Bites and Sights Winter 2014-15

Dining, Attractions, Nightlife and Accommodations

WINTER 2014-15 free-times.com

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE

best some of the

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Columbia | 803.212.6666 | 924 Senate Street • ruthschris.net At the Hilton Columbia Center in the Historic Vista District

contents Restaurants Dining, Attractions, Nightlife and Accommodations

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE

WINTER 2014-15 free-times.com

ON THE COVER

Gulf Redfish at Saluda’s (see listing on p. 13)

Photo by Jonathan Sharpe

Did we list a restaurant that has closed? Did we overlook your favorite place? Let us know what you think: Email food@free-times.com.

6 American/Southern 10 Asian 10 Bagel/Bakery 10 Bar/Pub Food 12 Bistro/ New American 14 BBQ/Wings/Ribs 15 Breweries & Brewpubs 16 Café/Coffee House 16 Cajun 16 Chinese 17 Caribbean/Latin 18 Deli 20 Dessert 21 Ethiopian 21 Food Trucks 21 French 21 German 21 Greek/ Mediterranean

22 Indian 22 Italian 23 Japanese/Sushi 24 Korean 24 Mexican 25 Middle Eastern 25 Pizza 26 Seafood 26 Steakhouse 27 Tapas 27 Thai 27 Vegetarian 27 Vietnamese

Play & Stay 28 Calendar of Events 29 Attractions 34 Accommodations 36 Nightlife

Published by Resorts Media LLC 1534 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201 (803) 765.0707 (803) 765.0727 fax

free-times.com PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER: Charlie Nutt ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Kerry Powers EDITOR: Dan Cook FOOD EDITOR: Eva Moore LISTINGS EDITOR: Jordan Lawrence PHOTOGRAPHER: Jonathan Sharpe PRODUCTION MANAGER: Lisa Willis DESIGNERS: Joey Ayer, Matt Bradley SALES MANAGER: Cale Johnson ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Hyatt Drake, Ginny Kuhn, Jessica Rowland, Jerry Viles AD SALES COORDINATOR: Kayla Cahill AD SALES ASSISTANT: Anton Dela Cruz CIRCULATION MANAGER: Davey Mathias DOCK MANAGER: Travis Bland, Tripp Bolius, William Clark, Bob Folts, Jerod Hunter, Dan Lucas, Charles McCarty, Chess Moorer, David Shealy, Dave Shuler, Don Turner, James Williams VICE PRESIDENT-OPERATIONS: Jen Coody Advertisers in Free Times Bites & Sights assume responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of all advertisements. In case of error or omissions in advertisement, the publisher’s sole liability shall be to publish the advertisement at a later date. Notice of error must be made within ten days of first insertion. Views expressed in Free Times Bites & Sights reflect the opinion of the individual writer or artist and are not necessarily those of Free Times. Unsolicited submissions are welcome, but may not be returned. © 2014 Resorts Media LLC. All rights reserved.

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1734 Main St Located in the old Elite Epicurean Restaurant

803.401.5882

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5

Serves classic Southern dishes like gizzards, livers and wings, and more.

a porterhouse steak and a mustard sage pork loin. $.

Drake’s Duck-In

Harper’s Restaurant

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Mon-Thu 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:15 a.m.11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1544 Main St., 799-9290

Ah, Drake’s. Known for its fried chicken, chicken filet sandwiches, cheeseburgers and other very affordable eats, Drake’s Duck In offers some of the best, fastest fast-foodthat’s-not-fast-food you’ll find anywhere in town. ¢.

AMERICAN/ SOUTHERN 2108 State

2108statebarandgrill.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

2108 State St., 200-2108

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Bar open until midnight, Mon-Sat.

A hip neighborhood bar and grill in the heart of Cayce, 2108 State serves up brunch, lunch and dinner in a casual way. Dorito-Crusted FiveAlarm Cheese Sticks: check. Korean short-rib tacos: check. Nice bar: check. Large mural of the Lizard Man: Uh, check. ¢-$.

Allean’s Southern Cuisine alleanssoutherncuisine.com NORTHEAST:

5 Lake Carolina Way #130, 764-7944

Sun 1:30-6 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Serves chicken wings, cornbread and a slew of slides familiar to Southern cuisine. Sweet potato pie, banana pudding and peach cobbler are available for dessert. ¢.

American Roadside Burgers americanroadside.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

702 Cross Hill Rd., 790-9960 Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

California Dreaming

californiadreaming.co DOWNTOWN: 401 S. Main St., 254-6767

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Located in a historic railroad station, California Dreaming has been popular ever since it opened in 1984. Serves large salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, chicken and steaks. Excellent mixed drinks, and the honey croissants always are a hit. ¢-$.

Carolina Ale House carolinaalehouse.com

IRMO/HARBISON/DUTCH FORK:

277 Columbiana Dr., 407-6996 VISTA: 708 Lady St., 227-7150 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

North Carolina-based franchise offers salads, pizzas, appetizers, signature sandwiches and all manner of chicken, steaks, barbecue and ribs and seafood entrees. More than 30 beers on tap and 40 or so bottle selections. Vista location features popular rooftop bar. ¢-$.

Casserole 2 Go

casserole2go.com DOWNTOWN: 1208 Laurel St., 764-1673 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (lunch hours 11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Mmm … casseroles. Order a fresh or frozen casserole to take home, or stop during lunch hours to grab a sandwich, nibble a dessert or try the featured ‘role. $.

Burgers! Burgers? Burgers. Hand-scooped milkshakes, salads, sandwiches and a kids’ menu, too. Oh, and wine and beer. So it’s basically the best place on earth. $.

Chickadees Diner

Anthony’s Past Time Cafe

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1425 Sumter St., 255-6200

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Burgers galore, but also fried chicken gizzards and livers, gyros, chicken wings, hot dogs and more, depending on your mood. Try a shake or float. ¢.

Backyard Cafe WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

940 Old Barnwell Rd., 951-0405 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

From the ribeye steak sandwich topped with sauteed onions, peppers, mushrooms and gooey provolone cheese to the salmon caesar salad, the Backyard Cafe has food to suit a range of tastes. Chicken wings, fried flounder and nachos, too. ¢-$.

Bert’s Southern Cooking NORTHEAST:

100 Pontiac Business Center Dr., 788-0022 Mon-Fri 11 a.m-8 p.m.; Sat 3-8 p.m.

Great Southern meat-and-three, serving everything from fried chicken to meatloaf. $.

Burger Tavern 77 SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2631 Devine St., 667-9608

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Hey, budding math geniuses: With 77 different toppings available, how many different custom burger combinations are possible? A lot. Not to mention that 26 beers on tap + 77 burger toppings = 1 full belly. ¢-$.

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chickadeesdiner.com

Edna’s Drive In NORTH COLUMBIA:

FIVE POINTS: 700 Harden St., 252-2222

Part of a small Charlotte-based chain, Harper’s exceeds chain standards in both its food and its service. While the menu has burgers, sandwiches and nicely smoked meats (dig the firewood pile out back), Harper’s also offers fresh seafood, creative salads and more.

Sunday brunch, too. $.

3609 River Dr., 252-6696

Jackson’s Southern Kitchen

Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

jacksonssouthernkitchen.com

A modest kiosk that’s been dishing out some of the city’s best hamburgers and hot dogs to generations of Columbians. A genuine local institution. ¢.

FOREST ACRES:

3400 Forest Dr., Ste. 1088, 764-5569 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4-8 p.m; ​Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Southern-style comfort food, buffet style.

Staples like fried chicken, mac ‘n’ cheese, and candied yams are available for lunch and dinner every day of the week. ¢.

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jillian’s

A South Carolina chain devoted to breakfast foods, from waffles to omelets to loaded home-fry platters, plus lunch foods like burgers, sandwiches and wraps. All hail breakfast! ¢.

Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

Eggs Up Grill eggsupgrill.com

2930 Devine St., 661-9174

Fancy That Bistro and Catering DOWNTOWN: 1212 Hampton St., 779-6110

Mon-Sun 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Home-cooked favorites, from eggs for breakfast to chicken pot pies and bacon cheeseburgers for lunch. $.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries fiveguys.com

FOREST ACRES: 4751 Forest Dr., 787-3178 HARBISON/IRMO:

285 Columbiana Dr., Suite N, 407-6443 LEXINGTON:

Hwy. 378 (Target Ctr.), 356-1007 NORTHEAST:

460-2 Town Center Pl., 788-6200 VISTA: 931 Senate St.; 799-0441

jillianscolumbia.com VISTA: 800 Gervais St., 779-7789 Jillian’s is designed for eating, drinking and mingling, with plenty of visual stimulus from tons of big-screen TVs. The menu includes appetizers (mmm … mozzarella sticks), burgers, sandwiches, flatbread pizzas, soups, salads and desserts. ¢-$.

Judy’s at the Market WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

3483 Charleston Hwy., 509-5641 Sun-Mon 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Located at the South Carolina State Farmers Market, Judy’s serves up classic breakfast items — homemade biscuits, big omelets — as well as such Southern favorites as pimento cheese burgers, country fried steak and fried chicken. ¢-$.

Just Us Cafe

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Tue-Sun 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

Breakfast is served all day at this classic diner, with french toast, waffles and fancy omelets aplenty. Lunch and dinner feature American favorites from burgers to quesadillas. ¢-$.

Made with fresh-ground beef, offered with a dozen different toppings and with the perfect amount of grease moistening the bun, these are what burgers in heaven must taste like. The fresh-cut fries are great, too. Grab a handful of napkins and enjoy. ¢.

Chicken Salad Chick

Flight Deck

NORTHEAST:

IRMO/HARBISON:

LEXINGTON:

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 9:30 a.m.- midnight; Sun 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

7949 Broad River Rd., 542-7762

chickensaladchick.com/columbia-sc

109-A Old Chapin Rd., 957-5990

Serves deli sandwiches, broccoli salad and soup in addition to a variety of chicken salad flavors like Jalapeño Holly and Mimi’s Mix. ¢.

Family-owned restaurant with extensive collection of WW II-themed memorabilia and photographs. Menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to ribs, pizza and Greek specialties.

Blue-plate special includes one meat, two veggies, dessert and a drink. ¢.

comptonskitchen.com LEXINGTON: 5343-L Sunset Blvd., 399-1272

Just your basic, old-fashioned breakfast and brunch, including the best corned beef hash this side of the Congaree River. ¢.

Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles 110 Columbia Northeast Dr., 834-7948

shoppesatflightdeck.com

252-Z Harbison Blvd., 550-9050

Compton’s Kitchen

1208 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-5162

Chicken and waffles! And not just any old iteration of this soul food classic — Kiki’s offers a red velvet waffle if you’re feeling fancy. Also try the shrimp and grits. ¢.

Kingsman Restaurant

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 936 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Shopping Center), 796-8622

Fuddruckers

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat 6 a.m.-noon

Sun-Wed 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

This longtime Cayce favorite offers everything from fried appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings to salads, lasagna and even liver and onions. Known for its grilled rib eye, which is one of the city’s best. Serves liquor.

Busy lunch, lots of atmosphere. ¢.

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Sat 6:30 a.m.-noon; Sun 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

1118 B Ave., 791-0750

With most everything made from scratch, you can’t go wrong with the meat-and-veggies combos. Lunch entrees include fried chicken, stewed beef and rice, salmon patties, livers and gizzards and country-style steak. Special menu with meals under 400 calories. ¢.

Down Home Café WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1446 Poplar St., Ste. A, 764-0621 Tue-Sat 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

Cayce Mayor Elise Partin once tweeted that they served her the best fried pork chop she’d ever eaten. And she wouldn’t have any interest in getting more people to visit, right? Right?

fuddruckers.com 1801 Bush River Rd., 798-3775

Specializes in hamburgers cooked to order with fresh ingredients. Beef is ground daily and hamburger buns are baked daily. ¢.

Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn HARBISON/IRMO:

434 Columbiana Dr., 407-6640

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 7-11 a.m. and 5-10 p.m.

Bar open until 11 p.m.

Le Peep

lepeep.com VISTA: 701 Gervais St., Ste. 110, 254-1200 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Are you in the mood for something other than IHOP? This chain serves breakfast and lunch around the country with everything from tacos to breakfast banana splits. $.

Upscale appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled specialties and more. Highlights include a smoked salmon ciabatta sandwich,

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Liberty on the Lake

Mathias Sandwich Shop

HARBISON/IRMO:

HARBISON/IRMO:

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

1602 Marina Rd., 667-9715

With sweeping, scenic views of Lake Murray from its multiple decks, Liberty on the Lake is a gorgeous place to knock back a few beers and some tasty, fresh-caught fish or a burger.

Some of the same great salads, sandwiches and apps you’ll find at the Liberty in the heart of Columbia. $.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill libertytaproom.com VISTA: 828 Gervais St., 461-4677

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (Brunch until 2 p.m.); bar open until 2 a.m. all week.

Liberty begins with sturdy American fare but doesn’t end there. Known for its delicious salads, you’ll also find an array of appetizers, succulent soups and colorful entrees. You can’t go wrong with the Freedom Burger (fried egg!) or any of the fresh seafood, pizzas, chicken and pastas. $.

Lizard’s Thicket lizardsthicket.com DOWNTOWN:

818 Elmwood Ave., 779-6407 BLYTHEWOOD:

711-1 University Village Dr., 451-8400 FOREST ACRES: 3147 Forest Dr., 787-8781 GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

7938 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-0095 GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

402 Beltline Blvd., 738-0006 HARBISON/IRMO:

7569 St. Andrews Rd., 732-1225 LEXINGTON: 621 W Main St., 951-3555 NORTHEAST:

10170 Two Notch Rd., 419-5662 NORTHEAST:

7620 Two Notch Rd., 788-3088 ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

1824 Broad River Rd., 798-6427 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

2240 Airport Blvd., 796-7820 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

501 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-0314 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

7235 St. Andrews Rd, 781-4002

Founded in 1946, this sandwich shop is one of the early homes of the pimento burger. Serves breakfast and lunch. ¢.

Michael’s Cafe and Catering

michaelscafecatering.com DOWNTOWN: 1620 Main St., 726-2233

Mon-Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m; buffet 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)

DOWNTOWN: 1200 Hampton St., 771-7000

Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 6:30 a.m.-noon and 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Hand-pattied burgers aren’t the only thing Lucky’s serves up: Daily specials run the American-Southern gamut, from pork chops with rice and gravy to big fried seafood platters. ¢-$.

Mack’s

DOWNTOWN: 1809 Laurel St., 779-9681

Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

The clientele at this little wood-paneled downtown lunch spot is equal parts blue collar and white collar, but they’re all in it for the same thing: affordable, thin, griddled burgers and the tastiest slaw dogs around. The chili cheeseburger is especially good. ¢.

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

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$$ avg. entrée > $15

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Relevé Café and Catering relevecafeandcatering.com

FOREST ACRES/DENTSVILLE:

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Classic cuisine includes bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, roasted turkey BLT’s and grilled chicken Caesar salads. ¢.

ROSEWOOD/OLYMPIA:

2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (kitchen closes at 11 p.m. Sun-Tue; midnight Wed-Sat)

This restaurant’s nice, casual feel is something you might come to expect during your time at the Marriott Hotel. Features New Southern classics like shrimp and grits. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner after a long day (or night) in downtown Columbia. $.

This local institution was a stop for President George W. Bush during a visit to Columbia, and for good reason. For years, locals have been flocking to Rockaway’s for its unbeatable pimento cheeseburgers and excellent bar food. ¢-$.

The Mousetrap

Rush’s

FOREST ACRES:

2711 Middleburg Dr., 799-2120

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.; bar open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Located beneath an office building in Middleburg Park, The Mousetrap is frequented by locals, but the real draw is its tasty Southern food. Downhome lunch and dinner specials, and huge portions. ¢.

