Pawley’s Front Porch-The Bad Boys of Burgers
As a food blogger, I always get asked, “Where’s the best place for…?” When that question refers to who has the best burgers, my answer is always, “Pawley’s Front Porch.”
Located in the heart of Five Points, Pawley’s has been serving up gourmet burgers, sides and beer for the hungry college crowds of the University of South Carolina. Pawley’s is not your average bar food restaurant. All their hamburgers are made fresh, ground every day with premium beef and spices. I first heard of Pawley’s on an episode of Diner’s, Drive-in’s and Dives. As I watched, my mouth began to water and I became hungry. (This always happens when I watch Food Network.)
As you know, I love writing about the great local restaurants in Columbia, so when Pawley’s asked me to come out for dinner, I was stoked. I felt like I hit the big time, like a new band getting to play the big club. I felt that this is my big break. I mean, they had Guy Fieri at their place, and they want me to come out! Rawk! OK, calm down and have some dip, right?
So let me remind you that I don’t just write about anyone. If I can’t say something nice about a place, I keep my mouth shut. I am not a food critic, I’m a food lover. For me to cover a restaurant, they must meet the following three things; Great food, great service and a great atmosphere. Pawley’s excels in all three.
Pawley’s was rockin’ when we showed up. There was a line out the door, and nobody seemed to mind the wait. Despite being packed, we were greeted with a friendly smile and seated. Our server was outstanding, and one that has served us before. (But, I’m a putz and can’t remember her name.) Great service is a consistent experience at Pawley’s, I have been here dozens of times and have never had a bad experience. That says a lot. Now, there have been a couple of times when my meal was not right, but they are always quick to make it right…and that is the true test of customer service, and one that Pawley’s consistently passes.
The Groupie Wife and I started the night with the Fried Pickle Sickles. Holy Schnikes, these are the best fried pickles I’ve ever had. They are not soggy, like I’ve had at other places. They are covered in a crispy batter, and when dipped in buttermilk ranch, there is a sweetness that complimented the tang of the pickle. The thing I noticed was that pickles were not overly pickley, if that makes sense. The Groupie Wife LOVED them…and she HATES pickles. What does that tell ya? That they are damn good. And you can get a free order of their Fried Pickle Sickles by bringing in one canned good for Harvest Hope Food Bank.
I then ordered the Caw-Caw burger on a pretzel bun with Frank’s Red Hot Onion Rings on the side. Stuffed with house-made jalapeno pimento cheese, bread & butter pickled green tomato, jalapeno bacon and grilled onions; it’s a mountain of pure meaty deliciousness. When you order any of their burgers, get the pretzel bun. Don’t ask why, just do it. It is the perfect bun for their burgers. And bring a jaw extender with you. These are real thick burgers. They come out with a knife shoved down the middle to keep them together, for crying out loud!
The Groupie Wife had their Front Porch Burger. It’s a standard burger without the Pawley’s flair. You get to choose your toppings, but she likes hers plane Jane…just cheese, ketchup and mustard. But even their plain Jane burgers are good. The Groupie Wife had their fries, which is her favorite, while I had their onion rings….my favorite. They are sweet with a crunchy batter. I washed everything down with two Sweetwater IPA 420′s and the GW had a coke.
So, if you’re looking for the best place that has the best burgers, head on out to Pawley’s Front Porch. (They also have a location in Mount Pleasant, outside of Charleston.) Also be on the lookout for their food truck around town.
Check out their nightly specials!
Bookmark their site so you can keep up with their specials, happenings and where their food truck is located. You can also sign up for their e-news letter and keep up with them that way. Go by and see them sometime this week and tell them Rock Star Dad sent ya.
As always, thanks for reading and keep on rockin’.
Rock Star Dad
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