The best restaurants in Darlington

32 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 32 places · showing the latest additions first

Bojangles

Restaurants

Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for fried chicken & biscuit, plus signature sides.

1524 S Main St

“Southern-inspired fast-food chain known for fried chicken & biscuit, plus signature sides.”

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Pizza Hut

Restaurants

Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.

1502 S Main St

“Popular delivery, carry-out & dine-in chain known for pizza, wings & pasta, plus sides & desserts.”

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Subway

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.

1001 Pearl St

“Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads, with health-conscious options.”

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Waffle House

Restaurants

Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.

1520 S Main St

“Simple chain spot offering American diner fare & all-day breakfast, including signature waffles.”

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Burger King

Restaurants

Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes.

407 Lamar Hwy

“Well-known fast-food chain serving grilled burgers, fries & shakes.”

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Taco Bell

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

939 S Governor Williams Hwy

“Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.”

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Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.

969 S Governor Williams Hwy

“Carry-out chain featuring chicken wings, signature breadsticks & pizza tossed from housemade dough.”

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Sonic Drive-In

Restaurants

Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.

1513 S Main St

“Fast-food burger & fries joint with an old-school feel, including retro drive-in service.”

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Holt Bros BBQ

Restaurants

Holt Bros BBQ is all about fresh, hot, homemade Southern barbecue that tastes like a family recipe perfected over decades. Order online for…

2087 W Evans St (Florence)

“Holt Bros BBQ is all about fresh, hot, homemade Southern barbecue that tastes like a family recipe perfected over decades. Order online for an easy weeknight fix, or let them cater your next get-together so you can claim the glory without babysitting a smoker.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 24, 2026

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If your week needs the smell of real smoke, Elliott's BBQ Lounge is living up to its "whole hog, pasture-raised, all wood" mantra with…

551 W Lucas St (Florence)

“If your week needs the smell of real smoke, Elliott's BBQ Lounge is living up to its "whole hog, pasture-raised, all wood" mantra with tender pork and a proper drink list. They do catering and reservations too, plus merch if you want to rep that Bar-Bee-Que love.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 18, 2026

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Cinema is now open, bringing restaurant, bar, and lounge vibes under one roof. When you want good food, a solid drink, and a relaxed place…

3024 TV Rd (Florence)

“Cinema is now open, bringing restaurant, bar, and lounge vibes under one roof. When you want good food, a solid drink, and a relaxed place to catch up with friends, this feels like the right kind of low-key escape from the usual routine in Florence. Check it out.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 31, 2026

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When you want no-fuss, flavorful Mexican that hits the spot, Don Jose | Mexican Restaurant brings the goods with steak burritos, shrimp…

2131 Hoffmeyer Rd (Florence)

“When you want no-fuss, flavorful Mexican that hits the spot, Don Jose | Mexican Restaurant brings the goods with steak burritos, shrimp quesadillas, ceviche, and sizzling Fajitas Don Jose, plus imported draft beer and frozen margaritas... a colorful, relaxed vibe that just works for a Florence weekday.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 31, 2026

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Redbone Alley

Restaurants

Redbone Alley keeps the energy up with a celebratory vibe, crowd-pleasing plates, and live entertainment that turns dinner into a night…

1903 W Palmetto St (Florence)

“Redbone Alley keeps the energy up with a celebratory vibe, crowd-pleasing plates, and live entertainment that turns dinner into a night out. Perfect for when you want a local standby that feels a little extra this week, order online or grab a table and make it a thing.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Five Guys

Restaurants

Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.

1940 Hoffmeyer Rd (Florence)

“Fast-food chain with made-to-order burgers, fries & hot dogs, plus free peanuts while you wait.”

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Miyabi Jr

Restaurants

Miyabi Jr turns fresh, cooked to order teppanyaki style into an everyday win, with teriyaki chicken, hibachi bowls, yakisoba noodles, and…

250 N Beltline Dr (Florence)

“Miyabi Jr turns fresh, cooked to order teppanyaki style into an everyday win, with teriyaki chicken, hibachi bowls, yakisoba noodles, and classic sushi rolls. Ideal for a quick lunch or weeknight bite this week when you want big flavor and zero drama.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Mellow Mushroom Florence delivers a higher order of pizza with delicious dough, premium ingredients, and unique flavors, plus munchies,…

120 Dunbarton Dr (Florence)

“Mellow Mushroom Florence delivers a higher order of pizza with delicious dough, premium ingredients, and unique flavors, plus munchies, greens, calzones, and burgers.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 2, 2026

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Monarcas Mexican Restaurant is all about authentic Mexican flavors, from tacos, enchiladas, and burritos to refreshing margaritas and…

2007 W Lucas St (Florence)

“Monarcas Mexican Restaurant is all about authentic Mexican flavors, from tacos, enchiladas, and burritos to refreshing margaritas and cocktails. When you need a midweek boost, their traditional recipes and fresh ingredients deliver the goods, and online ordering makes quality takeout or delivery a no-brainer.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Palapas Don Jose