Ms. B’s Southern Kitchen WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1213 Sunset Blvd., 509-5945

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-2:30p.m.; Thu-Fri 11 a.m.8:30 p.m. Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

You want a country buffet? Here’s a country buffet. All the meat-and-three-style favorites you could ever want, plus a salad bar and dessert bar. A la carte available, too. ¢-$.

Meat loaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried okra. Good lord, what more could you want? A true local institution that thrives on the meatand-veggies formula. This is what Southern cooking is all about. ¢.

7811 Broad River Rd., 749-0048

PDQ bills itself as a chicken restaurant, and that’s what you’ll get at this fast-casual joint: famous chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches and salads and more, plus hand-spun milkshakes. ¢.

Rockaway Athletic Club

marriott.com

DOWNTOWN:

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Delivering breakfast and lunch to downtown businesses since 1991. Features breakfast menu that includes the traditional items but also adds such items as corned beef hash, liver pudding and fried flounder. Lunch menu heavy on sandwiches and salads though a meat-andthree option is available. ¢.

Original Pancake House

originalpancakehousencsc.com FOREST ACRES: 4840 Forest Dr. (Trenholm Plaza), 782-6742

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat-Sun 7 a.m. -9 p.m.

Pancakes as you like them. Offering a full menu including cinnamon-glazed apple pancakes, freshly squeezed juices, homemade fruit syrups and more. And if you’re not in the mood for pancakes, try the meat-lovers omelet. The lines are long for a reason; get there before church lets out and you’ll be in good shape. ¢.

Pawleys Front Porch

FIVE POINTS: 827 Harden St., 771-8001

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-until; Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-until

Fancy a fried egg, apple-cured ham, pineapple or a pair of onion rings stuffed between a half-pound patty and a ciabatta bun? Ever since its burgers were featured in February 2010 on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, crowds have been coming to Pawleys Front Porch. $.

jam-topped steak. Desserts feature bacon, too.

Nice full bar. $.

Smashburger

Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Midlands’ Food Arts

1840 Hampton St., 254-0484

HARBISON/IRMO:

4456 Devine St., 403-9135

Located in a renovated Main Street building, Michael’s serves up excellent versions of deli favorites and downhome classics: pimento cheese, chicken pot pie, salads, sandwiches and more. $.

Nathan’s Restaurant

Lucky’s Burger Shack

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

3400 Forest Dr., 394-1962

2234 Sunset Blvd., 794-0923 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

PDQ

rushs.net GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

7450 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-5201 HARBISON/IRMO:

283 Harbison Blvd., 781-1277 LEXINGTON: 201 Columbia Ave., 359-8858 NORTHEAST:

10016 Two Notch Rd., 699-1376 NORTHEAST: 2500 Decker Blvd., 736-0101 ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

2640 Broad River Rd., 772-2393 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

smashburger.com HARBISON/IRMO:

937-C Lake Murray Blvd., 724-3630 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

4601 Devine St., 224-9443 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

You could just get an All American burger, sure, but you could also add a fried egg, garlic mushrooms, guacamole or avocado — so why wouldn’t you? If you’re so inclined, you can also top it off with a Häagen Dazs shake. ¢.

Spotted Salamander

spottedsalamandercatering.com DOWNTOWN: 1531 Richland St., 546-0249 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Longtime local caterer now has a lunch cafe downtown. $.

Vegetable Medley & Chavis BBQ LEXINGTON: 309 Oak Dr., 356-0200

Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 10:45 a.m.-3 p.m.

If you’re in the mood for some Southern-style comfort food, this is the place for you. From the exterior, it looks as though you’re visiting a very quaint home, and luckily, the owners would love to have you over for dinner. $.

Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

829 Knox Abbott Dr., 796-4629

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Family friendly neighborhood restaurant in the classic tradition — simple, great food and a cheerful staff that treats customers as, well, family. Menu focuses on steaks and ribs, wings, sandwiches and house specials. ¢-$.

2332 Sunset Blvd., 796-2396

Very’s

A locally owned chain serving better fast food than you’ll find anywhere else for the price.

Great burger baskets, hot dogs, shakes, etc.

Why give your money to conglomerates when there are locals ready to beat their prices, quality and service? ¢.

6729 Two Notch Rd., 788-6254

Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs

wafflehouse.com FIVE POINTS: 916 Harden St., 799-0313

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-midnight

DOWNTOWN: 825 S. Main St., 254-6914

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m

Delicious Philly cheesesteaks, plus old-school Northeastern cuisine from Italian subs and lasagnas to pizzas. ¢-$.

Waffle House Open 24 hours

River Rd., 772-1020

Dude, it’s Waffle House. It has hash browns, waffles, eggs, steaks — everything you need, whether you’re planning to do some lumberjackin’ or you just have a brutal hangover. Visit website for more locations. ¢.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 612 St.

What-A-Burger

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

804 Meeting St., 794-1929

LEXINGTON: 5175 Sunset Blvd. 356-9956

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 1935 Broad

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

Andrews Rd., 772-8617

Proving that chili, coleslaw, onions and mustard can elevate a simple grilled wiener to something approaching haute cuisine, this local chain has been many a Columbian’s introduction to the sublime world of a wellprepared dog. Also sells ice cream. ¢.

Seafood Academy

theseafoodacademysc.com FOREST ACRES: 3400 Forest Dr., 536-4558 Sun 1-8 p.m.; Mon-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.

Serves traditional seafood like fried calamari, tuna salad and crab legs. Tailgate menu includes chicken wings, ribs, mashed potatoes and more. $-$$.

Sizzle Bacon Eatery and Pub sizzlesc.com

FIVE POINTS: 819 Harden St., 661-9390

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Serving Columbia “good ol’ fashioned” burgers since 1953. Continuing a 50-year tradition, all food is cooked to order. Other selections include fried chicken, barbecue, chicken tenders, corn dogs and a variety of salads and milkshakes. ¢.

Wild Hare Sports Cafe wildharesportscafe.com HARBISON/IRMO:

5122 Old Bush River Rd., 213-1000 VISTA: 902 Gervais St., 929-0374

Mon-Fri 3 p.m.-2 a.m. Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Mouth-watering lunch specials accent a menu that is complemented by gut-busting appetizers such as the potato cakes and chili cheese fries. Come hungry, because the portions are aplenty. If you’re looking for something lighter, the Firecracker Shrimp Salad is a signature dish. ¢.

Yes, this restaurant is entirely devoted to bacon, with a variety of American and Southern favorites incorporating everyone’s favorite cured meat, from burgers to a bacon-

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Norman Rockwell

Behind the Camera

Organized by the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts

On view through January 18, 2015 1515 Main Street in Columbia, SC | 803-799-2810 | columbiamuseum.org Gold Sponsors

Presented by

Hannah and Ron Rogers

Above Left: After the Prom, 1957 (Detail). Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, May 25, 1957 ©1957:SEPS. Norman Rockwell Museum Collections.

Above Right: Reference photo for Norman Rockwell’s After the Prom, 1957 (Detail). From the permanent collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum.

Charles Courtney Curran, Lotus Lilies (detail), 1888, Oil on canvas, 18 x 32 inches, Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel J. Terra Collection, 1999.35. Photography ©Terra Foundation for American Art, Chicago.

Joy Impressionism Charles Courtney Curran The

of

Opening February 20

1515 Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC | 803-799-2810 | columbiamuseum.org

Organized by the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Memphis Presented by Susan F. and Darnall W. Boyd, Dr. Suzan D. Boyd and Mr. M. Edward Sellers, and Joyce and George Hill.

Silver Sponsors: Kay and John Bachmann, Helen and John Hill, and | freetimes free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

9

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

yesterdayssc.com FIVE POINTS: 2030 Devine St., 799-0196

Sun-Thu 11:15 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (Bar open until 2 a.m.)

A landmark since 1978, people flock here not just for a glimpse of a guy in a bathtub but also to fill up on the heartiest fare in town, including meatloaf, broiled salmon, Lowcountry shrimp and grits and, of course, country fried steak.

Just about everything comes with veggies, too. ¢.

ASIAN Antai Asian Dining

antaiasiandining.com LEXINGTON: 5084 Sunset Blvd.

(McCauley Square), 356-0062

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Specializes in both Chinese and Japanese fare. Sushi is on the menu as well as traditional Asian soups and appetizers, chicken, meat and seafood dishes. Strong vegetarian menu and house favorites that include Black Bean Scallops, Beijing Duck and Honey Walnut Shrimp. $.

Flaming Grill Supreme Buffet

flaminggrillbuffetsc.com HARBISON/IRMO: 115 Afton Ct., 781-2226 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Very large restaurant near Columbiana Mall that offers several different styles of food including Chinese, American and Italian, among others. Customers can also have fresh meat cooked in front of them by a hibachi chef. Vegetarians can enjoy the sizable salad and dessert bars. ¢.

M Cafe

miyos.com

DOWNTOWN: 1417 Sumter St., 779-5788

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. 5-10 p.m.

This Asian grill is one of downtown’s hotspots, and for good reason. Choose from standard Chinese stir fry dishes, including vegetarian options, or reasonably priced grilled items like salmon or flank steak, which come with a healthy salad plus a choice of white rice, brown rice or steamed noodles. From the owners of Miyo’s. Also features a sushi bar. ¢-$$.

M Fresh

miyos.com DOWNTOWN:

1237 Washington St., 779-1688 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

organic ingredients. Besides stir-fries, noodle soups and special sushi rolls, there’s a wellstocked bar. ¢-$.

Miyo’s

miyos.com

miyos.com VISTA: 701-C Lady St., 255-8884

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.11 p.m.; Sat 4:30-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Just like the other Miyo’s and M Cafe locations, M Vista features upscale Chinese cuisine and sushi with a twist: M Vista focuses on healthy ingredients and portions and cooks with

10 freetimes |

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (Grill closes at 2:30 p.m.; kitchen at 3 p.m.)

Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.

Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

BAR/PUB FOOD

1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy., 781-7788 FOREST ACRES:

3250 Forest Dr. Ste. B, 743-9996

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Crust Bakehouse crustbakehouse.com

2701-B Rosewood Dr.

In the mornings, Crust offers cookies, scones and other sweet pastries; a little later in the day, the delectable breads start coming out of the oven: focaccias, ciabattas, sourdough, levains and more. And yes, it has no telephone. ¢.

Bar None

FIVE POINTS: 620 Harden St., 254-3354

Mon-Fri 3 p.m.-6 a.m.; Sat-Sun 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Late-night bar serving food into the wee hours of the morning — including, on certain special nights, the finest smoked chicken wings you’ve ever tasted. Large selection of beers on tap. ¢.

Winner of many Best of Columbia awards for its Shanghai and Szechwan cuisine. Features both traditional and innovative dishes served in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Also features a sushi bar. ¢-$$.

Heather’s Artisan Bakery 1524 Lafayette Ave., 807-1428

Beef O’Brady’s

Red Bowl Asian Bistro

Artisanal bakery offers homemade breads for serious bread fans. From wheat to sourdough to ciabatta, you can’t go wrong ordering breads baked with care. ¢.

HARBISON/IRMO:

Lillian’s Eatery & Bakery

4561 Hard Scrabble Rd., 699-9687

redbowlcolumbia.com NORTHEAST:

481-11 Town Center Pl., 462-9991

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 5166 Sunset Blvd., 996-1333

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. House specialties include spicy orange peel chicken, seafood double pan and spicy Thai green curry chicken. Full sushi bar and gluten-free menu available on request. $.

Tsubaki

tsubakikaraoke.net NORTHEAST: 224 O’Neill Court, 736-7474 Tue-Sun 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Lively location features Columbia’s most authentic Japanese karaoke bar as well as several yummy entrees to put you in the singing spirit, drawing on French and Japanese favorites along with traditional bar food. Also serves sushi from Inakaya Restaurant, housed next door. ¢.

BAGEL/BAKERY Ally & Eloise Bakeshop FOREST ACRES:

5209-B Forest Dr., 708-2982

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Eloise is a French bulldog. And Ally is a heck of a baker, turning out fancy cookies, cupcakes, muffins and scones, not to mention fancy layer cakes and bundt cakes galore. ¢.

Atlanta Bread Company is a bakery café offering fresh, high quality ingredients and a menu ranging from cinnamon rolls and hot breakfast sandwiches to grilled paninis. ¢.

M Vista

8502 Two Notch Rd., 736-2253

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

M Grille

High-end Asian dining in the Vista. Creative dishes span seafood, salads and more, from Thai-style tenderloin salad to honey-brined Southern chicken. Full bar with happy hour. $-$$ .

NORTHEAST:

HARBISON/IRMO:

Village at Sandhill, 788-8878

Atlanta Bread Company

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat 5-10:30 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery

Bread, cakes, pastries, quiches, soups, salads and chicken, all made fresh daily. One house specialty is the Spring Valley chicken salad, with white raisins, pecans and honey mustard dressing. ¢.

NORTHEAST: 715 Fashion Dr., Ste. 1,

This downtown eatery, part of the Miyo’s restaurant group, features big healthy salads and sandwiches, plus some delectable extras — tree mushroom salad, boiled edamame and other little appetizers brought to your table. Huge selection of juices, smoothies and healthy teas made to order. $.

gomgrille.com VISTA: 531 Lady St., 708-8881

petit fours, cheesecakes, specialty chocolate cakes and more. Its signature item is the Chocolate Nirvana cake, a unique flourless cake with Calbaut (Belgian) chocolate, butter, eggs and sugar. Whole cakes are by order only; stop by the bakery for a cup of coffee and a cupcake or slice of cake. ¢-$$.

atlantabread.com DOWNTOWN: 1307 Main St., 779-0101 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

108 Sunset Ct., 791-1150

Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery

brueggers.com Forest Acres: 4699 Forest Dr, 738-8112

Mon-Fri 5:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 6 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Fresh-baked bagels, wraps, signature sandwiches, boxed lunches and salads to go.

What’s not to like? Now serving grilled paninis as well. ¢.

Chocolate Nirvana Bakery and Cafe

chocolatenirvanabakery.com

heathersartisanbakery.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 4711 Forest Dr., 790-0733

Mon 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m.); Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Lillians’ creative cakes look like gift packages, traditional croquembouches (French wedding cakes), trees with custard-filled cream puffs and meringues. Lillian’s dobosh torte is seven layers of white cake with a chocolate butterberry cream in between and a fan of caramelized sugar on top. Also serves lunch. ¢-$$.

Panaderia Odalys

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m-11 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

From the Philly cheesesteak to the roast beef garlic melt, corned beef reuben and a full line of deluxe burgers, you won’t be hurting for red meat options here. There are wings too, and wraps featuring shrimp and chicken.

Family-friendly setting peppered with sports memorabilia and TVs. ¢.

Bentley’s Beach House LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

1605 N. Lake Dr., 808-7263 Sun-Wed 4 p.m. to midnight; Thu-Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Mon-Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

In the former Dam Bar and Grill spot on Lake Murray, you’ll find this bar, which serves up cheap, classic bar food and nice cold beers. ¢.

103 N. 12th St., 794-3323 Mexican bakery offering a delightful array of pastries (pasteleria) and lightly sweetened breads (pan dulce) baked in-house daily. ¢.

Panera Bread

panerabread.com GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

6080 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-9722 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

Blazing Copper

blazingcopper.com FIVE POINTS: 812 Harden St., 779-4445 Tue-Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Serves standard bar food — chicken tenders, wings, tater tots — with different daily specials. ¢.

1007 Bower Pkwy., 407-5773

Blue Coyote

NORTHEAST:

10708 Broad River Rd., 781-4606

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

631 Promenade Pl., 865-8460

Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-midnight; Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat noon-2 a.m.

LEXINGTON: 5416 Sunset Blvd., 359-3652

Wings, steaks and comfort food. ¢-$.

