My husband and I found ourselves in an unusual situation recently – alone with nowhere to go! We decided to head to downtown Greenville for dinner and wound up at Soby’s. Located at 207 South Main Street, the building dates back to the late 1800’s and has been a cotton exchange as well as several different types of stores. Owner Carl Sobocinski took over the property in 1997 and did a beautiful remodel while still keeping the character and old south feel of the building.
Our server greeted us promptly and after learning it was our first visit, gave us a rundown of the specials and a bit more information regarding the menu. The first four entrees on their menu – meat loaf, BBQ shrimp, crab cakes and pork tenderloin – are signature items that have been serving since they first opened.
We began the night with the calamari appetizer, served with a delicious parmesan creole sauce, and cocktails. For his main course, my husband tried the New Orleans BBQ shrimp with wild Port Royal shrimp, creamy Anson mills grits, roasted sweet pepper relish and crusty bread. I also went with a signature dish and chose the Soby’s Crab Cake Remoulade served with sweet corn maque choux, mashed potatoes, and haricot verts. The portions were more than adequate yet were elegantly plated. We were both extremely happy with our entrees and would have them again. However, the next time we go I think I will start with dessert! The dessert menu not only looks delicious but also is unique including an Arnold Palmer dessert with a lemon tart and sweet tea ice cream on the side (yes, you read that right, sweet tea ice cream!).
We visited Soby’s on a weeknight and the restaurant only had a couple of open tables. The bar, complete with large doors opening onto Main Street, was definitely hopping. The restaurant atmosphere is comfortable and charming without being fussy. Would I take my toddler here? Probably not (at least not for dinner) but isn’t that the point in a date night?
Stephanie’s Tips
- Happy Hour – Don’t miss Happy Hour at Soby’s Monday – Saturday, 5 – 7pm ET, for the month of July!
- Wine – If you are a wine lover, you will find plenty to love at Soby’s with over 5,000 bottles of wine in the cellar.
- Parking – Valet parking is available. There are also several parking garages nearby including one on the corner of Main and Broad Street and on Falls Street adjacent to McBee.
- Miscellaneous – To take a peak at the menu or to make reservations online, visit http://www.sobys.com/.
