Megan & John
Things To Do
Columbia Craft Brewing Company
Our weekly date night spot for music bingo and a food truck. An outdoor patio and a new rooftop bar that will be a perfect setting on Saturday before the wedding if the weather is nice. They also have heaters if it's a little chilly!
Soda City Market
An outdoor weekly farmers market that features local vendors, including food trucks, artisanal shops, local farmers, and much more. Open only to foot traffic on Saturday mornings on Main Street and spans several blocks with a great view of the state house. A highly recommended Saturday morning activity that is open rain or shine!
D's Wings
A long time local favorite featuring some of the best wings in town (and Megan highly recommends the bacon cheddar fries with the house made ranch). Hop right next door to Savage when you’re done!
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
A popular weekend destination among locals, an easy drive just outside of downtown Columbia. This is Megan's #1 spot that she always recommends to visitors or anyone who just moved to Columbia.
Steel Hands Brewing
The site of our first date and many fun nights after! Close to the venues with plenty of outdoor seating with a great food menu and often times showcasing live music. Check their website for the schedule!
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
A great spot for a Saturday (and Sunday) morning walk or bike ride along the river that is also home to our reception venue. Bring a cup of coffee, a blanket, and a book if you’d prefer not to walk!
Henry's Restaurant & Bar
Our go to lunch and dinner spot (and probably John's favorite place in Columbia)! Great burgers and sandwiches in a smaller spot but features a great atmosphere. There is also a location on State Street in Cayce for anyone staying on the west side of the river.
Savage Craft Ale Works
The newest brewery in Columbia, this one has our favorite rooftop setting along with a great food menu and live music. If you’re looking for a Friday night date spot before the wedding, we would highly recommend Savage Craft!
Cantina 76
One of two locations, the other on Main Street. Great tacos and margaritas that make for a very cost efficient but cozy date night. Pro tip: if you order the Tres Hombres appetizer, you can mix and match any 3 of the queso, guacamole, and salsa (we forego the salsa for an extra queso).
Weco Bottle and Biergarten
A one stop spot for dinner and drinks just across the river in West Columbia that hosts food trucks. Ask for Max!
Tin Roof
For the party people, Tin Roof is a longtime favorite for John and his friends, and is also the spot where our relationship became official. Be aware that this is also a hangout for college students, but it is also a great lunch spot with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a popular pre and post wedding hangout.
Pearlz Oyster Bar
“The eclectic little oyster bar” in downtown Columbia serving catch of the day options. The dessert menu is served by Kaminsky’s, our recommended dessert spot for your weekend.
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
A popular local breakfast spot that has been featured on Food Network. Be prepared to stand in line!
Pawleys Front Porch
A local favorite for creative twists on burgers, Pawleys was once featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives. Check out the signed poster by Guy Fieri himself!
Piecewise Coffee Co.
Located in the avenues of Cayce, a quiet coffee shop with bakery options that make for a great Saturday or Sunday morning meet up spot.
Black Rooster
Across the street from the reception venue, this is a popular happy hour spot on Friday nights amongst our group of friends. A French-ish menu also features a rooftop bar with a great view of downtown Columbia.
Boku Kitchen and Saloon
A brand new fusion restaurant in downtown Columbia. It is a great location for a Friday night date right in the heart of the Vista and easily walkable to other fun spots. We suggest the crab rangoons as an appetizer. They also host brunch on Sundays for anyone who wants a couple of blood orange mimosas before heading home.
Home Team BBQ
A very popular BBQ spot in Columbia located in the Five Points area near campus. Try a Gamechanger frozen cocktail and the smoked wings with white sauce!
Market On Main
A wonderful spot also in the heart of Main Street with a spacious outdoor seating area that features a large projection TV. Dog friendly if you’d like to bring your four legged friends!
Liberty Tap Room & Grill
A downtown Columbia spot that is great for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Megan ate here with her MOH, Carly, on the night of her interview for the job that brought her to Columbia!
Hendrix Restaurant
Another fabulous rooftop bar in the heart of the Main Street district in downtown Columbia. Consider bringing the warm clothes!
Takosushi
One person wants a burrito and another wants sushi? This is the spot for you. A longtime favorite that recently reopened in a new location on Main Street. Within walking distance of Hendrix if you’re interested in a dinner and drinks date night on Friday!
Halls Chophouse Columbia
A nationally recognized steakhouse also located in the Main Street district directly across the street from the State House. This is where Megan met John's family on his birthday in 2020. Amazing atmosphere, but be warned-$$$.
Lake Murray Dam North Recreational Area
Located twenty minutes out of Columbia, a lengthy walk or run across the Lake Murray Dam is a wonderful way to start a Saturday or Sunday morning. Public parking is available if you wish to make the drive.
Columbia Museum of Art
Located in downtown Columbia, a trip to the art museum is very easy to do on a Saturday morning and is great when coupled with a stroll through Soda City Market.
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
A fantastic spot for amazing desserts and post dinner drinks. Bring your sweet tooth!
Sakitumi Grill and Sushi Bar
Our favorite sushi restaurant in Columbia with a great bar tucked in an alley way in downtown Columbia.
East Bay Deli
With multiple locations close to our venues, East Bay is a great lunch option after a stroll on the river or through Soda City Market. Plenty of great sandwich options, baked potatoes, as well as a salad bar.
Backstreets Grill
A new favorite of ours that features a large menu with many wonderful options, as well as a few creative cocktail options.
Tsunami Sushi Restaurant
Another of our favorite sushi spots in downtown Columbia, Tsunami also features great hibachi selections if you’re looking for other options.
Publico
One of two locations, the other being in the Bull Street district, Publico is the work of the same group that owns Boku, another of our recommendations. A fusion restaurant with a creative twist on tacos.
Odd Bird Books
Located on Main Street, a local bookstore that is a great stop on your Soda City Market stroll. Buy local!
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse
Another restaurant option located on Main Street within walking distance of multiple post dinner locations. Bring your appetite!
DiPrato's
An NYC style airy cafe located on campus, DiPratos is a very popular spot for lunch and brunch and is famously known for their pimento cheese.
Za's on Devine
Upscale casual brick oven pizza restaurant with plenty of other menu options. Locally sourced menu with an extensive wine list.
Craft Axe Throwing - Columbia
A fun activity those who need to release frustration after dealing with 5:00 traffic. Located in downtown Columbia in the Vista.
Bourbon
A Cajun and Creole restaurant with an extensive bourbon menu and a newly opened courtyard.