Scoundrel

The story

Scoundrel Greenville: Michelin-Starred French-American Dining in Downtown SC

A Parisian Bistro in the Heart of Greenville

Scoundrel opened in 2022 on North Main Street, the creation of chef and owner Joe Cash. Cash trained at Per Se, Noma, and Torrisi before returning to his hometown. His vision: a restaurant that blends the spirit of a Parisian bistro with the comfort of a luxe American steakhouse. The result is a menu of French-American dishes built for sharing, served in an atmosphere that balances timeless elegance with easygoing warmth.

The Chef’s Journey

Cash’s career took him from Greenville to New York’s Per Se, then to Copenhagen’s Noma, and back to New York as executive sous chef at Torrisi. He later became executive chef at The Pool in the Seagram Building. In 2021, he moved home to open Scoundrel. The restaurant quickly earned national attention—Esquire named it one of the best new restaurants in America in 2023, and the James Beard Foundation nominated it for Best New Restaurant in 2024. In 2025, Scoundrel was awarded a Michelin star, and Cash was named a James Beard finalist for Best Chef: Southeast in 2026.

What’s on the Plate

The dinner menu reads like a love letter to French technique with a Southern accent. Starters include a Caesar salad with celery root and Calabrian chili, beef tartare with fines herbes, and escargots with Gruyère. Specialties range from steak frites with duck fat frites and sauce au poivre to a roasted half chicken with gnocchi Parisienne. The Dirty Rotten Scoundrel—two Black Angus patties with cheddar and house sauce—is an indulgent nod to American comfort food. Sides like duck fat frites and melted broccoli rabe round out the meal. The kitchen works with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, and the menu changes to reflect what’s best.

An Invitation to Share

Scoundrel’s tagline, “Timeless Elegance, Modern Flavors,” captures its approach. Dishes are designed for sharing, encouraging the kind of leisurely, convivial dining found in European bistros. The bar pours thoughtful cocktails, and the wine list leans French. The restaurant also hosts “Friends in Mischief” collaborative chef dinners and offers a private dining room for larger parties. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving a well-made steak, Scoundrel delivers an experience that feels both special and unpretentious.