Guidebook for Columbia
Food Scene
This is one of our favorite restaurants when we want something nice, but don't want to go far to get it. Quiet, cute atmosphere with fantastic food!
27 locals recommend
Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrThis is one of our favorite restaurants when we want something nice, but don't want to go far to get it. Quiet, cute atmosphere with fantastic food!
Great wine, great service, and amazing food! A very nice scene for a romantic date night, or to just sit and chill with a glass of wine. Heather actually used to work here too, so she knows all about it.
Cellar On Greene
2001 Greene StGreat wine, great service, and amazing food! A very nice scene for a romantic date night, or to just sit and chill with a glass of wine. Heather actually used to work here too, so she knows all about it.
Best pizza in town! On Tuesdays you can get $2 pints and slices, and let me tell you those slices are HUGE! Awesome beer selection, and delicious pizzas. This is one of our personal go-to favorites.
The Pizza Joint
3246 Forest DrBest pizza in town! On Tuesdays you can get $2 pints and slices, and let me tell you those slices are HUGE! Awesome beer selection, and delicious pizzas. This is one of our personal go-to favorites.
This place has great food but it has an even better beer selection! They also have awesome mixed drinks. We love this place because its open late, but doesn't get infiltrated by the college crowd.
25 locals recommend
Publico
2013 Greene StThis place has great food but it has an even better beer selection! They also have awesome mixed drinks. We love this place because its open late, but doesn't get infiltrated by the college crowd.
We love this place, not only because some of our friends own it, but because it is just an awesome place to sit and relax and have a cup of jo. They have excellent coffee and very friendly staff!
39 locals recommend
Indah Coffee
2238 Sumter StWe love this place, not only because some of our friends own it, but because it is just an awesome place to sit and relax and have a cup of jo. They have excellent coffee and very friendly staff!
Being from Charleston, we LOVE good quality Southern food, and Mr. Friendly's is the #1 place in Columbia to find just that. A great spot for lunch or dinner during the week!
33 locals recommend
Delaney's Music Pub and Eatery
741 Saluda AveBeing from Charleston, we LOVE good quality Southern food, and Mr. Friendly's is the #1 place in Columbia to find just that. A great spot for lunch or dinner during the week!
DiPrato's is our favorite place to go with family for a classy brunch or lunch. They have a great selection of breakfast foods and sandwiches that are sure to please! They also have a counter of some amazing pimento cheese and other foods that you can get to go! Try out their fried pita chips (Mmmmmmm mm good!!).
26 locals recommend
DiPrato's
342 Pickens StDiPrato's is our favorite place to go with family for a classy brunch or lunch. They have a great selection of breakfast foods and sandwiches that are sure to please! They also have a counter of some amazing pimento cheese and other foods that you can get to go! Try out their fried pita chips (Mmmmmmm mm good!!).
Best burgers in town! And good luck trying to finish your plate! This place has a great beer selection, and delicious big burgers. They also have a nice big covered patio if you want to sit outside (dog friendly too).
19 locals recommend
Pawleys Front Porch
827 Harden StBest burgers in town! And good luck trying to finish your plate! This place has a great beer selection, and delicious big burgers. They also have a nice big covered patio if you want to sit outside (dog friendly too).
We love love love Thirsty Fellow! It is a perfect place to grab food and a beer, sit outside on their patio, or at their bar. Anything on the menu is going to be delicious, but our personal favorite is their Gorgonzola House Chips (WOW!!). We love the atmosphere and that it typically has a more adult/family crowd, not a college crowd.
13 locals recommend
Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub
621 Gadsden StWe love love love Thirsty Fellow! It is a perfect place to grab food and a beer, sit outside on their patio, or at their bar. Anything on the menu is going to be delicious, but our personal favorite is their Gorgonzola House Chips (WOW!!). We love the atmosphere and that it typically has a more adult/family crowd, not a college crowd.
This place has famous deserts, coffee and mixed drinks. Fun place to go late at night after dinner.
35 locals recommend
Kaminsky's
930 Gervais StThis place has famous deserts, coffee and mixed drinks. Fun place to go late at night after dinner.
It may not be a "local" place, but its always good to know where the closest Starbucks is, just in case. This place speaks for itself, is located just a few minutes away from the house and has outdoor patio seating.
10 locals recommend
STARBUCKS
6070 Garners Ferry RdIt may not be a "local" place, but its always good to know where the closest Starbucks is, just in case. This place speaks for itself, is located just a few minutes away from the house and has outdoor patio seating.
If you're looking for something a little different, check out this Mediterranean gem. They have a fantastic happy hour selection with glasses of wine starting at just $2.50 (and yes it tastes good) and several appetizers starting at $3 - $6. On Thursdays they have half-priced pizza (Large Pizza only $9). Very relaxed atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. You won't be disappointed.
