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Downtown Greenville is full of great places to eat. But when people ask locals where to get a great burger, one name comes up again and again. Grill Marks.
This spot on South Main Street has been part of the Greenville dining scene since 2012. It sits right in the heart of downtown, close to Falls Park, the Peace Center, and the Reedy River. For anyone moving to Greenville or just visiting for a weekend, it is one of those places you simply need to try.
The Story Behind Grill Marks
Grill Marks is part of the Larkin's Restaurants family, founded by Larkin and Mark Hammond. The Hammond family built their restaurant brand starting in 1998 in Lake Lure, North Carolina. They later brought their vision to Greenville in 2005 with Larkin's on the River, located at the Peace Center.
By 2012, they saw a clear gap in the Greenville food scene. The city needed a great burger restaurant. Not a fast food spot. A real, thoughtful, quality burger experience. That idea became Grill Marks.
The goal was simple but bold: the best beef, the best buns, and the best toppings they could find. More than a decade later, that mission still drives everything on the menu.
Where It Is
The Downtown Greenville location sits at 209 S. Main Street, right in the middle of everything. Walking distance from hotel stays, the Peace Center, Fluor Field, and Falls Park make it an easy choice whether you are here for an event or just exploring the city.
The spot also has a covered patio with heaters, which means outdoor dining is comfortable even when the weather is not perfect.
Address: 209 S. Main St., Greenville, SC 29601
Phone: 864-233-5825
Hours:
- Sunday through Thursday: 11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 11 pm
- Happy Hour: Monday through Thursday, 4 pm to 6 pm
The Atmosphere
Walking into Grill Marks, you get the feel of a lively, casual spot with real energy. It is not stuffy. It is not a fast food line. It is somewhere in between, in the best way possible.
Inside, there are cozy fireplaces that make the winter months feel especially inviting. Outside, the covered patio is a popular spot on warm evenings. The restaurant is also dog-friendly, which is a big deal for pet owners in Greenville.
This is the kind of place that works for just about any occasion. Lunch with coworkers. Dinner with family. A night out with friends before a show at the Peace Center. It fits all of it.
What to Order
The menu is built around one thing done really well: burgers. But there is more than enough variety to keep everyone happy.
The beef is a custom blend of 100% Certified Angus beef chuck, brisket, and short ribs. That combination gives each patty a deeper flavor and a texture you do not find in most burger spots. Every burger is cooked fresh to order.
Popular Food Picks:
- The Smash Burger, a longtime crowd favorite known for its crispy, caramelized edges and bold flavor
- The Hawaiian Burger, a sweeter, tropical take on the classic that regulars love
- Sliders are great for sharing or when you want to try more than one flavor
- The Build Your Own Burger option, which lets you stack exactly what you want
- The Upstream Sandwich, a grilled salmon option for those who want something different
- Bison Burger, a leaner and rich alternative to the traditional beef option
- Wings, which have picked up strong praise from diners in recent reviews
- Pimento cheese fries, a Southern spin on a classic side that many guests come back for specifically
- Truffle fries, onion rings, and sweet potato fries round out a strong selection of sides
Drinks You Should Try:
- Hand-spun milkshakes made from housemade ice cream, available in classic flavors and more creative combinations
- Freakshakes, the over-the-top loaded shake experience that has become a signature of the brand
- Shaketails, the adult milkshake lineup featuring spirits paired with housemade ice cream
- Craft cocktails and craft beer, including frozen beer taps that are a crowd favorite on warm days
Whether you come for the burger or the shake, most people leave planning their next visit before they even finish the first one.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Grill Marks Downtown does not currently partner with third-party delivery apps. You can order online directly through their website or visit in person.
They also offer gluten-free options, including gluten-free buns and fries, making it a more accessible stop for guests with dietary needs. The staff is noted for being knowledgeable about what is safe for gluten-sensitive guests.
Catering is available too, which is a nice option if you are planning a group event or office gathering in the Greenville area.
What the Community Says
Grill Marks has earned consistent recognition from the Greenville community over the years. The downtown location was named a Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite every year from 2017 through 2022.
On TripAdvisor, the Main Street location holds a 4.0 out of 5 rating based on over 930 reviews and is ranked among the top 30 restaurants in Greenville. Guests regularly praise the burger quality, the milkshakes, the covered patio, and the friendly service.
Like any popular spot in a busy downtown, experiences can vary during peak times or large events. But the overall track record speaks for itself. This is a place that Greenville has chosen again and again.
Why This Spot Matters to the Greenville Experience
If you are relocating to Greenville or thinking about making the move, the dining scene is one of the things that makes this city so appealing. Downtown Greenville has grown into a walkable, vibrant area filled with locally owned businesses and restaurants that feel like real community gathering spots.
Grill Marks is a great example of that. It is not a chain. It is a Greenville original, built by a local hospitality group that has invested in this city for decades. When you sit on that covered patio on Main Street with a great burger and a cold shake, you start to understand why so many people love living here.
Taste a Classic on South Main Street
Greenville has no shortage of great places to eat. But some spots earn their reputation simply by showing up and delivering, year after year.
Grill Marks is one of those places. Great beef, creative shakes, a welcoming patio, and a location that puts you right in the middle of one of the best downtowns in the Southeast.
If you are thinking about moving to Greenville, this is exactly the kind of local gem that makes the area feel like home. And if you are already here, you already know.
The Whaley Group is here to help you find your place in Greenville. Whether you are buying, selling, or just exploring, reach out to our team and let us show you what this city has to offer.
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