Somewhat to my surprise, College GameDay is coming to Clemson this weekend. It's the first appearance for Clemson on GameDay in a minute, and a lot of things have changed around Little Ol Clemson recently. As a public service, a few spots to consider if you are visiting:
First and foremost, everything will take longer. There is all kinds of construction on and off campus, and generally unchecked growth that has made College ave, Clemson's main drag, basically untenable as a thoroughfare even on regular weekdays. The flip side is that there are more good things to eat and drink outside of the immediate campus/stadium footprint.
To the east of campus, just off of the Issaqueena exit on 123 is Patrick Square, a new residential development that seems to double in size every month. It does have a retail core, which features Kite Hill Brewing, with two Clemson alums serving up excellent traditional beers, with light fare to accompany. It's not a sports bar, but they do put Clemson games on. There is lots of outdoor seating, which is a plus these days. Also pet and kid friendly, if you are rolling with a posse. Patrick Sq. also has Rick Erwin's, a very steakhouse steakhouse, and Joe's NYC pizza, which is ok.
West of campus, and not far from Death Valley, is a new shopping center called Hartwell Village. It has a Petco and an Aldi! It also has a Five Guys, Popeye's, Starbucks, and a brand new ramen spot called Iso Iso. I have not been over there on a game day, but I imagine it would be relatively manageable, and as a bonus, an ambitious park and walk to the game. If you want proof that God has a sense of humor, the Popeye's is right across a parking lot from NewSpring, a controversial megachurch. (The Jesus Chicken place is down on 123, and effectively inaccessible on game days.)
South of campus in Pendleton is the Pendleton Brewing Co., another very solid brewery that often has food trucks on the weekends. Failing that, Brooklyn Style Pizza on the Square in Pendleton has quite good pizza.
North of campus are two excellent Mexican spots. Texana is a traditional taqueria that is more popular with local laborers than with students, which should tell you something. The Mexican is in downtown Central, and does a quesabirria that will require a nap from you.
If you are going to the game, you will be downtown. The crucial spots for adults are Nick's Tavern and Deli, which has an extensive array of beers and decent food, and since recently, liquor drinks. Its reputation as the bar for gays/democrats/English professors tends to keep the kids named Trey puking on your shoes quotient to a minimum. Next door is Sloan St. Tap Room, a drinker's bar owned by Jimmy Howard, son of legendary Clemson coach Frank Howard. If elders drinking dollar drafts and cursing profusely is your vibe, SSTR is for you! Postgame, the late night chaos at Todaro's Pizza is worth the trip all by itself.
In general, in spite of the pandemic, eating and drinking options in Clemson are improving, even as distinctive locally owned spots remain thin on the ground. In any case, don't forget to tip your bartenders and servers.
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