5 Best American Restaurants near Chester

“Gene's is a Chester staple. If you want good country cooking with even better staff who make you feel like family, then this is the spot for you.“

“The people are really nice and the food is delicious and affordable! The apple turnovers are AMAZING!!! Huge fan of the milkshakes as well (I’ve had chocolate with bananas, Milky Way, and caramel)! There is no inside dining. There are three big tables outside you can eat at.“

“Me and my husband enjoyed our awesome meal today at Cyclone. The ranch dressing is so awesome. The tea is too. I always have a tea to go. We usually have leftovers because they serve generous portions. I had the chicken carbonara. This dish is just so delicious. My husband usually gets a hamburger steak but he got perch today.“

“I have never had a bad meal made by Nora and Grace McCullough at The Waffle House here in Chester, SC. She and her coworkers are always so nice and inviting. Always fun to talk with. It's nice being able to see friendly people while enjoying so good eats!“

“One ugly book containing an amazing story

I don't know the story of origin or ownership, but here's what I see; what I imagine...

Alongside the road lies an old building that has withstood the test of time, proudly displaying its battle scars. The saying "don't judge a book by its cover" comes to mind. Well, I didn't... sorta.

By sheer chance, I pulled in, realizing I was about to lose my friend behind me. At 60mph, I whipped in, hitting the brakes and kicking up rocks and dust as I skated through the empty parking lot to a stop. A cloud of white particles caught up as I stepped out to signal my fast-approaching friend, who hit the brakes with a 24-foot cargo trailer behind an F350 Power Stroke Super. It goes, but doesn't like to stop. I watched as his brakes smoked; he whizzed past me, waved, and then turned around to wait for him to come back.

I'm staring at this place, "hmm, dusty..." and it dawns on me, "there's a door, with lights on inside. Nice." I awaited my friend, who eventually returned, stepping out to voice his disapproval, raising a finger of frustration. "Tay-" he starts.

"Yeah yeah, you need new brakes, idc, let's check this place out," I say as I turn and walk inside.

**First impressions—shock.** Mild, but shock. Firstly, this place is like Mary Poppins' bag. It just goes on forever. I look around and notice more and more but finally see what I'm looking for—drinks. I need something to drink, so I start walking towards the coffee and off to my left—I see a kitchen. Unexpected. I didn't think this place would have enough business to support that 60 seconds ago. I didn't even know it existed as a business. I turn and look behind the counter and see something equally unexpected—this big guy. The type that makes you think, "Nah, I'll pass." Not unfriendly, quite the opposite. Every man who's been punched in the face knows you don't mess with certain people. One look at this guy, and I know I don't want to get punched by him.

I order a sausage, egg, and cheese, one for my friend, and grab my coffee. While waiting, I walk around, more and more surprised to the point a smile is slowly developing on my face with how much effort and homey touch has gone into this place. Antique's, giant blocks for kids, places to sit and hang out—everything you could imagine for entertainment at a nice bar is here. I notice there's about 600 photos on the wall, each with what I assume are customers and the owner, who is also the big guy behind the counter making my sandwich.

It looked like he had a picture with every single customer, and it was the coolest thing I've seen in a while. I walked back to check on the food and saw him putting the sandwich together with delicacy and care. My whole experience, from humbling start to humbling finish, was pure passion.

It seems to me this man, wherever he came from, probably had a tough life and is a total unit. The kind of guy you don't want to mess with. But he left whatever he was doing to open this dream.

And like any dream, this time tested book was full of unexpected wonder presented in the most welcoming, simplistic way by a man who makes the best damn SEC sandwich I've ever fking had. Thanks bro.“