Columbia Guidebook!
Lunch
Tazza is perfect for a lunch or dinner: great drinks, great food, and cool atmosphere! Do get a reservation, if possible!
Apps: shishito peppers, guac, and meatballs
Mains: woodfired chicken thighs, any mix of tacos, cheeseburger, or the black pepper and honey sausage pizza
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrTazza is perfect for a lunch or dinner: great drinks, great food, and cool atmosphere! Do get a reservation, if possible!
Apps: shishito peppers, guac, and meatballs
Mains: woodfired chicken thighs, any mix of tacos, cheeseburger, or the black pepper and honey sausage pizza
You truly can't go wrong at Cafe Strudel for breakfast or lunch, but go on a weekday if possible- the weekend wait is usually very long! We love the Duck Nachos, most of the sandwiches, and the pancakes! The cheese grits at Cafe Strudel are always a winner, too.
Plus, my favorite antique mall is right next door! walk off breakfast with a lap around Old Mill Antiques.
59 Einheimische empfehlen
Cafe Strudel
300 State StYou truly can't go wrong at Cafe Strudel for breakfast or lunch, but go on a weekday if possible- the weekend wait is usually very long! We love the Duck Nachos, most of the sandwiches, and the pancakes! The cheese grits at Cafe Strudel are always a winner, too.
Plus, my favorite antique mall is right next door! walk off breakfast with a lap around Old Mill Antiques.
For a light and delicious breakfast or lunch, or to nibble while you work in a cool space. The avocado tartine, ricotta tartine, and mushroom tartine are our favorites, and the side salads have a great vinaigrette. The pastry case is usually full of many delicious things!
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smallSUGAR
709 Gervais StFor a light and delicious breakfast or lunch, or to nibble while you work in a cool space. The avocado tartine, ricotta tartine, and mushroom tartine are our favorites, and the side salads have a great vinaigrette. The pastry case is usually full of many delicious things!
Sassy tex mex and delicious margaritas! Cantina has a really vibrant atmosphere and stays busy. So much so that there are two locations! The ancho bbq quesadilla and chip dip trio are our favorites.
58 Einheimische empfehlen
Cantina 76
2901 Devine StSassy tex mex and delicious margaritas! Cantina has a really vibrant atmosphere and stays busy. So much so that there are two locations! The ancho bbq quesadilla and chip dip trio are our favorites.
**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
BBQ and drinks, fun atmosphere, and plenty of parking! We love the Gamechanger drink and smoked wings the best. Macaroni and cheese is also so good!
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Home Team BBQ
700 Harden St**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
BBQ and drinks, fun atmosphere, and plenty of parking! We love the Gamechanger drink and smoked wings the best. Macaroni and cheese is also so good!
**Within walking distance of The Rainbow Room and Casa Verde.
A Columbia classic: soups, salads, and sandwiches! I love the "CPA" panini. After you're done with lunch, head over to the deli counter and grab a bag of the spicy roasted almonds.
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The Gourmet Shop
724 Saluda Ave**Within walking distance of The Rainbow Room and Casa Verde.
A Columbia classic: soups, salads, and sandwiches! I love the "CPA" panini. After you're done with lunch, head over to the deli counter and grab a bag of the spicy roasted almonds.
Simply some of the best lunch you can find! Weekdays only, 11-2; try the deviled egg special and of course take an oatmeal cream pie to go!
12 Einheimische empfehlen
Spotted Salamander Cafe And Catering
1531 Richland StSimply some of the best lunch you can find! Weekdays only, 11-2; try the deviled egg special and of course take an oatmeal cream pie to go!
**Within walking distance of The Rainbow Room and Casa Verde. Enzo's has incredible meatball subs and chicken farm sandwiches. The cannolis are great, too!
Enzo's Delicatessen
2002 Greene Street**Within walking distance of The Rainbow Room and Casa Verde. Enzo's has incredible meatball subs and chicken farm sandwiches. The cannolis are great, too!
Easy lunch, always busy! Crave does weekly specials and posts those on their Facebook Page. Their curry chicken salad is great, and most of the specials are a favorite!
14 Einheimische empfehlen
Crave Market
2843 Millwood AveEasy lunch, always busy! Crave does weekly specials and posts those on their Facebook Page. Their curry chicken salad is great, and most of the specials are a favorite!
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen
2338 Main StVegan soul food that everyone loves!
Bars & Breweries
Fun bar with great food and arcade games! Check their website or instagram for special events and specials!
Transmission Arcade
1712 Main StreetFun bar with great food and arcade games! Check their website or instagram for special events and specials!
A favorite rooftop bar in Columbia! Food is also available, as well as access to tons of other places in walking distance.
23 Einheimische empfehlen
Hendrix Restaurant
1649 Main StA favorite rooftop bar in Columbia! Food is also available, as well as access to tons of other places in walking distance.
