Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen: Casual Dining with Made-From-Scratch Food Across South Carolina

What Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Offers

Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen is a casual dining chain where the kitchen prepares most dishes fresh to order rather than reheating pre-made components. The menu centers on American comfort food—burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks—with an emphasis on scratch-made sauces, dressings, and sides. Portions are large, and the atmosphere is family-friendly with a bar area for adults.

The chain operates multiple locations across South Carolina, including restaurants in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Each location follows the same operational model: a full kitchen visible from the dining room, a bar serving beer and cocktails, and a casual environment where you order at your table or at a counter depending on the location.

Cheddar's positions itself between fast-casual chains and full-service fine dining—faster than a traditional steakhouse, with more made-to-order cooking than a quick-service restaurant. Prices typically range from moderate to mid-range, and the restaurant accepts reservations at some locations but operates first-come, first-served at others.

Key Takeaways

• Most menu items are prepared fresh in the kitchen rather than assembled from pre-made components, which means longer wait times than chain restaurants but food cooked to order.
• Cheddar's locations in South Carolina include Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, with each restaurant operating independently regarding reservations and hours.
• The menu features American comfort food including burgers, sandwiches, salads, seafood, and steaks, with scratch-made sauces and dressings included with most dishes.
• The casual dining format includes a full bar, family-friendly seating, and portions designed to be generous, making it suitable for groups and families as well as individual diners.

Menu Highlights and What to Expect

Cheddar's menu rotates seasonally, but core items remain consistent. Signature burgers come with hand-cut fries and a choice of toppings. The chicken fried steak, a South Carolina comfort food staple, arrives with mashed potatoes and gravy made in-house. Seafood options typically include shrimp, fish, and crab preparations, often with butter-based or cream sauces prepared fresh.

Salads come with dressing made to order—you choose the base and toppings, and the kitchen makes the dressing while you wait. Sandwiches include pulled pork, fried chicken, and fish options, each served with sides like coleslaw or fries. Appetizers range from fried items to cheese dips and loaded nachos.

Pricing varies by location and current menu, but entrees typically fall between $12 and $25. The bar serves beer on tap, bottled beer, wine, and cocktails. Many locations offer lunch specials on weekdays, which may include smaller portions or lower prices than dinner service.

Locations and Hours in South Carolina

Cheddar's operates in four major South Carolina markets. The Columbia location sits in the Harbison area near shopping centers and is accessible from Interstate 26. The Charleston location is in the West Ashley neighborhood, convenient to downtown and the airport. The Greenville location is in the downtown area near Falls Park and shopping districts. The Myrtle Beach location serves the Grand Strand tourism area.

Hours vary by location but typically run from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekends. Some locations close earlier on Sundays or may adjust hours seasonally. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website before visiting, as hours change for holidays and special events.

Parking is available at all locations, usually in a dedicated lot. The restaurants are designed for walk-in traffic, though some locations accept reservations for groups of six or more. During peak times—Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday lunch—wait times can exceed 30 minutes even with a reservation.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

The interior design at Cheddar's emphasizes an open kitchen concept, so diners can watch food being prepared. Tables are spaced for casual conversation, and the noise level is moderate to high during busy periods. The decor typically includes wood accents, casual lighting, and a bar area separated from the main dining room.

Service is casual but attentive. Servers take orders at the table or at a counter depending on the location format. Water and bread or rolls arrive quickly. Because food is made to order, entrees take longer than at chain restaurants—typically 15 to 25 minutes from order to plate, depending on how busy the kitchen is.

The restaurant accommodates families with children, offering a kids menu with smaller portions and simpler preparations. High chairs are available, and the casual atmosphere means children's noise is expected and accepted. The bar area is separate enough that adult diners without children can enjoy a quieter experience during off-peak hours.

Dietary Accommodations and Customization

Because most items are made to order, Cheddar's can accommodate common dietary requests. Burgers can be made without buns, salads can be prepared without certain ingredients, and sauces can be served on the side. Gluten-free options are limited but may be available—ask your server about current offerings, as this varies by location and changes with menu updates.

Vegetarian options exist but are not extensive. Salads, cheese-based appetizers, and some pasta dishes can be ordered without meat. Vegan diners will have fewer choices, though the kitchen may be willing to prepare a custom dish if you speak with management.

Allergies should be communicated directly to your server, who can relay information to the kitchen. Because the kitchen prepares food fresh, cross-contamination is possible but less likely than at restaurants using shared prep surfaces for all items. If you have a severe allergy, inform your server before ordering so the kitchen can take appropriate precautions.

When to Visit and What to Plan For

Lunch service runs from opening until mid-afternoon, typically quieter than dinner. Weekday lunches are the least crowded time to visit if you prefer shorter waits. Lunch specials may offer better value than dinner pricing, and the kitchen moves faster during slower periods.

Dinner service begins in late afternoon and peaks between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, with waits common even with a reservation. Sunday lunch is also busy, particularly after church services let out. If you want to avoid crowds, visit on a weekday afternoon or early evening (before 5:30 p.m.).

Plan for a total dining time of 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how busy the restaurant is. If you have a reservation, arrive 10 minutes early. If you're walking in, expect to wait 15 to 45 minutes during peak times. The bar area is a comfortable place to wait, and you can order a drink while you wait for your table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation at Cheddar's in South Carolina?

Reservations are accepted at some locations for groups of six or more but are not required for smaller parties. Call ahead to confirm whether your nearest location takes reservations. Walk-ins are always welcome, though you may wait during peak times.

How long does it take to get food after ordering?

Because items are made to order, entrees typically take 15 to 25 minutes from the time you order. Appetizers arrive faster, usually within 10 minutes. During very busy periods, waits can be longer. Lunch service is generally faster than dinner service.

Are there options for people with dietary restrictions?

The made-to-order format allows customization for many dietary needs. Gluten-free options are limited and vary by location. Vegetarian dishes are available but not extensive. Speak with your server about specific allergies or restrictions so the kitchen can accommodate you.

What's the price range for a meal at Cheddar's?

Entrees typically range from $12 to $25, with appetizers and sides priced separately. Lunch specials may offer lower prices than dinner service. Drinks, desserts, and tax are additional. Most people spend $15 to $30 per person for a full meal.

Is Cheddar's a good place to take children?

Yes. The restaurant has a kids menu, high chairs, and a casual atmosphere where families are welcome. The noise level during busy times means children's voices blend in rather than standing out. Service is generally accommodating to families with young children.