The Anchorage

Janet Benoir

By Janet Benoir | July 1, 2025

Tucked into the creative pulse of the Village of West Greenville, The Anchorage pulses with the energy of a kitchen that cooks with purpose and a dining room that hums with easygoing charm. This restaurant brings the region’s best ingredients to life on small plates that never play it safe, paired with cocktails crafted to inspire lingering conversations.

Whether you’re a local in search of something distinct or a traveler hungry for character and flavor, The Anchorage delivers an experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Where Local Meets Inventive

The Anchorage doesn’t shout. It draws you in with quiet confidence, inviting guests into a thoughtfully restored space that feels as if it belongs exactly where it is—rooted in the community, yet unafraid to experiment. From its exposed brick and wood accents to a layout that includes patio tables and a second-floor bar with a view of the street, the space captures a spirit of casual sophistication.

The energy in the dining room rises as plates begin to land on tables. There’s a shared understanding here: this isn’t food meant to be rushed. The Anchorage embraces a slow rhythm, one that gives each dish time to surprise.

Small Plates with Big Intent

What arrives at your table reflects far more than culinary talent. It’s the result of close relationships with local farmers, artisans, and foragers. This attention to sourcing gives every plate a story and every bite a sense of place.

The menu is lean by design, shifting with the seasons and the availability of standout ingredients. While you won’t find a long list of entrées, what’s available has been chosen with precision and presented with flair.

The kitchen also offers a Tasting Menu, a popular choice for those eager to try nearly everything on offer. A well-paced parade of courses showcases the team’s creativity and the ingredients’ full potential, often ending with a memorable dessert such as a moist cake paired with cardamom lemon ice cream and delicate fruit compote.

Wines with Depth, Cocktails with Edge

The drinks menu stands up confidently beside the food. The wine list leans into sustainable, lesser-known producers, allowing guests to discover something unexpected. Many diners leave with a bottle or two from the restaurant’s in-house wine selection, unable to part ways with a new favorite.

Craft cocktails are no afterthought. Each is balanced, distinctive, and prepared with an eye for fresh infusions and bold flavor combinations. From a classic Negroni to inventive seasonal blends, there’s something to complement every dish and mood.

A Restaurant with a Reputation

The Anchorage has earned more than a loyal following. In 2018, the James Beard Foundation named it a Semi-Finalist for Best New Restaurant, placing it in the national spotlight. That same year, the restaurant was a Semi-Finalist Nominee at The World Restaurant Awards for its approachability in the “No Reservations Required” category. These accolades speak volumes about its commitment to craft without pretension.

Despite this recognition, the team at The Anchorage has kept its focus local. Service is warm, genuine, and informed. Guests are welcomed as neighbors, and there’s a clear sense that everyone—from host to chef—is working together to shape an evening that feels personal.

What Guests Are Saying

Tripadvisor reviews describe experiences marked by precision, warmth, and creativity. Visitors praise both the vegetarian and omnivorous offerings, often calling out the thought that goes into plating and the quality of ingredients. Even when the kitchen takes risks, the results consistently delight. There’s acknowledgment that portions lean small and menus stay tight. But those who come with open minds and curious palates rarely leave unsatisfied.

The Logistics

Location: 586 Perry Ave, Greenville, SC
Phone: (864) 219-3082
Reservations: Highly encouraged via OpenTable
Hours:

  • Closed Sunday and Monday
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
    Parking: Free off-street and street parking available

Final Bite

The Anchorage doesn’t cater to the masses. It speaks to those who appreciate craftsmanship, thoughtful sourcing, and subtle elegance in a plate of food. Whether you’re visiting Greenville for a weekend or seeking your next standout meal, The Anchorage offers something rare: a sense of place, plated with purpose.