If you’re walking around downtown Clemson, South Carolina, specifically on Sloan Street, you're going to smell it before you see it. That mix of toasted sesame oil and searing protein is unmistakable. It’s Solé. For anyone who has spent more than a semester at Clemson—or just passed through for a game day—the Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu is basically a local rite of passage. It isn’t just a place to grab dinner; it’s a weirdly perfect hybrid of a high-energy bar and a legitimate sushi spot that actually knows what it’s doing with a spicy tuna roll.
Honestly, it shouldn't work. Most places that try to do "grill and sushi" end up failing at both, serving rubbery fish and bland burgers. But Solé has this strange, magnetic staying power. It’s loud. It’s usually packed. And the food is surprisingly consistent. Whether you’re there for a first date trying to look sophisticated with a sashimi platter or you’re just hitting the patio for half-off apps, the menu has these specific quirks you need to know before you sit down.
The Sushi Side of the Story
Let’s talk about the fish first because that’s usually why people show up. The Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu splits its sushi into two camps: the purist stuff and the "Clemson-style" rolls that are basically a party on a plate.
If you want something traditional, the Nigiri and Sashimi selections are solid. We’re talking fresh Salmon (Sake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), and Eel (Unagi). They don't try to reinvent the wheel here. The cuts are decent. They aren't trying to be a Michelin-starred Omakase joint in Tokyo, and they don't pretend to be. It’s just good, reliable fish.
But then you get into the Specialty Rolls. This is where things get wild.
The "Tiger Roll" is the obvious local favorite—shrimp tempera and cucumber on the inside, topped with spicy tuna and avocado. It’s a texture bomb. You’ve got the crunch from the tempura, the creaminess of the avocado, and that slow heat from the tuna. Another heavy hitter is the "Playboy Roll." It’s flashy. It’s got tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, and avocado, but then they top it with tuna, salmon, and a spicy mayo/eel sauce drizzle. It’s a lot. It’s messy. It’s delicious.
For the people who hate raw fish—and let’s be real, there’s always one in every group—the "Sunday Morning Roll" is the go-to. It’s salmon and cream cheese, but they deep fry the whole thing. It’s basically a warm, savory doughnut filled with fish. Don’t judge it until you’ve had it after a long day.
What to Look for in the Rolls
The menu relies heavily on "Solé Sauce" and spicy mayo. If you aren't a fan of creamy sauces, you have to be vocal about it. Most of the specialty rolls come heavily drizzled. However, the "Rainbow Roll" is a safe bet for someone wanting variety without the mayo-overload. It’s a California roll topped with an assortment of fish, giving you a bit of everything in one go.
Beyond the Sea: The Grill Side
Sometimes you don't want sushi. Maybe it's a cold Tuesday and you want something that didn't come out of a refrigerated case. This is where the "Grill" part of the Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu kicks in.
They do a lot of "fusion" stuff here. You’ll see Fish Tacos sitting right next to Hibachi dinners. The Hibachi is a staple for the student crowd because the portions are massive. You pick your protein—chicken, steak, shrimp, or scallops—and it comes with the standard fried rice, veggies, and that addictive white sauce (Yum Yum sauce).
The burgers are surprisingly underrated. They use half-pound patties, and they don't overcook them into hockey pucks unless you ask them to. The "Solé Burger" usually comes with some sort of twist, like fried onions or a specific house aioli.
- The Appetizer Game: You can't talk about Solé without mentioning the Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s crispy, tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce, and it’s usually the first thing everyone orders for the table.
- Edamame: They offer it steamed or spicy. Go with spicy. It’s messy, but the garlic-chili oil they use actually has some depth to it.
- Tuna Tataki: If you want something light, this is seared rare tuna served with ponzu. It’s clean, simple, and effective.
The Patio Culture and "Half-Off" Magic
If you’re looking at the Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu and thinking the prices look a little steep for a college town, you have to understand the timing. Solé is famous for its specials.
On certain nights, they do half-off sushi rolls or appetizers. This is when the place turns into a madhouse. You’ll see lines out the door because getting a $16 specialty roll for $8 is basically the best deal in Clemson. The patio is the place to be during these times. It’s got a great vibe, usually some music playing, and it’s one of the best spots for people-watching on Sloan Street.