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

Panera’s cornerstone is freshly made, all-natural artisan breads. Serves a variety of sandwiches and soups offerings in a comfortable, high-tech atmosphere. ¢.

The Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s nonnahs.com VISTA: 928 Gervais St., 779-9599

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-11 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sat 6 p.m.-12:30 am

This bakeshop, an offshoot of long-beloved dessert joint Nonnah’s, serves freshly baked bread, scones, brownies, pastries and more. ¢.

Silver Spoon Bake Shop

British Bulldog Pub

thebritishbulldogpub.com IRMO/HARBISON/DUTCH FORK:

1220 E10 Bowers Pkwy., 227-8918

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-2 a.m. (late night menu Wed-Thu 10-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 p.m.-12 a.m.); Sun buffet 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A British pub with a real British pub menu: everything from roast beef and Yorkshire pudding to meat pies to Scotch eggs to crispy samosas, plus plenty of burgers and salads for the anglophobes. Breakfast served all day.

Extensive soccer and rugby viewing schedule, too. $.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Carolina Pour House

Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tue-Sat 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

2507 Devine St., 673-6374

FIVE POINTS: 800 Harden St., 409-0004

Housemade pastries, cakes, pies and delicious cookies, plus a coffee bar. Custom cakes and pies for special events, too.

A fun place to hang out with friends and catch the game on any number of widescreen TVs. Drink specials, beer pong tables, pub food and more. $.

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

This bakery offers a sinful array of layer cakes,

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

2742 N. Lake Dr., 781-5656

WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

4405 Ft. Jackson Blvd., 799-9982

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

beefobradys.com

$$ avg. entrée > $15

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

| freetimes

11

Cock N Bull Pub

facebook.com/cocknbull.pub ROSEWOOD/OLYMPIA:

326 S. Edisto Ave., 251-4474

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m; Sun 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (bar open later)

The Cock N’ Bull is an English-style pub with soccer (football) matches a-plenty on the tube.

Pub food and daily specials include shepherd’s pie, fish-n-chips, pot roast and more, plus the always amazing shrimp burger. ¢-$.

Corner Pocket IRMO/HARBISON/DUTCH FORK:

489 Piney Grove Rd., 731-0403 Mon-Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Burgers, wings, steaks, sandwiches and more.

Wednesdays are Service Industry Night with Kickin’ Karaoke, who also appears on Sundays.

Local bands Thursday, Friday and Saturday with acoustic tunes on Monday. ¢-$.

Delaney’s

FIVE POINTS: 741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Irish pub with 27 beers on tap and variety of food, including Irish and American favorites.

Live acoustic and Celtic music Tuesday through Saturday and trivia on Sundays. ¢.

Flying Saucer

beerknurd.com VISTA: 931 Senate St., 933-9997

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Sun noon-midnight

Korner is all about the pool, with leagues and tournaments happening all the time. Of course, when you’re hungry after scratching the eight-ball, they can settle your stomach right down with your basic bar food specials.

Burger, anyone? ¢.

Kelly’s Deli & Pub

VISTA: 1001 Washington St., 254-4464

Mon-Fri and Sun 3 p.m.-until; Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Offers pizza, jerk wings and a variety of baskets. Full bar features beer buckets, drink specials and Long Island Iced Tea specials.

Lively regular crowd and outgoing staff makes Kelly’s a cut above. Catering available and private parties welcome. ¢.

The Kraken

facebook.com/thekrakengastropub ROSEWOOD/OLYMPIA:

2910 Rosewood Dr., 955-7408

Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight (kitchen open Mon-Thu, 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.)

Sun brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

What’s a gastropub? Well, that just means the food is as good as the excellent selection of beer, with offerings like boiled peanut hummus, a lamb shank and a cheese plate.

Regular specials keep things interesting. $.

Krafty Draft kraftydraft.com

LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

269 Charter Oak Rd., 996-0345

Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m.-midnight

lots of TVs. $.

Southern Belly

southernbellybbq.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

1332 Rosewood Dr., 667-9533

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Lots of sauces distinguish this barbecue joint, which offers a small but tasty selection of barbecued meat sandwiches. Convenient to Williams-Brice Stadium. ¢-$.

Sporting News Bar and Grill WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

110 McSwain Dr., 391-4002

Mon-Sun 6-10:30 a.m. and 4:30-11 p.m.

Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner inside the Holiday Inn and Suites, this bar and restaurant has plenty of TVs and plenty of American menu classics. ¢-$.

Tap’s Pub NORTHEAST:

104-B Columbia NE Dr., 699-4657 Mon-Fri 3 p.m.-until; Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

This patriotically themed pub offers entrees like Italian chicken giambotta or Appian Way porkchops in addition to pasta dishes, sandwiches, salads, soups, wings and appetizers. ¢.

Thirsty Fellow

thirstyfellow.com VISTA: 621 Gadsden St., 799-1311

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 10 a.m.-midnight (Brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

High-end pints and mammoth soft pretzels delivered by waitresses in knee socks and fig leaves. Seriously: The palate may focus on the endless beer list, the enormous sandwiches, even the pizza by the slice, but the eyes — a lot of them, anyway — leer elsewhere. ¢.

Nibble on tortilla chips, hummus or a rotisserie chicken salad while sampling a wide assortment of beers. ¢.

Group Therapy

Mon-Sun 6 p.m.-until; Tues-Sat 4 p.m.-until

Tin Roof

Lucky’s offers the style and sensibility of The Vista in the heart of Five Points. Offers daily drink specials, wine by the glass plus burgers, fries, appetizers and more. ¢.

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun noon-2 a.m.

grouptherapybar.com FIVE POINTS: 2107 Greene St., 256-1203 Bar: Tue-Fri 5 p.m.-2 a.m; Sat. 7 p.m.- 2 a.m.

This bar, a longtime Columbia favorite, serves some bar basics, like hot dogs. ¢.

Hemingway’s

Lucky’s

facebook.com/luckysin5points FIVE POINTS: 2100-B Devine St., 929-1118

Polliwog’s

polliwogsc.com

HARBISON/IRMO:

NORTHEAST:

7467 St. Andrews Rd., 749-6020

10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 12 p.m.-2 a.m.

Mon 3:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Serves 25 different sandwiches, as well as buffalo wings. Casual atmosphere befriends the t-shirt and suits alike. Daily lunch specials. hemingwaysmusicpub.com. ¢.

You’ll find familiar choices at this state-ofthe-art sports bar, including burgers and sandwiches, chicken fingers, wraps, appetizers, salads and wings — all presented with a green, local focus. ¢-$.

Henry’s Grill and Bar henrysgrillandbar.com

Rusty Anchor

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

rustyanchorrestaurant.com

NORTHEAST:

1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 749-1555

2865 Devine St., 708-4705

HARBISON/IRMO:

111 Sparkleberry Crossing, 563-5674

Thu 5-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A comfortable, classy neighborhood bar with delicious burgers, fried pickles and tons of drink specials. Try the Big T burger: a huge, juicy double cheeseburger between two grilled cheese sandwiches. The Sunday brunch rocks. ¢-$.

Jake’s

Lakeside destination features great views and excellent casual dining, with seafood favorites like she crab soup and fresh grouper tempura, plus steaks and pork chops for the landlubbers.

We’re excited about the watermelon-smoked bacon salad. Quarterdeck features fish tacos, burgers and live music during the warmer months. $-$$.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Salty Nut Café

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

jakesofcolumbia.com 2112 Devine St., 708-4788

Pub food and fresh specials include wings, fish ‘n chips, sandwiches, soups, appetizers and an array of stone-fired pizzas. Try the banana pepper stuffed with sausage and served with a hearty marinara and cheese sauce. ¢.

Tin Roof now has a modified menu that’s more “bar-y” than ever. Mainstays like the Tin Roof salad get jolts of flavor from additional nuts and fruits, while pizzadillas seem to have faded away. There’s still plenty to satisfy the bar food-craving masses, though. $.

Tipsy Toad Tavern thetipsytoad.com

LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

103 Beaufort St., 932-4470

Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

A godsend to the culturally deprived lake area, the Tipsy Toad features a good beer selection and Vista-style atmosphere. ¢-$.

Mon-Tue 3 p.m.-midnight; Wed-Fri 3 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Formerly called The Loose Cockaboose, this Gamecock bar is within a stone’s throw of Williams-Brice Stadium. Offers burgers, wings and other good grub for hungry fans.

Great tailgating location before and after the game. ¢.

4330 Jackson Blvd., 782-8522

A college bar that serves sustainable local food? Yep. Serves bar-snack standards like nachos, wings and mozzarella sticks, plus pizzas and calzones — all with plenty of ingredients from local farms. $.

Even a fire couldn’t keep The Nut down: The beloved bar and burger joint reopened in mid-2012, and its porch is as awesome as ever.

Here’s to peanut shells on the floor and those giant, tasty burgers. ¢-$.

Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight; kitchen open 7-10 p.m.

Karl’s Korner Pool Room & Tavern

Skores Restaurant and Sports Bar

BISTRO/ NEW AMERICAN @116 Espresso & Wine Bar 116state.com

WEST COLUMBIA/VISTA WEST:

116 State St., 791-5663

Tue-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri -Sat 5-11 p.m; brunch Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (last seating at 2:30 p.m.)

Combines a chill coffee-shop atmosphere with great wine and food. Specials range from soups to seafood to steaks to specialty pizzas, many with Mediterranean and Southern influences. Fabulous Spanish wines, and a famed White Russian menu. Popular brunch spot, too. $.

Bistro on the Boulevard HARBISON/IRMO:

1085-D Lake Murray Blvd., 369-1332

Upscale Southern classics like Lowcountry crab dip and shrimp and grits meet bistro offerings like fancy stuffed pork chops and an Asian salmon burger. $.

Cellar on Greene

FIVE POINTS: 2001D Greene St., 343-3303

Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat noon-10:30 p.m. (Shop open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.; bar opens at 5 p.m.)

Part wine shop, part tapas bar, the Cellar on Greene is the place to go for wines by the glass or bottle and an ever-changing menu of Continental, Mediterranean, and bistro-style dishes: seafood and steaks, salads, hummus, pizzas, pastas and more. The truffle parmesan raw fries are exceptional. $-$$.

Cola’s American Cooking

Mon-Thu 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

Copper River Grill copperrivergrill.com

IRMO/HARBISON/DUTCH FORK:

1230 Bower Pkwy., 749-4647

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Specializes in a little bit of everything — grilled seafood, chicken and steak dishes, sandwiches and burgers and oven-baked pizzas. Try the sashimi tuna appetizer and, if you’re man (or lady) enough, the 32-oz. Big Sky Porterhouse. $.

Eclectic bar and eatery with a neighborhood vibe and live music several days a week.

Menu heavy on salads and sandwiches plus appetizing daily specials. ¢.

Wet Willie’s

1800 Memorial Dr., 791-1772

2700 Broad River Rd., 731-2500

wetwillies.com VISTA: 800 Gervais St., 779-5650

As you can guess from the name, Karl’s

It’s a sports bar – what more do you need to know? Lots of burgers, wings and salads, and

Of course you know that Wet Willie’s is all

12 freetimes |

Hip underground bar across from the State House serves pizzas, sweet potato fries, burgers and a mean grilled cheese sandwich.

Also home of the infamous Taco Tuesdays, when beef or bean tacos are 75 cents apiece and the crowds are massive. $1 slices Mondays. ¢.

American bistro with diverse influences includes menu items like bacon-wrapped polenta fries, grilled grouper and braised short ribs. $$.

936 S. Stadium Rd., 251-3087

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Mon-Fri 4p.m.-until; Sat-Sun 5 p.m.-until

ROSEWOOD/OLYMPIA:

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-until

Mon-Sat. 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 2 p.m.-midnight

DOWNTOWN: 1200 Main St., 931-8852

DOWNTOWN: 1215 Assembly St., 451-0051

facebook.com/theloosecockaboose

Utopia Food & Spirits

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

thewhig.org

TLC Sports Bar and Grill

saltynut.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

The Whig

Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

tinroofbars.com VISTA: 1022 Senate St., 771-1558

FIVE POINTS: 2000 Greene St., 256-4611

Tue-Fri 4 p.m.-until; Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 5 p.m.-until

about the daiquiris. But this self-described classic rock venue also is serious about the food, from oven-baked seafood to appetizers, sandwiches and pizza. Also check out the rotating specials such as sausage-stuffed mushrooms and a half-pound pulled-pork sandwich. ¢.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun noon-midnight

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

$$ avg. entrée > $15

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Courtyard Café by Marriott at USC

Rue 77

DOWNTOWN: 1301 Assembly St., 708-4785

DOWNTOWN: 630 Assembly St., 799-7800

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. (bar open later) Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Eggs, sausage, bacon, pastries, cereal. $.

Billing itself as an American bistro, Rue 77 offers up fast breakfast; lunch favorites like gyros, soups and salads; and at night, it serves steak, salmon and the like. Many dishes have an Indian twist. Great happy hour. $.

Mon-Sun 6:30-10 a.m.

Hampton Street Vineyard

hamptonstreetvineyard.com.

DOWNTOWN: 1201 Hampton St., 252-0850 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.; Sat 6-10 p.m. (Bar opens at 5 p.m.)

Innovative American cuisine with seasonal menu changes, featuring fresh seafood, handcut steaks, lamb, duck, veal, accommodating and professional service all taking place in an urban cool space below the sidewalk in the historic Sylvan Building. ¢-$$.

Saluda’s

saludas.com

FIVE POINTS: 751 Saluda Ave., 799-9500

Mon-Sun 5:30 p.m.-until

Julep’s Bistro

This casual fine-dining establishment offers cutting-edge culinary styles that blend Italian, French and Lowcountry influences. Serves seafood, beef, chicken and vegetarian entrees.

Also hosts wine dinners. $$.

NORTHEAST:

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar

julepsbistro.com

120 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 419-7200

Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Swanky but chill bar and bistro, with a diverse menu featuring seafood, pizzas, small plates and steaks. $.

Melting Pot

meltingpot.com ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

1410 Colonial Life Blvd., 731-8500 Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri 5-11 p.m.; Sat 4-11 p.m.; Sun 1-10 p.m.

High-quality fondue with a variety of sauces and dipping items. Signature dipping entrees include teriyaki sirloin, filet mignon, lobster tail and chicken breast. Dessert fondues like Bailey’s Irish Cream Dream, Chocolate S’mores or Cookies ‘n’ Cream Marshmallow Dream are particularly decadent. $$.

Motor Supply Co.

motorsupplycobistro.com VISTA: 920 Gervais St., 256-6687

Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m and 5:30-9 p.m.

An early pioneer of dining in the Vista, Motor Supply’s eclectic menu reflects a classic bistro mentality and changes every day. Upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent food with a focus on fresh, local produce and artisanal techniques. Especially popular for Sunday brunch. $-$$.

Mr. Friendly’s

mrfriendlys.com FIVE POINTS: 2001-A Greene St., 254-7828 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

The award-winning bistro Mr. Friendly’s is tucked into the side of Claussen’s Inn. This popular little bistro serves “good, old fashioned, New Southern Cuisine” at very reasonable prices. In addition to its daily menu, Mr. Friendly’s offers innovative nightly specials. $-$$.

The Oak Table

theoaktablesc.com DOWNTOWN: 1221 Main St., 563-5066 Mon-Th 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. & 5-11 p.m.; Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

A fantastic view of the State House, not to mention excellent high-end fine dining fare, from deep-fried whole lobster to refined steaks, crispy-roasted mushrooms and much more. Sundays feature a great brunch. $-$$.

P.O.S.H.

