Variety - Aiken

#26 - Seafood - Aiken, American, Variety
Menu
Full menu with pictures, prices and categories.

Variety

Variety
4.0 / 5 (1587 reviews)

Menu

On this site, you will find the complete menu of Variety from Aiken. Currently, there are 33 menus and drinks available.

Nestled in Aiken, this restaurant offers a dichotomy of opinions as patrons rave about the fresh seafood and generous portions while others criticize its steep prices and dated ambiance. Many have praised the friendly staff and consistent meal quality, echoing fond memories and frequent visits. However, several diners express disappointment over declining food standards since the original chef’s departure, along with inattentive service and a dive bar atmosphere. While some recommend savoring the crab legs and hush puppies, others caution about the overpriced offerings, suggesting the establishment could benefit from a much-needed update to match the quality of its cuisine.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Jeannine

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Variety Food Variety Food Variety Food Variety Inside Variety Inside Variety Menu Variety Menu Variety Inside

Feedback

★ 4 / 5 from 1587 reviews

Was User at Variety a mag?
I've visited The Variety several times with different friends, and I always order the fried oysters. They are simply the best! Based on what my companions have said and from what I've seen, the seafood platter looks fantastic and you certainly won't run out of shrimp—portions are very generous. Leanna Givens especially loves the shrimp platter and the cheeseburger! I’ve never had a complaint about this place! View all feedback.

What Heather Boles dislikes about Variety:
New to the area and was recommended to eat here. Absolutely way overpriced. Ridiculous prices for a place that serves their flat sodas from a 2 liter. Never was even offered a refill on any of the drinks anyway. If they want to charge 30-40.00 for a plate they need to do some updating and cleaning. Sorry just being honest. Service: Dine in View all feedback.

nicole-s-school0
15.09.2024

The food was fantastic, the service was outstanding, and the atmosphere was pleasant. This historic establishment is definitely worth a visit!

o-p-snake086
15.09.2024

However, the prices for other menu items are outrageous, especially for a restaurant that seems to have last been updated around 1982. The bathroom was not clean, and the entire place had an odor reminiscent of my husband's grandmother's home. Charging $5 for grilled onions or $4 for feta cheese is over the top. If they cleaned up the restaurant or lowered their entrée prices by a third, they would likely attract more customers. Unfortunately, I don’t think we'll be returning.

jes-w-teacher6
15.09.2024

If you enjoy fried (or baked? frozen) seafood, this is the spot for you. The service was friendly, which earns them an extra point, bringing my rating to three out of five.

jeannine-c-library95
15.09.2024

The food is really good and the service is always good too. Friendly atmosphere. Fresh seafood!!

maria-d-bush119
15.09.2024

The food used to be wonderful, but the original chef no longer works there. So the quality of the food there has diminished like day and night. I would not recommend this place to anyone who values the top notch service of quality seafood and steak, and great service. Plus, the ambience of the place needs some serious renovations. And the owner of the establishment was unfriendly in all manner of the word. He enabled servers there to be obnoxious and rude to in-coming patrons, thereby demonstrating lack of leadership to take control of the situation. Not to forget to mention that the sky-rocketing food price is not worth the cost of the little portion that they serve, especially when it comes to the steak, shrimp and crab legs. I don't think the restaurant owner knows what he is doing when it comes to food quality and food cost.

  • Appetisers

    Oyster Stew (When Available)
    Oyster Stew (When Available)
    She Crab (When Available)
    She Crab (When Available)
    Oysters 1/2 Shell (Raw Or Steamed) (When Available)
    Oysters 1/2 Shell (Raw Or Steamed) (When Available)
  • Fresh Seafood

    Fresh Jumbo Shrimp (Sauteed Or Fried)
    Fresh Jumbo Shrimp (Sauteed Or Fried)
    Fresh Select Fried Oysters (When Available)
    Fresh Select Fried Oysters (When Available)
    Fried Indian River Frog Legs (When Available)
    Fried Indian River Frog Legs (When Available)

More information

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