OJ's Diner
A beloved Greenville institution since 2005, OJ's Diner serves up classic Southern comfort food with a warm, family-like atmosphere. Famous for its fr...
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OJ's Diner
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Greenville institution since 2005, OJ's Diner serves up classic Southern comfort food with a warm, family-like atmosphere. Famous for its fried chicken.
"Those were the best two fried chicken thighs....I have been wanting fried chicken like that for ages....ruined me.....I am craving it."
Weekday Specials
Visit weekdays for daily specials like BBQ ribs on Fridays. They sell out quickly!
Avoid Peak Hours
For a quieter meal, consider visiting during off-peak times.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Southern
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic Fried Chicken
Crispy, moist, and perfectly seasoned fried chicken is the signature dish, made from a secret recipe.
Comforting Southern Fare
Indulge in classic Southern dishes like turnip greens, baked mac and cheese, and BBQ baby back ribs.
Warm Family Atmosphere
Experience a welcoming, family-feel diner that treats guests like honored family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday Specials
Visit weekdays for daily specials like BBQ ribs on Fridays. They sell out quickly!
Avoid Peak Hours
For a quieter meal, consider visiting during off-peak times.
Ask About Prices
Prices are not always listed; don't hesitate to ask for clarity.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday Specials
Visit weekdays for daily specials like BBQ ribs on Fridays. They sell out quickly!
Avoid Peak Hours
For a quieter meal, consider visiting during off-peak times.
Ask About Prices
Prices are not always listed; don't hesitate to ask for clarity.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
OJ's Diner is celebrated for its authentic Southern comfort food, particularly its iconic fried chicken and generous portions. Many diners praise the friendly and accommodating staff, highlighting exceptional service. However, some reviews mention inconsistent food quality, cold dishes, and a lack of clear pricing, leading to surprise costs and dissatisfaction.
"food was very good I got 3 drumsticks, fish, grits, eggs, a biscuit, and some of their sunrise lemonade and I see alotta people complaining about the prices should be listed. I also agree for clarity but it isn’t a big deal I been eating here for years."
Sani 24k
"I am a Greenville native and I just recently tried Oj's because I always hear mixed reviews. Firstly, the prices should be listed before we get to the register and although I like the buffet spread to see what options of food, it was still a little cold. The salmon patties tasted freezer burnt, and I also had eggshells in my eggs. With this restaurant being in service for so long, there is no way there should be eggshells in my eggs. But the grits and turkey sausage was good. With all that said, I will try the dinner next time."
kiddia talley
"Why I waited 12 years since first hearing of OJ's, I'll never know. Very positive first experience at this restaurant. If I could give 6 stars to their service, I would. From the time I brought in my elderly mother who struggled with her walker, to the time we left, we were treated like honored guest. The staff aided my mother to the table, then realized the table had a wonky leg, warned us, and helped us shift to another table. They even went so far as to hold the seat for Mom and tuck her in. They spotted that I'd forgotten to ask for tartar sauce for my fish, and offered to bring some. They know their stuff when it comes to greens, and asked if I'd like any of a handful of vinegar types they had for topping those greens. We were asked often if they could provide anything, and they kept the beverages topped off. When Mom rose to go, I noticed behind her one of the staff loaded down with trays and plates. I tried to wave Mom off so the worker wouldn't have to wait for Mom's slow movement, but she kindly offered to let Mom go first. We were not the only ones I noticed being treated well. Another with a walker entered the restaurant, and I observed the staff treating her with great care as well, then holding the doors when she was leaving. One other note: the cafeteria-style plastic trays were squeaky clean. You could have eaten the meal off of them. I'm used elsewhere to seeing "ah, it will pass inspection". I've eaten at restaurants all over the Upstate, and frequently, and I cannot recall the last time service was this good elsewhere.
The food was good, and filling. As I stepped out of the van, I took a sniff and told Mom that "it definitely smells like good Southern food". We had a dear, late family friend who was a skilled Southern cook, and the experience reminded me of her cooking.
The atmosphere is what you'd expect: a focus on the product, more than the trappings. There are a few pictures. A TV was playing G.E.T. network, and I was entertained watching some of my family's favorites old TV shows.