DOWNTOWN: 1400 Main St., 988-1400

You’ll like it a latte.

solsticekitchen.com

NORTHEAST COLUMBIA:

841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-6966

Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.; Bar: Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-until

From the people who bring you Mr. Friendly’s and Cellar on Greene, Solstice presents an upscale dining experience with such dishes as seared diver scallops, beef tartare, in-house brined pork chops, South Carolina seafood and hand-cut steaks. Extensive wine list and elegant, yet cozy, atmosphere. $-$$.

1210 Main Street Near Main and Gervais (803) 931-1200 M-F 7am–5pm | Sat 8am–Noon FirstCitizensCafe.com

Stonefire American Grill stonefireamericangrill.com NORTHEAST:

566 Spears Creek Church Rd., 419-2332 Mon-Sun 4-10 p.m.

Upscale American classics — steakhouse-style burgers, prime rib, roasted chicken, grilled salmon and even a classic New England lobster roll — are joined by Southern favorites like fried green tomatoes and Lowcountry crab cakes. $-$$.

@fccafecola

Tazza Kitchen tazzakitchen.com FOREST ACRES:

4840 Forest Dr., #20, 782-0760

Tue 4:30-10 p.m.; Wed-Sat: 4:30-11 p.m.; Sun: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Modern but comfortable bistro features woodfired pizzas, salads and entrees and apps borrowing from a variety of cuisines. Ditto for brunch, where you can choose everything from huevos rancheros to a five-spice chicken sandwich. $.

Terra

terrasc.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

100 State St., 791-3443 Tue-Sat 5 p.m.-until

Chef Mike Davis brings together top-quality Southern ingredients and classic European techniques to make creative, original fare — truly one of the region’s best restaurants.

Fantastic view of downtown Columbia from the upscale Vista West location. Looking for something a little simpler? Sit at the cozy bar and sample a brick-oven pizza. $$.

BEST RESTAURANT - WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE

Tombo Grille

tombogrille.com FOREST ACRES: 4517 Forest Dr., 782-9665 Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Bar opens at 4:30 p.m.)

Whether you’re looking for a carefully crafted small bite or seafood dish using local ingredients with a fine wine to match, or just a great burger and a beer, Tombo is a solid choice. Live music several nights a week. $.

Mon-Fri 6:30-10:30 a.m., 5-9 p.m.; Sat 6:3011:30 a.m., 5-9 p.m.; Sun 6:30 -11:30 a.m.

Located inside the downtown Sheraton lobby, P.O.S.H. serves up breakfast seven days a week. $.

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

2014

BEST BRUNCH BEST BREAKFAST BEST PLACE FOR A BUSINESS BREAKFAST

300 STATE STREET

803.794.6634 • www.cafestrudel.com Closed for dinner on Mondays | freetimes

13

BBQ/WINGS/RIBS

Order off the menu for tailgating or simply to take home some quality BBQ. ¢.

2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings

D’s Wings

2fat2flywings.com MOBILE: 622-6063 See write-up under Food Truck on page 21.

Follow on Twitter: @2fat2flywings.

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels

artisanbbqtruck.com MOBILE: 728-7512 See write-up under Food Truck on page 21.

Follow on Twitter: @artisanbbqtruck.

Big-T Bar-B-Que

GADSDEN: 2520 Congaree Rd., 353-0488

Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

7535 Garners Ferry Rd., 776-7132 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

1061 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-4295 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m

Big T’s turns out some of the best barbecue in town. Pit-cooked pulled pork is the standout, served with hot or mild, slightly sweet mustardbased sauce. The sides are first-rate. Friendly people, generous portions. Top it all off with some homemade chocolate cake. ¢.

Buffalo Wild Wings

dswings.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

920 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Plaza), 791-4486

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Serves ribs, burgers, sandwiches and chicken fingers. Dinner options include marinated ribeye, fried shrimp and more. Also offers tailgating specials featuring wings, ribs, sandwiches, fruit and cheese. ¢.

Hooters

hooters.com HARBISON/IRMO:

5195 Fernandina Rd., 407-9464

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

7711 Two Notch Rd., 419-3456 Home of the Hooters Girls … you didn’t really think “Hooters” was referring to owls, did you?

Beyond the buxom servers, Hooters is mostly known for its wings; the menu also includes sandwiches, hamburgers and seafood. ¢-$.

Hudson’s Smokehouse & Saloon hudsonssmokehouse.com LEXINGTON: 4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070

Tue-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

LEXINGTON: Hudson’s Smokehouse

Express, 931 Old Two Notch Rd., 356-1070

buffalowildwings.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

4500 Devine St., 738-8090

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-midnight HARBISON/IRMO:

1000 Bower Pkwy., 407-3431 LEXINGTON: 5570 Sunset Blvd., 957-2999 NORTHEAST:

10056 Two Notch Rd., 865-5222 You’ve seen the commercials. You know what to do: Watch sports. Eat wings. Drink beer. ¢-$.

Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (take-out only)

In a town full of barbecue joints, Hudson’s distinguishes itself with Cheerwine and a mean and lean tender brisket. Was spotlighted by Turner South as a Blue Ribbon Barbecue Joint.

Offers mustard-based, ketchup-based and vinegar-and-pepper options. ¢.

John D. Hite’s WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

240 Dreher Rd., 794-4120

Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

240 Blythewood Rd., 714-0181

Don’t let the plain cinder-block building deter you. No-frills tasty pulled pork barbecue, roasted chicken, ribs and ham. Meats and the usual fixins available to go by the pound or the pint. Takeout only. ¢.

NORTHEAST: 2000 Clemson Rd., 419-0022

Little Pigs

LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

NORTHEAST: 4927 Alpine Rd., 788-8238

Carolina Wings & Rib House carolinawings.com BLYTHEWOOD:

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

littlepigs.biz

105 Northpoint Dr., 365-6244

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Wed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.- 8:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The restaurant delivers what its name promises — succulent baby back ribs and great wings, served with a wide variety of sauce options.

Portions are generous and can be washed down with one of the many different beers offered. The Northeast location has a nice deck out back. ¢-$.

Amazing spread of lunch buffet offerings including yams, corn, baked beans, fried okra, onion rings, hush puppies, green beans and more. The three varieties of barbecue are nothing to sneeze at, either. Just stellar local barbecue beloved by regulars. ¢.

Maurice’s Piggie Park

Cockpit Barbeque SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

piggiepark.com DOWNTOWN: 800 Elmwood Ave., 256-4377

Mon-Wed 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thu-Fri 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

cockpitbarbeque.com

905A Bluff Rd., 269-4167

If you look on the Cockpit’s About page on Facebook, you’ll see the following message: “Barbeque so good, it’ll make you wanna slap yo’ mama! “ Two brothers team up to meet their bold claim by bringing some oldfashioned barbecue (briskets, ribs, burgers, etc.) to the Columbia area. Specials like 50cent wings and $1 Bud Light are also available on occasion. ¢.

Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet docsbarbeque.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

1601 Shop Rd., 799-1532 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

1141 Lake Murray Blvd., 732-5555

Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 766 W. Main St., 359-8789

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 1010 S. Lake Drive , 356-1909

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

This Midlands barbecue institution pit-cooks its juicy pork, ribs, beef and chicken over hickory coals, and its Carolina Gold mustardbased sauce is legendary. The controversial Maurice Bessinger no longer runs the chain — the younger generation has taken it over, eschewing controversy and Confederate flags alike. ¢.

First-rate barbecue buffet with stellar fried chicken. Also features delicious catfish bites.

14 freetimes |

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Palmetto Pig

DOWNTOWN: 530 Devine St., 733-2556

Tue-Wed 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

All-you-can-eat buffet featuring pulled pork barbecue, hash, green beans, slaw and crispy fried chicken. At the downtown location, be sure to arrive early or late to beat the rush.

Discount available for USC students. $.

Publick House

Wing Zone

wingzone.com DOWNTOWN: 132 Assembly St., 933-9464 Sun noon-1 a.m., Mon-Wed 11 a.m.- 1 a.m., Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Wings are the reason they’re in business, and they specialize in delivering to hungry USC students late. More flavors than you can shake a stick at as well as chicken fingers, buffalo shrimp and sides. ¢.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Wings & Ale

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-until; Sat-Sun 3 p.m.-until (Kitchen closes midnight Sun-Thu; 1 a.m. Fri-Sat)

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

2307 Devine St., 256-2207

A Devine Street icon, and rightfully so. Beloved for its hot wings, Publick House also offers three types of buffalo wings, as well as honey mustard, teriyaki, barbecue, pterodactyl, garlic butter and buttery barbecue. Salads, burgers and pasta round out the menu. Billiards and wide range of beers on tap. ¢.

Quaker Steak and Lube thelube.com

NORTHEAST COLUMBIA:

941 Spears Creek Ct., 563-5501

wingsandalesc.com 125-C Outlet Pointe Blvd., 750-1700 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

Family atmosphere, live entertainment and wings. Features jukebox, pool tables, sporting events on large-projection TV and many other big-screen TVs. Live entertainment steers toward the classic rock crowd. Never a cover charge. ¢.

Conquest Brewing Co.

Twenty kinds of wings?! Yes, indeed. And if you’re not in the mood for poultry, the menu is packed with ribs, sandwiches, salads, soups, steaks and more. $.

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Hunter-Gatherer

1237 D Ave., 791-9950

Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

huntergathererbrewery.com SOUTH MAIN/USC: 900 Main St., 748-0540 Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 4-11 p.m.

Serving excellent hand-crafted ales since 1995, Hunter-Gatherer’s food is as good as its beer, with nightly gourmet specials to complement such local favorites as the Black Bean Dip. Specialty pizzas are popular, as are the burgers and sandwiches. A favorite spot for university types, hipsters and oldsters alike. Also offers half-gallon growlers so you can take the good stuff home. ¢-$.

Serves pork ribs and classic chopped pork barbecue, smoked on site; hash and rice; barbecue chicken; barbecue sandwiches; and the usual slew of sides and desserts. Choose between Pretty Lady, Sexy Lady or vinegarbased sauce. ¢.

Old Mill Brew Pub

WG’s Chicken Wings

Craft beer? Made on site at a former cotton mill on a scenic pond? In downtown Lexington?

Yes, Old Mill is doing all this and more — and also serving up some fine, creative bar fare.

Hosts occasional live music, too. $.

wgschickenwings.com

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

736 St. Andrews Rd., 772-1489

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Several flavors of wings, including dry-seasoned flavors, along with salads, sandwiches and appetizers in a family atmosphere. Lounge area for 21 and older. ¢.

Wild Wing Café

oldmillbrewpub.net

LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

711 E. Main St., 785-2337

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight (kitchen); bar open until.

River Rat Brewery riverratbrewery.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

1231 Shop Rd., 724-5712

Wed-Fri 4-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 1-8 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

River Rat produces excellent and original craft beers. Features a lovely outdoor deck, grassy area with cornhole, and swank taproom.

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.

wildwingcafe.com

1150 Bower Pkwy., 749-9464 NORTHEAST:

480 Town Center Pl., 865-3365

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-12 a.m., Fri-Sat 11-2 a.m.

VISTA: 729 Lady St., 252-9464

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

First opened in Hilton Head, Wild Wing has become a national chain on the strength of its 30-plus wing flavors like Jalapeño Cheddar and Old Yeller. The overwhelming menu also offers appetizers like its Hot Shots in addition to soups, salads, wraps, ribs, skewers, sandwiches and a variety of platters. ¢.

ST

Wed-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 4-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 1-9 p.m.

Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m; carry-out 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat breakfast buffet 7-9:30 a.m.

WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

Call TO ORDER NOW THROUGH DEC 31

947 S. Stadium Rd., Bay 1,

Columbia’s first production brewery. The Sacred Heart IPA is a special favorite around Columbia.

True BBQ

THIS YEAR

conquestbrewing.com

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House

More than 40 amazing buffet items. The pork is lovingly pulled from slow-cooked whole hogs and served with a thick and tangy mustard sauce. Widely considered the best barbecue place in the entire state, maybe the country. Every bit worth the drive from town, or have them cater if you want your event to be remembered. ¢.

CHEER

BREWERIES/ BREW PUBS

Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

shealysbbq.com LEESVILLE: 340 E. Columbia Ave., 532-8135

Sprinkle

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

921 Brookwood Dr.

Wed-Thu 5-8 p.m.; Fri 5-9 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 1-6 p.m.

Columbia’s third production brewery boasts a strong catalog of beers, starting with its extraspecial bitter. Run by two brothers.

Price ¢ avg. entrée < $10 Key $ avg. entrée = $10-15

$$ avg. entrée > $15

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

| freetimes

15

CAFÉ/COFFEE HOUSE Café Chartier

LEXINGTON: 711 E. Main St., 951-8944

Mon-Tue 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wed-Sat 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Coffee, yes, but also breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, from the sopaipilla cheesecake danish to the turkey avocado wrap to the chicken pesto pizza. ¢-$.

Café Strudel

Serves baked goods, sandwiches, salads — and, of course, lattes in many varieties. ¢.

CHINESE

Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Immaculate Consumption

Chen’s Chinese Restaurant

Think of it as the younger sister to established upstairs coffeehouse Cool Beans: College Grounds Café serves sandwiches and other healthy breakfast and brunch foods — bagels, fruit, grits and more — as well as fresh doughnuts made in-house daily. Yum. Lots of vegetarian-friendly options. ¢.

Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7:30-10:30 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. (coffee until 6 p.m.)

NORTHEAST COLUMBIA:

College Grounds Café DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St., 708-9476

Cool Beans Coffee Company DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St., 779-4277

caféstrudel.com

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-midnight; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

300 State St., 794-6634

Mon 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tue-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; kitchen closes daily 3-5 p.m.

This Vista West café has as much fun naming its dishes (“Hangover Hashbrowns,” “Heart Attack Wrap”) as it does hand-crafting its desserts and breads. The casual, Bohemian style restaurant offers soups, salads, sandwiches, grill items and coffees, plus great daily specials. Also hosts a legendary Sunday brunch. ¢.

Carolina Café & Catering

carolinacaféandcatering.com DOWNTOWN: 945 Sumter St., 799-6676 WEST COLUMBIA/VISTA WEST:

2250 Sunset Blvd., 794-9799

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Primarily a sandwich and bagel shop that serves breakfast and lunch all day. Menu includes homemade chicken, tuna and egg salad sandwiches as well as such classics as reubens, clubs and melts alongside salads and hot and coldspecialty drinks. Catering available seven days a week including boxed lunches and catered trays. Free delivery to downtown and campus. ¢.

Cool near-campus coffee shop offers plenty of space for studying or socializing — but it’s not just for students. Great menu of sandwiches (the curry chicken salad is a longtime favorite), wraps, soups and salads, plus all the coffee drinks you’d expect — and a few you wouldn’t.

(Vegan hot cocoa? Yes please.) ¢.

Drip Coffee DOWNTOWN: 1441 Main St., 799-0067

DOWNTOWN: 933 Main St., 799-9053

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 4-9 p.m.

The Gourmet Shop

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

thegourmetshop.net.

FIVE POINTS: 724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705

Cafe: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Shop: Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A Five Points icon because of its coveted sidewalk seating and signature dishes that include the chicken salad and the turkey pesto.

The store offers coffees, wines, breads, kitchen gadgets and more. ¢-$.

Wired Goat Café

HARBISON/IRMO: 246 Columbia Ave.

(Chapin), 201-5348

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tasty coffee; cool atmosphere. Features some funky drinks like the Canadian Bacon Latte, flavored with maple syrup and bacon syrup. ¢.

The Five Points shop specializes in the pourover method of coffee-making, while the Main Street location favors the siphon. Either way, you’re going to get some fabulous coffee.

Besides being a great place for a meeting or first date, both Drip locations also sell creative breakfast and lunch sandwiches and delectable pastries. Free Wi-Fi, too. ¢-$.

First Citizens Café

DOWNTOWN: 1210 Main St., 931-1200

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Yes, it’s a coffee shop run by a bank, located in a lovely renovated space (with an outdoor patio) in one of the oldest buildings on Main.