8 locals recommend
Arabesque on Devine
2930 Devine StIf you're looking for something a little different, check out this Mediterranean gem. They have a fantastic happy hour selection with glasses of wine starting at just $2.50 (and yes it tastes good) and several appetizers starting at $3 - $6. On Thursdays they have half-priced pizza (Large Pizza only $9). Very relaxed atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. You won't be disappointed.
This place is addictive! We walk past it every Sunday, and it is SO hard to not stop in every time! They have a great selection of unique tacos and other Mexican-inspired foods with an American flare (think Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Tacos). They also have GREAT guacamole, queso, and Margaritas! At $3 to 4 per taco, this place is very affordable and will not let you down!
58 locals recommend
Cantina 76
2901 Devine StThis place is addictive! We walk past it every Sunday, and it is SO hard to not stop in every time! They have a great selection of unique tacos and other Mexican-inspired foods with an American flare (think Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Tacos). They also have GREAT guacamole, queso, and Margaritas! At $3 to 4 per taco, this place is very affordable and will not let you down!
The Soda City Market is one of the highlights of the week in Columbia. Vendors come with fresh fruits and vegetables, meet, cheese, bread, pasta, handmade goods, and more. Depending on the week, the market will take up 2 to 4 blocks of Main Street. Several street performers as well as food trucks complete the show to make this a fun place to hang out on a Saturday morning.
133 locals recommend
Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main StThe Soda City Market is one of the highlights of the week in Columbia. Vendors come with fresh fruits and vegetables, meet, cheese, bread, pasta, handmade goods, and more. Depending on the week, the market will take up 2 to 4 blocks of Main Street. Several street performers as well as food trucks complete the show to make this a fun place to hang out on a Saturday morning.
Parks & Nature
This park has a large lake with a trail all the way around. There are also several other long trails throughout the park. Lots of pine trees and picnic tables. Also a fenced dog park (you'll need vet records and to purchase a day pass) if you're wanting a place to let your pup play with other furry friends.
57 locals recommend
Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch RdThis park has a large lake with a trail all the way around. There are also several other long trails throughout the park. Lots of pine trees and picnic tables. Also a fenced dog park (you'll need vet records and to purchase a day pass) if you're wanting a place to let your pup play with other furry friends.
The Columbia Riverwalk is a 3 mile paved, scenic walk along the canal with parking at either end. There is a grassy area at the downtown end, and a more wooded side path that begins about halfway down towards the other end, a a view of the Broad River dam at the other end. This is a fantastic place to stretch your legs and take your dog for a walk.
64 locals recommend
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
312 Laurel StThe Columbia Riverwalk is a 3 mile paved, scenic walk along the canal with parking at either end. There is a grassy area at the downtown end, and a more wooded side path that begins about halfway down towards the other end, a a view of the Broad River dam at the other end. This is a fantastic place to stretch your legs and take your dog for a walk.
The Cayce Riverwalk is part of the 3 Rivers Greenway, an 8 mile scenic, winding path, it is a great place to go for a walk or run. There are multiple parking lots along the Greenway as well as several grassy spots, an amphitheater, and picnic tables along the path where you can stop and sit for a rest.
Cayce Riverwalk
Cayce RiverwalkThe Cayce Riverwalk is part of the 3 Rivers Greenway, an 8 mile scenic, winding path, it is a great place to go for a walk or run. There are multiple parking lots along the Greenway as well as several grassy spots, an amphitheater, and picnic tables along the path where you can stop and sit for a rest.
This park is very quiet and peaceful with a short winding walking path that leads to a group of big bench swings! Lots of big oak trees make this shady spot a wonderful place to relax, go for a walk, do some yoga, or read a book.
Maxcy Gregg Park
Blossom StreetThis park is very quiet and peaceful with a short winding walking path that leads to a group of big bench swings! Lots of big oak trees make this shady spot a wonderful place to relax, go for a walk, do some yoga, or read a book.
If you're okay with driving a little distance from our house, this is a great place to go for a walk, or just be outside. The river that flows past this park comes out of Lake Murray and is 55 degrees all year round, so if you're hot and looking to cool off, its a good place to go.
59 locals recommend
Saluda Shoals Park
5605 Bush River RdIf you're okay with driving a little distance from our house, this is a great place to go for a walk, or just be outside. The river that flows past this park comes out of Lake Murray and is 55 degrees all year round, so if you're hot and looking to cool off, its a good place to go.
This is one of two parks on either end of the Lake Murray Dam. A great public park to go relax or get wet. Also a good place to park if you want to walk/run/bike across the Dam. There is long, separated pedestrian lane that runs from end to end if you're looking to stretch your legs a bit.
