[Spotlight] Spotted Salamander

This month, we went looking for another great restaurant to put a spotlight on, and we received a recommendation from one of our team members to check out Spotted Salamander. She described it as a “cozy lunch spot with a great atmosphere and even better food”. Of course we had to go check it out!

What we found was a lovely little cafe on the corner of Richland and Pickens Street in the heart of downtown. Inside is a renovated restaurant, with great touches such as the refinished original hardwood floors, beadboard walls and a ton of natural light flooding the restaurant through the large front windows. The atmosphere feels very casual, with a large table running the entire length of the main eating area.  Colorful chalkboard menus line the walls highlighting the specials of the day.

Now, when you go to Spotted Salamander to give it a try, you have to do two things: trust the wait staff’s recommendations and try the specials. The incredibly friendly and welcoming staff lends their opinion as to what you may enjoy. They have a detailed knowledge of the menu and the specials of the day, and didn’t steer anyone in the wrong direction when it came to their meals.

We tried a wide variety of the menu, from the BBQ Chicken Salad to the Brisket Sandwich to the Crab Cake Salad, the special of the day. In addition, we made sure to try a few of the appetizers, including the cheese board and the deviled eggs (which changes daily, we had the house pork chicharron with pepper vinegar bbq sauce… amazing). All of the food was delicious, as well as light yet filling. The real treat however was their specialty dessert: the Cronut.

If you don’t know what a cronut is, don’t worry, you’re probably not alone. It’s a donut made out of croissant dough and covered in the topping of the day. But, you have to trust us when we tell you that you have to have one. Ours was covered with Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and icing, leaving everyone with a satisfied sugar rush by the time the meal was over. We also happened to have a vendor bring us by a Nutella covered cronut: Just as good, if not better than the Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

Overall thoughts? Incredible meal, great wait staff, fantastic atmosphere, and decadent desserts. Spotted Salamander is only open for lunch, but take an hour to give them a try. We promise you won’t regret it!

For more information and to check out the menu, visit their website HERE.