Location: Santee
Top Restaurants in Santee
Top Things to do in Santee
Where to Eat in Santee: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Santee is a town in Orangeburg County along the Santee River Valley in central South Carolina, United States. It has become a resort town of note located centrally north-south along the Atlantic Seaboard of South Carolina. The region has been rural, with a primarily agricultural economy typical of Orangeburg County, but is now known primarily for its several golf courses in proximity to Lake Marion, Santee State Park and other Lake Marion attractions. Interstate 95 connects its attractions easily with tourists traveling by automobile. I-95 crosses a narrow arm of the lake into the town lands, along a causeway. Lake Marion is a man-made hydroelectric reservoir, which at 110,000 acres (450 km2, 173 sq mi) is one of the fifty largest lakes in the country.
Things to do in Santee
1. The Ice Cream Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By Steve Z - Little River, South Carolina
Stopped by with friends for some creamy refreshment. It was difficult to choose because there are 63(?) flavors. I ordered a one scoop hot fudge sundae with strawberry and wet walnut sauces with whipped cream and enjoyed every bite.
2. Thai House II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By HerrP - Warner Robins, Georgia
Do yourself a favor and skip the calamari. They were few and tiny. Like what you can find in your grocery store's frozen section. Not worth $7.95. Not even close.
I also had CW3 combo platter. Excellent wings. And my chicken was fine, nice and tender.
So a little pricey. And they don't give over-generous portions. Just so you know.
3. Cracker Barrel
Overall Ratings
4 based on 259 reviews
Half Restaurant. Half Store. All Country
Reviewed By Terrie J - Charleston, South Carolina
Stopped in for lunch today. The server was very nice. She brought my drink and got my order. She checked on me throughout the meal and brought anything that I needed in a timely fashion. I ordered the Chicken Fried Steak which comes with three sides and biscuits. I ordered the mashed potatoes with the sawmill gravy, the mac n cheese, and the sweet potato casserole with pecans. The dinner came out quickly. I asked for extra gravy and my server got it right away. The food was very good.
4. Captains Quarters
Overall Ratings
4 based on 573 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon P - Boonton
Staff is reliable and competent, and the menu is varied, but mainly seafood. Portions are nice size, and if you're not super hungry, you can share. They're located right near several hotels, which is convenient. Full bar too.
5. Clark's Inn and Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 605 reviews
Clark's Restaurant is Santee's Favorite Place for Food & Spirits. A truly exceptional dining experience, Clark's offers guests three beautifully furnished dining rooms including working fireplaces.
Reviewed By Apljavaman - Maryland
We stopped by one Saturday for early dinner. This was our second visit, the first had been very good, but this time it was the exact opposite.
There was only one waitress working the dining area. Service was painfully slow, with no apologies, just a "well it finally came" comment. We both tried the Royal Club sandwich. Sounded good, but what came out is a sandwich I would have expected at an Arbys. It supposedly had smoked Turkey and honey baked ham, but it looked like routine lunch meat to me. Sandwich was warmed, but not hot...which was a strange way of serving it. Nothing special about it at all for the price. Our quick stop was painfully slow and very disappointing. We'll try to find another place next time.
6. Lone Star Barbecue & Mercantile
Overall Ratings
4 based on 238 reviews
Reviewed By Dianna C
Enjoyed every bite of authentic southern food. Great atmosphere enjoyed wandering around looking at the original antiques. Very impressed with the military display! Staff was super friendly. Everything was clean as a whistle. We feel lucky to discover and will return.
7. Craig's Place Deli & Cafe in Santee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
New York style deli with Southern Hospitality! The Best Little Deli on I-95 at Santee, SC Exit 98, go east off exit just 1/8 mile on the left. The Reuben is our specialty! Eat in or Take Out. Sandwich and Wrap platters available. Order ahead.
Reviewed By Maggies M
Staff was very friendly and the place was empty. Got 2 Reuben sandwiches which were delicious. Their potato salad was also very good. The only downfall was that they were very pricey. It was over $20 for 2 sandwiches - no drink. That's alittle more than I like to pay for a sandwich but it was convenient.
8. Pedro's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By igolfCA - Williamsburg, Virginia
We went here as it was near our hotel, and we hadn't had Mexican recently. It was not too busy when we arrived, and we were seated immediately. Service was friendly and quick.
The server told us that margaritas were $2.00. Yep, and they were ok. Chips and salsa were good, also . We ordered the fajitas for two. They came on a huge platter, very hot, and were much better than I expected. They were very good in fact. There was so much that we couldn't finish it all.
Happy with the meal and would return.
9. Wilbur's Cocktails & Supper Club
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
We strive to be the finest restaurant & nightlife scene in the Midlands of South Carolina. One visit and you'll experience our legendary & local celebrity chef, Cordon Bleu of London's Robert Casper, serving steak and seafood, prepared and cooked to perfection. Try bold flavors from our Peak Season and Chef's Showcase menu, or signature entrees like our seafood pasta or USDA Choice Rib Eye Steaks. On the weekends we go from fine dining to fine entertainment. Join us on Friday & Saturday nights for the best nightlife in the state with recognizable bands and the largest dance floor in the area.
Reviewed By LizzWie - Doral
What a great find at 9:15pm on a Wednesday night! Nice ambiance. Looks like a happy dancing local gathering. Late night bites -delicious ! Must try the New England clam chowder & buffalo wings! WOW chowder was creamy with a smokey bacon taste and lots of clams.
10. Santee Seafood Bistro And Fresh Market
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Betty29142 - Santee, South Carolina
We tried the Bistro for the first time today. We were greeted warmly by Carolyn who asked us where we would like to sit. Complimentary corn bread was brought to the table, nice and warm, very buttery and crumbly with a nice sweet flavor. Husband ordered the fried whiting fish sandwich which came with oodles of really hot, crispy lightly seasoned fries. As this was for lunch, I ordered the 4 mini crab cakes which is listed under the appetizer section on the menu. The remoulade sauce was a tangy accompaniment, and the cakes, while they could have been warmer, tasted fantastic. We are looking forward to our next visit here to see what other gems come out of the kitchen.
