11 South Carolina Hot-Honey Comfort Foods You’ll Gladly Travel For
Hot honey has a way of turning comfort food into a full-blown obsession. It’s sweet, it’s fiery, and it clings to crispy edges like it was born to live there, on fried chicken, buttery biscuits, melty pizza, even golden fritters that crackle when you bite in.
One drizzle can make a familiar favorite feel brand new: richer, louder, and impossible to stop thinking about. South Carolina takes that sweet-heat magic seriously.
It’s the kind of flavor that turns quick stops into detours and “just one more” into a plan for the next weekend.
1. Ruby Sunshine
Brunch gets a serious upgrade when hot honey meets Ruby Sunshine’s legendary fried chicken and waffles. Picture this: golden, perfectly crispy chicken thighs resting on fluffy Belgian waffles, then drizzled with their house-made hot honey that balances sweet and spicy like a tightrope walker.
Every bite makes you wonder why you ever ate waffles any other way.
Located at 607 Harden Street in Columbia’s bustling Five Points neighborhood, this spot draws crowds that don’t mind waiting. The vibe is bright and cheerful, with turquoise accents and sunshine-yellow walls that match the mood of everyone digging into their plates.
Their hot honey doesn’t overpower—it enhances, bringing out the savory richness of the chicken while adding just enough kick to keep things interesting.
What sets Ruby Sunshine apart is their commitment to quality ingredients and scratch-made everything. The hot honey here isn’t an afterthought; it’s carefully crafted to complement their Southern-inspired menu.
Pair your meal with their freshly squeezed orange juice, and you’ve got yourself a brunch worth traveling for.
2. Grill Marks COLA
Sometimes the best comfort food comes from the most unexpected places, and Grill Marks proves that point beautifully. Their hot honey wings have developed a cult following among Columbia locals who know good food when they taste it.
These aren’t your average wings—they’re smoked first, then grilled to crispy perfection before getting tossed in a hot honey glaze that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
You’ll find this gem at 4840 Forest Drive, tucked into a casual spot where the focus is squarely on flavor rather than fancy decor. The wings arrive glistening and sticky, with char marks that add a smoky depth to the sweet-spicy coating.
Each piece delivers that satisfying crunch followed by tender, juicy meat that pulls right off the bone.
What I love most is how they’ve mastered the hot honey ratio—enough heat to make you reach for your drink, but not so much that you can’t taste the quality of the chicken underneath. Grab extra napkins, order a cold beer, and prepare to lick your fingers clean.
3. Stuffed
Burgers reach new heights when hot honey enters the picture, and Stuffed has figured out exactly how to make that combination sing. Their signature hot honey burger features a juicy patty topped with peppery arugula, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a generous drizzle of hot honey that ties everything together in the most delicious way possible.
It’s messy, it’s indulgent, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.
Head to 920 Gervais Street in downtown Columbia, where this modern burger joint has been turning heads since day one. The atmosphere is casual-cool, with industrial touches and a menu that takes comfort food seriously without being pretentious.
Their hot honey adds complexity to the burger—the sweetness plays off the savory beef and salty bacon, while the heat cuts through the richness.
Don’t skip the hand-cut fries, which you can also get with a side of hot honey for dipping. The staff here really understands flavor balance, and they’re not afraid to push boundaries while respecting what makes a great burger great.
Bring your appetite and maybe some stretchy pants.
4. Flock Shop
Fried chicken sandwiches have become the ultimate comfort food battleground, and Flock Shop is winning with their hot honey version. Each sandwich starts with a perfectly seasoned, hand-breaded chicken breast fried until the crust shatters with every bite.
Then comes the hot honey—drizzled generously over the chicken and allowed to seep into the soft brioche bun, creating layers of flavor that’ll haunt your dreams.
Located at 121 SE Main Street in charming downtown Simpsonville, this spot captures small-town warmth with big-city flavor. The space feels welcoming and unpretentious, exactly the kind of place where you want to eat comfort food.
Their hot honey strikes that perfect balance—sweet enough to satisfy, spicy enough to make things exciting, and sticky enough to require multiple napkins.
What really impresses me is the attention to detail: the chicken stays juicy inside that crispy coating, the pickles add brightness, and the hot honey never overwhelms the other flavors. It’s comfort food that respects your palate while still delivering that indulgent satisfaction you’re craving.
5. Olivia’s Pizza
Pizza purists might raise an eyebrow, but once you taste Olivia’s hot honey pizza, you’ll become a believer. Their signature pie features spicy pepperoni, creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and a finishing drizzle of hot honey that transforms the entire experience.
The contrast between the savory, salty toppings and the sweet-spicy honey creates a flavor profile that’s nothing short of addictive.
You’ll find this pizzeria at 12 E Court Street in downtown Greenville, where the energy is always buzzing and the wood-fired oven is always hot. The crust here is perfection—blistered, chewy, with just the right amount of char.
When that hot honey hits the hot pizza, it gets even more fluid, soaking into the cheese and pooling in spots where you can catch extra flavor.
What makes this pizza special is how well-balanced everything tastes. The honey doesn’t make it dessert-like; instead, it enhances the pepperoni’s spice and complements the creamy ricotta.
Even skeptics leave here converted, often ordering a second pie to take home because one is never enough.
6. Stubborn Mule Restaurant & Brewery
Sometimes you stumble upon a place that exceeds every expectation, and Stubborn Mule is exactly that kind of surprise. Their hot honey brussels sprouts might not sound like traditional comfort food, but one taste will change your mind forever.
