Spartanburg’s Venerable Wade’s Restaurant Named James Beard America’s Classic

Long-standing local restaurant recognized by renowned culinary institution

In an affirmation of its enduring place at the heart of the Spartanburg culinary scene, the 77-year-old, family-owned Wade’s Restaurant has been declared one of six James Beard America’s Classic winners. This honor has not only brought recognition to the establishment but promises to bring increased culinary attention to Spartanburg as a whole.

A Lifetime of Achievement

Founded by Wade and Betty Lindsey in 1947 with a simple meat-and-three menu, Wade’s Restaurant has now been serving Spartanburg diners for nearly eight decades. In their seven decades of operations, the restaurant has kept to the family recipes that made them a city favorite. Today, under the leadership of the third generation of the Lindsey family, Wade’s Restaurant serves as many as 2,500 guests daily. The menu boasts mouth-watering, homemade comfort foods such as 3,500 made-from-scratch yeast rolls, over 1,500 orders of mac and cheese, and 750 turkey plates.

Proud History, Promising Future

Wade’s Restaurant, well-known for its delicious and carefully crafted menu, has always given paramount importance to the quality of its offerings. “[If] it doesn’t meet our high standards, we don’t serve it,” says Anna Liles, grandchild of founders Wade and Betty Lindsey.

In addition to the local popularity and consistently high-quality food, another aspect that sets Wade’s apart is the warm and familial atmosphere created by more than 130 employees who truly are the heart of the operation. Keeping service at the forefront, Liles added, “Come taste our Southern hospitality.”

Recognized Excellence

The James Beard America’s Classic award is not the first recognition for Wade’s. The restaurant’s other accolades include Best All-Around Restaurant, Best Place to Work, Best Meat n ‘three, Best Country Cooking, Best Sweet Tea, Best Fried Chicken, Best Meal for the Money, Best Diner and Best Family Restaurant by the Herald Journal’s Best of the Best Spartanburg Contest, Best Family Restaurant by Southern Living, Restauranteur of the Year by the Piedmont Area Restaurant Association, and the Small Business Award by the Spartanburg Chamber of Commerce.

“We pride ourselves on serving consistently great food and great service,” said Liles. “We strive for excellence in everything we do, every day.” As Spartanburg takes the culinary limelight, the city’s love for home-cooked comfort food continues to shine through Wade’s Restaurant’s ongoing success.