Columbia is loaded with great restaurants, whether you want a traditional Southern meat-and-three or an outdoor dining experience. Here are a few local and regional favorites nearby.
For a complete list of Columbia restaurants, visit ExperienceColumbiaSC.com.
Inspired by local and regional Southern food traditions, 1801 Grille honors the university's rich history and hospitality. Sitting down the street from the CMCC and across the street from Colonial Life Arena, this restaurant is meant for game days, convention attendees, and concert goers. Grab a drink and the Crawfish Deviled Eggs and you'll fit right in.
700 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-219-1119
Head to Bourbon for happy hour, where you're as likely to find a group of young professionals as a group of legislators. Just steps away from the South Carolina State House, this whiskey-centric hang out specializes in craft cocktails and creole cuisine. Photo by Carl Heyward.
1214 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 804-403-1404
Located in a restored 1930s RC Cola bottling plant, the restaurant's name refers to its history as well as the city's nickname. Cola's offers a casual fine dining experience, serving steak, seafood, and creative culinary dishes. When the weather permits, garage doors open up to views of the State House.
1215 Assembly Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-451-0051
Take in a brew at Columbia Craft, located on the outskirts of The Vista, and near the CMCC. If you go during the happy hours, you'll probably find some of Columbia's craft beer connoisseurs enjoying a flight of their own on the patio with a pup or two.
520 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-6027
Enjoy the low-key, vibrant atmosphere at Hunter-Gatherer Brewery, located in a vintage airplane hangar. Or, head to their original ale house location on the Carolina campus for fresh, upscale bar food.
1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd. Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-764-1237
Lining Lincoln Street, you'll find what has become a staple for The Vista entertainment district. Serving up American fare with a twist, Liberty also pours its fair share of brews. If you're looking for an adventure, head to its second Columbia location on Lake Murray, boasting a patio view you won't soon forget.
828 Gervias Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-461-4677
Dynamite sushi and entrees abound at M Vista. One of many Miyo's locations, M Vista offers fresh dishes inspired by a myriad of Asian cuisine. Check out their modern atmosphere for a healthy lunch, or cozy up to the bar for a specialty cocktail and a sushi platter to share.
701 Lady Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-255-8878
One of several locations in Columbia, Mellow Mushroom is a pizza staple. If you've been to one before, you know they're known for their quirky interior and seriously good pizza. This is a place where you should eat the whole pie-- we won't tell.
1009 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-933-9201
Never eat the same meal twice at Motor Supply Company, which features a new menu every day and every night. The restaurant is known for its fresh and eclectic dishes. Enjoy a farm-to-table experience in a renovated 1800s engine supply building, located in the heart of the Vista. Photo by Forrest Clonts.
920 Gervais Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-256-6687
Highlighted on the Food Network show, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," Pawleys Front Porch features burgers concocted with a combination of ingredients that are bursting with flavor. Come as you are and sit on their expansive front porch to take in the full experience. Photo by Sean Rayford.
827 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-771-8001
A top rated BBQ joint in the Five Points neighborhood, Southern Belly BBQ offers delicious barbecue with a range of sauces made from scratch. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with the whole family at Southern Belly BBQ. Photo by Helene Dujardin.
819 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-764-3512
Enjoy a fine dining experience at Terra, one of Columbia's culinary gems. The restaurant is just minutes from the Vista in West Columbia. Terra offers a fresh take on Southern cooking, using locally grown, seasonal produce. Photo by Sean Rayford.
100 State Street West Columbia, SC 29169
Phone: 803-791-3443
Located at the corner of Main and Gervais Street in downtown Columbia, Oak Table offers stunning views of the South Carolina State House. The menu showcases seasonal, modern American cuisine. For a sleek, contemporary vibe with amazing views, head to Oak Table. Photo by Sean Rayford.
1221 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-563-5066
Ready for some seafood with a laid-back attitude? Follow the locals to The Oyster Bar and get to shucking. Or, dine on one of their Lowcountry classic plates to get a variety of flavors. Either way, you can't go wrong. Photo by Carl Heyward.
1123 Park Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-4484
When it's a basketball or baseball game day, you'll see Thirsty Fellow's insides and its covered patio packed. Its proximity to the CMCC, the arena, and the baseball field (and its reputation for delectable food and cold beer) have made it a mainstay for locals and visitors alike.
621 Gadsden Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-1311