What a nice surprise - my sister and brother in-law treated me and dad to cocktails and dining at the Willcox Inn in recognition of my recent retirement; although I’ve been more frequently calling it my semi-retirement because of my commitment to help and train my replacement into late fall. My sister and her husband occasionally enjoy going to the Willcox for a date night. My sister ordered her favorite cocktail “The Persian”, I ordered a “Blackberry Billy” and my brother in-law enjoyed a glass of wine. We’re pretty sure dad ordered water after he saw the menu prices, but he is not a big drinker to begin with. Both of our drinks were a very tart and we guessed that the bartender had maybe gone a little overboard on the citrus in each drink. We stuffed our selfs with menu items including: gilled baby back ribs - korean bbq, chicharrones; wings - dry rub/honey sriracha, ranch dressing; sliders - beef, bacon jam, pimento cheese; house chips with with bleu cheese dip (they were so good I think we ended up with 3 orders of these); and parmesan truffle fries. Needless to say we left happy and stuffed.
The Willcox is more than a historic inn—it’s often called the “living room of Aiken.” Dating to the city’s celebrated Winter Colony era, it blends Southern elegance with a relaxed, club-like atmosphere: fireplaces, comfortable sofas, cocktails, good food, and often live music.
The bar and dining areas attract an interesting mix of longtime Aiken residents, equestrians and horse-country regulars, business and civic leaders, retirees (ME!), well-traveled locals, and hotel guests. It’s the kind of place where people know the bartenders, unexpectedly run into friends, and linger over drinks or dinner. Dress ranges from polished casual to golf and riding-country attire. Despite its upscale pedigree, the atmosphere is generally social, comfortable, and distinctly Aiken.