9810 Two Notch Rd., 699-6080

In addition to several different coffees and beer, this coffee shop serves a wide range of sandwiches and fresh salads that folks rave about. ¢.

Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

FIVE POINTS: 729 Saluda Ave., 661-9545

chenschinese.webs.com

NORTHEAST COLUMBIA:

9003 Two Notch Rd., 788-2848 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

2427 Charleston Hwy., 563-5070 Sun-Mon 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

4360 Augusta Rd., 808-0228

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun noon-10 p.m.

This is a Chinese restaurant that serves traditional combination platters and wing specials. Its vegetable menu includes tofu substitutes and comes with a large serving of white rice. ¢.

China Buffet Sushi and Bar GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

4464 Devine St., Ste. E (Bi Lo Shopping Center), 787-8898 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Chinese buffet with more than 100 items daily, including sushi and sashimi. Features crab legs on Fridays and Saturdays. ¢.

CAJUN Bourbon

bourboncolumbia.com DOWNTOWN: 1214 Main St., 403-1404 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 4:30 p.m.-until; Sunday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Go for the bourbon, stay for the whiskey.

Serves higher-end Cajun-Creole cuisine like squash jambalaya, bayou burgers, seared duck breast, steaks and more. Updates on lunch and dinner menus posted through Facebook. Tasty Sunday brunch. $$.

China Hut III WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

103 N 12th St., 939-0770

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.

Although it looks like your run-of-the-mill Chinese chain, this small restaurant is actually operated by a family from Thailand who, in addition to serving traditional Chinese dishes, have created an entire menu around Thai

SOUPS • SALADS • SANDWICHES • WRAPS Call us about catering your next office luncheon!

DELIVERY • EAT-IN TAKE OUT 1303 B Assembly Street • 803.933.9085 • Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm • gardenbistrovista.com

16 freetimes |

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

recipes including Pad Thai chicken, Thai noodle salad and Tom Kha Gai (coconut chicken) soup. ¢.

Sun Ming

Egg Roll Chen

Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

eggrollchen.com SHANDON: 715 Crowson Rd., 787-6820 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

A longtime Columbia favorite, packed at the dinner hour with everyone from lawyers to construction workers, Egg Roll Chen makes fresh Chinese favorites to order: Spicy Taiwan Beef, Hot & Nutty Chicken, perfect lo mein and the famous Mamasan’s Beef Noodle Soup. ¢.

Harbison/Irmo: 7509 St. Andrews Rd., 732-4488 For the most authentic Chinese dining in the Midlands, order off the traditional Chinese menu, which features such dishes as chicken feet with black mushrooms or spicy chicken ding. On the other hand, also offers plenty of orange chicken and beef-and-broccoli to satisfy all your Chinese-American desires. $.

Yummy Yummy Chinese

La Isla Bonita

facebook.com/laislabonitasc NORTHEAST: 1701 Percival Rd., 596-6244

NORTHEAST:

3902 Two Notch Rd., 714-9922 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 4600 Forest Dr., 790-9979

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

Szechwan and Cantonese offerings with a special section for dieters. ¢.

CARIBBEAN/LATIN

Tea Pot Chinese Restaurant

Arkos Mojo Grill and Martini Bar

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

LEXINGTON:

135 Sunset Blvd., 791-4060

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10:30 p.m.

Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-until

Beloved by generations of Columbians, Egg Roll Station prepares inexpensive, fresh Chinese-American standards to order while you watch. Go Cocks; go E’Rolls. ¢.

Everything you could want in a Chinese restaurant excluding a buffet. Try the Hunanstyle Crispy Scallops, the Fisherman’s Catch or any one of a bevy of combination and special dinners. Dine in, takeout and delivery available. ¢.

Egg Roll Station WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Jin’s Hibachi & Chinese NORTHEAST:

4435 Hard Scrabble Rd., 788-3339 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Serving hibachi lunch and dinners, Jin’s also features a full Chinese menu with everything you’d expect, including specialties and combinations. ¢-$.

Main Moon ROSEWOOD:

2800 Rosewood Dr. Ste. D, 251-8990 Sun-Mon 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

teapot-columbia.com

829 Knox Abbott Dr., 796-7136

Top China Buffet ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Corner of Broad River and St. Andrews Roads, 750-2299 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Offers all your favorite Chinese staples, from egg rolls, spring rolls and fried or steamed dumplings to Sesame Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken and Pepper Steak. And you can top it all off with those addictive little Chinese donuts. ¢.

Cheap, speedy, delicious Chinese takeout.

Popular with the college set, especially on game days, what with the stadium so close.

The mu shu pancakes are a good bet. ¢.

arkosmojo.com

109K Old Chapin Rd., 785-5660 A sort of Latin American bistro featuring ceviche, fancy salsas, paella, tacos and much more. Also has a swank bar menu that spans martinis, margaritas mojitos and caipirinhas. $.

Wed-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Quaint restaurant that serves traditional PuertoRican cuisine. Dishes include mofongo, Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and a pastry of the day.

Mama J’s NORTHEAST:

2205-H Decker Blvd., 782-0169 Tucked inside the Oriental International Market on Decker Boulevard — a great place to buy all manner of ethnic groceries — is this tasty Jamaican takeout place featuring goat roti and other classic island dishes. $.

Montego Bay Caribbean Restaurant

NORTHEAST: 7314 Parklane Rd, 708-8481

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-5 a.m.; Sat 12 p.m.-5 a.m; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Just look for the big sign that says “MoBay.” If you’re craving jerk chicken, this is the place for you — but there are plenty of other Jamaican favorites as well. $.

Calypso Caribbean Grill eatcalypso.com NORTHEAST:

4760 Hard Scrabble Rd., 865-4111

Skyaa’s Caribbean Restaurant, Bar and Grill

HARBISON/IRMO:

285 Columbiana Dr., 764-7402 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fresh, fast-casual Caribbean food, including roti (wraps), jerk chicken, salads and more. ¢.

Island Grill

DOWNTOWN: 1601 Harden St., 544-9898

Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Serves authentic Jamaican cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Choose from goat and oxtail combination plates or the standard jerk chicken. Also includes tofu stew or curry for vegetarian diners. ¢.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

901-B Holland Ave, 569-6551

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 1-10 p.m.

This sweet little eatery tucked away in Cayce offers authentic Caribbean dishes, from the beloved jerk chicken to more adventurous fare like oxtail, curried goat and red snapper. $.

Taste of Jamaica Cafe & Lounge FOREST ACRES:

3123 N Beltline Blvd, 256-9050

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-until

Oxtail, curry goat, fried plantains — in short, Jamaican favorites galore. $.

SERVING YOU SMILES FOR 36 YEARS! M Meatless Mondays TU Trivia Night | 8:30p

1/2 Price Wine W for Ladies TH Pint Night & Day NOW SERVING BRUNCH: SAT 10AM-2PM SUN 10-NOON

WE DELIVER T O U S C ’S C A M P U S See our FULL MENU at yesterdayssc.com

2030 DEVINE STREET | FIVE POINTS

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

799.0196 | yesterdayssc.com

| freetimes

17

DELI

Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Andy’s Deli

signature sandwiches, build your own or explore the paninis and salads. A fabulous and well-loved brunch spot, too. ¢-$.

Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

DL McLaughlin’s HARBISON/IRMO:

This sub shop sailed in from the Jersey Shore, where the chain started in 1956. It offers the usual cold sub choices plus hot options like the Meatball & Cheese, the Philly cheesesteak and the Bar-B-Que Beef Sub. ¢.

FIVE POINTS: 2005 Greene St., 799-2639

Serving a range of hot and cold deli sandwiches plus salads, this Five Points mainstay enjoys a well-deserved reputation for prompt service and consistent quality. No matter how long the lunch line appears, the food never fails to arrive promptly and satisfy completely. Andy’s Special, which features roast beef, turkey and bacon bits on a hoagie roll, and which comes with that tantalizingly tangy dip, ought to qualify as the official sandwich of the Midlands. Thank you my friend, indeed. ¢.

Beezer’s

DOWNTOWN: 919-B Sumter St., 771-7771

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sunday 12 noon-3 a.m.

Sandwiches like the T-Bird, the Godfather and the Rebel Rouser are mainstays for any self-respecting college student or budgetconscious diner. ¢.

Black Bean Company

10400 Broad River Rd., 732- 4109

Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri 10:30 a.m9:30 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

2910 Rosewood Dr., 988-0063 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Gourmet deli offers soups, sandwiches, salads and ice cream. Highlights include the The Big Rosewood, the Shandon Club, a Tomato Melt with Boursin and Swiss cheeses and a Pesto Turkey sandwich. ¢.

Billing itself as a “energy food restaurant,” this Charleston-based chain serves up healthy wraps and gyros, salads and other power fare, with plenty of gluten-free, veggie and vegan options. Don’t miss breakfast, either. $.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1124 Taylor St., 629-7471

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

No-frills downtown deli serves up fantastic healthy sandwiches and one heck of a kale salad. Vegetarian-friendly. ¢.

Capitol Cafe and Bakery

DOWNTOWN: 1201 Main St., 255-6292

Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Located on the mezzanine level of the Capitol Center, this cafe serves up lovely breakfasts and lunches featuring homemade baked goods. ¢.

Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop LEXINGTON:

108-D S. Church St., 808-6004

Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Touting sandwiches and food like grandma used to make, here you’ll find an assortment of reasonably priced sandwich baskets and salads, homemade soups and breakfast entrées. ¢.

Crossings Deli NORTHEAST:

8604 Farrow Rd., Ste. F, 736-4446

Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Railroad-themed deli serves up the classics — reubens, pimento cheese sandwiches, meatball subs, tuna melts and homemade soups — to legions of office-dwelling BlueCross and Carolina Research Park employees. Try adding grilled chicken to the deliciously feta-laden Greek Delight pita. $.

The Deli

lexdeli.com

LEXINGTON: 821-F East Main St., 957-3120

Mon 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Established in 1985, The Deli offers subs like the Hungry Man (pepper steak) and the Big Cheese alongside deli sandwiches like pastrami or corned beef on rye. ¢.

DiPrato’s Delicatessen

gardenbistrovista.com VISTA: 1303 Assembly St., 933-9085 Healthy downtown lunch option with an eclectic assortment of soup, salads, wraps and specialty sandwiches. ¢.

Groucho’s

grouchos.com BLYTHEWOOD:

730 University Village Dr., 754-4509 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

FIVE POINTS: 611 Harden St., 799-5708

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 4717 Forest Dr., 790-0801

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Open since 1941, Groucho’s uses only the highest quality ingredients and is the premiere lunchtime meeting place of students and business people of Columbia. The Apollo and the STP Dippers are locally famous for good reason. ¢.

Hampton Place Cafe

hamptonplacecafe.com DOWNTOWN: 1230 Hampton St., 254-5847 Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Local favorite lunch spot with upscale sandwiches and salads and fantastic outdoor seating. Try the spinach and mushroom or crab quiche, go for a hearty soup or brave the crabwich, a crab salad sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato and cheddar cheese. You won’t go wrong with anything off the menu, and the sandwiches all are among the biggest around, meaning you’ll never leave hungry. ¢.

Jason’s Deli

VISTA: 823 Gervais St., 540-1973

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Billing itself as a healthy lunch chain, Jason’s Deli offers the standard assortment of sandwiches, wraps and salads, but with plenty of gluten-free options and extensive nutritional information available. $.

Jersey Mike’s jerseymikes.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

dipratos.com

4717 Devine St., 787-0945

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

(Brunch Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.)

HARBISON/IRMO:

FIVE POINTS: 342 Pickens St., 779-0606

A stone’s throw from Maxcy Gregg park, DiPrato’s brings a New York attitude to its gourmet deli selections. Choose from its

18 freetimes |

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

7241 Broad River Rd., 749-3022

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

506 Beltline Blvd., 782-4662

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Fifth Avenue Deli SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

sammisdelionline.com FIVE POINTS: 2009 Greene St., 256-7763

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

5thavenuedeli.com

Sammi’s Deli

Sammi’s has been a family tradition since 1925 and has been a staple of USC undergradates for decades thanks to its original Philly cheesesteaks, gyros, salads and cold subs.

Vegetarian gyros and falafels available. Eat in, carry out or delivery. ¢.

Jimmy Johns

Garden Bistro

Cali’s Café

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

The sign by the highway at this stop-off to or from the lake boasts about the Philly cheesesteaks — and rightfully so. Brought to you by the former owners of the popular Sub Cabin, its Philly sandwiches are second to none. Remodeled to include an outdoor seating area. Also serves subs, wings, pizza and French fries cooked in peanut oil. ¢-$.

blackbeanco.com VISTA: 701 Gervais St., Suite 140, 399-9797 Mon-Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 136-3 Forum Dr., 865-8004

jimmyjohns.com FIVE POINTS: 2015 Devine St., 806-8282 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

5910 Garner’s Ferry, 695-3278 Vista: 715 Gervais St., 933-9595

Steve’s #1 Sub Contractor 1471 Platt Springs Rd., 791-9222

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

131 Harbison Blvd., 407-4702 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Chain serving subs, clubs and their meat-heavy signature sandwich, The J.J. Gargantuan. Subs on French bread, clubs available on whole wheat. Atypical vegetarian toppings include avocado, cucumber and sprouts. Delivery available for a modest charge. ¢.

Lunch Box

DOWNTOWN: 1305 Lady St., 799-3318

Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Hole-in-the-wall sandwich joint, beloved of many a downtown lawyer. Great place to grab an egg sandwich for breakfast. ¢.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

748 Main St. (S. Congaree), 755-7470

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Great local sub place — why go corporate when you can get local that’s even better?

Serving Columbians since 1980. ¢.

Sub Station II substationii.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

6420 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-0337 NORTHEAST: 7101 Parklane Rd., 788-2464 ST. ANDREWS: 736 St. Andrews Rd., 798-7505 WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

503 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-8693

McAlister’s Deli

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

FOREST ACRES:

Subs and salads prepared fresh before your eyes. ¢.

Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Swanson’s Deli

mcalistersdeli.com

4710-A Forest Dr., 790-5995 HARBISON/IRMO:

300 Columbiana Dr., 781-4550 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 5175 Sunset Blvd., 951-3332

Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

10254-D Two Notch Rd., 788-7600 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Specializing in gigantic spuds, signature gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and sweet tea. ¢.

No Name Deli

DOWNTOWN: 2042 Marion St., 252-0480

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

This popular downtown lunch spot is anything but anonymous. Grab a tray and line up for sandwiches (hot or cold), salads and homemade soup. Pay at the register when you get your food, though be sure to bring cash or a check ­— no cards. Separate counter for to-go order pickup helps long lines disappear quickly. ¢.

Pita Pit

pitapitusa.com FIVE POINTS: 2002 A Greene St., 799-4557

Mon-Wed 10:30 a.m.- 2:30 a.m.; Thu-Sat 10:30 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun noon-1 a.m.

Pita Pit serves low fat, cholesterol-free bread packed with vegetables and meat or vegetarian toppings. Offers delivery and stays open extremely late for those late night munchies. ¢.

Roly Poly Sandwiches rolypoly.com

DOWNTOWN: 1202 Sumter St., 252-1081

Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

With an inventive menu of hot and cold handrolled sandwiches (wraps), including but not limited to Basil Cashew Chicken, Key West Cuban Mix, Thai Hot Tuna, Delhi Chicken and Philly Melt and Pepper Steak, Roly Poly is challenging the notion that hoagies are humdrum. ¢.

swansonsdeli.com DOWNTOWN: 1332 Main St., 343-3253 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Deli catering to downtown lunch crowd.

