Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Spartanburg
  5. Spartanburg
Initial Q, Spartanburg, SC

Initial Q

4.6
4.6
197 Reviews
$30 and under
Southern
Initial Q: Social Bar & Smokehouse is not be the typical southern barbecue stuffed in a Styrofoam clam shell with slaw and beans, but a gastro-smokehouse experience. Wherever you come down on the great barbecue debate, expect something excitingly different at Initial Q.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 9 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Southern, Barbecue

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (864) 707-2183

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Executive chef

    Patrick Phillips

  • Catering

    Catering available for off-site events. Pick-up and delivery available.

  • Private party facilities

    Private Dining available for large parties, corporate events, and special occasions.

  • Neighborhood

    Spartanburg

  • Cross street

    Main and Church Street @ Morgan Square<br />

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

  • Happy Hour

    Multiple dates available
    Sun - 4:00 PM - 8:45 PM,Tue - Thu - 5:00 PM - 8:45 PM,Fri - Sat - 5:00 PM - 10:45 PM
    Join us Tuesday-Sunday for discounts on drinks and apps! $7 Apps Smoked Wings, Truffle Mac & Cheese Bites, Pimento Cheese $5 Drinks Draft Beer, Well Liquor Drinks, Glass of House Cabernet or Pinot Grigio

What 197 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.5Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Best Ambiance

  • South Carolina

    Good for groups

  • South Carolina

    Southern

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great. This is our second time here and we will definitely be coming back for more !
  2. BenH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and service. Will be returning in the future.
  3. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very relax and comfortable atmosphere. Excellent service well proportioned food.
  4. TravisG

    Charleston

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Initial Q never disappoints. It was a nice evening, so we dined outside which is a louder but more energetic vibe than dining inside. As we expected, the food was delicious!
  5. ClevelandRocks

    Cleveland

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The brisket and greens were delicious. The ribs are good also.
  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best food my entire family has ever had. Staff is amazing as well
  7. OpenTable Diner

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Moher's Day Brunch- Food was great, service was great. Will definitely be back.
  8. KateS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at this restaurant several times, both inside and outside, and it is always a wonderful experience. Our waitress was excellent and the food was delicious.
  9. Jean

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was delicious and it was so nice to dine outside. Our service was great.
  10. TinaS

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    The food was a little flavorless with adding all the bbq sauces. The pork belly was dry on one side and all fat on the other. The best thing was the bbq beans. Service was good and fast. Restaurant was clean and well maintained.
  11. ShirleyV

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The term "fusion" drew us in, but we didn't really experience anything overly creative. There didn't seem to be any "smoke", so the Q was relatively boring. Our most interesting (or positive) experience was probably tasting the sauce options on the pork rinds. We will probably choose a more authentic BBQ joint next time. Nice concept... just didn't pull it off.
  12. LAW3

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Audrey advised us well as we orders the platter to share and thoroughly enjoyed the pork and brisket. The grits and turnip greens were wonderful. A great dining experience! We will be back.
  13. LonnieR

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    The service and the ambience was great, as well as the quality of the food, however, the meat especially was lukewarm to cold which somewhat ruined the eating experience.
  14. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Great service, mediocre food. The BBQ was unseasoned and bland.
  15. 2foodies

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always love it here! The food is very good, and the options fit all different taste buds 😁. Service is just right! Good downtown location nearby events stage. A definite winner for our family.
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome atmosphere and food. Great service and good location
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and vibe! One of our party members is vegan so she had their vegan plate and LOVED IT, she said one of the best jackfruit meals she has ever had! As for us regular meat eaters our food was delicious, and can't wait to go back!
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience4
    our server was TERRIBLE. and we are not one to complain. but his service was awful
  19. DakotaC

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Overall experience was great. The waitress was on top on everything.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All around great service and absolutely fantastic food!

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We hope to see you again soon.

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Food was great but a family had small kids that they just run wild. If your kids don’t how to acted in public stay at home.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our food. Although we can't parent other's children, we would still like to apologize that wild children lessened your experience with us. We hope to see you again soon!

  22. Somally

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Customer service was great, everyone was very nice and friendly, food was amazing and cocktails were just right. Would definitely recommend to a nice romantic dinner or just a chill atmosphere for some drinks and food.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We appreciate the compliments and we hope to provide you with another great dining experience soon!

  23. AngelaA

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was our first time trying this place. Wasn’t sure if going for the first time on Valentine’s Day would be good but it did not disappoint. The service/people were very friendly. The food was fabulous and the atmosphere was good. I will definitely be back. I have already been telling others about this place.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Hi Angela! Thanks for being a first time patron, on Valentine's Day no less. We are thrilled that you took a chance with us on a special day and we delivered an exceptional experience. We greatly appreciate the excellent review and we look froward to seeing you again soon!