But a word of advice: if you go during half-off hours, the kitchen gets slammed. Your rolls might take 40 minutes. The service might be a little frantic. It’s part of the experience. You grab a drink—maybe one of their martinis or a cold Kirin—and you wait.
The Drink List
The bar is a huge part of the draw. They have a pretty extensive martini list. We’re talking everything from a classic espresso martini to fruity, "Clemson-themed" concoctions. They also keep a decent rotation of craft beers on tap, often featuring local South Carolina breweries. If you're feeling adventurous, the Sake flights are a fun way to navigate the sushi menu without committing to a full bottle of something you might not like.
Specific Recommendations for Newcomers
If it’s your first time looking at the menu, don’t get overwhelmed. It’s huge.
- For the Adventurous: Try the "Spider Roll." It features soft-shell crab that’s been deep-fried. It looks a bit intimidating with the little legs sticking out, but the flavor is sweet and briny.
- For the Hungry: Get the Hibachi Steak and Shrimp. It’s a mountain of food. You will have leftovers.
- For the Light Eater: The Seaweed Salad paired with a simple Yellowtail Scallion roll is a classic combo that won't leave you feeling like you need a nap.
One thing people often miss is the "Chef’s Choice" options. If you trust the sushi chefs, asking for a Chirashi bowl—which is essentially a variety of sashimi over rice—is the best way to see what’s freshest that day. It’s not always the most popular item on the Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu, but it’s often the highest quality.
Dealing with the Crowd
Solé is small. The inside is narrow and can get incredibly loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic dinner where you can whisper sweet nothings, this might not be the spot on a Friday night. However, if you want energy, great music, and a staff that knows how to handle a crowd, it’s perfect.
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The outdoor seating is key. Even in the winter, they usually have heaters going. There’s something about eating fresh sushi in the crisp South Carolina air that just feels right.
Why It Stays Relevant
In a town like Clemson, restaurants come and go. The fact that Solé has stayed a fixture for years says something about the quality. They don’t cut corners on the ingredients, even when they’re doing high volume. You can tell the difference between a place that buys "sushi-grade" fish and a place that just buys "fish." Solé is definitely the former.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Before you head out to tackle the Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu, keep these logistical bits in mind.
- Parking: It’s downtown Clemson. Parking is a nightmare. Try the parking garage behind the Esso Club or the street spots if you’re lucky, but give yourself 15 extra minutes just to find a space.
- Reservations: They generally don't take them for small groups. It’s first-come, first-served. If the wait is long, put your name in and walk around the shops for a bit.
- Takeout: They do a brisk takeout business. If the restaurant is too loud for you, the sushi travels surprisingly well. Just make sure to eat it quickly—warm rice and cold fish have a short shelf life together.
When you look at the menu, notice the "Small Plates" section too. The Gyoza (potstickers) are pan-seared just right—crispy on the bottom, tender on top. They’re a great "filler" if you’re sharing a few rolls with friends and need something a bit more substantial.
Honestly, the best way to experience Solé is to go with a group of four. Order two specialty rolls, a couple of orders of nigiri, one hibachi plate to split, and a mountain of Bang Bang shrimp. It covers all the bases. You get the crunch, the raw, the cooked, and the spicy.
The Solé Grill and Sushi Bar menu isn't trying to be the most "authentic" Japanese experience in the world. It's trying to be a great restaurant in a college town. It’s Clemson’s version of a sushi bar, and that means big flavors, big portions, and a lot of personality. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a game, it’s a spot that consistently delivers.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check their social media pages or call ahead to confirm which nights are currently "Half-Off Sushi" nights, as these schedules can shift seasonally based on the university calendar. If you are planning to visit during a home game weekend, expect significantly longer wait times and consider arriving mid-afternoon to beat the dinner rush. For the best value, ask your server about the "Daily Special Roll," which often features seasonal ingredients not listed on the permanent menu. For those with dietary restrictions, the kitchen is usually very accommodating with gluten-free soy sauce (Tamari) and can make most rolls without "crunchies" (tempura flakes) upon request. High-quality sushi in a high-energy environment is exactly what you'll find, so come prepared for a lively atmosphere.