Restaurants

When you want familiar, flavorful plates without the kitchen cleanup, Palapas Don Jose has you covered. Simple, satisfying Mexican…

2020 W Palmetto St (Florence)

“When you want familiar, flavorful plates without the kitchen cleanup, Palapas Don Jose has you covered. Simple, satisfying Mexican favorites and the blessed gift of online ordering make it the kind of place you’ll keep in your rotation.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 25, 2026

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1720 Burger Bar

Restaurants

1720 Burger Bar dishes out creative, seriously stacked burgers with all the messy, glorious fixings, plus loaded cheese fries and tater…

850 Woody Jones Blvd (Florence)

“1720 Burger Bar dishes out creative, seriously stacked burgers with all the messy, glorious fixings, plus loaded cheese fries and tater bombs, backed by an extensive drinks lineup. Rally the crew this week or order online and make it a low-effort, high-reward dinner.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 30, 2026

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Aloha Kitchen

Restaurants

Family-run restaurant offering Hawaiian plates, burgers, and noodles at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market.

2513 W Lucas St (Florence)

“Family-run restaurant offering Hawaiian plates, burgers, and noodles at the Pee Dee State Farmers Market.”

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Eggs Up Grill

Restaurants

Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.

250 N Beltline Dr Unit 70 (Florence)

“Relaxed chain serving a menu of breakfast, burgers & sandwiches in a colorful setting.”

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Wingstop

Restaurants

Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.

250 N Beltline Dr Unit 30 (Florence)

“Casual counter-serve chain serving a variety of chicken wings & sides.”

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Florence finally has an all-day excuse to eat like it’s Sunday. First of the Month Eatery leans into local ingredients, playful twists on…

1935 W Palmetto St (Florence)

“Florence finally has an all-day excuse to eat like it’s Sunday. First of the Month Eatery leans into local ingredients, playful twists on brunch classics, and handcrafted cocktails, so whether you’re plotting a late start or a lingering catch-up, it delivers the cozy-meets-creative vibe we need.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Buddy's Burgers & Martha’s Ice Cream nails the local craving trifecta: the Buddy Burger with two smashed patties, sautéed onions and Buddy…

2519 W Palmetto St (Florence)

“Buddy's Burgers & Martha’s Ice Cream nails the local craving trifecta: the Buddy Burger with two smashed patties, sautéed onions and Buddy sauce, crisp fresh-cut fries, and a legit scoop to finish. Swing by this week for friendly vibes, cocktails or a cold beer, plus black bean burgers, fish sandwiches, and salads.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 17, 2026

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Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.

2599 David H McLeod Blvd (Florence)

“Chain dishing up wings, tenders & burgers, plus sauces ranging from sweet to very spicy.”

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Casual, long-running chain offering a menu of steak, chicken & seafood, plus hot & cold buffets.

2688 David H McLeod Blvd (Florence)

“Casual, long-running chain offering a menu of steak, chicken & seafood, plus hot & cold buffets.”

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Informal, contemporary outfit offering Pan-Asian favorites & a build-your-own stir-fries station.

2417 David H McLeod Blvd (Florence)

“Informal, contemporary outfit offering Pan-Asian favorites & a build-your-own stir-fries station.”

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From crunchy whiting and ocean perch to catfish fillets, jumbo shrimp, and oysters, Angry Chicken O' Fish nails that golden, seasoned-right…

2047 W Evans St (Florence)

“From crunchy whiting and ocean perch to catfish fillets, jumbo shrimp, and oysters, Angry Chicken O' Fish nails that golden, seasoned-right comfort you think about midweek. Not fancy, just crispy and satisfying... plus chicken tenders and gizzards when you want land over sea.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Whether you crave flaming hibachi theatrics, perfectly grilled steak, or signature jumbo rolls, Miyami Japanese Steakhouse brings the goods…

2007 W Evans St (Florence)

“Whether you crave flaming hibachi theatrics, perfectly grilled steak, or signature jumbo rolls, Miyami Japanese Steakhouse brings the goods with masterful prep and serious flavor. Swing by this week for sushi that actually fills you up, soup and salad starters, and that sweet carrot side locals swear by.”

From the Florence newsletter, August 28, 2026

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Vegan, kid-friendly cafe with a menu of burgers, pies, salads and sandwiches and fries.

1832-B W Lucas St (Florence)

“Vegan, kid-friendly cafe with a menu of burgers, pies, salads and sandwiches and fries.”

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From BBQ egg rolls and shrimp & grits to Grammies pot roast and homemade buttermilk biscuits, Julia Belle's nails that delightfully…

2106-50 W Lucas St (Florence)

“From BBQ egg rolls and shrimp & grits to Grammies pot roast and homemade buttermilk biscuits, Julia Belle's nails that delightfully Southern, Lowcountry-leaning comfort you crave on a Tuesday. Family-owned with big red barn roots, it’s the kind of spot where blue plate specials and house-made desserts feel like a hug.”

From the Florence newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Cicis Pizza

Restaurants

Italian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.

1945 W Palmetto St (Florence)

“Italian chain offering an array of specialty pizzas, plus classic pastas & salads.”

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