Not even the governor can get a reservation at Clemson’s favorite burger spot, Loose Change.
Like the pinnacle of any other great dive bar, Loose Change excels at burgers and beers, but unlike other establishments, this one plasters its walls with $1 bills.
So, what does it take to make the best burger in Clemson?
“It’s nothing too complicated,” Chris Fuller, owner of Loose Change and the neighboring restaurant, Evolve, said.
“They patty them out fresh every day. Honestly, cooking them on a flat top. It’s the method. We have a little secret dry rub that goes on top.”
Fuller and his wife took over Loose Change after the original owner passed away in a plane crash and crafted the menu that students know and love today.
Even Nikki Haley couldn’t stay away. When visiting one of her kids at Clemson while she was governor, her security team called to see if they could reserve the restaurant.
“We told them no, you’ve gotta come in like everybody else,” Fuller said.
It’s easy to see why people crave the tasty burgers in the downtown Clemson restaurant.
Perfectly toasted buns and delightful patties that drip with juice and flavor grace every knife-stuck creation that emerges from the kitchen. From onions and ketchup to mushrooms and guacamole, there are plenty of toppings to choose from to complement the other flavors.
These burgers, plus all the other lovely items on their menu, including some of Clemson’s best fries, Friday barbecue and a constantly experimenting kitchen, make Loose Change a prime lunch spot for students and locals alike.
But it’s not just the food. A wide selection of both upscale and classic brews compliments this bar, along with the open windows and blowing fans that create an almost beach-like feel. Add in a superb rock soundtrack and a waitstaff still in college, and it’s one of the best vibes in town.
Hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
Sunday: closed
An earlier version of this article claimed that Loose Change has $2 bills on its walls instead of $1 bills. The Tiger regrets this error and has since corrected it.
