Just south of Hemingway, SC, where HWY 41 and 51 intersect, sits Mingo Exxon. It's the only business there other than a Quail farm and a few churches. The parking lot is always full of logging trucks, pick ups, 18 wheelers and cars. I usually stop there, to rest and get gas on my way to Hemingway when I visit Scott's BBQ.
A friend and I decided to take a motorcycle ride to Hemingway from our homes in Murrells Inlet, understanding that there would be little open for a lunch at the end of our journey. We rode up 51 to Johnsonville, back through Hemingway and headed to Georgetown for lunch.
We stopped at Mingo Exxon for a break and I decided to go inside to check it out. I was caught by the incredible aroma of friend chicken. What I found made my mouth water.
I wandered to the rear of the store and was surprised to see a counter, a few tables, display case filled with fried goodies and a very friendly staff. The fried chicken looked incredible so we decided to eat here rather than head back into Georgetown.
You have a lot of options here too. They have fried chicken, fried pork chops, burgers, fries, potato wedges, onion rings, and even pizza. There is a soda fountain or a huge case with all manner of bottled drinks.
I opted for two pieces of white chicken, a breast and wing and the potato wedges. It also comes with a role but if you prefer, you can have two additional wedges instead of the role. I chose the taters as they were breaded, spiced and looked crunchy. The chicken was juicy and tender and the breading, to die for. The potatoes were done to a T and just the right amount of spice and crunch. After enjoying the chicken, went back and ordered one of their fried pork chops. Hand breaded and fried to a crunch, it was as good as their chicken. Pressure cooking gives it a nice moist finish with not as much greasy mess. I wanted to try everything but was satisfied with my lunch, and full. The prices were perfect too. With a bottle of water, the chicken, potatoes and chop, it was just over $7. Not bad for a great meal.
My friend had the dark, two piece, chicken platter with a mountain of crisp fries. Both plates were excellent
The chicken is hand breaded, and I'm not sure but it tasted like it had been brined and then soaked in buttermilk prior to breading, It is fried to perfection in two large pressure fryers in the huge kitchen.
No waiting for food here as they move the constant line with five or six staff that cook and serve. This type of place is truly a tradition here in the South, especially out in logging country. Not only can you get gas here, they have great food, deer corn, groceries, fishing supplies, beer, snacks and just about anything you could want when you are out of town. And did I say, Fried Chicken?
I try not to make it a habit of eating in gas stations, but Mingo is a huge exception. The food, service and atmosphere are all very southern and it's a meeting place for the locals. Everyone seems to know each other there and you can feel the warmth of community here. Our lunch was spent with great food, a parade of locals there to take out after church and a steady stream of happy folks.
I have had chicken in a lot of places here in the South, but Mingo nailed it. It will no longer be a rest stop, it has become a destination. Philip even took a large order of chicken home, stuffed in his saddlebags.
If you follow my choices, and you are down here to visit the Tupperware factory in Hemmingway or just out to shoot some quail, stop in for a bite. You won't be disappointed. read more