Where Everybody Knows Your Name

I’m not from Roebuck.

I’ve been here for more than a dozen years now, and I love the community, but I’m not FROM here. But you’d never know it at Grille 221.

“The Grille”, as it’s most commonly referred to, is most importantly the closest spot to my house to get a great cheeseburger. But it’s a ton more than that. It’s a community gathering spot. It’s a hotbed for Gamecock sports on game days. It’s a supporter of just about everything Dorman, and a bedrock supporter of kids raising money for trips, or friends raising money for sick folks, or for just about anybody who needs a hand.

When they tell you it’s a “homey” place, they’re not lying. You can talk ball - whatever season it is - with Kyle cutting fries behind the counter. Marie will bring your drink and lunch and hug your neck and tell you to hurry back, especially when you’ve known her your whole life. They ALL act like they’ve known you forever, even if it’s the first time you walked in.

We can talk about the food all day. The burger is excellent - thick and crusty from the grill and perfect with mustard, chili, and onions, or with anything you like. Jake’s Chicken Wrap might be the best non-burger thing on the menu. The pimento cheese is fantastic, and homemade. So is the jalapeño ranch that’s served with the fried pickles upon request. There are daily specials most weeks, and when it’s vegetable soup or pinto beans and cornbread, you might better go for lunch so you don’t miss anything.

You know what? You might better go for lunch anyway. And dinner for a hamburger steak. Or just about any time you can make it a point to get down there.

Because you’re not going to find a place - or people - like this just anywhere.