Located inside the historic Arcade building, the art-filled space offers an array of specialty sandwiches, including Swanson’s signature Main St. Club, as well as specials like chili. ¢.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe HARBISON/IRMO:

150-B Harbison Blvd., 217-3112

Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

An array of freshly made smoothies, from the low-fat to the vitamin-packed to the decadent, as well as wraps, flatbreads and sandwiches.

Also serves breakfast. ¢.

Which Wich?

whichwich.com DOWNTOWN: 928 S. Main St., 343-3317 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

1230 1 Bower Pkwy., 407-4222 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

494-1 Town Center Pl., 227-2782 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

As the name implies, this place is all about the sandwich, with more than 50 from which to choose. Categories are simple: turkey, chicken, ham and pork, beef, vegetarian, Italian, “classics” and even seafood. Also serves breakfast sandwiches, “kidswiches” and cookies, shakes and malts. ¢.

Zoe’s Kitchen

FOREST ACRES: 4855 Forest Dr., 782-1212

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1320 Main St., 771-0122

Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Specializes in garden fresh, healthy sandwiches, salads, hot plates and soups.

Also offers catering and delivery service. zoeskitchen.com. ¢.

Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1720 Sunset Blvd., 796-1126

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Columbia’s Destination For Fine Modern Cuisine

RISTORANTE

Divino F I N E I TA L I A N D I N I N G

803 Gervais St. (803) 799-4550 w w w. R i s t o r a n t e D i v i n o . c o m Dinner: Mon-Sat 6pm-10pm | Reservations Suggested · Casual Attire

Kingsman Serving You Since ’72

Daily Specials � Meat & 3 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Catering Available

SALISBURY STEAK PORK CHOPS / FRIED CHICKEN LIVERS POT ROAST BBQ / RIBS / LASAGNA PORK CHOPS / FRIED CHICKEN LIVERS

Monday - Wednesday 11am - 9pm Thursday - Saturday 11am - 10pm

PARKLAND PLAZA � CAYCE 803.796.8622 free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

| freetimes

19

DESSERT

DOWNTOWN:

Baskin-Robbins

Mon-Wed 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Thu-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

baskinrobbins.com FOREST ACRES: 4711 Forest Dr., 782-0731 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

9920 Two Notch Rd., 788-7755

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

With more than 4,500 locations, BaskinRobbins is the world’s largest ice cream chain.

Though everyone knows about the 31 flavors, it actually rotates some 100 flavors each year and possess an arsenal of a whopping 1,000 flavors overall. Oh yeah, and the ice cream cakes are second to none. ¢.

Blue Flour HARBISON/IRMO:

7703 St. Andrews Rd., 407-3603

Tue-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Want a huge, delicious cookie? Of course you do. Blue Flour bakes up new versions each day.

Also on the menu: quiches, muffins, cupcakes, coffeecakes, crumbles, plus fresh cold milk and fresh brewed coffee. ¢.

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

brusters.com NORTHEAST: 202 Grace’s Way, 419-8889 Sun-Thu noon-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat noon-10 p.m.

A popular Pennsylvania-based chain that makes all its ice cream locally in-store. Popular flavors include Chocolate Raspberry Truffle and Peanut Cookie Dough ice cream. Offers waffle cones, sundaes, cakes and pies, shakes, smoothies and more. ¢.

Bubble Tea Cafe HARBISON/IRMO:

1260-A6 Bower Pkwy., 781-7508

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun noon-8 p.m.

1226 Pendleton St., 445-1050

The “bubbles” in bubble tea are big gummy beads of sweet tapioca — and the selfdescribed bubble tea experts at this Harbison cafe will fix you up with one of their many flavors of the stuff. ¢.

Cold Stone Creamery

coldstonecreamery.com LEXINGTON: 914-C N. Lake Dr., 951-2353 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-9:30 p.m.

“The Ultimate Ice Cream Experience.” When you boast that, you better have the product to back it up, and Cold Stone does. Premium ice cream, yogurt and Italian sorbet is made fresh every day on site with an extensive choice of mix-in combinations. ¢.

Cromer’s P-Nuts

covered and then some. ¢.

everything from cakes to cakepops; also offers brunch on weekends. ¢-$$.

Insomnia Cookies

Nonnah’s

insomniacookies.com

2013 Devine St., 877-632-6654

nonnahs.com VISTA: 923 Gervais St., 779-9599

Bakes fresh cookies and other goodies for the late-night partying crowd. What’s better after a night of drinking than a freshly made chocolate chip cookie? Try the Menage a Trois, a blend of three cookies all baked together.

Delivery is available for a $6 minimum (plus tip, of course). ¢.

Best known for its desserts, Nonnah’s is a good place to stop for coffee and drinks after dinner or a show. A frequent winner of Free Times’ Best of Columbia awards in the dessert category. ¢-$.

FIVE POINTS:

Mon-Sun noon-3 a.m.

Marble Slab Creamery

Paradise Ice

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Mon noon-8 p.m., Wed-Sat noon-8 p.m., Sun 1-5 p.m.

marbleslab.com VISTA: 1001 Gervais St., 765-9100 GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

6000 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-6243 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

cromers.com Downtown: 1700 Huger Street, 779-2290

1230 Bower Pkwy., 749-4233

With the slogan “Guaranteed Worst in Town,” Cromer’s has a long history — back to 1935 — and a good sense of humor. Serves up boiled peanuts, cotton candy, caramel corn and various candy, as well as concession and party supplies. And it has a coffee shop, too! ¢.

NORTHEAST:

Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cupcake

freshcupcakes.com VISTA: 1213 Lincoln St., 212-4949

Mon-Wed 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 12-5 p.m.

This Charleston import does one thing and one thing only: cupcakes. Of course, they also do them supremely well. From red velvet to mandarin orange chocolate to salted caramel chocolate chip to about anything sweet you can think of, Cupcake has your sweet tooth

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon-Thu 5-11 p.m.; Fri 5 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; Sat 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

Pastry shop, Mon-Fri, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1627 Main St., 251-3311

Fancy some Italian ice or handmade organic custard? Paradise Ice does it best, with an ever-rotating selection of handmade, creative frozen flavors. ¢.

Peanut Man

thepeanutman.com NORTHEAST:

471-C Town Center Place, 419-8300

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

Founded in Houston, more than 250 Marble Slab Creamery locations dot North America.

Ice cream is made on site daily, with flavors ranging from Vanilla Cinnamon to Dark Chocolate with Butterfinger. Servers mix ice cream with candy, nuts or other assorted toppings on a frozen marble slab. ¢.

My Dessert Bar

471-11 Town Center Pl., 419-0705 VISTA: 1215 Lincoln St., 799-9988

Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

If you love boiled peanuts, you’ll know that The Peanut Man’s groundnuts are the real deal. Add to that an array of sweet treats — candy apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn — and you’ll see why this Sandhill sweet shop was successful enough for its owners to open a new Vista location. ¢.

Scoopy Doo

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

134 State St., 728-1690

FIVE POINTS: 725 Saluda Ave., 765-6999

Bakery and dessert catering company with

Housemade gelato and sorbetto incorporating some excellent local ingredients, including coffee from Drip, which is right next door. Cool

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tios Mexican café 921 Sumter St

Order Online

WWW.TIOSSC.COM

Try Our New: • Jalapeno Mango Margarita • Blue Agave Skinny Margarita • Catalina Margarita… & few more

20 freetimes |

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

records for sale in the back. ¢.

Sweet Cake House sweetcakehouse.com.

ST. ANDREWS-DUTCH SQUARE:

7001 St. Andrews Rd., 749-9668

Mon 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue-Fri 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

If it’s dessert you seek, check out the cakes, pastries and other delectable goods, including birthday cake by the slice; you can order special occasion cakes here, too. But Sweet Cake House also serves sandwiches, deli salads and breakfast treats such as turnovers and strudels. ¢.

Sweet, A Cupcake Company NORTHEAST:

480-6 Town Center Pl., 728-0657

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

Cupcakes! Coffee! Seriously, why aren’t you already in the car on the way to this place? ¢.

flavors include maple bacon doughnut, thin mint cookies and pomegranate raspberry tart. ¢.

Julia’s German Restaurant

Pawleys Front Porch Truck

The Wurst Wagen

Salina Cafe

pawleysmobileeats.com MOBILE: 729-5397 Hire the truck for your next event — and when you see it parked somewhere, sidle up to the window for great burgers, fish tacos, grilled chicken and more. ¢.

Mon 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tue-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

The Wurst Wagen

GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN

ETHIOPIAN Harambe Ethiopian Restaurant iloveharambe.com DOWNTOWN: 2006 Senate St., 764-5510 Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-11 p.m.

Timatim kurt (flat bread mixed with various vegetables), kitfo and doro wot round out this menu of traditional Ethiopian dishes. Check Free Times photographer, Jonathan Sharpe’s, writeup on his experience at the restaurant.

DOWNTOWN: 1621 Main St., 255-0001

VISTA: 1205 Lincoln St., 260-1917 LEXINGTON:

FOOD TRUCK

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

5454-A Sunset Blvd., 358-0355

Mon 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Tue-Sun noon-10 p.m.

Flavors galore — from your basic chocolate to fun stuff like taro and pumpkin pie — rotate through this fro-yo emporium. ¢.

Yoghut

DOWNTOWN: 601 Main St., 386-9786

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-11 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 5424 Forest Dr. #120, ,

250-2580

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

GERMAN

artisanbbqtruck.com MOBILE: 728-7512 Smoked meats on homemade focaccia; cilantro-lime coleslaw; grilled pimento cheese sandwiches on jalapeño cornbread — this is barbecue done fancy and right. For locations and hours, follow the truck on Twitter (@ artisanbbqtruck).

American food at lunch; Ethiopian and Eritrean food at dinner with no frills — just plates of delicious injera bread with various stewed things on top. Beer and wine available. ¢.

Tutti Frutti

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels

2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings

2fat2flywings.com MOBILE: 622-6063 Creamy macaroni and cheese stuffed inside a chicken wing?! It’s true. Or jambalaya?

Or an inside-out chicken parmigiana? All these delicacies and more can be yours: For locations and hours, follow the truck on Twitter at @2fat2flywings, check the calendar at 2fat2flywings.com or call the truck. ¢.

HARBISON: 278 Harbison Blvd., 993-9434

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Frozen yogurt with fresh toppings; coffee drinks, smoothies and parfaits. Rotating original

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

thewurstwagen.com MOBILE: 463-6637 This mobile food truck boasts a Germantrained master butcher and a whole lot of delicious German sausages, not to mention occasional doner kebab. There are specials every now and then, so visit them often to get the best prices. Check out their Twitter page for location information: twitter.com/ BestWurstWagen.

NORTHEAST:

4341 Fort Jackson Blvd., 738-0630

Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.; Sat 5-9 p.m.

Old-fashioned, homestyle German comfort cooking. From bratwurst to schnitzel, Julia’s has you covered. Bring a healthy appetite and love for all things Deutsch. ¢.

thewurstwagen.com MOBILE: 463-6637 See write-up under Food Truck on this page.

Follow on Twitter: @BestWurstWagen.

Ariana’s Greek Restaurant arianasofwestcolumbia.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1720 Sunset Blvd., 796-4430

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.

FRENCH

A Greek restaurant with an international flair.

Along with the gyros, souvlaki, pastichio and moussaka on the menu, you’ll also find Indian samosas and a lamb pilaf that’s considered the national dish of Afghanistan. $.

Crepes and Croissants

Devine Foods

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

2702 Devine St., 252-0356

A real French creperie in the heart of downtown Columbia? Oui, c’est vrai. Choose from a variety of creative savory and sweet crepes, in addition to savory tarts, croissants, salads and a few French desserts. The Nutellafilled crepe is rather amazing, and the Paris crepe is a classic. ¢.

Casual authentic Greek restaurant that’s been around since 1987. Offers takeout and delivery, Devine Foods is as good a genuine Greek-Mediterranean restaurant as you’ll find anywhere, and the prices are reasonable. Great spanakopita. ¢-$.

DOWNTOWN: 1465 Sumter St., 462-4779

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

| freetimes

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Grecian Gardens

greciangardenssc.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

2312 Sunset Blvd., 794-7552 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

of the city’s best Greek salads and pizzas (try the ‘Zorba’s Special’ version of each and you’ll be hooked for life). Generous portions, family friendly atmosphere. Live Greek music on Thursdays. ¢.

Greek restaurant boasting particularly fresh, well-made bread. Signature dish is the pasticchio, which the chef accentuates with such extra seasonings as cinnamon and bay leaf. Good place for large groups. ¢-$.

INDIAN

Greek Boys

245 Bush River Rd., 772-5121

greekboyssc.com DOWNTOWN: 1469 Sumter St., 771-7618 Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

People crowd in for the burgers and the gyros, mostly — and crowd in they do, every weekday around noon. Try the beef souvlaki platter or blackened pork chops, which arrive super fast and are easy on the wallet. ¢.

Main Street Café

mainstreetcafelexington.com LEXINGTON/LAKE MURRAY:

131 E. Main St., 808-5886

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10:30 p.m. (bar open later all week)

Tucked into a storefront space in the middle of Main Street in downtown Lexington, this little Greek restaurant also offers live music several nights a week. ¢-$.

Mediterranean Café

LEXINGTON: 327 W. Main St., 356-6294

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Mon-Thu 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

Opened by the brother of the Mediterranean Tea Room in Shandon, the Mediterranean Café brings the same authentic and reasonably priced cuisine to Lexington. Menu includes Greek salads, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghannouj, falafel and the usual gyros, pita wraps and kabobs. ¢-$.

Mediterranean Tea Room SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2601 Devine St., 799-3118

Mon-Tue 11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m.; Wed-Fri-11:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; Wed-Sat 5:30-9:20 p.m.

Wide selection of traditional Middle Eastern food such as hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel and tabbouleh. Specialty dish is kofta kebob, a combination of lamb and beef mixed with parsley, celery and spices. Entrees include chicken, lamb, beef and vegetarian dishes, plus nightly specials. ¢-$.

Olive Grill Mediterranean

olivegrillmed.com DOWNTOWN: 1211 Taylor St., 799-9090 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Tidy little lunch spot featuring Mediterranean and Iranian dishes — your basic lunch-worthy pitas and salads, but also traditional Iranian stews like gormeh sabzi and the excellent lamb and limas. Also: good falafel downtown, at long last. ¢-$.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café tazikiscafe.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

702 Cross Hill Rd., 386-0302 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mediterranean standards like grilled chicken breasts, lamb gyro and feta-adorned salads you might expect, but also roasted pork loin, spicy pimento cheese and more. ¢-$.

Zorba’s Family Greek Restaurant greekband.com/zorbas.htm HARBISON/IRMO:

6169 St. Andrews Rd., 772-4617 Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

7320 Broad River Rd., 749-7000 Sun-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Longtime Columbia institution serving some

22 freetimes |

Bombay Grill

bombaygrillsc.com ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Mon and Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders

pastafresca.net

LEXINGTON:

Sun-Thu 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30-10:30 p.m.

1085 Lake Murray Blvd., 407-4884 5339 Sunset Blvd., Hwy. 378, 957-6767 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.Generous portions of hearty Italian pizza and grinders. Affordable prices, friendly staff and consistent quality keep this popular restaurant full. ¢.

Carrabba’s

HARBISON/IRMO:

370 Columbiana Dr., 407-1811

Delhi Palace

columbos.net

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

542 St. Andrews Rd., 750-7760

Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m.

This much-loved Indian restaurant offers a buffet as well as traditional menu items including rich curries, biryani and a range of Indian breads. Savvy enough to please afficionados and newcomers alike. ¢-$.

Shalimar Curry House

curryhousesc.com DOWNTOWN: 631 Main St., 960-3755 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Self-described Indian fusion eatery is run by USC graduate Omar Ghazi and his brother Hassan Ghazi, a current USC student. Start by choosing the type of meal you want, whether roll, bowl or plate, and then move on to the type of meat, sauce and vegetables you’d like to add. $.