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
1635 Main StGreat drinks, great food, perfect atmosphere for hanging out and enjoying a beautiful day or night!
24 Einheimische empfehlen
Savage Craft Ale Works
430 Center StreetGreat drinks, great food, perfect atmosphere for hanging out and enjoying a beautiful day or night!
Lively outdoor space with live performances sometimes, great bar food, and beer of all kinds.
34 Einheimische empfehlen
Steel Hands Brewing
2350 Foreman StLively outdoor space with live performances sometimes, great bar food, and beer of all kinds.
River Rat Brewery
1231 Shop RdShopping
If you feel like shopping some more recognizable names, Trenholm Plaza is the spot. There's a Lululemon, Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, and some local favorite shops, like Scout and Molly's.
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Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrIf you feel like shopping some more recognizable names, Trenholm Plaza is the spot. There's a Lululemon, Anthropologie, Kendra Scott, and some local favorite shops, like Scout and Molly's.
Devine Street is one of the premier shopping areas of downtown Columbia. Take a walk down the street and pop into all of our favorites!
(Nonesuch, Pout, Just the Thing, Monkee's, Pink Sorbet, Slate, Craft and Draft)
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Devine Street
Devine StreetDevine Street is one of the premier shopping areas of downtown Columbia. Take a walk down the street and pop into all of our favorites!
(Nonesuch, Pout, Just the Thing, Monkee's, Pink Sorbet, Slate, Craft and Draft)
If you love a thrifty find or a huge warehouse full of wild antiques, this is for you. I love this antique mall!
Old Mill Antique Mall
310 State StIf you love a thrifty find or a huge warehouse full of wild antiques, this is for you. I love this antique mall!
**within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room
Gourmet Shoppe is FULL of great little gifts, as is Gibson's. There are other clothing shops as you walk down, as well.
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Five Points
**within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room
Gourmet Shoppe is FULL of great little gifts, as is Gibson's. There are other clothing shops as you walk down, as well.
PlantHouse
702 Cross Hill RoadActivities
Saturday mornings starting at 9 am, Main Street shuts down for local food vendors, artists, and farmers to sell their wares! We love The Arepa Chef, sourdough cinnamon rolls, and donut truck. Also look for Modern Companion if you have a pet! She sells such cute things!
133 Einheimische empfehlen
Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main StSaturday mornings starting at 9 am, Main Street shuts down for local food vendors, artists, and farmers to sell their wares! We love The Arepa Chef, sourdough cinnamon rolls, and donut truck. Also look for Modern Companion if you have a pet! She sells such cute things!
Our beautiful National Park! Take some bug spray if it's warm out, and pack some water and snacks. It's can be a long walk, but so lovely! (Use the bathroom before you go- the public ones are touch and go!)
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Congaree National Park
100 National Park RdOur beautiful National Park! Take some bug spray if it's warm out, and pack some water and snacks. It's can be a long walk, but so lovely! (Use the bathroom before you go- the public ones are touch and go!)
Flour, Carolina Gold rice, and grits of all kinds milled right in downtown Columbia! Retail space (check the website for hours) sells all of the above directly.
Adluh
804 Gervais StreetFlour, Carolina Gold rice, and grits of all kinds milled right in downtown Columbia! Retail space (check the website for hours) sells all of the above directly.
Take a walk on the grounds or a quick tour of the inside of this beautiful building. After you're done, head over to the USC Horseshoe!
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South Carolina State House
1100 Gervais StTake a walk on the grounds or a quick tour of the inside of this beautiful building. After you're done, head over to the USC Horseshoe!
Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden
1300 Botanical PkwyMy personal workout studio and one of the best spots to workout in Columbia! The mornings are less crowded for the Forest Acres location.
Orangetheory Fitness
4708 Forest DriveMy personal workout studio and one of the best spots to workout in Columbia! The mornings are less crowded for the Forest Acres location.
Great children's museum in downtown, right across from the state museum!
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EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais StGreat children's museum in downtown, right across from the state museum!
Home to the Columbia minor league team, the Fireflies. During the summer, the games end with fireworks; restaurants are also located on the campus!
25 Einheimische empfehlen
Segra Park
Home to the Columbia minor league team, the Fireflies. During the summer, the games end with fireworks; restaurants are also located on the campus!
Coffee & Tea
**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
Columbia finally has boba tea, and we love it!
Columbia Gong cha
701b Santee Avenue**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
Columbia finally has boba tea, and we love it!
Some of the best coffee in town! Great spot for working and sipping, too. All of the coffee is great, but the chai is one of my favorites.
39 Einheimische empfehlen
Indah Coffee
2238 Sumter StSome of the best coffee in town! Great spot for working and sipping, too. All of the coffee is great, but the chai is one of my favorites.
Azalea Coffee Bar
2700 Devine StDesserts
Ally & Eloise Bakeshop
5209 Forest DriveNow available on Devine street! Love the little baby cakes!
Kudzu Bakery & Market Columbia
4600 Forest DriveDelicious cookies and pastries!
Best ice cream in Columbia! The waffle cones are made in house and so good. Come here after Warmouth!
