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Replies: 23
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All-Pro [710]
TigerPulse: 97%
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The Beacon
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Feb 21, 2025, 10:28 AM
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A couple years ago now my barber moved from Greer to Spartanburg. It was temporary something about chairs and stuff. Well, I was in desperate need of a haircut and I usually like to just go around lunch since I’ll already be out just kill two coots with one stone. I’d been recommended the beacon by a friend who grew up in that area. He brought it up all the time. He raved about it. He was a bigger dude and my dad always told me growing up “ if you don’t know where to eat when you’re out of town ask a fat guy” and this advice has stuck with me for life. Well trusting my friend and having heard about the beacons from others I decided to finally try it. I don’t go to Spartanburg often anyways so might not get another chance for a while. So I get directions and head over there. The joint wasn’t anything special to me really you could tell they had culture and a lot of parking so I assumed the place got packed but it just wasn’t busy that day. I believe it was a Monday or Tuesday around 12:30. The place was not very busy at all though. So I go in walk through the line and get my food and find a place to sit. I don’t remember much about the food. Just a burger fries and onion rings. Overall I just wasn’t very impressed everything was. Luke warm food and not a lot of flavor. I just don’t see the hype about the place. Maybe it was one of the restaurants that were better before Covid and just haven’t been able to recover which I can point to a few in the Greer area which took big hits. I don’t know. It wasn’t for me is all. I’m sure other people here will talk about how good it is.
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Rival Killer [2734]
TigerPulse: 100%
33
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Staple
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Feb 21, 2025, 10:33 AM
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It was a staple back in the day, b/c of the experience of "Call it".
That said, Sugar and Spice, Wades, Ikes, Pig Out on John Dodd (ribs TH-Sat only), etc. are all great spots to frequent if you come back for the haircut.
Go Tigers!
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National Champion [8009]
TigerPulse: 97%
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^ the perfect and most accurate response***
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Feb 21, 2025, 11:23 AM
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Rival Killer [2734]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Thank you
1
Feb 21, 2025, 1:37 PM
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One other place I forgot, and not sure many got to try it, is
Woodwards (the fried chicken place) in Spartanburg
Yummmmmmm
Go Tigers!
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Dynasty Maker [3134]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Ikes is probably the place to go
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Feb 21, 2025, 11:24 AM
[ in reply to Staple ] |
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Game Changer [1963]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 10:34 AM
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The Beacon and The Varsity tasted great 50 years ago. Today I find it hard to believe either restaurant is open.
Hope Rush’s on Broad River doesn’t ever go down the hill.
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Top TigerNet [30355]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 12:46 PM
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Wasn’t impressed with either, especially the Varsity
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Ultimate Tiger [35810]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
Posts: 17366
Joined: 2008
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Re: The Beacon
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Feb 21, 2025, 10:39 AM
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It was always a good greasy spoon joint. After the original owner passed it down to family to run, it went downhill. Kinda like the joint in Atlanta next to GT campus. Can't remember the name. Varsity?
Anyhow, I think taste for greasy food has waned. But, it has not caused obesity to wane. Americans are the most overweight people on the planet. Too much Junk food and processed food being consumed.
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TigerNet Elite [69813]
TigerPulse: 100%
61
Posts: 90839
Joined: 2001
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It's definitely not nearly as good now as it used to be.***
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Feb 21, 2025, 10:43 AM
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Rival Killer [2735]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 10:51 AM
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I need to go back sometime
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Top TigerNet [30648]
TigerPulse: 100%
55
Posts: 22563
Joined: 2007
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 10:56 AM
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It has definitely gone downhill since the new ownership took over. The food has always been greasy but they gave you more than you could eat. One was always greeted by the friendly black man who yelled out your order followed by "A Plentae". It started going downhill when he died.
