1826 Bistro — Restaurant in Pendleton

I love the cozy space and intimate feel of 1826 Bistro. It is located in the downtown area of Pendleton which gives a nice ambiance. It can be difficult to get a table, especially during prime dinner hours, so I always recommend making a reservation. Also keep in mind that their days and hours of service are fairly limited, so always call ahead before making plans.

I have now been here twice for dinner. Both times, my food was delicious. I love the limited seasonal menu (food and drink) and can always find several entrees, appetizers, and cocktails that are creative and appealing. As a sangria-lover, I'm particularly smitten with their seasonal sangria. Additionally, they also have a good wine list that, like their food menu, is reasonably priced. Service has ranged from good to exceptionally good. Staff is always pleasant, informed, and accommodating.

My most recent experience at 1826 was particularly stellar. My husband and I took my mother who was in town visiting. We shared the seasonal beet salad and the pumpkin steaks for appetizers. OMG the pumpkin steaks were phenomenal - super fresh, perfectly caramelized heirloom pumpkin with poblano pepper, pepitas, and queso frescos. As entrees, two of us had the trout, which was cooked PERFECTLY and served on a bed of purple turnips, apples, and cooked greens. My husband had the duck, which was also expertly cooked and served. I'm not a huge duck-fan, and even stole a bite or two. We shared two desserts, and the waiter brought me a delicious coffee-drink he whipped up on the house when I was disappointed that they didn't have milk for a cappuccino.

Highly highly recommend 1826 Bistro. I'm glad to see they're continuing to expand their service hours and look forward to trying upcoming wine tasting and...

It’s rare that of 5 dishes, we’d order every one again. Also, it was impossible to rank our dishes, as every one was delightful.

Inventive menu. Bold flavors. Ridiculously good flavors and reasonable prices for fine dining, we can’t recommend 1826 Bistro any more highly. Pendleton, SC, you have a hidden gem!

Starters were goat cheese and sweet potato croquettes and tuna crudite with blueberries. Both were amazing. The croquettes were incredibly light and might have only been improved with a hint of sweetness. The crudite was amazingly balanced with fresh fish, local blueberries and a touch of spice with some finely sliced serrano.

Entrees of grilled octopus and seared amberjack continued a delightful meal. Octopus is a daring menu item anywhere, especially in small town South Carolina. While always with a slight chew, the octopus was grilled to perfection and served with a spicy and herbaceous, truly delicious sauce. The fish sauce was tasty but slightly gritty and mildly underwhelming compared to the other dishes but still a tasty plate of food.

The chocolate mousse, light and delectable finished our meal. The sauce and crunchy bites combined with local blackberries concluded a spectacular meal.

We’ve enjoyed fine meals across the globe. I’d rank this in my top 5 of meals, ever. It certainly ranks toward the bottom of the fine dining prices, and if Michelin ever offers stars in Pendleton SC, this place surely gets...

Absolutely delightful dining! We were able to advance our reservation from 6pm to 4:30pm without fanfare which was very much appreciated. The decor is very simple, almost austere but elegant in it’s own way and serves as a backdrop to feature the food and drink which are the real reasons folks come to partake. Jeremy was an very nice young man who took very good care of us throughout the evening with his calm demeanor and willingness to help us with choices. The menu is small yet adequate and the wine list is one of the best we have experienced in awhile. Very eclectic and interesting again limited with choices from Austria to Italy, California,etc., but even Lebanon which has very good red wines by the way. We opted for the featured Austrian Riesling which paired perfectly with our greens and peaches salad and wild sea bass dinners. And the wine prices are very reasonable for the quality level. The food was delicious! The emphasis is on quality ingredients, prepared well and designed to please the palate. Portions are perfect but if it’s a lot of food you are seeking, this ain’t the place. It’s fresh, delicious, thoughtful food made to savor and enjoy. Complementary flavors reside in each dish. Conversation food in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages people to linger and enjoy the experience. The final course of fresh decaf coffee with blueberry corn cake was the perfect finale. Absolutely...