I live in Columbia and have for 18 years. I’ve seen several posts asking for recommendations on things to do here, places to eat, etc. I thought I’d share my insights.
The area around the football stadium is a dump. There are very few restaurants, bars, etc. within walking distance. The stadium was initially constructed in a commercial/warehouse area and while they have made efforts to improve things around the area, there is nothing to see or do there unless you’re planning your own tailgate party.
The major areas of nightlife in Columbia are the Five Points area, Vista and now Main Street to some extent. Five Points is within walking distance to the USChicken campus and so it is frequented by students. Mr. Friendly’s is a nice restaurant serving “high end” southern food – shrimp and grits, steaks and chops and fresh seafood. Saluda’s is also in Five Points and pretty nice but I would go to Mr. Friendly’s first. On the more causal front, there is Yesterdays where you can do a meat and three, get a burger or fried chicken stripes. They also have a full bar. Half a block from Main Street is Hampton Street Vineyard which I personally think is the best restaurant in Columbia. It is American Bistro with an extensive wine list. In the Vista, there are several good options – Motor Supply Company which does a lot of farm to table, Devino’s (upscale Italian), and Ruths Chris (if you want to do the upper end chain steakhouse). The Blue Marlin gets a lot of press but I’m not a huge fan – it is not bad but for the prices I would go to Motor Supply, Devinos or Ruths Chris.
If you are looking for something to do on Saturday aside from watching football or tailgaiting, here are few suggestions. Columbia has a very nice zoo just outside of downtown. If you go to the zoo, don’t miss the botanical gardens which are part of your admission and which you can either walk to or take a tram. A little farther out of town is the Congaree National Park. There are hiking trails including an elevated board walk that is good for young kids. Inside town is the State Museum and there is nice art museum on Main Street as well. You can also visit the State Capital. The grounds are worth a stroll. 3 Rivers run through Columbia – the Broad and Saluda Rivers converge to form the Congaree. There is a river walk on both sides of the river (Congaree). The West Columbia side of the river walk is nicer and prettier.
The area around the football stadium is a dump. There are very few restaurants, bars, etc. within walking distance. The stadium was initially constructed in a commercial/warehouse area and while they have made efforts to improve things around the area, there is nothing to see or do there unless you’re planning your own tailgate party.
The major areas of nightlife in Columbia are the Five Points area, Vista and now Main Street to some extent. Five Points is within walking distance to the USChicken campus and so it is frequented by students. Mr. Friendly’s is a nice restaurant serving “high end” southern food – shrimp and grits, steaks and chops and fresh seafood. Saluda’s is also in Five Points and pretty nice but I would go to Mr. Friendly’s first. On the more causal front, there is Yesterdays where you can do a meat and three, get a burger or fried chicken stripes. They also have a full bar. Half a block from Main Street is Hampton Street Vineyard which I personally think is the best restaurant in Columbia. It is American Bistro with an extensive wine list. In the Vista, there are several good options – Motor Supply Company which does a lot of farm to table, Devino’s (upscale Italian), and Ruths Chris (if you want to do the upper end chain steakhouse). The Blue Marlin gets a lot of press but I’m not a huge fan – it is not bad but for the prices I would go to Motor Supply, Devinos or Ruths Chris.
If you are looking for something to do on Saturday aside from watching football or tailgaiting, here are few suggestions. Columbia has a very nice zoo just outside of downtown. If you go to the zoo, don’t miss the botanical gardens which are part of your admission and which you can either walk to or take a tram. A little farther out of town is the Congaree National Park. There are hiking trails including an elevated board walk that is good for young kids. Inside town is the State Museum and there is nice art museum on Main Street as well. You can also visit the State Capital. The grounds are worth a stroll. 3 Rivers run through Columbia – the Broad and Saluda Rivers converge to form the Congaree. There is a river walk on both sides of the river (Congaree). The West Columbia side of the river walk is nicer and prettier.