Our lunch was late, so the diners were few. I've no idea how crowded it becomes at the main lunch hours, but I'm aware that the staff at the hospital nearby likes to eat at this establishment, so it might get swamped."
Donald Watson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
OJ's Diner is most famous for its delicious and iconic fried chicken, made from a secret recipe. They also offer a wide range of traditional Southern comfort foods.
OJ's Diner offers a cafeteria-style dining experience where you can choose your own dishes, along with counter and drive-thru service.
Yes, OJ's Diner offers daily specials that change throughout the week, such as BBQ baby back ribs on Fridays and lasagna on Mondays. These specials are very popular.
Yes, the diner is known for its warm family feel and exceptionally friendly and accommodating staff who treat guests like honored family.
Some customers have noted that prices are not always clearly posted, which can lead to unexpected costs. It's advisable to ask for clarification on prices.
Common side dishes include turnip greens, baked mac and cheese, fried okra, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.
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Take a Tour of Greenville, SC's Food Scene from A-to-Z!
When OJ's Diner opened in 2005, it never set out to be one, but after almost 20 years, many would agree it has already earned this lofty status. It is truly a fascinating story of how OJ's came to be and propelled itself to become as synonymous with Greenville as Falls Park on the Reedy, but we'll sum it up like this: when an opportunity to own the diner he worked at came up, the journey of Olin Johnson— OJ's namesake—from line cook to local legend is a saga of family rallying together to help one another fulfill a dream. If this energy could be bottled and slathered on delicious Southern fare, its warmth would cover every inch of the menu.
The Best Restaurants In Greenville, South Carolina
OJ’s Diner is a Greenville, South Carolina institution which has been operating for nearly two decades. The soul food locale offers a traditional cafeteria style experience for laid-back travelers looking to get the most out of their time in town, and offers some of the most sought-after daily specials in the entire area. These specials sell out quick, but there’s almost always enough country fried chicken, barbecue ribs, and house-made peach cobbler to go around.
15 Best Restaurants In Greenville, South Carolina
When it comes to South Carolina's soul food, you better believe OJ’s Diner doesn’t disappoint. Open Monday through Friday, with counter and drive-through service, the restaurant offers everyday favorites (fried chicken, fried okra, mac & cheese, and rice and gravy) as well as daily specials. The week typically begins with Monday’s lasagna and fried pork chops and ends with Friday’s fried fish and BBQ baby back ribs.
Best Greenville restaurants for Christmas and New Year's dinner
Specializing in traditional Southern cuisine, OJ’s Diner is well-known for their tasty fried chicken, turnip greens and baked mac and cheese. This Black-owned restaurant serves food cafeteria style so grab a tray and head down the line for a down-home dining experience. Its flavorful daily specials include turkey with giblet gravy and meatloaf on Tuesdays and BBQ baby back ribs and fried fish on Fridays.
Discover some of the area's most beloved classic restaurants
Since 2005, OJ’s Diner has had a lock on the Upstate’s best fried chicken. The secret seasoning in the flour continues to tantalize our palates. What’s not a secret, however, is that scratch-made dishes using quality products, infused with a whole lotta love, make this Greenville staple one for the regular rotation.
Greenville: 10 Iconic Eats and Where to Get Them
Iconic dish: Fried chickenCrispy, moist, perfectly seasoned fried chicken is the signature dish at both of OJ’s family-run diners. Lovingly made from a secret recipe, this is the fried bird of choice for local lovers of home cooking. The mac-and-cheese and collards make worthy companions.
15 best Greenville SC restaurants, Southern Living says
OJ’s diner — “South Carolina soul food is legendary, and you better believe OJ’s Diner doesn’t disappoint,” Southern Living said. Think fried chicken, fried okra, mac and cheese, and rice and gravy plus daily specials like lasagna, fried pork chops, fried fish and BBQ baby back ribs.
Where to eat lunch in downtown Greenville, South Carolina
One of the best meat and threes around the downtown area, if the only these days. But OJ’s has been doing it well for decades. Choose from daily entrée specials or get a meat and two or three plate for $11 and $13 respectively.
Best Places To Eat In Greenville, SC
Style: Unpretentious weekday diner providing generous plates of comfort food: cafeteria style, table service, and drive thru. Our favorite dishes:. This is your quintessential meat and three restaurant.
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