Columbia, South Carolina is a foodie’s dream land. From true Southern comfort food to the perfect avocado toast, their culinary scene has something for everyone. And frankly, we couldn’t get enough of it! Our “must try” list was long and our time was short, but we made it happen. We probably left Columbia with a few extra pounds on us, but hey - it was all in the name of research. Here are the spots we loved, I mean, we “researched”, that we’d absolutely go back to.
BREAKFAST
smallSugar
We need Small Sugar in California!
This hidden gem of a spot near downtown Columbia would easily be our go-to if we were locals. smallSugar’s coffee is strong and delicious (if you’re not a coffee drinker, try their chai), their baked goods are to die for, and their breakfast items are fresh and hearty. We split their overnight oats and an avocado tartine, and it was the perfect flavor combo! A little salty, a little sweet! (And their patio is dog friendly, too!)
Tasty As Fit
A foodie friend of ours (what up, Evie Eats!!) sent us a DM while we were in Columbia and told us we needed to try Tasty As Fit, and so we hopped in our car and did just that. What we discovered was the sweetest chef and real food visionary, Emilie, and her stunning (and incredibly Instagrammable) grab-n-go cafe. We left with some healthy and hearty smoothies, vegan snickers (perfectly acceptable for breakfast), and a new friend. GO HERE!
Soda City Farmers Market (Saturdays from 9am-1pm)
If you find yourselves in Columbia on a Saturday, there’s no better place to go for breakfast than the iconic Soda City Farmers Market. Not only is it quite possibly the best farmers market we’ve ever been to (and we’ve been to alot), but their local food vendors are on another level too! We grazed on avocado toast, smoothie bowls, biscuit sandwiches, donuts, and more. It was ALL amazing.
Turkish-style Greek donuts
A delicious breakfast sandwich!
We couldn’t stop eating. This smoothie bowl was maybe our favorite!
LUNCH/DINNER
Terra
Ask any Columbia local where to go for dinner, and chances are they’ll say Terra. We quickly learned this place has a cult-like following, and it’s for good reason. Their award-winning chef, Mike Davis, specializes in creative food with local ingredients - and the result is downright mouth-watering. While their menu changes seasonally, odds are you’ll see the “Lamb Mac” on the menu, and if you do, order it right away.
We’d take a salad with cheese like this EVERY day!
Publico Kitchen + Tap
Located in the Five Points neighborhood of Columbia, Publico Kitchen + Tap is the kind of place that’s modern and hip yet fun for the whole family - even your pup! Their dog friendly backyard is the perfect place to meet up with friends, and their Latin-Asian menu is innovative and hearty. And if you bring your dog, ask for their VIP (Very Important Puppy) menu!
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
The date night options are endless here in Columbia, but in our opinion Motor Supply Co. Bistro is one of the best spots you’ll find. They specialize in sustainable, farm-to-table cuisine, and a creative seasonal menu that changes daily. Not only is the food incredible, but the ambiance is impressive too - it’s located in a former auto-parts shop!
DRINKS
Black Rooster
For cocktails with a view, there’s nowhere better than the Black Rooster. While their chic downstairs is tempting (and we’ll definitely be dining there next time), head straight to their fabulous rooftop bar, where you can order a wide variety of small plates, specialty cocktails, wines, and beer. Between the tasty cocktails and the stunning city views, it’s definitely the best place in town to catch the sunset!
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
We love a good wine bar, especially one with a story. Lula Drake Wine Parlour not only blew us away by its lengthy wine list and cozy interior, but by its history too! When the current owners took over the space, they found a trunk dating back to the early 1920’s down in the basement. The trunk belonged to a woman named Lula Drake (hence the name), and was filled with artifacts from her very interesting life. It makes for a great conversation with the bartenders, so we’ll just leave it at that. ;)
Steel Hands Brewing
Beer drinkers, run, don’t walk, to Steel Hands Brewing. This new craft brewery is the talk of the town right now in Columbia, and it definitely lives up to the hype. If you have time, we highly recommend going on a tour of the brewery, where you’ll get an inside look at their beer making process, with plenty of tastings along the way! Bobby was a big fan of their Tropical IPA!
Something we miss in Columbia? A favorite place of yours to grab a bite or a cold one? Leave a comment and let us know!