Whistle Stop at The American Cafe

4 out of 5 Stars — “Bless Their Southern Hearts, But Leave the Wings to Buffalo”

Stopped at The Whistle Stop in Travelers Rest, SC, hoping for a little taste of home. The mozzarella sticks? Glorious golden rods of cheesy redemption — crispy on the outside, molten heaven on the inside. 10/10, would risk third-degree mouth burns again.

Then came the wings. I asked for “hot,” but as any Buffalonian knows, “hot” in the South translates roughly to “politely seasoned.” These wings were about as fiery as a church picnic. Turns out they bake their wings before frying them — which is like saying you boil your steak before grilling it. The result? Dry, sad little drumettes that disintegrated faster than my hope of finding real Buffalo wings below the Mason-Dixon.

For the record, the only acceptable pre-cook method for wings is smoking them over cherry wood — and even then, you’d better have a good reason and an apology ready.

So if you’re craving mozzarella sticks that slap, you’re in luck. But if you’re chasing the taste of home? Keep heading north until someone hands you a wing that bites back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Normally a great spot to grab a quick bite. Until I was charged $11 for a beer that was listed $5.50 on the menu. I go often and the only explanation was the menus were not updated yet. Server was more concerned with their family that was also dining in. Price and Service at night was not with it.

Shrimp and Grits total disappointment. Take out order so couldn't give it back. Watery, tasteless, sausage overly tough.

Food: 1

Service: 4

Very bad service, rude as hell.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I took my 3 kids ages 2-6 here and we were thoroughly impressed with the atmosphere mostly! It is so cute and homey, very inviting and warm. There’s a train running up near the ceiling around the perimeter of at least one room. We didn’t get a chance to check out upstairs but that sounded fun also. The kids meals came in train boxes which was a hit with my kids! They have coloring pages with new crayons to pass the time while we waited on the food which wasn’t that long even at the lunch rush. There were also small rubber ducks in the train boxes! The food was very good. Not perfect but very good! A little overpriced I thought, but with the atmosphere and very friendly hostess and waiter, it was worth it and I plan to return in the not-so-distant future. I would say this is a must to keep in rotation for taking your small children out to eat!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The BEST club sandwich EVER hands down!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place was amazing. I had the hamburger steak with onion gravy. It was cooked perfectly and was absolutely delicious. My wife had a club sandwich and she thought it was the best she ever had. We highly recommend this dining establishment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good vibe sat upstairs in the outdoor patio

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Well, we were denied seating in the bar area. Had to sit in side area, boring. Server, snappy. Food, fish/chips: 1 small piece of fish, pretty good, tiny cup of slaw, ok, wing chips, would’ve been good but cold. Caesar salad, skimpy on dressing AND cheese. Martini: NOT dirty as requested. Decor very interesting in a good way.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

Yum highly recommend the roof top upstairs. Walk the trail after great location.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food is delicious!!!! Everything fresh and cooked to perfection. Fries green tomatoes is a must!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Have wanted to try this restaurant for years!! Finally got the chance and I was not disappointed! The staff is friendly and attentive. The fried green tomatoes are the best I have eaten in years! They are thin sliced and fried perfectly! Im glad I chose to come for my birthday! Will come again soon.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding service and even better food at the Whistle Stop!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great memorabilia and atmosphere, staff friendly, courteous, and attentive

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5