These aren’t your grandma’s boiled sprouts—they’re roasted until caramelized and crispy on the edges, then tossed with bacon, toasted pecans, and their phenomenal hot honey glaze.
Nestled at 127 E Rutherford Street in the small mountain town of Landrum, this brewery-restaurant combo offers mountain charm with serious culinary chops. The atmosphere feels rustic and welcoming, with craft beers brewed on-site that pair beautifully with their creative menu.
The hot honey on these sprouts adds depth and complexity, making vegetables taste downright indulgent.
What I appreciate most is how the sweetness of the honey balances the slight bitterness of the brussels sprouts, while the heat keeps your palate engaged. Combined with smoky bacon and crunchy pecans, each forkful delivers multiple textures and flavors.
It’s proof that hot honey belongs on way more than just fried chicken.
7. Little Empire Pizza
Rock Hill’s pizza scene got a major boost when Little Empire opened, and their hot honey offerings prove they’re not playing around. Their hot honey pepperoni pizza features cup-and-char pepperoni that curls up into crispy little bowls of grease and flavor, all sitting atop stretchy mozzarella and tangy sauce.
The hot honey gets drizzled on after baking, creating pockets of sweet heat that make each slice uniquely delicious.
Find them at 122 E Main Street in downtown Rock Hill, where the vibe is neighborhood-friendly and the pizza is seriously legit. The dough here is made fresh daily and fermented for optimal flavor and texture.
When you bite into a slice, that hot honey mingles with the pepperoni oil, creating a flavor combination that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
They also offer hot honey as a dipping sauce for their crust, which is genius because every part of the pizza deserves that treatment. The staff is passionate about what they do, and it shows in every carefully crafted pie that comes out of their oven.
8. Steel City Pizza
Detroit-style pizza has taken the country by storm, and Steel City brings that rectangular goodness to the Lowcountry with a hot honey twist. Their signature square pies feature crispy, caramelized cheese edges, thick fluffy dough, and toppings that go all the way to the edge.
The hot honey option adds a finishing touch that elevates the entire experience, especially when paired with their spicy Italian sausage.
Located at 5163 Dorchester Road in North Charleston, this spot has quickly become a local favorite for pizza lovers seeking something different. The Detroit-style method creates a unique texture—crispy and almost fried on the bottom and edges, while staying light and airy inside.
That hot honey drizzle adds contrast, cutting through the richness of all that cheese and bringing brightness to each bite.
What really wins me over is their commitment to the craft. They use Wisconsin brick cheese for authenticity, and their hot honey recipe is carefully calibrated to complement rather than compete.
Grab a corner piece if you can—those caramelized cheese edges with hot honey are pure heaven.
9. Sweet Palm Coffee
Coffee shops aren’t usually the first place you’d think to find hot honey comfort food, but Sweet Palm breaks all the rules deliciously. Their hot honey biscuit sandwich has become the stuff of Charleston breakfast legends—a buttery, flaky biscuit split and filled with fried chicken, melted cheddar, and a generous drizzle of hot honey that soaks into every layer.
It’s breakfast, lunch, and pure satisfaction all in one handheld package.
You’ll discover this gem at 1603 Ashley River Road, where the coffee is excellent and the food rivals many proper restaurants. The space feels bright and modern, perfect for lingering over your meal and a latte.
Their biscuits are made from scratch daily, and you can taste the difference—they’re tender and rich, providing the perfect vehicle for that crispy chicken and sticky-sweet hot honey.
What surprises most people is how well the hot honey pairs with their coffee drinks. The slight heat cleanses your palate between sips, making each taste feel fresh.
It’s become my go-to spot for starting the day right in Charleston.
10. Local On The Water
Waterfront dining gets even better when hot honey shrimp enters the picture, and Local on the Water has perfected this coastal comfort dish. Their hot honey shrimp features plump, perfectly cooked shrimp tossed in a glaze that’s both fiery and sweet, served over creamy stone-ground grits that soak up every drop of that incredible sauce.
It’s Low country cooking with a modern twist that’ll make you want to lick the bowl.
Situated at 2411 Sea Mountain Highway right on the water, this restaurant offers stunning views to match their impressive menu. The setting is casual-upscale, where you can watch boats drift by while enjoying some of the best seafood the Grand Strand has to offer.
Their hot honey glaze enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp without masking the fresh seafood flavor.
The grits here deserve special mention—creamy, buttery, and cooked low and slow until they’re silky smooth. Combined with that hot honey shrimp, you’ve got a dish that represents everything great about South Carolina food: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and serious soul.
11. Bad Biscuit
Despite the cheeky name, there’s absolutely nothing bad about the biscuits at this Hilton Head breakfast spot. Their hot honey fried chicken biscuit has achieved cult status among locals and tourists alike, and for good reason.
Each biscuit is enormous, fluffy, and buttery, split and stuffed with hand-breaded fried chicken that’s been lovingly drizzled with their house-made hot honey. It’s messy, it’s decadent, and it’s worth every calorie.
Located at 5 Park Lane in Park Plaza, this breakfast-and-brunch spot serves island vibes with serious food. The atmosphere is laid-back and colorful, matching the creative energy they bring to their menu.
What sets their hot honey apart is the perfect balance—you get sweetness, heat, and a subtle complexity that makes you take another bite even when you’re full.
They also offer hot honey as a side for their regular biscuits and pancakes, which shows their confidence in the recipe. The chicken stays incredibly juicy despite that crispy coating, and when the hot honey mingles with the butter from the biscuit, breakfast becomes something transcendent.