Strawberry Hill Café in Chesnee, SC is one of those places I'd driven past for years without ever stopping. Nestled along Scenic Highway 11 in the foothills of Upstate South Carolina, it's known for its homemade ice cream, Strawberries, fresh peaches, Lunch, and country breakfast. After finally visiting, I can honestly say it's a stop I'll be making every time I'm in the area.
Where Is Strawberry Hill USA Located?
Strawberry Hill USA is located in Chesnee, South Carolina, along Scenic Highway 11 in the northeastern corner of Spartanburg County. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's an easy stop whether you're traveling from Greenville, Spartanburg, Gaffney, or making your way toward Asheville, Maggie Valley, or Pigeon Forge.
Its location makes it one of those hidden gems that's easy to miss—but once you've visited, you'll probably find yourself stopping every time you pass through.
If your journey continues into the North Carolina mountains, especially to Maggie Valley, be sure to check out my guide to 19 Things to Do in Maggie Valley for even more ideas to make the most of your trip.
Why Strawberry Hill Has Been on My Bucket List for Years
If you've spent much time traveling through Upstate South Carolina, chances are you've driven along Scenic Highway 11. Long before GPS sent everyone down the interstate, this was one of our family's favorite routes whenever we were headed toward Western North Carolina, Maggie Valley, or Pigeon Forge, TN.
Instead of staying on Interstate 85, we'd cut across Highway 11 to Interstate 26. It's one of those roads where you actually enjoy the drive. Rolling farmland stretches for miles, the Blue Ridge Mountains peek out in the distance, and small communities remind you of what South Carolina looked like years ago.
Every trip, we'd pass a place called Strawberry Hill. I'd look out the window hoping we'd stop one day, but we never did.
Fast forward a few years, and now I work throughout the Chesnee area. I've had the chance to eat at Strawberry Hill USA more times than I can count, and today it's one of the places I recommend anytime someone asks where to grab lunch along Highway 11.
If you're planning a mountain trip or simply exploring the Upstate, this is one stop you shouldn't pass by.
More Than Just a Restaurant
One thing I didn't realize as a kid was that Strawberry Hill is much more than a place to eat.
The family-owned farm, operated by Cooley Farms, has become one of the most popular seasonal destinations in the Upstate.
As you drive in, you'll see acres of strawberry fields, peach orchards, blackberry patches, and other crops growing throughout the property. During strawberry season, the parking lot fills up quickly with people coming to pick up fresh berries, homemade baked goods, and local produce.
On one side of Highway 11 is The Shed, their farm market where you'll find fresh fruits and vegetables, jams, jellies, local products, baked goods, gifts, and seasonal produce grown right on the farm.
It honestly reminds me a lot of McLeod Farms in McBee, South Carolina. If you've ever been there, you'll notice a very similar family farm atmosphere.
Across the road is The Café, where visitors gather for breakfast, lunch, homemade desserts, and one of the biggest reasons people make the trip—the ice cream.
In the fall, Strawberry Hill transforms once again with one of the area's favorite corn mazes, making it a fun destination for families looking for things to do in Upstate South Carolina.
If your travels take you east across South Carolina, be sure to stop by Big's Meats & More in McBee, SC. It's another one of my favorite hidden gems for great food and Southern hospitality.
My Experience at Strawberry Hill Café
Since I work in the Chesnee area fairly often, I've eaten here several times over the years.
I've worked my way through quite a bit of the menu, including the Club Sandwich, the burgers, and a few daily specials. Honestly, I've never had a bad meal.
While I've been told the breakfast is excellent, I usually find myself stopping in around lunchtime.
Every visit has been consistent. The staff has always been friendly, the food comes out quickly, and everything tastes fresh.
When I come here now, though, there's one meal I almost always order.
The Chicken Quesadilla Is My Favorite
If you've never tried the Chicken Quesadilla, that's where I'd start.
The grilled chicken is cooked just right and mixed with sautéed peppers and onions. But what really stands out is the cheese. It's incredibly creamy and melts into every bite, creating one of the best quesadillas I've had anywhere.
Everything is folded inside a perfectly grilled flour tortilla that's crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.
It comes with salsa and sour cream on the side, and I almost always add an order of fries because, well...why not?
Every time I've ordered it, it's been just as good as the last.
Save Room for the Ice Cream
Even if you're coming just for lunch, don't skip dessert.
Strawberry Hill serves a selection of homemade ice cream along with several additional flavors from a commercial creamery, giving you plenty of choices no matter what you're craving.
You can order:
- Homemade ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Banana Splits
- Root Beer Floats
- Sundaes
- Hand-dipped cones
On a warm South Carolina afternoon, it's hard to beat sitting outside with a scoop of homemade strawberry ice cream while looking across the farm. They have some rocking chairs just for that!
It's easy to see why so many people stop here just for dessert.
A Great Stop Any Time of Year
One thing I appreciate about Strawberry Hill USA is that every season offers something different.
Spring brings fresh strawberries and one of the busiest times of the year.
Summer is all about South Carolina peaches, blackberries, fresh vegetables, and homemade ice cream.
Fall brings pumpkins, hayrides, and the popular corn maze that has become a tradition for many Upstate families.
No matter when you visit, there's usually something happening.
Nearby Attraction: Cowpens National Battlefield
If you're already making the drive to Strawberry Hill, I'd also recommend stopping by Cowpens National Battlefield, which is only a short drive away.
This Revolutionary War battlefield is one of my favorite historic sites in the Upstate.
There's a paved driving loop that winds through mature hardwood forests and open fields where the Battle of Cowpens took place in 1781. Along the route, you'll find interpretive signs, preserved historic home sites, picnic tables, and public restrooms about halfway through the drive.
It's peaceful, well-maintained, and makes for a relaxing stop before grabbing lunch or ice cream at Strawberry Hill.
If you're looking for a simple day trip in Spartanburg County, pairing these two stops together makes for a great afternoon.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of restaurants you can eat at, but not many become part of the trip itself.
For me, Strawberry Hill USA is one of those places.
What started as a place I always wanted to visit as a kid has become somewhere I stop regularly whenever I'm working nearby. Between the fresh food, homemade ice cream, friendly atmosphere, and beautiful farmland surrounding the property, it's easy to understand why locals love it just as much as travelers passing through.
Whether you're headed to the North Carolina mountains, exploring Scenic Highway 11, or simply looking for one of the best local restaurants in Chesnee, South Carolina, I think Strawberry Hill USA deserves a spot on your list.
Breakfast hours may vary depending on the day and season. It's always a good idea to check their current hours before making the trip if you're specifically coming for breakfast.
Yes. Strawberry Hill is a popular stop for families thanks to its casual atmosphere, country store, ice cream, and outdoor areas to explore.
While the menu focuses on Southern favorites, there are lighter and meat-free options available. Menu offerings may change seasonally.
Yes. During the appropriate seasons, Strawberry Hill is well known for selling fresh South Carolina peaches, strawberries, and other locally grown produce.
Yes, but seasonal products, menu items, and operating hours can change throughout the year. It's best to verify current hours before visiting.
Have You Been to Strawberry Hill Café?
Have you visited Strawberry Hill Café in Chesnee, SC? I'd love to hear about your experience! Share your favorite menu item or memory in the comments below.
If you're planning a road trip through the Upstate or heading toward the North Carolina mountains, be sure to check out my other restaurant reviews and travel guides for more hidden gems across the Southeast.
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