Pâté isn’t just for fine-diners anymore—at least not in South Carolina. Below the Mason-Dixon line, our version is chockablock with sharp, salty cheese + mayo, sans the minced meat. “Pâté of the South”—formally known as pimento cheese—is as likely to end up on the menu of a South Carolina picnic as boiled peanuts, devilled eggs + pulled pork doused in Carolina Gold barbecue sauce. And sweet tea, of course.

The OG recipe always starts the same: shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mayo + a jar of diced pimentos. However, Columbia SC locals like all things crafted + creative, so the variations of pimento cheese you can munch on while in town are endless. Smooth or chunky, Duke’s or Blue Plate, on top of a burger or straight to your mouth via spoon, we know you’ll take to it like a duck to water.

To get you acquainted with this Carolina classic, we’ve rounded up 11 spots that are known for their delicious creations that incorporate pimento cheese. We dare you to go on a PC crawl and try them all in the same weekend. Pics or it didn’t happen.

DiPrato's Delicatessen

As local Tracie Broom put it, Columbia is a DiPrato’s town when it comes to a deep, committed love for pimento cheese. In fact, when we were doing research on the cheesy spread, nearly a third of people who weighed in on their favorite PC in Columbia named DiPrato’s as the cheese-to-beat. People consistently talk about it, post about it—and some go as far as traveling from other cities just to get their fix. There are several different varieties, but we say stick to the original + order a side of warm pita chips (and a slice of peanut butter pie because, health.) We aren’t sure what DiPrato’s secret is, but we have a feeling it’s locked away in a fireproof safe somewhere. Treasure hunt, anyone?

 

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Bourbon

The chefs at Bourbon take the cheesy southern classic and sprinkle it with a pinch + a dash of Cajun-creole flare. Perhaps the creamiest in town, Bourbon’s pimento cheese is filled with Sweet Peppadews (instead of traditional pimentos), and then given a final kiss of smoked sea salt. Served with lavash crackers for an added crunch, this unexpected take on pimento cheese is the perfect bite to fill your stomach before you sip on a “Ya-Ya Hurricane”, complete with 4 ounces of whiskey per glass, or a “Heart of Darkness”, which is finished with hickory smoke. Keep killin’ the game, Bourbon.

 

The Gourmet Shop

Kind of like Raymond, everybody loves The Gourmet Shop. The quaint outside seating, the comforting café eats…oh, and we can’t forget the Instagram-worthy spreads of goodness on each and every table. #Aestheticgoals, amirite?! TGS has made a reputation for itself for serving up simple salads + sammies that you just can’t get enough of—and the pimento cheese is no different. Thick, flavorful, and sporting just the right amount of mayo, it kind of feels like homemade. And guess what? You can take home pints of the stuff, so it can be. Add it to a BLT, pair with chicken salad + fruit…. or just eat it with your hands. We won’t judge. (Ok, we might judge a little).

 

Mr. Friendly’s

Nestled away on a side street in Five Points, Mr. Friendly’s is known for bringing elevated southern classics to the table—with the perfect wine pairing, of course. Add pimento cheese into the mix and things get crazy. Can you say “Fried Green Tomato-Pimento Cheese BLT?” HELLO, we’re so in. If you’re feelin’ extra ravenous for pâté of the south, start your meal with the “French Quarter” pimento cheese skillet with ciabatta, then move on to the BLT for your main course. What about dessert? Well, cheese is served as dessert in France so…. your move. Ps: order the tots as your side because potatoes are veggies and you need them.

 

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The War Mouth

Located in a former auto repair shop off of the up-and-coming North Main district, The War Mouth supplies Columbia with traditional eats from the Midlands—like catfish stew and chicken bog—all crafted with the utmost attention to quality + detail. It’s no surprise that the War Mouth menu features pimento cheese but, of course, the chefs add their own spin to things. Enjoy PC slathered on white bread + toasted on a griddle for an elevated version of the ever-comforting grilled cheese. Or, take the spud-route and start your meal with an order of the smashed + fried Yukon golds (smothered in warm pimento cheese, of course). Pro tip: sit outside at a picnic table close to the garden for the intoxicating smell of fresh herbs lingering in the air while you dine.

 

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Sandwich Depot

Similar to the iconic pimento cheese sandwiches served at the August National, Sandwich Depot features a cold PC sandwich that’s the ideal lunch choice for a hot day. If you want to kick it up a notch, however, ask for yours to be served on their signature jalapeno cornbread. That’s a South-in-your-mouth meal, to a T. If it’s cold out, though, don’t sleep on this casual ‘which stop to get your fix. You can get the classic sandwich grilled—melty goodness, guaranteed. 

 

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Looking for more delicious bites in Columbia SC? Check out our restaurants page, where you can search by category to find exactly what you're craving.