Spice Junction WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

2335 Augusta Rd., 708-9158

Mon-Sat- 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m.

Delicious and well-stocked Indian buffet has everything from tandoori to raita to naan, plus occasional Hyderabadi specials you won’t find at other Midlands Indian restaurants, like the goat haleem, a sort of goat-and-lentil porridge.

If you like seriously spicy food, ask for some house-made hot sauce. $.

ITALIAN Alodia’s Cucina Italiana alodias.net

HARBISON/IRMO:

2736 North Lake Dr., 781-9814

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

Classy Italian dining, from the favorites (fettucine alfredo, manicotti, veal piccata) to the fancy (seafood risotto, pork ribeye). $.

Al’s Upstairs

alsupstairsitalian.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

304 Meeting St., 794-7404 Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-until

Italian fine dining since 1979. Executive chef employs an Old World style influenced by his grandmother’s cooking. Lobster bisque is served with a popular puff pastry dome that locks in flavors and aromas. Offers fresh fish, veal, pasta and steaks with impeccable service and a beautiful view of Columbia’s skyline. $$.

FOREST ACRES: 4722 Forest Dr., 787-1838

Family-owned restaurant that features pasta dishes with fresh, made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Innovative nightly seafood specials, a good selection of vegetarian dishes and welcoming atmosphere make this a local favorite. Now in a slick new location near the old one. ¢-$.

Ristorante Divino

carrabbas.com

Featuring a range of South and North Indian dishes, as well as a handful of Indian Chinese entrees, this Boozer Shopping Center onestop satisfies vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Diners can choose between classic standards like Chicken Tikka, Lamb Vindaloo and Channa Masala, or sample less common fare such as the fenugreek-seasoned Methi Chicken or Baingan Bartha, which pairs baked eggplant with tomato, onion and spices. The South Indian dosai (stuffed savory crepes) are not to be missed. No booze; serves Halal meats. $.

delhipalace.ms11.net

Pasta Fresca

HARBISON/IRMO:

Mon-Thu 4-9:30 p.m.; Fri 4-10:30 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 200 Grace’s Way, 865-5688

Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Offers quality Italian dishes including chicken, veal, pasta, seafood and pizza that’s woodfired in a brick oven. Plenty of salads, desserts and more to tempt the appetite. $.

Columbo’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

2100 Bush River Rd. (inside the Radisson Hotel), 744-2200 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-midnight

Italian cuisine with a Tuscan flair and boasting “The Best Steak in Town.” Premium steaks are barrel-cut in house, and restaurant also offers a do-it-yourself pasta bar as well as breakfast. $-$$.

Delucca’s

ristorantedivino.com VISTA: 803 Gervais St., 799-4550 Mon-Sat 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Some of the best fine dining in Columbia or anywhere else. Features classic northern Italian dishes, including the signature rack of lamb and the excellent gnocchi, but also more inventive fare, especially when it comes to seafood. Wine list consistently wins awards. $$.

Rosso Trattoria Italia rossocolumbia.com

FOREST ACRES/DENTSVILLE:

4840 Forest Dr., 787-3949

Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.

(Bar opens at 4:30 p.m. every day)

Part sexy, part Old World rustic, this Forest Acres restaurant is a Columbia gem. Out-ofthis-world seafood highlights the excellent Italian-Mediterranean menu, but don’t miss out on the wood-fired traditional pizzas.

Entrées include Rosso Bucco (tee hee), woodgrilled meats and seafood, rich pastas and sea scallops with lemon-saffron risotto. A winner all the way around. $-$$.

Stephano’s

deluccas.com 2275 Sunset Blvd., 926-5255

stephanosrestaurant.com LEXINGTON: 420 Columbia Ave., 359-5436

Italian eatery featuring traditional favorites such as chicken and veal parmesan and primavera in addition to veal piccata and stuffed eggplant.

Also includes pasta, ravioli, pizza, calzone and strombolis. $.

Reliable Italian-American fare: chicken parmesan, spaghetti, raviolis, manicottis and pizzas, to name a few. Lunch menu includes personal midget pizzas and a variety of hot and cold subs. Salads and homemade pimento cheese also are available. ¢-$.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-9 p.m.; Sat 4-9 p.m.

Garibaldi Café

garibaldicolumbia.com FIVE POINTS: 2013 Greene St., 771-8888

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

The Villa

thevillaonbushriver.com ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Sun-Thu 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

1704 Bush River Rd., 798-6360

Fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Large Italian menu specializes in fresh seafood and typically boasts eight to nine specials a night.

Mediterranean influence means plenty of herbs and olive oils. Terrific fried flounder. $$.

This charming, low-priced Italian favorite boasts a low-key atmosphere and terrific pizzas. ¢-$.

Kovachi’s

kovachis.com LEXINGTON: 905 N. Lake Dr., 356-1366

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat 4:30-10:30 p.m.

Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery tonyspizzadowntown.com DOWNTOWN:

1120 Washington St., 779-3000 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Family-friendly restaurant features signature Greek-and Italian- themed subs, sandwiches and salads alongside an array of specialty pizza offerings, calzones, strombolis and desserts.

Try the chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta or, if you dare, try Mike’s Giant Cake. ¢.

Below-ground downtown favorite offers pastas, subs, salads, lasagna, spaghetti and chicken.

Moe’s Grapevine Italian Restaurant

101-A Sparkleberry Crossing, 419-9313

Travinia Italian Kitchen traviniaitaliankitchen.com NORTHEAST:

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

moesgrapevine.com.

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

4478 Rosewood Dr., 776-8463

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

City Councilman Moe Baddourah is a chef, too, and his restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cooking as well as daily specials and special pizza selections alongside an impressive array of soups, salads and desserts. $.

LEXINGTON: 5074 Sunset Dr., 957-2422

A fine dining Italian eatery with a bit of Southern spice to give the menu a unique flair. Crab cakes are big and fluffy, entrees are excellent across the board and soups are particularly good. $-$$.

Valentina’s Greek and Italian Cuisine

valentinaspizzablythwood.com BLYTHEWOOD:

135 Blythewood Rd., 754-0444

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Located next to the IGA in Blythewood, this family joint offers the usual subs, stromboli

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

and pizza, but also serves up a wide variety of Italian and Greek fare, as well as prime rib and good burgers. Beer and wine are available. ¢-$.

Inakaya Japanese Restaurant NORTHEAST: 224 O’Neil Ct., 699-2626

Villa Tronco

Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Fri 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m. Sun 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

Elegant seating where outstanding sushi, sashimi and other Japanese cuisine take center stage. Popular with families and large groups for their spectacular Inakaya Boat Specials.

Good variety and value. $.

villatronco.com DOWNTOWN: 1213 Blanding St., 256-7677 A Columbia institution for more than 60 years, Villa Tronco serves consistently generous portions of traditional Italian fare such as veal parmagiana, chicken piccata and linguine with clams. Make sure to leave room for Carmella’s Famous Cheesecake. $.

JAPANESE/SUSHI Camon Japanese Restaurant

camonsushi.wordpress.com DOWNTOWN: 1332 Assembly St., 254-5400 Tue-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

The only sushi spot in Columbia’s downtown business district defiantly refuses to serve lunch and earns its keep by offering an exotic alternative to the more mainstream restaurant options available in the nearby Vista. Quiet and discreet — not what you’ll encounter along the Gervais Street corridor, a couple of blocks away. Beloved by devoted regulars for the outstanding food, service and atmosphere. $.

Fujiya Japanese Restaurant

SHANDON: 4430 Rosewood Dr., 776-1600

Inakaya Watanabe ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

655-C St. Andrews Rd., 731-2538

Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Fri 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-11 p.m.

Excellent sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes. $.

Menkoi Ramen House

VISTA: 1004 Gervais St., 708-1569

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

Surprised to find legitimate Japanese ramen in the heart of the Vista? You shouldn’t be: The proprietor of beloved sushi joint Inakaya is now slinging noodles. We’re told the beef and vegetable curry — a mild, brown-gravy concoction served over rice — is highly authentic, as well. ¢.

miyabimyrtlebeach.com HARBISON/IRMO:

Located just down from Midlands Technical College, Fujiya offers a sushi, hibachi and traditional Japanese menu. Hibachi lunch specials are popular, though at Fujiya you don’t have to share a common table with strangers, which is nice. Friendly, attentive service. $.

Two restaurants in one — sit under the blue, vaulted ceiling in the top-notch sushi bar or make friends around a communal teppanyaki table on the steakhouse side. Either way, you won’t feel like you’re eating sushi at the mall.

Sushi can be ordered from the steakhouse side but not vice versa. ¢-$$.

ganbeirestaurants.com LEXINGTON:

5580-F Sunset Blvd., 808-1618

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-11 p.m.

Swanky Japanese restaurant and bar features plenty of classics — hibachi items, potstickers, stir frys, fried rice, sushi, donburi, plus some curve balls like baked mussels and spring rolls. $.

Grilled Teriyaki

grilledteriyaki.com FIVE POINTS: 748 Harden St., 933-9950 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

Grilled Teriyaki offers high quality teppanyaki dining while omitting the shenanigans. The owners have done a good job converting the small space into a cozy 12-table restaurant that also serves sushi and hibachi food. Open very late on weekends for hungry Five Points patrons. ¢.

Hibachi Grill

hibachigrillcolumbia.com WEST COLUMBIA:

2343 Augusta Rd, 791-5333

Mon and Wed-Thurs 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 12 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

Affordable Japanese restaurant offers standard entrees — chicken, steak and seafood combos served teriyaki or hibachi-style with fried rice and vegetables — plus limited sushi, ramen, chicken wings and appetizers.

Hibachi House

442 Columbiana Dr., 407-1264

Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m.; Sat 4-10 p.m.; Sun 3-9 p.m.

DUROC HOG

GARLIC

803.791.3443 | terrasc.com 100 State Street | West Columbia, South Carolina

SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar sakifresh.com VISTA: 807 Gervais St., 931-0700

Mon-Wed 5-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 5 p.m.-until

Upscale Vista hotspot includes a popular bar area and a separate sushi bar. Extensive sake list complements beer and wine offerings, and SakiTumi also has weekly sushi and drink specials that are easy on the wallet. Plenty of non-sushi items on menu, including grilled items and tasty appetizers such as the lotus root chips. Also check out their regular sushimaking classes. $.

Sakura Japanese Restaurant

FOREST ACRES: 4827 Forest Dr., 738-9330

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Open since 1984, Sakura’s quality food and cozy atmosphere have given it a loyal following despite its elusive location for its sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura. $.

Saky GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

4963 Jackson Blvd., 787-5307

LARGEST GROWLER STATION IN COLUMBIA!

Mon-Thu 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Since 1974, the restaurant at this location went by the name of Saki. A change in management led to a name change, but Saky under any name serves fantastic sushi as well as soups, Asian noodles and more. $.

Sato Japanese satosteak.com

FOREST ACRES:

GROWLER HAPPY HOUR

TUESDAY 5-7PM $2 OFF 64 OZ GROWLER.

1999 Beltline Blvd., 782-1064

DOWNTOWN: 937 Main St., 782-0616

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10:30 p.m.; Sat 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Greenville-based eatery serves Japanese favorites like teriyaki, sushi, yakisoba, gyoza and more — including bento boxes! ¢.

Following the popular Hibachi grill model, entrees are prepared at your table. The Shogun Dinner features filet mignon, jumbo shrimp and teriyaki chicken; the Sato dinner includes filet mignon, lobster and a choice of scallops or

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

CAYENNE PEPPERS

Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.; Sun 5-9 p.m.

Ganbei

LEEKS

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OYSTERS

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

3155 FOREST DR. • 787-5651 • 738-BEER (2337) FOLLOW US AT MORGANELLI’S PARTY STORE | freetimes

23

shrimp. Early bird specials and a sushi bar also available. $-$$.

Hero Korean Steak House and Sushi

Sumo

NORTHEAST:

LEXINGTON:

205-B Columbia Ave., 356-5597 NORTHEAST: 151 Clemson Rd., 788-2300 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m., Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m; Sat 5-10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

All the classic Japanese steakhouse trappings: big grills, chefs with big knives and a sense of showmanship, and a range of lunch and dinner stir-fry combinations that include steak, seafood and more. Kids’ menu, too. $$.

Sushi & Hibachi To Go sushiandhibachitogo.com DOWNTOWN:

1100-B Elmwood Ave., 400-0988 Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.

Sushi, it turns out, doesn’t have to be upscale.

Yes, this place shares a building with a fast food sandwich joint, but it makes tasty sushi and a few Thai favorites at rock-bottom prices. ¢-$.

Sushi Yoshi

FIVE POINTS: 2019 Devine St., 931-0555

Mon-Wed 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Offering Japanese specialty dishes, lunch specials, vegetarian dishes, teriyaki combos and, of course, sushi. ¢.

Tokyo Grill

tokyogrillcolumbia.com HARBISON/IRMO:

378-2 Columbiana Dr., 749-9818

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 3151 Forest Dr., 738-7008 LEXINGTON: 109 Old Chapin Rd., 356-2448 NORTHEAST:

111 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 788-7288

6634 Two Notch Rd., 699-9922

Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sun 5-9 p.m.

Yes, those are live, glowing coals in the middle of your table. Specializing in authentic Korean dishes such as gal bi (short ribs in a house sauce) and hwe dup bob (mixed raw fish and spicy sauce atop rice), Hero also serves traditional Japanese fare such as teriyaki entrees, sushi and tempura. ¢-$$.

Korea Garden

NORTHEAST: 2318 Decker Blvd., 760-3888

Mon and Wed-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Traditional Korean foods, from spicy stews to bi bim bap, from the owners of the former DJ House. Beer and wine available. $.

O Bok Korean Restaurant

NORTHEAST: 1616 Decker Blvd., 787-1100

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 12:30-9 p.m.

El Mariachi

Cecilia’s HARBISON/IRMO:

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

6169 St. Andrews Rd., 772-7154

Discreetly located in Seven Oaks Shopping Center, Cecilia’s dishes up traditional Mexican favorites including burritos, enchiladas, tacos, etc. What sets the place apart is the atmosphere, which belies the strip mall setting with intimate seating and flowers galore. An old-school family favorite. $.

Chapala Mexican Restaurant

IRMO: 7001 St. Andrews Rd., 749-7071 LEXINGTON: 1792 S. Lake Dr., 957-0840

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mexican-American and border region specialties, from fajitas to chilaquiles to fish tacos, plus the combination platters you’d expect. Lots of tortas (sandwiches) if you’ve got a big lunch appetite. $.

Chipotle Mexican Grill chipotle.com

FOREST ACRES: 4840 Forest Dr., 738-8272

Trendy, chic sushi bar and restaurant with elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating areas to complement extensive sake, wine and beer selection. $.

KOREAN Arirang

NORTHEAST: 1943 Decker Blvd., 790-5506

Tue-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

You’ll feel right at home in this Korean restaurant, where the staff will take charge as if they were your own mom. Serves up such delights as pork belly grilled right at your table, plus Korean classics and banchan — and cold beer, of course.

Blue Cactus Cafe

FIVE POINTS: 2002 Greene St., 929-0782

Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.

This unassuming little eatery boasts a serious culinary reputation, specializing in home style Korean food mixed with Mexican and other influences to create a sizzling menu that is especially vegetarian-friendly. Quality takes time, however, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry. bluecactuscafe.com. ¢. .

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Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

FOREST ACRES:

2130 N Beltline Blvd., 743-9663 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

945 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-6638

Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 914 N Lake Dr., 996-9200

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

470-1 Town Center Pl., 788-6639

Eric’s San Jose ericssanjose.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

This charming restaurant and grocery offers authentic homestyle Korean fare in a casual setting. $.

