The Convention Center is right in the middle of Columbia’s bustling downtown. With over 2,000 hotel rooms within one mile and plenty of restaurants within four blocks, getting your fill of our city is easy. After your meeting wraps, dig into some traditional Southern barbecue, or cozy up to the bar with a cocktail – no matter your style, we’ve got you covered. Check out the hotels and restaurants nearby below.
For assistance blocking rooms for your group, contact Experience Columbia SC.
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
Indulge in Korean favorites at this trendy spot in The Vista. 929 Kitchen & Bar is known for their upscale environment, perfect for a lunch break or business dinners. If you go, start with the Kimchi Bulgogi Nacho, followed by Bimbimbap and you won't be disappointed.
929 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-764-3825
Considered by many to be one of the best seafood restaurants in the southeast, Blue Marlin will not disappoint for your business lunch or after-hours event. We suggest trying their infamous shrimp & grits.
1200 Lincoln Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-3838
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
A short walk from the CMCC, enjoy Columbia's warm days on the rooftop of Carolina Ale House with the sip of a beer and some classic bar food to unwind from your meeting. Photo by Brett Flashnick.
708 Lady Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-227-7150
While we love to support local restaurants, we know staples like Chipotle are important. Lucky for you, there's a location right around the corner from the CMCC. Stop by to get your favorite, burrito, bowl, or salad - just don't forget the guacamole.
619 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-223-7801
Known to locals simply as COA, this spot gained a quick reputation for its specialty margaritas and elevated Mexican food. Menu items range from your classic tacos to ahi tuna, braised pork and citrus marinated shrimp. Photo by Forrest Clonts.
823 A Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-851-5965
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
Need something quick, and maybe a little messy? Get your classic burger and fries up the street at Five Guys. You can even enjoy Columbia's weather while you eat at one of their patio tables.
931 Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-0441
Flying Saucer offers over 80 beers on tap, often featuring local brewery options like River Rat and Conquest. With affordable menu items and live music on the patio have locals flocking here any day of the week.
931 Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-933-9997
Share tapas with a Mediterranean culinary influence and have your own wine tasting at this cozy spot tucked away from the bustle of The Vista.
620 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-8463
Enjoy fresh, traditional food that represents the surroundings of the Mediterranean. Keep it light with a traditional Green Olive Feta Salad, or indulge in a Gyro Platter or Turkish Style Pizza.
922 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-764-3740
With gourmet burgers, fries, onion rings, and even specialty milkshakes (for kids and adults), Grill Marks has something on the menu for everyone. Enjoy your meal on the misted patio and watch as The Vista comes to life.
711 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-661-8932
Take in a view of the CMCC on the Hickory Tavern rooftop. Elevated bar food paired with happy hour special, plus tons of televisions make this the perfect place to sit back and unwind. Photo by Brett Flashnick.
907 Senate Street Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-765-9280
Enjoy the low-key, vibrant atmosphere at Hunter-Gatherer Brewery. You'll find them located in the Rosewood neighborhood in a vintage airplane hangar. Or, head to their original location on the Carolina campus for fresh, upscale bar food.
1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd. Columbia, SC 29205
Phone: 803-764-1237
Open 24 hours a day, and just steps away from the CMCC and several hotels, IHOP can handle those late night cravings.
1031 Assembly St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-251-9165
Located behind the South Carolina State House, this cozy eatery and coffee roaster is often buzzing with university students or government representatives grabbing a fresh sandwich and specialty coffee drink.
933 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-9053
Take care of your appetite at this popular American deli, featuring a salad bar and free ice cream cones. Conveniently located in the center of The Vista.
823 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-540-1973
High quality meats and cheese sliced in front of you, baked bread, and fresh toppings are what make Jersey Mike's so popular. You'll find them just down the street from the CMCC.
650 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-728-0609
Delight in over-the-top varieties of classic childhood desserts, adult dessert martinis, and hot spirited specialities after your dinner.
930 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-550-9979
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
Known for their Western fare, LongHorn Steakhouse has become a staple for hand-cut, hand-seasoned steaks. Bonus - it sits right next to the Columbia SC Visitor's Center.
902-A Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-254-5100
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
Grab a delicious lunch special, combo platter, or vegetarian option at this fast Mexican restaurant. With complimentary chips & salsa before your meal, there's no chance you'll leave this spot hungry.
931 Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-765-1465
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
Connected to the infamous Adluh Flour building, Old Chicago is a popular spot for draft beer, made-from-scratch pizzas, shareable starters, and a rollicking good time. Here, you can enjoy lunch specials in between meetings, or relax with colleagues after a long day.
802 Gervais St., Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-252-3100
Get your favorite Panera salad, sandwich or soup to fuel up for the rest of your day.
933 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-3060
Serving fresh seafood and happy hour specials that can't be beat, Pearlz is your go to spot after the last session wraps. Try the seafood tower and an oyster shot for the more daring.
936 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-661-7741
The Vista location of Poke Bros. offers not only sushi bowls, but sushi rolls, local craft beer and Asian Fusion menu offerings.
1211 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-851-6228
Ristorante Divino offers Northern Italian cuisine focusing on fresh, local ingredients. The award winning chefs, owners and staff will be dedicated to providing your party a top notch experience.
803 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-799-4550
Ruth's Chris boasts two private dining rooms and menu items that are legendary. Whether you're headed for a date night, a party, or a quiet night alone, the atmosphere at Ruth's Chris is just right.
924 Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-744-7800
This popular spot features an extensive list of sake and specialty sushi rolls like the Shrimp & Grits roll. Tuck into the upscale, yet trendy atmosphere for a meal you won't forget.
807 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-931-0700
Starbucks addicts, don't fret. There's one on the corner of Lincoln & Gervais St. waiting to make your usual.
831 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-779-3484
Make a pit stop for lunch and build your own bowl with the likes of flame grilled steak or Mahi-Mahi. Or, start your night at their rustic-chic bar or outdoor patio, tucked away from the bustle of the city.
916 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-764-1016
After a long day of meetings, head to The Carolina Strip Club for reasonably priced steaks and delicious wine. It's located a stone's throw from the CMCC and accessed via Lincoln Street's charming brick corridor.
902 Gervais St. Suite C Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-764-4017
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
Offering smoked barbecue and a secret family sauce, you can smell the cooking here a mile away. Grab a classic pulled pork plate, or stick to the classic Southern sides like Cole slaw, hash and rice, and Mac-n-cheese.
931-A Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-400-2251
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
Boasting "better than bar food," Tin Roof's menu mixes Southern classics with new recipes. Case in point - Dixie Biscuits complete with three fried biscuit sliders, smoked brisket, bacon, peach jam & cheddar cheese.
1022 Senate St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-771-1558
Grab some energy through a delicious fruit and veggie smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Café, located down the street from the CMCC.
650 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-807-9335
Here you'll find your classic sushi and hibachi restaurant. Pro tip - go during happy hour for their three roll special.
700 Gervais St., Suite A Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-312-9911
This brewpub is known for elevated bar eats and brews that can cater to any beer lover's taste buds. Show off your local knowledge by ordering the Soda City Market Dip with a Southern Belle Blonde.
705 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-764-0203
Head to Wild Wing for a list of wing flavors and appetizers that looms large. Its sporty, relaxed vibe will have you unwinding in no time.
729 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-252-9464
WOB proudly offers over 500 different beers to fit your taste buds. They also have a full bar, a covered patio with corn hole, and food items that are sure to balance out all of that beer.
902 Gervais St., Space F Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-509-6020