Sara's Porch - Darlington

I grew up in a nearby town in the same county, but moved away long before Sara's Porch was built. Visiting the area again in autumn of 2022, this eatery was recommended to me. It was surprisingly good. It's clean (really clean and friendly without being overbearing. The menu is all homemade and fresh, and it changes often so you won't get bored, so I'm told. I can tell they want a healthier, more unique, and varied take on traditional Southern foods, as they've caught on that this area of SC is tired of the same old unhealthy Southern fare in restaurant after restaurant. I'm vegan, but often have to make concessions and go the lacto-vegetarian route when traveling in small Southern towns, as they don't quite grasp fully plant-based eating yet. But I was able to enjoy a great vegetarian meal here (it could've easily been vegan if I'd opted to leave off a bit of salad cheese . The homemade balsamic dressing was the best I've had, and it was wonderfully done. The salad greens were true mixed nutritious greens (no iceberg lettuce in sight! and as fresh as could be. Carnivores would be happy here, as they get the most options, with marvelously different creations new to most palates. There are lovely desserts, all unique and not too common in the area (win! . There are wines and draft beers, as well as an array of domestic and imported bottled (and I think canned beers. The best part was the remarkably articulate, knowledgeable, and friendly server, Jordyn, on 10/01/2022. Jordyn is stellar in every way. In an area that was so polite when I grew up here but that has rapidly become disconcertingly discourteous, Jordyn gives hope we can bring back Southern graciousness and more inclusive and welcoming behaviors; Jordyn is a role model to be admired and appreciated. Sara's Porch has the culinary skills and efficiency to run a good show, and employees like Jordyn make the experience excellent.

I stumbled on this restaurant to find something local while I was out dropping off some information at Darlington County Schools technology department. This was a treasured find! The staff was so friendly, and it was nice to see several local law enforcement, EMS personnel, and local workers eating here. Our waitress was very kind and helpful in narrowing down our choices. I love that everything was made fresh that day and delicious! WAY better than a chain but don't be in a huge hurry. :

Coming to visit after thanksgiving, lived here in darlington for sometime didn't visit this place enough as I should have! Absolutely don't understand why this place doesn't stay packed, great priced food for the location. 10$ a plate for a lunch special with 3 sides. Extremely clean atmosphere, will always visit agin. These doors will never close if they keep the ship sailing in the same direction.

Loved this mom pop place. Food was delicious and the staff was warm, welcoming and helpful. The fried chicken was the best we ever had. Collard greens, broccoli casserole and biscuits were fantastic too. Daily specials for lunch and dinner. Everything is homemade. YUM!!!! If you are in the Darlington area you need to go here. Please note their updated hours on the menu.

The menu features all homemade and fresh dishes that change frequently, so there’s always something new to try. It’s clear they aim to offer a healthier, more unique, and diverse take on traditional Southern cuisine, recognizing that this part of South Carolina is weary of the same old unhealthy options found in many eateries. As a vegan, I often have to compromise and settle for lacto-vegetarian options when dining in small Southern towns, as the concept of fully plant-based eating is still catching on. However, I was thrilled to find a delicious vegetarian meal here—it could have easily been vegan had I chosen to omit some cheese from my salad. The homemade balsamic dressing was the best I’ve tasted, and the salad greens were genuinely a mix of nutritious varieties—no iceberg lettuce in sight! Carnivore diners will also find plenty to enjoy, with a variety of uniquely crafted dishes that are new to many. The dessert selection is delightful, featuring unique options that aren't commonly found in the area. They also offer a nice selection of wines and draft beers, along with a choice of domestic and imported bottled and canned beers. The highlight of my visit was the outstanding service from our server, Jordyn, on October 1, 2022. Jordyn was exceptionally articulate, knowledgeable, and friendly, embodying the Southern hospitality that seems to be in decline in the area. She truly gives hope for a return to graciousness and a more inclusive, welcoming attitude. Jordyn is a role model who deserves to be recognized and appreciated. Sara’s Porch showcases culinary talent and efficient service, making it a fantastic dining experience, thanks in part to employees like Jordyn.