Megan's Downtown Columbia Guidebook
Food scene
Gorgeous patio from which to watch one of Columbia’s social districts, 5 Points. But don’t let the location fool you. This high end local gem tucked away above Starbucks has one of the best menus in the city.
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Saluda's Restaurant
751 Saluda AveGorgeous patio from which to watch one of Columbia’s social districts, 5 Points. But don’t let the location fool you. This high end local gem tucked away above Starbucks has one of the best menus in the city.
Bourbon is an upscale, vintage restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Columbia. Just steps away from the Statehouse, you can stroll all of Main Street right after your dinner.
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Bourbon
1214 Main StBourbon is an upscale, vintage restaurant and bar in the heart of downtown Columbia. Just steps away from the Statehouse, you can stroll all of Main Street right after your dinner.
NoMa by Al Amir is a great casual Mediterranean food spot just blocks away. Try them for lunch or dinner. One of my personal favorites! Fun fact: NoMa is a local slag term for the North Main St area.
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Noma Bistro
2431 Main StNoMa by Al Amir is a great casual Mediterranean food spot just blocks away. Try them for lunch or dinner. One of my personal favorites! Fun fact: NoMa is a local slag term for the North Main St area.
Southern lunch spot that is a local favorite. Spotted Salamander Cafe has unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
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Spotted Salamander Cafe And Catering
1531 Richland StSouthern lunch spot that is a local favorite. Spotted Salamander Cafe has unique dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
Located 5 minutes across North Main Street at Segra Park, this new restaurant is a great place for outdoor or indoor dining, as well as fun cocktails or brunch.
Publico at BullStreet
2180 Boyce StreetLocated 5 minutes across North Main Street at Segra Park, this new restaurant is a great place for outdoor or indoor dining, as well as fun cocktails or brunch.
For a local dessert spot, check out Sweet Cream on Main Street for ice cream and coffee. Stroll down Main Street before or after and take in the historic and beautiful buildings and charm.
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Sweet Cream Co.
1627 Main StFor a local dessert spot, check out Sweet Cream on Main Street for ice cream and coffee. Stroll down Main Street before or after and take in the historic and beautiful buildings and charm.
Super local Columbia spot. Ambiance is good, but their Southern Cuisine is unparalleled in Columbia
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
Super local Columbia spot. Ambiance is good, but their Southern Cuisine is unparalleled in Columbia
Pawleys Front Porch
827 Harden StExcellent burgers, large patio, family friendly!
DiPrato's
342 Pickens StWonderful lunch or weekend brunch options.
Cantina 76
Fun vibe on Main Street or Divine Street
Palmetto Pig Bar-B-Q Restaurant
530 Devine StDelicious barbecue buffet
Incredible Italian food at the oldest family owned restaurant in Columbia. It’s also steps away from the revitalized Main Street District.
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Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant
1213 Blanding StIncredible Italian food at the oldest family owned restaurant in Columbia. It’s also steps away from the revitalized Main Street District.
Outdoor Activities
If you’re in the mood for some fresh air, these are great local options.
The Riverfront Park is laden with easy, paved walking trails along the Broad River and the Historic Columbia Canal. Great place to enjoy nice weather and a breeze from the chilly water. There are several entrances, but the easiest to access is Laurel Street, and there is plenty of parking.
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Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
312 Laurel StThe Riverfront Park is laden with easy, paved walking trails along the Broad River and the Historic Columbia Canal. Great place to enjoy nice weather and a breeze from the chilly water. There are several entrances, but the easiest to access is Laurel Street, and there is plenty of parking.
Soda City Market is open 9am-1pm on Saturdays. Grab food, check out local vendors, and find some local talent all in the shadow of the beautiful Statehouse. Confused about the name? Locals have lovingly adopted the name “Soda” as a play on the abbreviated version of “Columbia,” which is “Cola.”
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Soda City Market
1300-1600 Main StSoda City Market is open 9am-1pm on Saturdays. Grab food, check out local vendors, and find some local talent all in the shadow of the beautiful Statehouse. Confused about the name? Locals have lovingly adopted the name “Soda” as a play on the abbreviated version of “Columbia,” which is “Cola.”
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
500 Wildlife PkwyPerfect activity for adults and kids.
Fireflies Baseball games are always a hit in season, and just a 5 minute drive across North Main Street. Check their website for schedule, including fireworks nights and Thirsty Thursdays!
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Segra Park
Fireflies Baseball games are always a hit in season, and just a 5 minute drive across North Main Street. Check their website for schedule, including fireworks nights and Thirsty Thursdays!
Explore Columbia’s beautiful rivers, from the rivers! Rent tubes and float on down some of the most beautiful places in the city here.
The Palmetto Experience
300 Candi LnExplore Columbia’s beautiful rivers, from the rivers! Rent tubes and float on down some of the most beautiful places in the city here.
Coffee
Looking for a cozy coffee nook in which to relax or to get some work done? Look no further than Indah Coffee. Modern, industrial, and rustic with all the best local coffee shop vibes.
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Indah Coffee
2238 Sumter StLooking for a cozy coffee nook in which to relax or to get some work done? Look no further than Indah Coffee. Modern, industrial, and rustic with all the best local coffee shop vibes.
Perfect quick stop for local great coffee and light breakfast or lunch foods.
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Curiosity Coffee Bar
2327 Main StPerfect quick stop for local great coffee and light breakfast or lunch foods.
Dinner/Bar
Hendrix is a perfect upscale dinner or drink spot. There is gorgeous indoor space, but also the best rooftop view in Columbia. Just across from the historic Tapp’s building, Hendrix’s rooftop overlooks the Main Street district all the way down to the Statehouse.
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Hendrix Restaurant
1649 Main StHendrix is a perfect upscale dinner or drink spot. There is gorgeous indoor space, but also the best rooftop view in Columbia. Just across from the historic Tapp’s building, Hendrix’s rooftop overlooks the Main Street district all the way down to the Statehouse.
Conveniently located on Main St, this is Columbia’s newest unique gem. Come here for high end, boutique atmosphere and delicious drinks.
Smoked
1643 Main StreetConveniently located on Main St, this is Columbia’s newest unique gem. Come here for high end, boutique atmosphere and delicious drinks.
Columbia Craft Brewing Company
520 Greene StClosest Brewery to downtown Columbia!
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
The closest (and newest) brewery to the north main area.
Activities
Local movie theater that is home to many indie movies and blockbusters, and you can even purchase wine at concessions!
Nickelodeon Theatre
1607 Main StGot kids? Spend a day checking out this kid focused educational and interactive museum. They’ll love it!
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EdVenture Children's Museum
211 Gervais StGot kids? Spend a day checking out this kid focused educational and interactive museum. They’ll love it!
Here, you’ll find great art exhibits, local events, and a beautiful public courtyard.
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Columbia Museum of Art
1515 Main StHere, you’ll find great art exhibits, local events, and a beautiful public courtyard.
The best indoor fun for toddlers! Each room is full of different themed Montessori toys. Starting at age 6 months, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and day passes are available.
PlayMatters SC
The best indoor fun for toddlers! Each room is full of different themed Montessori toys. Starting at age 6 months, you’ll find plenty of entertainment and day passes are available.
Consigli per viaggiatori
Usanze e culture
Social Districts
There are 3 main social districts in Downtown Columbia. The Vista is the area located in blocks surrounding Gervais St and Lincoln St. Young professionals and adults usually flood this area. Main Street (from the statehouse up to Hendrix Restaurant) is a lively and growing social district with a similar demographic to the Vista. Five Points is where you’ll find the college aged crowd with cheaper drinks and the most lively bars.