19 locals recommend
Dreher Shoals Dam
This is one of two parks on either end of the Lake Murray Dam. A great public park to go relax or get wet. Also a good place to park if you want to walk/run/bike across the Dam. There is long, separated pedestrian lane that runs from end to end if you're looking to stretch your legs a bit.
Congaree National Park is a great place to go be around nature. They have lots and lots of hiking trails through the woods and swamps. You definitely don't feel like you're near the city when you visit here.
110 locals recommend
Congaree National Park
100 National Park RdCongaree National Park is a great place to go be around nature. They have lots and lots of hiking trails through the woods and swamps. You definitely don't feel like you're near the city when you visit here.
This is a huge park in the middle of downtown Columbia. Good place to play frisbee or hang out if you're wanting to be outside.
13 locals recommend
Finlay Park
930 Laurel StThis is a huge park in the middle of downtown Columbia. Good place to play frisbee or hang out if you're wanting to be outside.
Arts & Culture
This Museum is quite large and gives a good overview of South Carolina's history. Lots of interactive exhibits.
125 locals recommend
South Carolina Military Museum
1 National Guard RdThis Museum is quite large and gives a good overview of South Carolina's history. Lots of interactive exhibits.
The Columbia Museum of Art has a very nice collection of historical art, and typically very unique special collections on display. If you go on Sunday you can get in for free! (But only to the regular exhibits, you'll have to pay to see the special collection)
139 locals recommend
Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main StThe Columbia Museum of Art has a very nice collection of historical art, and typically very unique special collections on display. If you go on Sunday you can get in for free! (But only to the regular exhibits, you'll have to pay to see the special collection)
Essentials
This place is great if you need something late at night when all the other grocery stores have closed. They've got everything you need, including a surprisingly good selection of natural and organic products.
7 locals recommend
Kroger
3403 Forest DrThis place is great if you need something late at night when all the other grocery stores have closed. They've got everything you need, including a surprisingly good selection of natural and organic products.
This Dollar General is within walking distance of the house if you need any small cheap items you may have forgotten.
7 locals recommend
Dollar General
1720 Taylor StThis Dollar General is within walking distance of the house if you need any small cheap items you may have forgotten.
Probably my favorite grocery store of all time. If you've ever been to a Trader Joe's, I need say no more. If you haven't, well then you should go check it out. Don't expect to find traditional brands from big box stores. But do expect to find lots of goodies you didn't know you couldn't live without.
28 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
4516 Forest DrProbably my favorite grocery store of all time. If you've ever been to a Trader Joe's, I need say no more. If you haven't, well then you should go check it out. Don't expect to find traditional brands from big box stores. But do expect to find lots of goodies you didn't know you couldn't live without.
This is a higher end grocery store about 4 minutes away from the house. A little pricier than other stores, but it has a great selection of fresh meats, cheeses, and organic products.
11 locals recommend
The Fresh Market
4840 Forest DrThis is a higher end grocery store about 4 minutes away from the house. A little pricier than other stores, but it has a great selection of fresh meats, cheeses, and organic products.
Publix is a well known big box store, that is much cleaner and nicer than Kroger, although maybe a little pricier. They're sure to have any traditional brand products you may need.
7 locals recommend
Publix Super Market at Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrPublix is a well known big box store, that is much cleaner and nicer than Kroger, although maybe a little pricier. They're sure to have any traditional brand products you may need.
Walgreens Pharmacy and convenience store is located just 2 minutes from our home for all of your healthcare, beauty supply, and snacking needs.
11 locals recommend
Walgreens
3501 Forest DrWalgreens Pharmacy and convenience store is located just 2 minutes from our home for all of your healthcare, beauty supply, and snacking needs.
Morganelli's is the locals' go-to spot for adult beverages. Liquor on one side, and beer/wine on the other you'll surely find something to sip on. They also have beer on draft in case you want to fill up a growler to go.
Morganelli's
3155 Forest DrMorganelli's is the locals' go-to spot for adult beverages. Liquor on one side, and beer/wine on the other you'll surely find something to sip on. They also have beer on draft in case you want to fill up a growler to go.
Looking for a bigger beverage store with a larger selection? Bottles is the place to go. 10-15 minutes from the house, they should have everything you're looking for and more.
Bottles Beverage Superstore
4410 Fort Jackson BlvdLooking for a bigger beverage store with a larger selection? Bottles is the place to go. 10-15 minutes from the house, they should have everything you're looking for and more.
This is a good one for the girls. I don't get my nails done often, but when I do I go to Campus Nails and Spa. I have always had a great experience there. This salon is very pretty, clean and relaxing, with big remote-control massage chairs that you can sit in while you get a pedicure. My nails always look great and last for a long time when I leave here.
Campus Nails & Spa
1001 Harden StThis is a good one for the girls. I don't get my nails done often, but when I do I go to Campus Nails and Spa. I have always had a great experience there. This salon is very pretty, clean and relaxing, with big remote-control massage chairs that you can sit in while you get a pedicure. My nails always look great and last for a long time when I leave here.
