Route 55 Country Store and Grill: A Casual Stop for Burgers and Local Flavor in Walterboro
What to expect at Route 55 Country Store and Grill
Route 55 Country Store and Grill is a casual roadside restaurant in Walterboro that serves burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. The menu centers on grilled items—burgers made to order, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches—alongside sides like fries and coleslaw. The space has the feel of a working country store crossed with a diner: simple wooden tables, a counter for quick orders, and the kind of place where locals know the staff by name.
The restaurant sits along Route 55, making it a natural stop if you're passing through Walterboro or heading between Charleston and the Lowcountry interior. Portions are generous, prices are modest, and the food arrives quickly. The atmosphere is family-friendly and unpretentious—no tablecloths, no reservations needed, just straightforward American food in a setting that reflects the area's rural character.
Key Takeaways
- Route 55 specializes in made-to-order burgers and grilled sandwiches, with sides like fries and coleslaw at modest prices.
- The setting combines a country store aesthetic with diner service, creating a casual, no-frills environment popular with locals and travelers.
- The restaurant is located on Route 55 in Walterboro, making it convenient for anyone passing through or exploring the area.
- Hours and exact menu items can vary seasonally, so calling ahead or checking current information before a visit is wise.
The menu and what to order
The core menu revolves around grilled items. Burgers come in standard and larger sizes, and you can customize them with toppings—cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles. The burger meat is fresh and cooked to order rather than sitting under heat lamps, which is why the food takes a few minutes but tastes better for it. Chicken sandwiches and hot dogs round out the protein options, all grilled rather than fried.
Sides are straightforward: hand-cut or steak fries, coleslaw, and sometimes beans or other vegetables depending on the day. The restaurant does not pretend to offer a wide variety—it does one thing well rather than many things adequately. If you are looking for a salad bar or a ten-page menu, this is not the place. If you want a solid burger and fries without paying city prices or waiting for table service, it is.
When to visit and what to know before you go
Route 55 operates during lunch and early dinner hours, though exact times shift with the season and day of the week. It is busier during lunch (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), so expect a short wait during those windows, especially on weekends. Off-peak hours—mid-afternoon or early evening on weekdays—are quieter.
The restaurant is cash-friendly but also takes cards. Parking is available on-site. Because hours and menu items can vary, calling ahead before a long drive is sensible, particularly if you are visiting on a holiday or during an unusual time of day. The staff are accustomed to travelers and locals alike and can answer questions about what is available that day.
Why Route 55 fits Walterboro's food landscape
Walterboro sits between the coastal Lowcountry and the inland regions of South Carolina, and its food culture reflects that middle ground. Route 55 represents the working-class, no-nonsense side of that identity—the kind of place that has fed locals and travelers for years without chasing trends or reinventing itself. The burger-and-grill model is American comfort food at its most basic, and that simplicity is the point.
The restaurant also reflects Walterboro's character as a crossroads town. People stop here on their way to somewhere else, or they live here and know the place as a reliable lunch spot. That dual identity—tourist-friendly but not touristy—shapes everything from the menu to the pricing to the casual atmosphere. You are not paying for ambiance or a chef's reputation; you are paying for food that is made fresh and tastes good.
Nearby options if you want to explore further
Walterboro has other dining options within a short drive, ranging from barbecue joints to seafood restaurants to family-owned diners. If you are spending time in the area—visiting Walterboro's historic downtown, exploring nearby state parks, or passing through on a longer road trip—you can easily combine Route 55 with other stops. The town's location makes it a logical base for exploring the Lowcountry or heading inland toward the Midlands.
The South Carolina Artisans Center and the Walterboro Lake are both nearby if you want to pair a meal with other activities. The town itself has a quiet, historic character that rewards a slow walk through downtown, and Route 55 fits naturally into that kind of unhurried visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
No. Route 55 operates on a walk-in, order-at-the-counter basis. During busy lunch and dinner hours you may wait 10 to 15 minutes, but off-peak times are usually quick. Calling ahead if you are bringing a large group is courteous but not required.
Is the food good for kids?
Yes. Burgers, hot dogs, and fries are standard kid favorites, portions are generous, and the casual atmosphere means children do not need to sit still for hours. The restaurant is family-friendly and used to serving families and groups.
What if I do not eat meat?
The menu is meat-focused, so vegetarian options are limited. Sides like fries and coleslaw are available, and the staff can discuss what else might be possible on a given day. If you have specific dietary needs, calling ahead is the best approach.
Can I get food to go?
Yes. Route 55 handles takeout orders, and the food travels well—burgers and sandwiches hold up fine in a bag for a short drive. This makes it convenient if you are heading to a picnic, a state park, or continuing your road trip.