Dining in Columbia
Columbia has a vibrant culinary scene with lots of locally owned restaurants with their own unique offerings or specialties. Delve into the delectable cuisine options of Columbia to discover a palette of flavors that reflects the city's rich heritage and Southern charm. Want to walk around? Five Points, The Vista, and Devine Street are your three best bets for discovering something new.
* Indicates a 1/2 mile or less walk from the Science Complex.
$ Indicates Special deal for EER participants!
Another Broken Egg Cafe - Chef-inspired dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Map. Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co - Neighborhood shop serving coffee, tea and pastries, along with iced options. Map. *$ Carolina Cafe & Catering - Freshly made bagels, coffee, and more since 1998. Show your conference badge and get a free upgrade from regular to large coffee drinks and/or 15% off lunch! Map. * Cool Beans - Independent, local coffee shop in downtown Columbia. Map. Drip - High-quality service and superior coffee and espresso-based drinks in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Map. * Immaculate Consumption - Bakery goods, light breakfast foods, roasted in-house coffee drinks, and unique sandwiches for lunch. Map. $ Piecewise - Casual coffee shop offering prepared foods, pastries, and a selection of teas. Show your conference badge and get a large drink for the price of a regular! Map. smallSUGAR - Chef-inspired dishes for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Map. Sour & Salt Bakery - Popular with locals, a bakery and casual eatery with a diverse menu that satisfies all appetites, including sourdough bagels, sweets, sandwiches, pastries, and more. Map. * Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea - Local chain serving coffee, tea & shakes, plus pastries & light eats, in a stylish, relaxed space. Map. The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli - Beloved local bakery and deli on Devine Street. Map. The Flying Biscuit - Southern food and all-day breakfast selections. Map. The Toasty Hot Spot - Elevated comfort food and award-winning brunch with some of Columbia's best shrimp & grits. Map.
Can't miss? The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli was picked by Food Network as one of their top places to eat.
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* Beezer's subs - A local favorite, known for the fastest sandwiches in the southeast! Map. Blue Marlin - Diverse selection of seafood and steak options inspired by Lowcountry flavors. Map. * Bourbon - An award-winning whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant in the historic Brennen Building (1869), specializing in bourbon, whiskey, craft cocktails, and the flavors of the Louisiana Bayou. Bourbon has the largest whiskey list in SC. Map. Cantina 76 - Lively restaurant and bar that specializes in fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine and signature margaritas, with weekly specials. Map. *$ Carolina Cafe & Catering - Freshly made bagels, coffee, and more since 1998. Show your conference badge and get a free upgrade from regular to large coffee drinks and/or 15% off lunch! Map. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Authentic Brazilian restaurant featuring a unique "churrascario" experience. Map. DiPrato's - NYC-style deli with Southern personality. Map. *$ El Vaga Mexican Kitchen - Rotating selection of unique dishes and cocktails. Show your conference badge and get 5% off! Map. * Firehouse Subs - Fast casual restaurant chain specializing in submarine sandwiches. Map. * Green Olive - Warm, inviting restaurant specializing in Mediterranean cuisine. Map. Henry's Restaurant and Bar - Laid-back burger joint serving an array of classic American fare: sandwiches, salads, burgers and wraps. Map. * Madrigal - An oasis beyond the clamor of the city where patrons may unwind and indulge in culinary excellence accompanied by exquisite wine. (Note: Dinner only). Map. * Moe's - Counter-serve chain dishing up Southwestern staples from burritos to nachos in lively environs. Map. Motor Supply Company Bistro - Upscale American eatery with a daily changing farm-to-table menu. Map. Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe - Casual environment serving new southern cuisine. Map. Pawley's Front Porch - Voted best hamburger in Columbia (2024). Great burgers, tacos, wraps, and people watching in Five Points. Map. Railroad BBQ - Neighborhood restaurant featuring authentic southern BBQ. Map. The Gourmet Shop - Cafe offers a variety of salads and sandwiches, along with selections of fine cheese, wine, chocolates, coffee, and more. Map. The Hollow - Forest-to-table restaurant featuring wild game dishes, burgers, steaks and Great Lakes seafood along with beer, wine and cocktails. Map. Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria & Pub - Known for delicious stone-fired pizza and a wide selection of American comfort foods. Map. *$ Tio's Mexican Cafe & Cantina - Student-friendly Tex-Mex restaurant & cantina with tequila drink specials, trivia nights & vegan options. Show your conference badge and get 10% off your food and drinks! Map.
Can't miss? Bourbon, Henry's and Pawleys were all picked by Food Network as some of their top places to eat.
Ally & Eloise - Delightful bakery known for homemade cakes, pies, cookies, bars and scones, plus macaroons, cheesecake and coffee. Map. Kaminsky's - Popular dessert spot serving award-winning signature desserts. Map. The Robinson Room - Upscale dessert and cocktail bar located in the heart of Columbia. Map. Sweet Cream - Handcrafted small-batch ice cream and sorbet shop with a flavor menu that changes daily. Map. Scoopy Doo Gelato - House-made gelato and sorbetto shop in 5 Points with a variety of daily flavors. Map.
Camon Japanese restaurant - It may look hole-in-the-wall but it's one of the best sushi places in the city. Map. Coa Agaveria y Cocina - Considered the best Oaxacan Mexican restaurant in Columbia, features upscale, exeptional Mexican cuisine and craft cocktails. Map. Kao Thai Cuisine - Modern Thai and Asian fusion restaurant. Map. 929 Kitchen & Bar - Serving Korean eats with a contemporary twist. Map. Publico Kitchen and Tap - Offering a unique blend of Latin/Asian-inspired cuisine. Map. Reggae Grill - Jamaican restaurant serving authentic dishes with fresh ingredients. Map. Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant - Serving classic homestyle Italian cuisine in Columbia's oldest restaurant. Map.
1624 Bistro - Providing flavorful meals with plant-based and gourmet options. Map. A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen - Southern comfort vegan eatery; take out and delivery only. Map. * Cafe Verde - Fresh salads and wraps with made-from-scratch dressings. Map. Clean Eatz - Health-focused restaurant with a variety of delicous and affordable options. Map. The Hoot - Neighborhood vegan restaurant and bar with an upscale cocktail menu. Map.
Can't miss? A Peace of Soul was picked by Food Network as one of their top places to eat.
Bierkeller Brewing Company - Authentic German beer garden on the riverfront, known for traditional German lagers (Helles, Kellerbier) and pretzels. Map. Columbia Craft Brewing Company - Sleek, industrial-modern taproom in the Vista with a diverse range, from award-winning Lagers to fruity Sours. Map. Craft & Draft - Local neighborhood hangout and premier bottle shop with a curated tap list of regional gems plus a massive "to-go" selection. Map. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery at the Hangar - Historic, soaring airplane hangar with an observation deck, wood-fired pizzas and classic, old-school English-style ales. Map. Jake's - Casual pub that takes its beer seriously with over 30 craft options on tap, famous for being the most dog-friendly spot in Columbia outside of a dog park. Map. Savage Craft Ale Works - Massive, upscale campus with a rooftop and live music stage known for high-end "vibes" and a great mix of beer, wine and cocktails. Map. WeCo Bottle and Biergarten - Chill outdoor backyard feel with a rotating food truck line-up, massive tap list, and one of the best dog-friendly patios in town. Map.
In the mood for a food truck? Check out who's on the road today here!