Cafe 209

WingPlace

This week, Michael reflects on how Buffalo-style wings weren't always a thing--but its rendition at an Aiken bar goes to show how standard the preparation has become. WingPlace: 732 East Pine Log Road, Aiken, SouthCarolina, 803-644-7777, wing-place.com [wing-place.com] Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section, a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/⁠⁠⁠ [https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/]

Hammonds Ferry Larder

This week, Michael found plenty to chew on at Hammonds Ferry Larder, an all-day bistro in North Augusta--but he found several dishes to recommend, too. Hammonds Ferry Larder: 89 Crystal Lake Dr., North Augusta, South Carolina. 803-599-5149, hflarder.com [hflarder.com] Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section, a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/⁠⁠⁠ [https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/]

Emperador Asian Mex

Michael tells us that emperador means swordfish, but he found that's one of the few items not served by an ambitious Aiken restaurant that has seemingly every familiar Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Mexican dish on its menu. Emperador Asian Mex: 2645 Whiskey Road, Aiken, South Carolina, 803-843-6494, emperadorasianmexsc.com [emperadorasianmexsc.com] Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section, a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/⁠⁠⁠ [https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/]

Outlaw Dog's

Everybody needs a goal in life. For Mertis Outlaw, it involves sweeping canned chili into history's dustbin. According to Michael, the chili he serves at his hot dog truck makes a compelling case for eaters to grab their brooms. Outlaw Dog’s, no permanent address, no published phone number. Michael's reviews are published by The Food Section, a reader-supported daily newsletter covering food and drink across the American South. Subscribe today to access the entire archive of his restaurant finds and recommendations: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/⁠ [https://thefoodsection.com/subscribe/]

Spirited Brunch 2026

We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to share an audio postcard from The Food Section's signature event, Spirited Brunch, a free and self-guided snack tour of downtown Charleston's prayerful spaces. This dispatch was recorded on Sunday, May 3, 2026.