You’ve probably seen the video. It’s hard to miss when something goes that viral. A confrontation over a $137 bill, a heated owner, and a couple just trying to get their pork chops cooked right. If you’ve been searching for The Grill Manning South Carolina, you aren’t just looking for a menu or a set of hours. You’re likely trying to figure out what’s actually going on with a business that became the center of a massive internet firestorm.
Manning is a small town. Usually, it's the kind of place where people stop for gas off I-95 or grab some world-class barbecue at McCabe’s. But The Grill in Manning South Carolina changed that vibe pretty quickly when a dispute between owner Christopher Phillip Wallman Jr. and a pair of customers—one of whom was a disabled veteran—ended up on everyone's TikTok and Facebook feeds.
The Incident That Put The Grill on the Map (For the Wrong Reasons)
Let's be real: nobody goes out to dinner expecting to be part of a public spectacle. The whole ordeal started over something as simple as a fried pork chop. According to the customers, the meat was "fried hard" and wasn't what they ordered. They sent it back. They didn't want to pay for food they didn't eat.
Wallman didn't see it that way.
The video shows him addressing the entire restaurant, basically announcing to the room that the couple was trying to skip out on a $137 tab. It was awkward. It was loud. And honestly? It was a PR nightmare in the making. The woman in the video pointed out that she and her husband both work and weren't "fishing for free food," but the bridge was already burned.
What’s the Vibe Like Now?
If you actually step inside the building at 201 S. Mill St., you’ll find a place that is trying to move past its viral moment. It’s an American-style buffet and seafood spot. The decor is actually pretty vibrant—clean lines, a massive salad bar, and plenty of seating. It’s the kind of place that should be a local staple.
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The menu is a mix of Southern comfort and standard American fare:
- Seafood Buffets: These are the big draw, especially on weekends.
- Fried Chicken: A staple of any Manning eatery.
- The Salad Bar: Surprisingly well-stocked for a small-town grill.
- Cocktails: They have a full bar, which is a bit of a rarity for some of the older-school buffets in the area.
Despite the controversy, the restaurant maintains a steady flow of locals. Some people are loyal to the food; others have completely sworn the place off. It’s a divided house.
Misconceptions and Naming Confusion
Here is something that gets people every single time. There is a "Mill Street Grill" in Staunton, Virginia, that has been getting absolutely hammered with 1-star reviews and angry phone calls because people can't tell them apart from the Manning location.
The Manning spot is often referred to as The Grill or The Grill on Mill, but it is officially listed in many places as "The Grill" at the 201 S. Mill St. address. If you’re going to leave a review—good or bad—make sure you’re actually talking to the right humans in the right state.
Is the Food Actually Good?
Setting the drama aside is tough, but if we look at the culinary side, the reviews are... inconsistent.
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Some folks swear by the seafood buffet, saying the shrimp and crab legs are worth the price of admission. They love the attentive service from the waitstaff, who often get caught in the crossfire of the owner's reputation.
On the flip side, you’ll see plenty of complaints about unseasoned sides or, ironically, overcooked meat. It seems like a "hit or miss" situation. One day you get the best fried fish in Clarendon County, and the next, you’re wondering why the mac and cheese is so dry.
The Owner's Response
To his credit, Wallman did eventually post an apology on Facebook. He admitted that the situation wasn't handled correctly and that he reacted poorly to the dissatisfaction of the couple.
"I apologize for reacting to that couple the way I did... they were dissatisfied, doesn't really matter why but it wasn't handled correctly."
For some, that was enough. For others, the "racist" and "hateful" labels that flew around social media during the peak of the viral cycle are harder to scrub away.
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Navigating Manning's Food Scene
If you’re in town and the vibes at The Grill Manning South Carolina feel a little too heavy for you, you aren't stuck. Manning is actually a sleeper hit for foodies.
- McCabe’s Bar-B-Que: This is the gold standard. It’s wood-cooked, whole-hog BBQ. Just check the hours because they're only open a few days a week.
- Porter Jacks Grill: If you want a more traditional "sit-down" grill experience without the internet baggage, this is a solid alternative on Mill Street.
- D&H Bar-B-Que: Another local legend with a killer buffet.
The Bottom Line
The Grill is a restaurant in transition. It’s trying to balance a "vibrant" dining experience with a reputation that took a massive hit in 2025. Whether it survives long-term depends on if the food can eventually outshine the TikTok clips.
If you decide to go, go for the seafood buffet but maybe keep an eye on your receipt.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Before you head out, check their Facebook page for the most current buffet themes, as they change between seafood and "country" styles depending on the day. Also, if you’re traveling with a large group, call ahead; despite the drama, the place can get packed on Friday nights, and the parking lot behind the building fills up faster than you'd expect. Finally, verify the hours on a local directory, as they have been known to shift since the viral incident.