19 Einheimische empfehlen
Sweet Cream Co.
1627 Main StBest ice cream in Columbia! The waffle cones are made in house and so good. Come here after Warmouth!
If you're out and about after dinner and you're looking for a drink and dessert, this is the place.
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Kaminsky's
930 Gervais StIf you're out and about after dinner and you're looking for a drink and dessert, this is the place.
Dinner
**Within walking distance of Cottontown Cottage.
The Warmouth is one of our favorite places in Columbia! It's comfortable and cozy, the drinks are great, and they specialize in local, southern food with a twist. We love the steak, deviled eggs, grits, collards... Frankly, we've never chosen something from the menu we didn't like! The drinks are great too. My favorite drink is the margarita, but I ask for it spicy!
42 Einheimische empfehlen
The War Mouth
1209 Franklin St**Within walking distance of Cottontown Cottage.
The Warmouth is one of our favorite places in Columbia! It's comfortable and cozy, the drinks are great, and they specialize in local, southern food with a twist. We love the steak, deviled eggs, grits, collards... Frankly, we've never chosen something from the menu we didn't like! The drinks are great too. My favorite drink is the margarita, but I ask for it spicy!
**Within walking distance of Cottontown Cottage.
Best pizza in town! Il Focolare is tiny but amazing- a sister to Small Sugar! Favorites are the brussels and chèvre pizza, spicy pepperoni, and plain cheese. Also: GET THE RANCH.
Check in on their instagram for updates on indoor seating/takeout ahead of time. If you'll be taking out, plan for a longer wait time (usually 30 minutes to an hour because of how busy they are!).
9 Einheimische empfehlen
Il Focolare Pizzeria
2150 Sumter St**Within walking distance of Cottontown Cottage.
Best pizza in town! Il Focolare is tiny but amazing- a sister to Small Sugar! Favorites are the brussels and chèvre pizza, spicy pepperoni, and plain cheese. Also: GET THE RANCH.
Check in on their instagram for updates on indoor seating/takeout ahead of time. If you'll be taking out, plan for a longer wait time (usually 30 minutes to an hour because of how busy they are!).
Sassy tex mex and delicious margaritas! Cantina has a really vibrant atmosphere and stays busy. So much so that there are two locations! The ancho bbq quesadilla and chip dip trio are our favorites.
58 Einheimische empfehlen
Cantina 76
2901 Devine StSassy tex mex and delicious margaritas! Cantina has a really vibrant atmosphere and stays busy. So much so that there are two locations! The ancho bbq quesadilla and chip dip trio are our favorites.
**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
BBQ and drinks, fun atmosphere, and plenty of parking! We love the Gamechanger drink and smoked wings the best. Macaroni and cheese is also so good!
16 Einheimische empfehlen
Home Team BBQ
700 Harden St**Within walking distance of Casa Verde and The Rainbow Room.
BBQ and drinks, fun atmosphere, and plenty of parking! We love the Gamechanger drink and smoked wings the best. Macaroni and cheese is also so good!
Tazza is perfect for a lunch or dinner: great drinks, great food, and cool atmosphere! Do get a reservation, if possible!
Apps: shishito peppers, guac, and meatballs
Mains: woodfired chicken thighs, any mix of tacos, cheeseburger, or the black pepper and honey sausage pizza
27 Einheimische empfehlen
Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrTazza is perfect for a lunch or dinner: great drinks, great food, and cool atmosphere! Do get a reservation, if possible!
Apps: shishito peppers, guac, and meatballs
Mains: woodfired chicken thighs, any mix of tacos, cheeseburger, or the black pepper and honey sausage pizza
Always delicious! The crispy red curry duck is so good, but the pad thai never misses. As for a spice tray on the side!
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Basil Thai Cuisine-Columbia, SC
702 Cross Hill RdAlways delicious! The crispy red curry duck is so good, but the pad thai never misses. As for a spice tray on the side!
High end dinner and drinks; reservation is usually needed. Polenta fries and BLT salad are delicious!
35 Einheimische empfehlen
Cola's Restaurant
1215 Assembly StHigh end dinner and drinks; reservation is usually needed. Polenta fries and BLT salad are delicious!
Bourbon
1214 Main StBar and grill; great grilled wings and wraps! The cauliflower pizza crust is the best I've had by far. You'd never know it's cauliflower!
Backstreets Grill
2400 Devine StreetBar and grill; great grilled wings and wraps! The cauliflower pizza crust is the best I've had by far. You'd never know it's cauliflower!
929 Kitchen & Bar
929 Gervais StDelicious pastas and toasted garlic bread. Love the outdoor patio! (Do get a reservation!)
20 Einheimische empfehlen
Il Giorgione
2406 Devine StDelicious pastas and toasted garlic bread. Love the outdoor patio! (Do get a reservation!)