Whether you’re visiting downtown Columbia, or hanging around on the outskirts, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants no matter what you’re in the mood for. Here’s our list:
Hudson’s Smokehouse
What it’s known for: Boasting some of the best barbecue in the state, Hudson’s does not disappoint in variety or flavor. With an impressive buffet full of savory and sweet Southern classics in addition to their standard menu, you can try a little bit of everything and always go back for seconds.
Style: Southern, Casual, family-friendly, barbecue, lunch, dinner
Address: 4952 Sunset Blvd., Lexington
Phone: 803.356.1070
Eggs Up Grill
What it's known for: Serving breakfast and lunch all day, this SC chain is all about providing delicious food with a family-friendly touch. Start with some farm-fresh eggs with their famous home fries and grits for breakfast, and then come back at lunch to try the customer-favorite turkey, bacon and ranch sandwich. Any way you slice it, you won’t be disappointed.
Style: Southern, casual, family-friendly, breakfast, brunch, lunch
Address: 2930 Devine St., Columbia
Phone: 803.661.9172
Pasta Fresca
What it's known for: Serving made from scratch pasta and sauces everyday, Pasta Fresca provides a casual, delicious experience to all the families who come seeking some fresh Italian goodness for dinner.
Style: Italian, family-friendly, lunch, dinner
Address: 4722 Forest Drive, Columbia
Phone: 803.787.1838
Café Strudel
What it's known for: This cozy little place is much more than meets the eye. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, you’ll find it really hard to pick just one thing off the menu. And while you decide, your kids will enjoy perusing over their own special menu and all of the fun, local art displayed on the walls.
Style: Southern, casual, family-friendly, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner
Address: 300 State St., West Columbia
Phone: 803.794.6634
Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern
What it's known for: Yesterdays menu features dishes and flavors inspired by regions from all over the country and beyond, and yet they change their specials daily to use as many fresh, local ingredients as possible. Bring your family in for great food and service that will definitely turn you into a Yesterdays regular. And bring your dog too. They’re always welcome to join you outside with complimentary water kettles.
Style: Tavern, relaxed, family friendly, brunch, lunch, dinner, farm-to-table
Address: 2030 Devine St., Columbia
Phone: 803.779.0196
Village Idiot Pizza
What it's known for: Known for its famous, hand-tossed New York style pizza, at Village Idiot you can order by the slice or get a whole pie for the family to share. With wings, sandwiches and Stromboli available too, your family is sure to have a great experience at this local favorite.
Style: Pizza, casual, family-friendly, lunch, dinner
Address: 2009 Devine St., Columbia
Phone: 803.252.8646
Zesto
What it's known for: A local favorite for more than 65 years, you’ve simply got to take your family to one of the Zesto locations in town. Start with the famous roasted chicken or hamburgers and don’t leave without enjoying some ice cream under the giant cone.
Style: Casual, traditional, family-friendly, lunch, dinner
Address: 504 12th St., West Columbia
Phone: 803.252.8646
