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

4.8
4.8
213 Reviews
$30 and under
Southern
Top Tags:
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 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
  • Website
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Restaurant/Initial-Q-107002474204274/
  • 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.
  • Location
    127 W. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29306
  • 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 213 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

213 Reviews

  1. foodnwinelvr

    San Diego

    51 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    51 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We really enjoyed our meal! We got the largest platter that included four proteins and three sides. We also each had a cocktail (3 of us) as well as three shared desserts. Everything was good and I was especially impressed by the four sauces. All were balanced and clearly house made. My only complaint was that some of the meats were a little dry such as the brisket and pulled pork. Oh and the temperature was on the cool side, basically lukewarm. I would definitely return and try additional menu items. Next time I look forward to trying the ribs!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Wilkie2

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Initial Q is a Spartanburg gem! Great food , ambiance, and service always! I highly recommend the Burnt Ends and Pulled Chicken. Excellent! The banana pudding is also a must try. Check Initial Q is worth checking out!

    Is this helpful?

  3. PA726

    Charleston

    36 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    First time for brunch. Mimosa were nice with selection of juices. Biscuits with multiple jellies and butters were lovely. Main courses were quite delicious. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. SusanK

    Charleston

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I attended a birthday brunch with girlfriends at Initial Q. The food was great! Had a good time.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We loved the atmosphere and Alex, our bartender, was great! We highly recommend Initial Q.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Fergy

    Key West

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food ,service was outstanding with Jim , good selection of beers

    Is this helpful?

  7. LaurinB

    Western NC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 5, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant always delivers-- without trying too hard. Service is excellent, food is tasty, decor is thouthful, portions are generous, and craft cocktails are on point.

    Is this helpful?

  8. ErinD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Everything we ordered was sensational. The sangria was light and refreshing. The peach cocktail was sublime. The absolute best part of the meal was the pimento mac and cheese bites and the dip they're served with. We had a 4-meat platter and enjoyed sausage, pulled pork, chicken and burnt ends. The Brussels sprouts are another standout, and the rolls they serve with the meat platter were outstanding. We will definitely be back!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Charles

    Charlotte

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant is one of my new favorite spots to eat at in Spartanburg!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We enjoy the new experience. Great food great atmosphere!!!!

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I absolutely love this place. Started at the bar with a drink before our friends joined us. Bartender was also our waitress and she was phenomenal. I always order the special and I can’t brag enough about how wonderful every aspect of everything they do is. This is hands down one of the best restaurants in Spartanburg and one I visit weekly.

    Is this helpful?

  12. AmandaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food. Friendly staff. Felt quite comfortable and welcomed. We were there celebrating our anniversary. Not only did they give us complimentary glasses of champagne, but the manager came over and gave us additional warm wishes. It was a very special time and will definitely be returning.

    Is this helpful?

  13. GNH2

    Charleston

    18 reviews

    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The sample platter was delicious. They seemed to be a little understaffed. I would highly recommend Initial Q.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Upscale restaurant environment with great food, and fantastic service.

    Is this helpful?

  15. PatriciaI

    Coastal Georgia

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was absolutely perfect from the ambiance to the food ! I highly suggest a visit to this restaurant . Will be returning soon

    Is this helpful?

  16. JazzG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was my (and my friends) 1st time at Initial Q and it was quite an enjoyable experience. We had a lovely waitress, Keira that was so sweet! The food was good and the restaurant is really nice. Will be back again

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was great. This is our second time here and we will definitely be coming back for more !

    Is this helpful?

  18. BenH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food and service. Will be returning in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very relax and comfortable atmosphere. Excellent service well proportioned food.

    Is this helpful?

  20. TravisG

    Charleston

    14 reviews

    4.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    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!

    Is this helpful?

  21. ClevelandRocks

    Cleveland

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    The brisket and greens were delicious. The ribs are good also.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Best food my entire family has ever had. Staff is amazing as well

    Is this helpful?

  23. JeffR

    Greensboro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Moher's Day Brunch- Food was great, service was great. Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  24. KateS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  25. Jean

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was delicious and it was so nice to dine outside. Our service was great.

    Is this helpful?

  26. TinaS

    Coastal Georgia

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 28, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  27. ShirleyV

    Nashville

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 25, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  28. LAW3

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  29. LonnieR

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Seattle

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 14, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service, mediocre food. The BBQ was unseasoned and bland.

    Is this helpful?

  31. 2foodies

    Charleston

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome atmosphere and food. Great service and good location

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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!

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    vip
    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 4
    our server was TERRIBLE. and we are not one to complain. but his service was awful

    Is this helpful?

  35. DakotaC

    Fort Lauderdale

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Overall experience was great. The waitress was on top on everything.

    1 person found this helpful

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All around great service and absolutely fantastic food!

    Initial QResponded on March 2, 2023

    Thanks for the great review! We hope to see you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 24, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    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, 2023

    We 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!

    Is this helpful?

  38. Somally

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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, 2023

    Thanks for the great review! We appreciate the compliments and we hope to provide you with another great dining experience soon!

    Is this helpful?

  39. AngelaA

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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, 2023

    Hi 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!

    Is this helpful?

  40. ChristaW

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    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, 2023

    Hello 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!

    Is this helpful?

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 213 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 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • 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