What’s Cooking at Kounter

in Rock Hill, SC?

Chef Rob Masone is hard at work behind the restaurant’s pink laminate countertop, whipping up desserts, preparing appetizers and putting his personal touch on main courses. Between preparing meals, the former South Carolina Chef Ambassador checks in on guests and shares his passion with everyone who walks into his restaurant. In October 2024, Masone even closed his restaurant for one week to serve thousands of meals with his staff and nearly 40 volunteers to those restoring power and cleaning up the destruction left by Hurricane Helene. Chef Rob’s passion for community and creating amazing food is felt throughout Rock Hill. 

Situated in the heart of downtown Rock Hill, Kounter is more than just a place to grab a bite during a visit to York County—it is an immersive dining experience. Each dish is meticulously crafted using farm-fresh ingredients sourced locally, with careful consideration given to its presentation.

More Than a Restaurant

While celebrated in the present day as a prominent restaurant in the area, Kounter is also recognized as a civil rights protest site. On January 31, 1961, 10 men—eight from the nearby Friendship Junior College—bravely staged a sit-in at the segregated McCrory’s Five and Dime. The men were denied service and sentenced to serve 30 days in jail or to pay a fine. One chose the fine, while the other nine served 30 days in jail and became known as the “Friendship 9.” Their unfair treatment and subsequent bravery attracted national attention and played a part in the Civil Rights Movement. 

When Chef Rob discovered the building for his new restaurant concept, he strived to honor its history and the courage of the Friendship 9. He restored the original pink laminate countertop where the men sat and listed their names on the back of its bar stools (Bonus: Next door to Kounter is the Jail, No Bail Exhibit. Here, you can learn more about the Friendship 9 through their original letters, newspaper articles, images and video).

Drinks, Dinner, Dessert—and a Show

For a night out at Kounter, kick things off by taking a seat at the infamous counter, where you can choose from a selection of craft cocktails, draft beers or wine. The Rose Colored Glasses cocktail, a crowd favorite, boasts a smoky and sweet flavor profile—blending mezcal, honey-serrano syrup, rose water, Cointreau, and a hint of lemon.

If you prefer simplicity with a bold kick, the Pear Martini, made with pear-flavored Grey Goose, Saint Germaine, pear nectar and bitters, is an excellent choice. In colder seasons, consider options like the Twisted White Russian, Taggarts Elder Fashioned or Winter Is Coming—featuring Woodford bourbon, winter-spiced maple syrup and lemon. Two craft mocktails (Pear + Lime Spritz and Squeeze of the Day) are also on the drink menu. 

Something to Start

If you catch a whiff of something smoky in the air, don’t worry; it’s coming from the Smoking Tuna Poke, a great shareable to kick off your night. This dish is prepared in the chef’s corner behind the counter and is made with wood-smoked marinated yellowfin tuna, wonton crisps, cabbage slaw, ponzu, sweet peppers and wasabi aioli. Delivered to your table under a glass dome, the unveiling releases a waft of smoke into the air.

Equally enticing is the Totchos appetizer — a must-try starter. These aren’t your typical tater tots; they are hand-rolled parmesan and rosemary tater tots, topped with pimento cheese, pickled giardiniera, a candied jalapeno glaze and fried spinach. 

Kounter’s cake stand sliders double as a great shareable or an individual meal. They are served on actual cake stands and are sandwiched between pull-apart bread, an ode to Thanksgiving Day nostalgia. The beef sliders boast toppings of bacon jam, barbecue sauce, roasted tomato, arugula, and garlic-herb cheese, while the fried chicken sliders feature pickles, roasted tomato and malt vinegar. Adding to the distinctive appeal, each cake stand was curated from various vintage and antique stores, contributing its unique charm.

The Mains

You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu for your main course, but the 17 Herb Seared Hangar Steak is a top contender and can be upgraded to include a lobster tail or crab cake. Speaking of lobster, try the Lobster Gnocchi for the incredibly rich flavors of lobster and cognac cream, white cheddar, red chile and scallion breadcrumbs, parmesan and parsley oil. Complete any meal by adding an à-la-carte side from options like parmesan creamed corn, hand-slammed fries and stewed collards. 

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, the salads are anything but basic. They each come in a mason jar, topped with a tight lid. Your job: shake it up and pour it into your bowl. Salad options include Tuscan Caesar, Southwest Salmon and Chinatown Chicken.

There’s Always Room for Dessert

After all that, you’ll have to make room for dessert. The Whipped Key Lime starts with a graham cracker crumble shell and is topped with a torched vanilla meringue. The garnish is a brûléed lime sugar, created by cutting a lime in half, pouring sugar on its open face and torching it with a flame.

For the chocolate lover, order Mom’s Chocolate Pie, which comes from a recipe by Chef Rob’s mother. As the recipe calls for, it is topped with store-bought Cool Whip, the only thing on the menu not made in-house.

Sundays Are for Brunch

New at Kounter and now available from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. is Sunday Brunch! Try Chef Rob’s twist on brunch classics like French Toast and Chicken & Waffles. French Toast at Kounter is stuffed with rotating cheesecake flavors, vanilla and cinnamon custard, chantilly cream and fruity pebble dust. Experience new breakfast inventions like the Fried Everything Bagel, served with chorizo sausage, fried egg, avocado, herbed goat cheese, and chimichurri hollandaise. Or, take your brunch to the next level with upgraded entrees like a Smoked Salmon PLT and Steak & Eggs.

Sweets and cocktails are also on the menu at Kounter for brunch. Pick your favorite flavor of mimosa from the classic orange, blood orange, mixed berry and more. Avoid the Sunday scaries with a sweet treat like ice cream floats and cinnamon rolls. Brunch is a great choice for patrons with children, offering an affordable kids menu for those 12 and under. Kounter is sure to be your new favorite spot for Sunday brunch.

NOW OPEN: Elsie’s Lounge at Kounter

York County has its first speakeasy lounge at Elsie’s, named after Chef Rob’s grandmother. The space will have an intimate bar concealed by a street front bodega where you’ll have to give the secret password to gain entry (Bonus tip: Check their social media or ask the staff at Kounter next door for the day’s password). Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a vintage-style speakeasy with a dark and moody ambiance. Imbibe in craft cocktails and non-alcoholic options, indulge in small-bite sweets or take some charcuterie to-go. 

Elsie’s is a great space for date night, showing locals and visitors to Rock Hill alike a good time.

Learn more about Kounter and its delicious offerings here. Make your reservation to visit today!