Pete's of Simpsonville: Low-Country Barbecue and Seafood in the Upstate

A casual spot for smoked meat and fresh catches near Greenville

Pete's of Simpsonville is a no-frills barbecue and seafood restaurant in Simpsonville, about fifteen minutes south of Greenville. The menu centers on smoked pork and beef—pulled pork, brisket, ribs—alongside fried and grilled seafood, particularly shrimp and catfish. The dining room is straightforward: picnic tables, paper towels instead of napkins, and a counter where you order and pay. It's the kind of place where the food speaks louder than the decor, and locals have been coming back for years because the portions are generous and the prices stay reasonable.

The restaurant sits in a small shopping center on Grandview Drive, easy to spot and easy to park. Service is quick—you order at the counter, find a seat, and your food arrives within minutes. The atmosphere is casual enough that families with kids fit right in, but it's also comfortable for a weekday lunch crowd or a group of friends meeting up on a Friday night.

Key Takeaways

• Pete's serves smoked barbecue—pulled pork, brisket, and ribs—alongside fried and grilled seafood, with generous portions at moderate prices.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot with picnic-table seating, so expect a casual, no-frills dining experience.
• Located in Simpsonville on Grandview Drive, it's about fifteen minutes from downtown Greenville and easy to reach from I-385.
• The menu includes traditional sides like coleslaw, hushpuppies, and mac and cheese that pair well with both meat and seafood options.

What to order and why

The pulled pork is the backbone of the menu—tender, lightly smoky, and served by the pound or on a sandwich. Many regulars order it as a plate with two sides, which gives you room to try the hushpuppies or the mac and cheese. The brisket is leaner and takes on more smoke flavor, so it appeals to people who want something with more depth than the pork.

If you're there for seafood, the fried shrimp basket is a solid choice: crispy coating, tender shrimp inside, and enough for two people to share. The catfish comes fried or grilled; the fried version is more popular, but the grilled option is lighter if you prefer it. Sides matter here—the coleslaw is tangy and cuts through the richness of fried food, and the hushpuppies are a low-country staple worth trying if you haven't had them before.

Hours, location, and what to expect when you arrive

Pete's is located at 101 Grandview Drive in Simpsonville. From Greenville, take I-385 south and exit onto Grandview Drive; the restaurant is in a small shopping center and clearly marked. Parking is ample and free. The shopping center has plenty of spaces directly in front of the restaurant, and the entrance is at ground level with no steps, making it accessible for people using wheelchairs or walkers.

The restaurant typically operates for lunch and dinner, though hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so calling ahead (864-962-7655) is a good idea if you're making a special trip. The counter-service format means there's no host stand—you walk in, look at the menu board, order, and pay upfront. Seating is first-come, first-served, and the picnic tables fill up quickly during peak lunch hours (around noon) and early dinner (around 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.). Turnover is usually quick, so even during busy times you typically won't wait more than a few minutes for a table.

Who Pete's works for

This restaurant suits people who want straightforward barbecue and seafood without table service or a formal atmosphere. Families appreciate the casual vibe and the fact that kids' portions are available. Groups of coworkers or friends often grab a table together because the counter-service model keeps things moving and the prices mean you're not spending a lot per person.

If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant with servers, cloth napkins, and a quieter ambiance, Pete's isn't the fit. But if you want honest food, quick service, and a place where the focus is on eating rather than lingering, it delivers. The restaurant also works well for takeout—order at the counter, grab your food, and go. Many people on a lunch break from nearby offices or jobs in Simpsonville use Pete's as their regular spot because you can order, eat, and leave in 30 to 45 minutes.

Menu variety and dietary considerations

The menu is built around smoked meat and seafood, so vegetarian choices are limited. Sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, and hushpuppies can be ordered on their own, but the restaurant isn't designed around plant-based eating. If you're dining with a mixed group, the seafood options give people who don't eat pork or beef another direction to go.

Plates typically run between $12 and $18 depending on what you order and how many sides you add. Sandwiches are usually a few dollars less. The portion sizes are generous relative to the price, so you're getting value for what you spend. Takeout is straightforward—order at the counter just as you would for dining in, and they'll pack it up for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Pete's operates on a first-come, first-served basis with counter service. You walk in, order at the counter, and find a seat. During very busy times (lunch rush, Friday evenings), you might wait a few minutes for a table to open up, but turnover is usually quick.

Can I get food to go?

Yes. Order at the counter just as you would for dining in, and they'll pack it up for you. This is a popular option for people grabbing lunch during a workday or picking up dinner to take home.

What's the price range?

Plates typically run between $12 and $18 depending on what you order and how many sides you add. Sandwiches are usually a few dollars less. Prices are moderate for the portion sizes you receive.

Is Pete's good for a quick lunch?

Yes. Counter service and quick cooking times mean you can order, eat, and leave in 30 to 45 minutes. It's a popular spot for people on a lunch break from nearby offices or jobs in Simpsonville.

Is the restaurant accessible for people with mobility challenges?

The entrance is at ground level with no steps, and the interior has a straightforward layout with clear sightlines to the counter and seating area. Parking is ample and free directly in front of the restaurant.