Recognizing the Best in Rock Hill: The 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards
The Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding local businesses that elevate the community through quality, service, and innovation. These awards recognize top businesses across various industries, highlighting those that create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.
One of the most exciting categories for 2024 Best Date Night Restaurant, an honor reserved for a restaurant that goes beyond just great food—offering ambiance, creativity, and an experience couples will remember. The winner is Kounter, a one-of-a-kind dining destination that blends elevated cuisine, history, and interactive experiences.
View All 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards Winners
Spotlight on Kounter: Rock Hill’s 2024 Best Date Night Restaurant
Located in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, Kounter offers more than just a meal—it provides a full dining experience. Founded by Chef Rob Masone, this restaurant elevates dining with an approach he describes as “Xperiencing the Unexpected.”
Couples visiting Kounter can expect a vibrant atmosphere, farm-to-table ingredients, and dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. Indulging in a creative appetizer, sipping a handcrafted cocktail, or sharing a decadent entrée, every aspect of the dining experience is carefully designed to delight.
From Sunday brunch to late-night drinks, Kounter provides a perfect setting for any romantic outing. And with its upcoming expansion—including Rock Hill’s first charcuterie shop and a hidden speakeasy lounge—this award-winning restaurant is continuing to redefine date nights in York County.
A Commitment to Quality Dining in York County
Kounter’s menu is bold, imaginative, and ever-evolving. Chef Rob Masone uses his culinary expertise to create dishes that blend unexpected flavors with innovative presentation. Standout menu items include:
- Beet Down Salad – A vibrant, flavor-packed dish even non-salad lovers rave about.
- Homemade Spaghetti-Os with Lamb Meatballs – A nostalgic twist on a childhood classic, elevated with gourmet ingredients.
- Scallops with Grit Cake and Citrus Ricotta Sauce – A refined take on a Southern favorite.
- Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) – A fun and shareable appetizer that pairs perfectly with Kounter’s inventive cocktail menu.
Beyond the food, presentation, and creativity are at the heart of Kounter’s experience. Diners can expect interactive plating, bold flavors, and a touch of theatrics—making every meal feel like an event.
Serving the Rock Hill and York County Community
Kounter is a space that celebrates Rock Hill’s history and culture. The restaurant is located in a historic former five-and-dime store, the site of a significant civil rights-era sit-in. Rather than overlooking the past, Chef Masone honors it, with guests able to dine at the original counter where the protest took place, with seats bearing the names of the courageous individuals who participated.
This commitment to community and storytelling makes Kounter a top dining destination and an important cultural landmark in Rock Hill.
Why Kounter Stands Out in Rock Hill
So, what makes Kounter the Best Date Night Restaurant in Rock Hill?
- Ambiance & Atmosphere – A cozy yet lively environment perfect for date nights.
- Inventive Cuisine – A menu filled with surprises, from shareable small plates to indulgent entrees.
- Handcrafted Cocktails – A creative cocktail menu featuring unique flavors and fun garnishes.
- Impeccable Service – Staff that goes above and beyond to create a memorable dining experience.
- Romantic & Fun Elements – Celebrating an anniversary, first date, or a night out, Kounter’s unique touches make every evening feel special.
Customer reviews consistently highlight the exceptional food, inviting atmosphere, and innovative drinks:
“Service was wonderful, the food was great, and the whole vibe was top tier. Even being short-staffed, they stayed on top of service.”
“The food here is DELISH! Everything was creative in a good way, and very tasty! The service was lovely. We are definitely going back, it was a treat!”
“The cocktail menu had lots of interesting options, and I settled on one of the rotating taps. Loved the ambiance and friendly staff.”
With such rave reviews and a one-of-a-kind dining experience, Kounter has earned its place as Rock Hill’s go-to date night spot.
Congratulations to Kounter for being recognized as the Best Date Night Restaurant in Rock Hill!
Their dedication to culinary excellence, creativity, and community storytelling has truly set them apart. Make a reservation at Kounter and experience Rock Hill’s most unique, romantic, and unforgettable dining experience.
Supporting Local Excellence in Rock Hill
Local restaurants like Kounter make Rock Hill an exciting place to dine and explore. Local restaurants like Kounter make Rock Hill an exciting place to dine and explore. From romantic dinners to fun brunches and memorable nights out, Kounter delivers an experience like no other.
To discover more incredible local businesses recognized in the 2024 Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards, visit the official Awards page.
Awards Event Sponsors
The Rock Hill Business Excellence Awards are made possible by the support of local sponsors. Special thanks to:
- Sharpen Marketing – Experts in digital marketing and business recognition programs.
- Greymen’s Plumbing – A trusted name in plumbing services for Rock Hill and beyond.
