Creative Plates and Friendly Energy in a Historic Downtown Space
Well executed creative food, attentive service, and a welcoming atmosphere in a building with history make this a step above the typical downtown option.
We paid. Visited October 2026.
Our Visit
We paid. Visited October 2026.
We visited Kounter downtown. The old counter remains in place and the building’s history adds character without feeling forced. The menu offers creative plates that are executed with care. Portions were generous and every dish tasted intentional with clear flavors and thoughtful combinations.
Service was friendly and the room had a nice energy that made the meal feel unhurried. The history of the space is present but never overplayed. It is an easy place to recommend when someone asks for something a step above typical downtown options. The combination of interesting food, welcoming service, and a comfortable historic setting makes it a strong choice.
The Record
Google shows 4.6 stars from approximately 820 reviews. The rating has held steady to slightly up. The most repeated praise is for creative and well executed food, friendly and attentive service, nice energy in the room, and the historic building. There are almost no prominent complaints in recent reviews. SC food grade is A on recent inspections. The record matches our visit: thoughtful creative food and a welcoming atmosphere in a building with history.
Our standards
Every review here follows six published rules. A business we review may reply once, and we print the reply word for word under the review, up to 150 words.
Score: 8.5. Score: 8.5. Worth it.
The Record
What the public record showed when we checked it on October 20, 2026, in our own words.
Our score
8.5
Worth it
Our visit, October 2026
4.6 from 820 reviews; 4.7 over the last 12 months.
Google Business Profile, checked October 20, 2026
How we score
Out of 10, always to one decimal. Each score earns one verdict.
- Go out of your way9.0 and up
- Worth it (this review)7.0 to 8.9
- Fine if you’re close5.0 to 6.9
- Skip it3.0 to 4.9
- AvoidUnder 3.0
| What we checked | What we found | Source and date |
|---|---|---|
| Google rating | 4.6 from 820 reviews | Google, checked October 20, 2026 |
| Last 12 months | 4.7 from 160 reviews, against 4.6 lifetime. Up 0.1 over the last 12 months. | Google, checked October 20, 2026 |
| Owner reply rate | Replies to most recent reviews. | Google, last 60 reviews, checked October 20, 2026 |
| BBB rating | No complaints on file in the last three years. | BBB, checked October 20, 2026 |
| SC food grade | A on recent inspections. | SC Department of Agriculture, checked October 20, 2026 |
| License | Current food service permit. | SC DHEC, checked October 20, 2026 |
| Recurring themes |
| Google reviews, checked October 20, 2026 |
| Checked on | October 20, 2026 | Every source in this table |
| Does it match our visit? | Matches. The record highlights creative food, friendly service, and the building’s history; that is what we experienced. | Our visit, October 2026 |
Details
- Address
- 135 E Main St Suite 101, Rock Hill, SC 29730
- Hours
- Lunch and dinner most days.
- Prices
- Entrees in the low to mid $20s.
- Payment
- Cards accepted.
- Status
- Open as of October 20, 2026.
Our standards. We paid full price, and nobody at the business knew a review was coming.
The Scorecard
Sort it on the front page- 9.2Threatt HardwareGo out of your way
- 8.8The Pump House at RiverwalkWorth it
- 8.6Dovie’s Lunch CounterWorth it
- 8.5Kounter (this review)Worth it
- 8.4Bear WalrusWorth it
- 8.3The Flip Side RestaurantWorth it
- 8.2Burgers and BarleyWorth it
- 8.1Amelies French BakeryWorth it
- 8.0Marys CafeWorth it
- 7.9The Dixie PigWorth it
- 7.8First Shift CoffeeWorth it
- 7.8Millstone Pizza and Tap HouseWorth it
- 7.7Empire PizzaWorth it
- 7.3Thackston Auto ServiceWorth it
- 6.4Picker House TaproomFine if you’re close
- 5.5Runout RecordsFine if you’re close
- 4.2Second Chair BarbershopSkip it
- 2.7Pinhook LanesAvoid