Entertainment & Activities
One of Columbia's treasures. People love to go watch the otters and the bears, along with a wide variety of other animals. Lots of little rides and activities for the kids. And a beautiful botanical garden on the other side of the river.
268 locals recommend
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
500 Wildlife PkwyOne of Columbia's treasures. People love to go watch the otters and the bears, along with a wide variety of other animals. Lots of little rides and activities for the kids. And a beautiful botanical garden on the other side of the river.
This little theater is a very unique spot. They have 2 screens on which they play new indie films. Bonus: they have beer, wine and other drinks you can sip while you watch your movie!
51 locals recommend
Nickelodeon Theatre
1607 Main StThis little theater is a very unique spot. They have 2 screens on which they play new indie films. Bonus: they have beer, wine and other drinks you can sip while you watch your movie!
There are several other movie theaters in town that might be closer/cheaper, but this one is our favorite. It's very clean and has lots of big screens with all the newest films. We love to go here on a date night.
16 locals recommend
Regal Cinemas Columbiana Grande 14
1250 Bower PkwyThere are several other movie theaters in town that might be closer/cheaper, but this one is our favorite. It's very clean and has lots of big screens with all the newest films. We love to go here on a date night.
If you're willing to make the 40-50 minute drive to "The Big Mo", as it is affectionately known, you will not be disappointed. This 3 screen drive-in theater features 3 separate double features every Friday-Sunday. Pay only $9 per person and you get to watch not just one, but TWO, new movies on the big screen from the cozy spot in your own vehicle or lawn chair.
Monetta Drive In Theatre
5822 Columbia Hwy NIf you're willing to make the 40-50 minute drive to "The Big Mo", as it is affectionately known, you will not be disappointed. This 3 screen drive-in theater features 3 separate double features every Friday-Sunday. Pay only $9 per person and you get to watch not just one, but TWO, new movies on the big screen from the cozy spot in your own vehicle or lawn chair.
If you're looking for something different to do in the evening, go check out Studio Cellar. They have paint and sip classes every night, as well as a freestyle bar where you can just buy a canvas and paint what you want. It's a great spot for a girls night or a date night. Very cute, fun atmosphere.
Studio Cellar
912 Lady StIf you're looking for something different to do in the evening, go check out Studio Cellar. They have paint and sip classes every night, as well as a freestyle bar where you can just buy a canvas and paint what you want. It's a great spot for a girls night or a date night. Very cute, fun atmosphere.
Drinks & Nightlife
This is our favorite brewery in town. They have a really good beer selection and an awesome outdoor lawn/deck area where you can bring your kids and your dog and just relax. Come play corn hole, or check and see if they have a special event going on. It's one of our favorite places for a Saturday afternoon.
43 locals recommend
River Rat Brewery
1231 Shop RdThis is our favorite brewery in town. They have a really good beer selection and an awesome outdoor lawn/deck area where you can bring your kids and your dog and just relax. Come play corn hole, or check and see if they have a special event going on. It's one of our favorite places for a Saturday afternoon.
Shopping
If you're looking for a big mall with lots of great stores, this is the place to go. There are a couple malls closer to the house, but this one is the best. If you don't find what you're looking for inside the mall, there are Plenty of other stores on the same road.
68 locals recommend
Columbiana Centre
100 Columbiana CirIf you're looking for a big mall with lots of great stores, this is the place to go. There are a couple malls closer to the house, but this one is the best. If you don't find what you're looking for inside the mall, there are Plenty of other stores on the same road.
Trenholm plaza has some great shops including Soma, Anthropology, Jcrew, JosABank, Chicos and more. And it's only 4 minutes from the house.
9 locals recommend
Trenholm Plaza
4840 Forest DrTrenholm plaza has some great shops including Soma, Anthropology, Jcrew, JosABank, Chicos and more. And it's only 4 minutes from the house.
Five Points features a number of little shops that range from second-hand to boutique clothing stores, as well as several pubs, coffee shops, sweet/specialty shops and more.
73 locals recommend
Five Points
Five Points features a number of little shops that range from second-hand to boutique clothing stores, as well as several pubs, coffee shops, sweet/specialty shops and more.
This shopping center (and the one across the street) is located about 10 minutes away from the house and has several of my favorite big specialty stores including Marshals, Michael's, Petsmart, and Ulta Beauty. There are also a couple of boutique stores, food places, and salons in this same center.
Cross Hill Market
4305 Fort Jackson BoulevardThis shopping center (and the one across the street) is located about 10 minutes away from the house and has several of my favorite big specialty stores including Marshals, Michael's, Petsmart, and Ulta Beauty. There are also a couple of boutique stores, food places, and salons in this same center.