  24. ChristaW

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for Valentine’s Day dinner and chose their special menu and it was fantastic! Our server Taylor was excellent, the drinks from the bar were spot on. We have been before and will definitely go back again and again.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Hello Christa! Thanks for the compliments and the great review. We appreciate your patronage and we are glad that we delivered a great Valentine's Day dinner!

  25. ZainajahM

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing. And phenomenal service. I had a great time.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We appreciate it and we hope to provide you with another great dining experience soon!

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome place to eat really good food. All the food was cooked perfectly, the environment is great and the service was great.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We hope to see you again soon.

  27. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, drinks,ambiance, service! Couldn’t ask for more.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We really appreciate it and hope to see you again soon.

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Dad and stepmom came in from out of town, they wanted barbecue because they are not from South Carolina so I knew that they would probably enjoy this restaurant. And they did very much.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We are glad we provided a memorable dining experience for you and your out of town family. We look forward to seeing you again soon!

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious as always! Smoked ahi is a must try if eating light and healthy

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thank you for the great review! We hope to see you again soon!

  30. DanaH

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Brunch is fabulous! Get the piggy pancakes!

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Hi Dana. Thanks for the great review! The piggy pancakes are a big hit at brunch. We look forward to your next visit!

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My family went for my birthday dinner on a Saturday evening at 5. Made a reservation just in case, and we were expected and seated right away. Our server was great, he made a few recommendations since it was our first time and we did try the special appetizer (smoked chicken egg rolls) which was awesome. All the food was great, portion sizes were plentiful, server was attentive. The only negative was the main dining room echoed quite a bit so it was sometimes hard to understand each other but it’s hard to hold that against the restaurant and the decor is very nice. Will definitely eat here again in the future and recommend to friends.

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Hello! Thanks for the great review! We are happy to hear that had a great experience with us and that you chose us for your birthday dinner. The open floor plan and the 30 ft ceilings can get noisy at times when we get very busy. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

  32. ATLMayMay

    Atlanta Metro

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Delicious barbecue in a beautiful restaurant. Great for groups and fun location (near other restaurants and bars).

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! We are glad you enjoyed your experience with us and we look forward to hosting you again!

  33. barbarab

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    First time at this restaurant. The experience was surprisingly good. Great waiter and very good food. Music playing but not too loud. Will go back. Thanks

    Initial QResponded on February 2, 2023Thank you for the review! We hope your next visit will be even better and we will work on the music volume too!

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It has been a year since we last went here and like last time it did not disappoint! Service was great and so was the food. I enjoyed their IQ plate and they’re sides are on point. You can tell that they take their food seriously. I loved their winter sangria as well. Would highly recommend for a date night and get together with friends.

    Initial QResponded on February 2, 2023Thanks for the great review! I'm glad we delivered a great dining experience again. We look forward to your next visit!

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took visiting family to Initial Q for restaurant week. We had an amazing experience from start to finish.Taylor waited on us and she was helpful, accommodating and quite pleasant. All of our food selections were deliciously mouth watering ( Smoked Salmon Wontons, Smokehouse Salad, Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, and Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf). Then there were the desserts! They were amazing! We're going back on Saturday!

    Initial QResponded on February 2, 2023Thank you for the great review and the compliment on the food and our staff! We will do our best to continue to provide you with the same experience you had on this visit! We look forward to your next visit.

  36. ShellyE

    Alabama

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service by Kiera (spelling?). Manager came over to say hello as well. Great food, nice presentation.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great! Same bartenders we had previously, he does a great job! (Can’t remember his name 😞) Best smoked ole fashioned in Spartanburg. We did the Big Brunch plate and the Piggy Pancakes Both were wonderful, pancakes had a nice crunch to the edges and outside; super soft inside. Great flavor combo with the pork. We always have a good meal here.
  38. ErikG

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at Initial Q. I would definitely recommend it. Thoroughly enjoyed the and atmosphere. Great location and parking was a breeze.
  39. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food, drinks, and atmosphere!
  40. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food & friendly service!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Initial Q using the Order Online button. Initial Q also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (864) 707-2183.

Initial Q is rated 4.6 stars by 197 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 9 times today
Google Map for Initial Q

127 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Main and Church Street @ Morgan Square<br />

  • Neighborhood

    Spartanburg

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 4:00 pm–7:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Southern, Barbecue

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress code

    Business Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Patrick Phillips

  • Additional

    Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo