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From the hiking trails of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the beaches of the Grand Strand, see for yourself all of the adventure that South Carolina has to offer.
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.
What it's known for: The distinctive name sets the tone for this jewel in Columbia's Vista, with its handwritten menu that changes daily. Everything here is farm fresh, with inventive pairings and specialty cocktails unlike any others in the city.
What it's known for: Had a late night out? Throw on your shades and head to Cafe Strudel for breakfast, order the hangover hash browns and never look back. This is diner food, but better. The menu has a nice selection of sandwiches and soups, plus entrees at dinner. Daily specials for all three meals make it even better.
What it's known for: Like its name suggests, Terra's menu reflects the freshest bounty of the surrounding land. The menu changes daily, and in addition to local fish, steaks and chops, also has a variety of pizza choices from the wood-burning oven.
What it's known for: Set in an old auto repair shop and named after the warmouth bass, The War Mouth is described by one of the owners as a "love letter to the 803." The menu includes dishes made with ingredients you might bring home from hunting or fishing - catfish stew, quail, venison - plus regional faves such as Country Captain. It has a hipster vibe with good craft beer choices.
What it's known for: Although Halls' expansive menu includes fresh, locally sourced seafood, veal, pork, chicken, vegetarian and vegan dishes, it's the mouthwatering steaks that earn this family-owned and operated restaurant its many accolades. Flown in from Allen Brothers in Chicago, the USDA prime beef is wet or dry aged and cooked to perfection for the ultimate tenderness and juiciness. The Halls family opened their first restaurant in Charleston in 2009 and has since expanded with locations in Greenville and downtown Columbia. It was recently named "Best Steakhouse in America" by Yelp users.
Style: American cuisine, specializing in steaks, lunch, dinner, fine dining
What it's known for: When Blue Marlin opened in an old railroad depot in the Vista in 1994, it was one of the first nice restaurants to commit to the city's new entertainment and dining district. And it has been setting the standard for business lunches and dinners ever since. The shrimp and grits are some of the best in town, there's a number of great fish dishes and the menu is always consistent and always good. You can't go wrong here.
What it's known for: This mainstay in Five Points has a changing menu of modern, inventive takes on Southern classics. The meatloaf is famous here, as is the daily house-ground burger special. It's lively at both lunch and dinner, and offers great daily wine and beer specials.
What it's known for: This is where folks gather 'round the table for some of the best authentic German food in the state. Julia's is a hotspot for expertly prepared schnitzels smothered in mushroom gravy, spaetzle, German potato salad, apple strudel, German beer and more. The uber-friendly staff always delivers a warm welcome. Note: cash or checks only.
Style: Classic German, casual, no frills, family friendly
Address: 120 Sparkleberry Crossing Road
Phone: 803.738.0630
Lizards Thicket is a don't-miss diner in Columbia.
What it's known for: This is Columbia's quintessential meat-and-three place, where almost anything counts as a vegetable (banana pudding!) and the fried chicken is crispy, hot and hard to beat. They have other choices, but you'll be sorry if you don't try the chicken. Open for breakfast, lunch and supper (they don't call it dinner here), this local chain also is a regular stop on the political trail and has hosted presidents, lots of candidates and other celebs.
What it's known for: Housed in the upper level of the historic Hennessy's building on Main Street, this trendy new restaurant and rooftop bar offers creative, locally sourced dishes in a hip setting. The stylish decor includes handcrafted ash wood tables made by a local furniture shop. Whether you come for dinner or cocktails, you're going to love the lively atmosphere and spectacular downtown views. Live acoustic music is offered in the rooftop bar.
Style: Upscale, modern American, farm-to-table, dinner, cocktails, brunch
What it's known for: When you eat barbecue in Columbia, it's made with a mustard-based sauce, and nobody has been doing it longer than the Bessinger family. The flagship store, where all the smoky magic happens, has been serving up sandwiches and plates for more than 60 years. Now with 12 locations around the Midlands, you're never far from a taste of history. If you're there early enough and they still have ribs left, by all means order some.
What it's known for: The owners of Baan Sawan created a menu based on what they would want to eat if they were going out to dinner. They say they deconstruct traditional recipes and cook dishes with classic and modern techniques. The carefully chosen wine and beer list changes often. Favorites include the three-flavored duck and five choices of curry.
Style: Thai
Address: 2135 Devine St.
Phone: 803.252.8992
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse is a 20-year-old brewery in Columbia.
What it's known for: More than 20 years ago, and long before brewpubs became all the rage, the Hunter-Gatherer opened up shop between the SC Statehouse and University of South Carolina campus. The beer is brewed on-site, with seasonal offerings. The amount of detail paid to the brewing has always been impressive, and so is the food. The menu changes seasonally. Great selection of sandwiches, appetizers, salads, entrees and house-made pizzas.
Style: Brewpub, sandwiches, lunch, dinner
Address: 901 Main St.
Phone: 803.748.0540
Saludas has amazing farm-to-table fare in Columbia.
What it's known for: This beautiful restaurant offers inside seating and a cool balcony overlooking the Five Points shopping district. Located in the historic VFW officers club, the restaurant showcases local ingredients with a Southern and Italian twist. Daily offerings might include a sweet tea pork chop or something wonderful involving peaches. The bar, built in the late 1800s for the historic Blakely hotel in Philadelphia, is home to inventive, seasonal cocktails.
What it's known for: A favorite neighborhood bistro in Forest Acres, Tombo Grille is a favorite for date night or a girls night out. The menu features fresh, local ingredients prepared with an international flair. Nightly specials are particularly popular and stay consistent each week. There's often live music, too.
What it's known for: Barbecue is the star here, along with a killer buffet that keeps on going. You smell the goodness before you get to the door, and the attentive staff makes sure you have everything you need. And if you're looking to feed a crowd, their catering menu is a great option. You'll see trays of Hudson's at tailgate parties all around during football season.
What it's known for: This small, family-owned spot serves up homemade Italian dishes in a welcoming, easy-to-love atmosphere. House-made mozzarella, pastas, pizza and the freshest tomatoes grace the menu here, and there's a great patio to enjoy a glass of wine and catch up with friends.
What it's known for: This narrow, lively gathering spot near the SC State House specializes in Bourbon - the drink and the New Orleans inspired menu. Serving lunch, late lunch, dinner, late night and Sunday brunch, there's always a reason to try something new. The cocktails and, of course, the bourbon list, is extensive.
What it's known for: This is the place to go for a lively bar scene combined with Southern fare with an international flair. Cola's is in a restored R.C. Cola bottling plant downtown and has a patio with a great view of the SC State House. It's a great place to meet friends after work.
Discover writers share all of the places, activities and adventure that South Carolina has to offer. Read more from some of South Carolina’s locals and discover what’s happening in the Palmetto State.
