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Initial Q, Spartanburg, SC

Initial Q

4.8
4.8
179 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 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online

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 179 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.6Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Good for business meals

  • South Carolina

    Good for groups

  • South Carolina

    Neighborhood gem

  • South Carolina

    Southern

Sort by

Filters

  1. DakotaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

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

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    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.

  3. OpenTable Diner

    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!

  4. Somally

    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!

  5. AngelaA

    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!

  6. 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!

  7. ZainajahM

    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!

  8. OpenTable Diner

    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.

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 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.

  10. OpenTable Diner

    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!

  11. 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!

  12. DanaH

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 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!

  13. OpenTable Diner

    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.

  14. 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!

  15. 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!

  16. OpenTable Diner

    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!

  17. OpenTable Diner

    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.

  18. ShellyE

    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.
  19. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 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.
  20. ErikG

    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.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

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

    Charleston

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food & friendly service!
  23. JenniferH

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2022

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    The Brussels sprouts and crème brûlée are incredible. Everything delicious!
  24. yummyeats

    Western NC

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on October 23, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very good food. Love the sauce choices on the table. And the service was stellar

    Initial QResponded on October 27, 2022Thank you for the good review. We appreciate your comments and look forward to seeing you again in the future and we will strive to give you a 5 star experience!

  25. BandM

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious. A bit pricey but worth it. Great service and atmosphere. Will definitely return.
  26. ScarlettF

    Phoenix

    33 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4
    Terrific decor, bar was well designed, which is where we chose to be instead of a table; but $9.00 for Brussels sprouts, which amounted to 6 pieces….way overpriced. Ordered a salad with chicken, had to be reminded of the chicken, spouse got sandwich with choice of meat, but they neglected the sauce station….had to be reminded. Took a long time to get the bill at the end of the meal, only 6 people at the bar. Server seemed to be lacking of attention. Perhaps a table would have been a better choice. Will pick another restaurant when traveling through again.

    Initial QResponded on September 22, 2022Hello Scarlett, We are disappointed to hear that you did not enjoy your experience at Initial Q. We value all of our guests and strive to give them a complete and memorable dinner experience at our restaurant. The lack of detail in the service that you were provided is not acceptable and does not meet our own expectations. I do apologize and we will continue training our staff so they reach our expectations as well as those of our valued guests. One thing I want to address is the incorrect price of Brussel sprouts. The price is $4 and not $9 as you stated. This is not something that can be changed by a server or bartender. You may have viewed this incorrectly. If you would like to email us to info@initialq.net, I would love to talk more and get more specific details from you so that we can continue to improve our execution of dinner service.

  27. LaurieM

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service
  28. GuardDoc

    Charleston

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Our party of six enjoyed our food. The waitress did an excellent job of explaining and recommending options. The cocktails were amazing!!! If only someone had ask us about another round….oh well all of we’re driving so one was wise.
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a table outside and I am not sure that the restaurant can control this, but there was a singer with an amplifier, possibly hired by a nearby restaurant. He really was too loud. He should have not not used an amplifier. it really did disappoint me that we had a nice outside table but it was ruined by this guy’s unwelcome performance. Seems like he could’ve been inside the restaurant that he was hired to perform at, rather than subject the rest of us to his style of music.
  30. MouaL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant. All the smoked meats are delicious. The crispy brussels are fire!
  31. APG1

    Pittsburgh

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great barbecue! Had a plate with burnt ends, baked beans and banana pudding, all were awesome. Nice selection of cocktails as well.
  32. JonG

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    It was Daniel’s last day in training and he did a very good job, he was a little shy, but confidence will come with experience. They need to slow down service a little bit, we didn’t feel rushed, but we were in and out in 30 minutes; granted we didn’t have appetizers, but still…..
  33. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great and food was outstanding

    Initial QResponded on June 29, 2022Thank you for the great review! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

  34. KimB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Our server was amazing. The ambiance was great. The food was a little pricey, but delicious, and the drinks were incredible. We'll likely be back with friends.

    Initial QResponded on June 29, 2022Hi Kim! Thank you for the positive review. We look forward to your next visit with us!

  35. KarenH

    Western NC

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We are new to the area and exploring local places. This was on our list of places to try and we were pleased! We plan on going back when we have company come to town.

    Initial QResponded on June 29, 2022Hi Karen! Thank you for the great review! We look forward to seeing you again soon.

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    I love the pimento cheese. It's a must have every time I go!
  37. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service was amazing!

    Initial QResponded on June 29, 2022Thank you!

  38. MaritaS

    Seattle

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Christian was our wonderful server who took such great care of us. The food was so delicious and appetizing with all those savory sauces they offered. We ordered the Q TRAY with variety of meats and side dishes..super tasty. You will love this restaurant!! Stacy the general manager visited our table too. Such awesome hospitality. Thank you so much for our memorable dining experience!!! We will be back!!!

    Initial QResponded on June 29, 2022Hi Marite. Thank you for the great review and the compliments to our staff! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

  39. sarahr

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall5food2service5ambience1
    I can't imagine wanting to eat there more than 1x a month. The food is heavy and greasy. Not much variety.
  40. Crystal

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Our experience from the food to server was great! We came in at 830 , close to closing and I honestly was expecting rushed food and ok service. That was definitely not the case. The food was fresh and piping hot. Our server was so nice and kept reminding us not to feel rushed. Before we left we were offered some extras they had to take home. We didn’t get to try the bread pudding this time but already planning to come back this weekend.

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 4.8 stars by 179 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 6 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Other options

  • Order online
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

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  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
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