Things To Do
Coffee, Lunch + Dinner, Shopping, Places to Stay
In this order!
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Drip
One of the longest running local coffee shops in the area. It has an OG hipster vibe (before being hipster was cool!). Don’t overlook the food menu, there’s great breakfast and lunch options. Grab a treat next door from Scooby Doo gelato!
Piecewise Coffee Co.
Devine Street District + Cayce With two locations, this locally owned coffee shop has your caffeinated needs in both Cayce and on Devine Street. Both have a large space to chill or sneak on some work. If you’re in Cayce, be sure to look for murals and local art along the street!
Indah Coffee
One of the best! Great coffee, great space, great vibes. Try the Cubano!
Azalea Coffee Bar
The most aesthetically pleasing local coffee shop around. Women owned and the menu shows it! With specialty drinks like the Queen Bee and First Lady, Azalea sources many of their coffees and teas from women owned businesses.
The Hideout in WeCo
More than just coffee, Hideout has avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, overnight oats + more. Don’t let the small counter space fool you, there’s a large space upstairs to enjoy your meal and a cute outdoor patio.
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Smoothies + More
Tasty As Fit
Smoothies that are veggie-packed and delicious. All vegan grab and go, you can also grab bowls, wraps and quick items. Don't overlook their desserts!
As Well As.
Great for smoothies, matcha and wellness lattes in the Rosewood District
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Lunch + Dinner
Cantina 76
Also located in Devine Street District. Cantina 76 is a vibrant Mexican-inspired restaurant and bar, known for its fresh, creative food, hand-crafted margaritas, and upbeat atmosphere. Get the Cantina marg, Peruvian shrimp taco, BBQ chicken quesadilla and the dirty queso
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
Columbia’s first James Beard award winning restaurant, Lula Drake is a swanky wine bar with great tapas and an incredible wine list. You can’t miss the cacio y pepe (i.e. clouds of love)! Also try the Iberian ham, Korean fried chicken, and any of the desserts
Terra
Food and service is always incredible. A classic Columbia spot, Owner and Chef Mike Davis sources foods from local farmers to curate a Southern-leaning menu.
Motor Supply Company Bistro
One of the first farm to table restaurants in Columbia, Motor Supply is a staple in the dining scene. With a daily changing menu, the food is always fresh. Look out for the duck duo which circulates regularly and ask about their cowboy steak special!
Bourbon
Great cocktails and late night bites (serves food until midnight!). Largest selection of craft bourbons around. Upscale speakeasy vibes with outdoor seating option. Get the boudin balls.
CITY GRIT
A James Beard nominated restaurant, the food is incredible. Cozy vibes!
Spotted Salamander Main Street
A delicious lunch spot, this James Beard nominated restaurant operates inside a historic Southern home. Everything on the menu is incredible—daily deviled eggs, the Spotted Salad, shrimp salad and more. If the fried chicken or burger is on the menu, order it!
Black Rooster
An Italian-style menu with a fun atmosphere. Their rooftop view of the downtown skyline is unmatched!
Hendrix
With a large selection of small plates and shareables, this is a great spot for a tapas-style meal or light bites. Try the deviled eggs, Brussels sprouts and spicy lamb naan. The farm-to table entrees are all delicious!
Il Giorgione
Gourmet thin crust pizza, pasta & imported wine served in comfortable surrounds with patio seating. Reservations recommended.
The Gourmet Shop
A longtime staple in the Five Points area, it’s one of the best places for brunch or an easy lunch. You’ll want to get there early! (There are no reservations.) Arguably the best chicken salad in the area, we also recommend the brie and bacon croissant, tomato basil soup and prosciutto and melon plate.
Arabesque on Devine
Incredible Mediterranean food in a laid back atmosphere. Don’t miss the hummus, fried cauliflower, chicken shawarma and pesto orzo. Ask for extra garlic paste and thank us later!
Za's on Devine
A lovely neighborhood spot! With light bites, great salads (the salmon orzo is a local favorite), brick oven pizzas and more — Za’s is a real crowd pleaser. Try the wood-fired okra or wings and the Napa and Devine pizza. Live music every Wednesday!
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
A hidden gem that has been around for a while, serving upscale Southern foods. Try the fried green tomatoes, Friendly’s salad, fried chicken (the best!) and pimento-cheese topped steak. Reservations recommended.
Sound Bites Eatery
A tasty little lunch spot, located on Sumter Street (a block from Main). Try the twerkey turkey, fig pif or Notorious BLT!
Saluda's Restaurant
For over twenty years, Saluda’s has served reimagined Southern classics with white linen tables & an antique mahogany bar. Ask for a seat on the patio overlooking the Five Points fountain!
Transmission Arcade
If you’re hungry on Main St after 10pm, this is where you want to go! Incredibly late night food and arcade bar. Get the big cat rolls or wings!
Coa Agaveria y Cocina
An elevated Mexican restaurant in Columbia with an upscale scene, craft agave cocktails, and unique fare. Located in the Vista under the Aloft Hotel.
Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza
Great food and atmosphere that is both casual and upscale. Try the meatballs, kale and chili salad, crab cake or any of the pizzas. If you go for brunch, we recommend getting a reservation (it’s typically packed for good reason!)
Savage Craft Ale Works
Local brewery with good food. You’ll often see dogs or little ones running about their massive outdoor space. (There’s also an interactive art park just outside of the space!) Not the cheapest watering hole around, but the atmosphere makes up for it in spades. The rooftop area fills up quickly on a nice afternoon!
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Shopping
Soda City Market
Columbia’s version of a Farmers Market! Open Saturday morning 9am - 1pm
Five Points
Filled with locally owned shops, vintage stores, TK and more. Check out All Good Books, Turner & Moss for antiques and unique finds, A Little Happy, Papa Jazz and more.
Devine Street
Cute boutiques and higher-end gift shops. Check out Slate, Monkee’s, Nonesuch, Pout, Just the Thing and more.
Trenholm Plaza
Trenholm Plaza Mainstream shopping center with shopping like Anthropologie, Lululemon, Sephora, Kendra Scott and more. Don’t miss Scout & Molly’s for women’s wear
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Accommodations
Hotel Trundle
It’s the cutest!