
Plan Your Visit
Find Earle Street Kitchen and Bar at 134 W Earle St in Anderson. The doors open at 11 AM most days except Monday, with Sunday brunch running 11 AM to 2 PM. Evenings stretch to 9 or later midweek and up to 10 on weekends.
It gets busy during prime dinner hours, so consider arriving early or calling ahead. Outdoor seating is a sweet bonus when the weather is right. Parking is straightforward in the neighborhood.
Check the website for updates and daily specials. Bring friends and an open mind for the Southern twists. One visit turns into a habit pretty fast.




