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Playmaker [390]
TigerPulse: 100%
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Re: The Beacon
Feb 21, 2025, 3:42 PM
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You are exactly right.when that guy died it went downhill bad.use to go quite a bit and the change of ownership didn't help.but at one time the beacon was the spot.i would get if I remember correctly a chilly cheese and plenty...delicious but hasn't been the same in yrs.
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Legend [6837]
TigerPulse: 96%
41
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 10:54 AM
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Was the place to go back in the day when John White owned the business. They were a bit head of their time but that time and day has passed and with less crowds it seems the food has gone down as well. Turned into a bit of a grease factory
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Standout [212]
TigerPulse: 98%
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Re: The Beacon
1
Feb 21, 2025, 11:24 AM
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The Beacon was great for over 50 years. But it has changed ownership several times since the Whites owned it. It went down hill fast when the last owners took over. I haven’t been back in 2-3 years. It is real sad because it was always the “go to” staple of Spartanburg. Rush’s, in Columbia, has recently changed their awesome French fries to crinkle cuts. Their fries were always the best thing on their menu - why they would change them is beyond me! I pray they are not headed the same direction as the Beacon!
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Paw Warrior [5011]
TigerPulse: 100%
37
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Re: The Beacon
2
Feb 21, 2025, 12:01 PM
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I remember him calling out, "Talk or walk, Talk or walk!" And you better be ready to order.
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Rival Killer [3006]
TigerPulse: 100%
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more like..."move the line"****
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Feb 21, 2025, 12:07 PM
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nm
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Ultimate Tiger [34608]
TigerPulse: 100%
56
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Re: The Beacon - JC Stroble was a legend!
4
Feb 21, 2025, 12:13 PM
[ in reply to Re: The Beacon ] |
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Oculus Spirit [44772]
TigerPulse: 100%
57
Posts: 11722
Joined: 2015
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Re: The Beacon
2
Feb 21, 2025, 12:12 PM
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Never was a fan personally but I do not eat a lot of the food that they serve. Me and greasy foods do not mix.
When I lived in Greenville in my youth I always enjoyed the Clock and a few similar style restaurants but cannot remember the names of those. Not sure what they are like these days but were great for a hot dog or hamburger.
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Tiger Titan [50797]
TigerPulse: 79%
58
Posts: 37060
Joined: 2003
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The Clock, Como's, Pete's, etc.
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Feb 21, 2025, 12:43 PM
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I haven't been in years, but have fond memories for sure.
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Varsity [120]
TigerPulse: 98%
11
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Re: The Beacon
3
Feb 21, 2025, 12:35 PM
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I've gone to the to The Beacon most of my life, but I haven't been back in years. Mr. White died, then his family sold it. Typical of modern America, but it used to be a great place with a great burger. JC was always there asking for your order, and a lot of the family worked there. That said, go to Ike's if you're in Spartanburg for a burger.
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Freshman [4]
TigerPulse: 100%
1
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Re: The Beacon
Feb 21, 2025, 1:40 PM
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That place basically sucks. As others have said, give Ike's Corner Grill a try next time...MUCH better food!
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Rival Killer [2610]
TigerPulse: 100%
33
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Re: The Beacon
2
Feb 21, 2025, 2:00 PM
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Ike’s. It is a must. Best burger and fries in the upstate.
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Ultimate Clemson Legend [101582]
TigerPulse: 100%
64
Posts: 29895
Joined: 2005
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^^^this***
1
Feb 21, 2025, 3:48 PM
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Game Day Hero [4163]
TigerPulse: 100%
36
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Re: The Beacon
Feb 21, 2025, 3:34 PM
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Wife and I stopped by the Beacon in the early 80s on the way back to G'ville. Had a cheese burger and onion rings. Have never had a burger patty with so much gristle. Likely no more than 50% lean. The rings were little more than greasy onions which hadn't been dipped much in any breadcrumbs. Could only eat half the burger and didn't touch the rings. We were extremely surprised at the total lack of quality. The tea wasn't too bad. Couldn't pay me to go back.
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Replies: 23
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