MEXICAN 7 Mares

LEXINGTON: 4360 Augusta Rd., 520-0067

6118 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-6650 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

One of many Combo-Mexicano eateries in town, San Jose offers an extensive menu of specialties and combination platters along with Mexican beers and margaritas. Everybody’s got their favorite Mexican place, and for many folks, this is it. ¢.

Tsunami

Mon-Sat 4-11:45 p.m. Sun 4-10:45 p.m.

625 South Main St., 256-9663

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 1717 Decker Blvd., 790-0090

Chipotle’s monster burritos, fresh tacos and delectable, chipotle-honey vinaigrette salads are hard to pass up.

1921 Airport Blvd., 739-6520

VISTA: 700-C Gervais St., 312-9911

DOWNTOWN:

Seoul Restaurant and Grocery

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

That’s mar-es, as in Spanish for oceans, not English for girl horses. Serves up the oceans’ bounty, featuring Mexican favorites like red snapper Veracruz-style, lobster soup, ceviche, spicy shrimp, octopus salad and more. Also serves Mexican-American classics like fajitas and carnitas. $.

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

moes.com

With customizable menu options, eccentric style and unbeatable food, Moe’s adds some zest to the Tex-Mex cuisine. Cool menu names, fun atmosphere, kid-friendly. ¢.

VISTA: 610 Gervais St., 223-7801

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

IRMO/HARBISON/DUTCH FORK: 1290 Bower Pkwy., 407-3873

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

La Estrella

tsunamicompany.com

Small authentic taqueria attached to a larger grocery store features, naturally, tacos, along with homemade salsas, smoked meats and more. El Salvadoran favorites like pupusas make an appearance, too. ¢.

O Bok is popular with Korean folks for good reason — the authenticity of the food. Dishes include the traditional barbecued beef and stir-fries as well as more exotic offerings. Meals are served with a big assortment of banchan, or Korean-style small dishes. ¢.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

1316 Bush River Rd., 772-0988 Hibachi grill serving up quick entrees in varieties of shrimp, steak and chicken combinations. Also serves sushi, wraps, salads and soups. ¢-$.

1078 Sunset Blvd, 794-3493

El Burrito

FIVE POINTS: 934 Harden St., 765-2188

Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

El Burrito serves healthy, super-fresh, authentic taqueria-style food. Beans and rice, chicken, beef, soup, salads and more. Attention to healthy food and local produce. Veganand vegetarian-friendly. Live bluegrass on Thursdays (seasonal). One of the best salads in town. ¢.

Cantina 76

cantina76.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2901 Devine St., 708-6004

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Wed-Fri 4:30 p.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1301 Main St., 764-1769

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Draws everyone from singles at the bar to couples and families, all of whom come for the Tex-Mex cuisine — and some of whom also go for the excellent margaritas, made in all shapes, flavors and sizes with top-shelf tequilas. $.

Casa Linda

casalindamexicanrestaurant.com FOREST ACRES:

2009 Beltline Blvd., 738-0420 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Full menu of Mexican combinations and specials ranging from salads and fajitas to burritos and chimichangas served in a family friendly environment. Offers a lunch menu and specials for the kids. ¢.

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

2217 Augusta Rd., 477-5818 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

eatmonterreys.com CAYCE: 920 Axtell Dr., 794-3974 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO: 114 Afton Ct., 749-5928

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 5570 Sunset Blvd., 356-8314

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

VISTA: 931 Senate St., 765-1465

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Assorted tacos with all the classic fixins: cilantro, lime, corn tortillas and more. Tortas, too. Other items include short ribs served with queso fresco, beans and rice. Also includes a butcher and a deli counter. ¢-$.

Classic Mexican-American restaurant serves lunch specials, combination platters and more, with vegetarian options available. ¢.

Pancho’s

FOREST ACRES: 5400 Forest Dr., 738-9511

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

La Fiesta

Come for the $1.99 margaritas, stay for the classic Mexican cuisine. $.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

El Poblano

1220 Charleston Hwy., 796-7004

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

A full menu of Mexican dishes. Daily specials, happy hour Mon-Thu from 4 to 7 p.m. Senior citizen discounts. ¢.

Hola Mexico

CHAPIN: 2371 Dutch Fork Rd., 407-5784

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Affordable Mexican-American favorites – plus some great big margaritas – make El Poblano a social hub for the town of Chapin. $.

Qdoba Mexican Grill qdoba.com

FIVE POINTS: 2006 Devine St., 799-1950

holamexico.mx NORTHEAST:

9009 Two Notch Rd., 834-3014

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

Classic Mexican-American restaurant combination plates and favorites, from flautas to chilaquiles to enchiladas and more. $.

JP’s 4 Corners Signature Southwest

jp4corners.com NORTHEAST: 150 Forum Dr., 865-1001

Mon 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

A new restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Arizona in the Village at Sandhill.

“4 Corners” refers to the spot where Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah meet in the Southwest. The menu includes a wide variety of dishes with a hickory-grilled flavor. $.

Mon-Wed 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10:30 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Fast, casual and fresh Mexican dining in a friendly environment. Serving tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salads, burritos, etc. Also make their own salsas, chips and guacamole. Not just big burritos but big flavors as well. ¢.

Real Mexico ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

2421 Bush River Rd., 750-8990

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Plenty of authentic Mexican and Southwestern restaurant foods, from tortas to carne asada to fajitas to chimichangas to fish tacos. Full bar with margarita specials.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina salsaritas.com VISTA: 916 Gervais St., 832-7586

Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

LEXINGTON:

5135-H Sunset Blvd., 957 7482

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Quesadillas, tacos, burritos, taco salads and other Mexican-American favorites freshened up for a broader audience. ¢-$.

San Jose Mexican Restaurant HARBISON/IRMO:

excellent Lebanese wines. Now open for lunch only. ¢-$.

Pitas

pitascolumbia.com DOWNTOWN: 1800 Taylor St., 343-3454 Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

From the owner of the Mediterranean Tea Room comes this lunch locale featuring Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare that also includes a Middle Eastern grocery store inside.

Sure, pitas are on the menu, but so are some delicious salads, wraps and more. ¢.

1000 Marina Rd., 749-9484

PIZZA

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Dano’s Pizza

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat noon-10:30 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

Tue-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

498 Piney Grove Rd., 750-3611

Offers a vast array of combination and specialty platters. Happy Hour and lunch specials also available. ¢.

Takosushi

tako-sushi.com VISTA: 1115 Assembly St., 771-7131

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-11 p.m.; Sun noon-9:30 p.m.

Tacos! Sushi! Takosushi! A sushi joint and casual Mexican restaurant rolled into one, Takosushi offers burritos, enchiladas, tacos (“takos,” actually), sashimi, bento boxes and more.

Taqueria Jalisco ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

612 St. Andrews Rd., 731-5546 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Think of Taqueria Jalisco as a slightly more gourmet Monterrey’s — one without the mad rush and where the food itself is well worth the extra time taken in preparation. ¢-$.

Tio’s Mexican Cafe tiossc.com.

DOWNTOWN: 921-A Sumter St., 252-7229

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun noon-11 p.m.

Tio’s is a family owned Tex-Mex café distinguished by its extensive and eclectic salsa offerings. Shelves along the walls display the variety of hot sauces available, with names such as King of Fire and Spontaneous Combustion. Full bar, drink specials. ¢.

MIDDLE EASTERN Al-Amir

DOWNTOWN: 629 Main St., 771-0515

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1734 Main St., 401-5882

Mon-Sat 7-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Authentic and well-prepared Middle Eastern cuisine including hummus, falafel, lamb kabob, mujadara and shawarma. Salads, subs and daily dessert specials round out the menu.

The Epicurean by Al-Amir (1734 Main St.) is in a spacious renovated building across from City Hall. ¢-$.

Arabesque SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2930 Devine St., 779-6299

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

All your Middle Eastern favorites, from shawarma to tabouli to falafel, not to mention pizzas and — for lunch, at least — wraps and burgers. Also serves alcohol. $.

Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

1058 St. Andrews Rd., 798-9664 Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Elie’s features fine Middle Eastern dining in a friendly atmosphere. Food on offer ranges from falafel and baba ghanoush to kibbeh balls, kabobs and shawarma. Also offers some

danosdelivers.com 3008 Rosewood Dr., 254-3266

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10:30 p.m.

New York-style and gourmet pizzas sold by the pie or slice include the Spicy Buffalo Chicken, the Barbecue Chicken, the Meat Lovers and the Deluxe. Dinner menu also offers veal parmesan, manicotti and stuffed shells. Not a bad place to drink a beer and watch the game, either. ¢.-$.

Fast Eddie’s Calzones

FIVE POINTS: 817 Harden St., 764-3669

Sun-Mon 11 a.m.-4 a.m.

Has over 60 variations to choose from including Diablo, dragon and cheesecake calzones. Delivery open until 4 a.m. which means you’ll have something to soak up the alcohol any day of the week. ¢.

Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar

2009

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2406 Devine St., 521-5063

Tue- Fri 11:30 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sat 5:30-11 p.m.

Authentic pizzas and pastas, plus nice touches like an Italian cheese plate and lovely arugula salads. Good selection of affordable Italian wines. $.

LaBrasca’s Pizza GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

4365 Fort Jackson Blvd., 782-1098

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.11 p.m.; Sun 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m.

With roots in a chain of Charleston pizzerias, LaBrasca’s has been serving great pies in Columbia since 1966. While its owners have changed over the years, this humble pizzeria continues in its tradition of offering extraordinary pizzas at prices that haven’t seemed to change much since the 60’s. ¢.

Libby’s of Lexington

libbysoflexington.com LEXINGTON: 116 West Main St., 520-4689 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Family-owned Lexington eatery features gourmet pizzas and calzones, plus an array of sandwiches, wraps and apps, all using local meat and seafood whenever possible. ¢.

Mellow Mushroom

mellowmushroomcolumbia.com LEXINGTON: 5364 Sunset Blvd., 359-0778 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-10 p.m.

VISTA: 1009 Gervais St., 933-9201

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun noon-9 p.m.

A popular lunch and dinner spot, Mellow Mushroom serves gourmet hand-tossed pies, along with huge calzones, hoagies and salads, all with fresh ingredients. Pizza toppings range from jerk chicken and pineapple to plain-old pepperoni. Large beer selection, with more taps upstairs at the Vista location. $.

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

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| freetimes

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Nick’s House of Pizza WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

1082A Sunset Blvd., 794-9240

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

In the classic Greek-food-and-pizza mold, Nick’s serves up baked pasta dishes, Greek sandwiches and subs, and assorted strombolis and pizzas. Try the Greek pizza with feta, tomatoes, onions and gyro meat. $.

Nicky’s Pizzeria

nickyspizzaria.com FIVE POINTS: 2123 Greene St., 748-9661 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.

Choose between a traditional New York-style thin crust pizza and a Sicilian-style thick crust — or just pick one of the tasty calzones, subs or salads on offer. Bottled and draft beer, too.

Noah’s Antica Pizzeria noahspizzeria.com

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

7719 St. Andrews Road, 445-1376 Sun-Fri 4-9 p.m.; Sat 12-9 p.m.

Fresh, authentic Neapolitan pizza — seriously.

Takeout only. $.

Pizza Joint

thepizzajoint.net FOREST ACRES: 3246 Forest Dr., 454-1743 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.midnight; Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

This popular Forest Acres spot has pizza, obviously, but it also serves up calzones, strombolis and sandwiches, along with a wide selection of beer with which to wash down that yummy Italian goodness.

Pizza Man Pizzeria

SHANDON: 341 S. Woodrow St., 252-6931

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-midnight; Sat 7 a.m.-midnight; Sun 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Pizza Man is a comfortable, low-key restaurant offering good pizza at a steal. Serves a wide variety of toppings, as well as appetizers, subs, hamburgers, salads and chicken wings. ¢.

Pizza Palace GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

1314 Leesburg Rd., 695-9800 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

A classic menu of pizza, calzones and stromboli is peppered with club sandwiches, burgers and Greek fare. ¢-$.

Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill unos.com

LEXINGTON: 5304 Sunset Blvd., 359-3888

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Based in Boston and patterned after the famous Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, the Uno Chicago Grill chain is famous for its deep-dish pizzas. You also can get thin crust as well as seafood, chicken, steak and salad platters. $.

Ray’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream Shoppe

rayspizzaandicecream.com LEXINGTON:

5140-E Sunset Blvd., 951-0051 Mon-Thurs 4:30-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Like the name says, Ray’s serves up pizza — both a Neapolitan thin-crust version and a Sicilian thick-crust version — and ice cream.

It also serves up Italian favorites like eggplant parmigiana and cannoli. ¢-$.

Schiano’s schianos.us

NORTHEAST:

10120 Two Notch Rd., 788-7808

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Serving specialty pizzas for meat, veggie, pepperoni and sausage lovers and more.

Calzones and stromboli round out the menu alongside sandwich selections and traditional Italian dishes like mussels marinara and eggplant parmigiana. ¢-$.

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Tony’s Pizzalicious tonyspizzalicious.com

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

Bonefish Grill

bonefishgrill.com FOREST ACRES: 4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200

975 Knox Abbott Dr, 794-5469

Mon-Thu 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Opened in 1967 and formerly called simply Tony’s Pizza, this joint has served generations of Lexington County residents. Offers pastas, calzones, pizza, salads and sandwiches, plus Italian-American faves like eggplant parmigiana and baked spaghetti. ¢-$.

HARBISON/IRMO:

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Uncle Maddio’s

unclemaddios.com DOWNTOWN: 601 Main St., 256-0033

1260 Bower Pkwy., 407-1599 Based out of St. Petersburg, Florida, Bonefish Grill specializes in offering the freshest seafood possible and boasts an oak-burning grill and a wide range of sauces. Pasta, chicken, pork and steak dishes round out the menu to suit varied tastes. ¢-$.

Catch 22

STEAKHOUSE Carolina Strip Club

carolinastripclub.com VISTA: 902 Gervais St., 764-4017

Mon-Th. 11a.m.-10 p.m. Fri.-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Bar open until midnight

Steaks. Salads. Steak salads. Burgers, too, and seafood. Your straight-up American steakhouse. $-$$.

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse cowboybraziliansteakhouse.com DOWNTOWN: 1508 Main St., 728-0887

Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

CHAPIN: 223 Columbia Ave., 345-7778

Fast, affordable pizza made with hormone-free meats and organic veggies — and situated right next to the university. Fresh salads, too, and toasted panini sandwiches. Offers gluten-free dough. ¢-$.

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat. 4-10 p.m.; Sun 4-9 p.m.

Seafood of all sorts, from shrimp and grits to sushi. Burgers and other options for the landlubbers. $.

Vacchio’s Pizzeria

Harbor Inn Seafood

Visit the enormous salad bar, then partake in the never-ending parade of sizzling grilled meats being carried around the dining room.

Some 30 cuts available, including filet mignon, chicken wing, pork sausage, lamb shoulder and beef picanha — a special Brazilian cut. $$.

GASTON: 1120 Mack St., 796-7878

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.); Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (closed 2-3 p.m.); Sat noon-8 p.m.

A pizzeria and much more. Serves Italian classics like manicotti; Greek classics like spanakopita (the Wednesday special) and baklava; and American classics like burgers. $.

Village Idiot

villageidiotpizza.com FIVE POINTS: 2009 Devine St., 252-8646 Mon-Sun 11:30 a.m.-until.

Delivery: 11:30 a.m.-midnight

FOREST ACRES: 4517 Forest Dr., 787-5005

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Offering NY style hand-tossed pizza by the pie or slice for lunch, dinner and delivery, the Village Idiot is a favored spot for USC students. Other featured menu items include sandwiches (Jersey Cheesesteak), wings, calzones and stromboles, pasta (baked ziti), salads and wings. ¢.

Za’s Brick Oven Pizza

zasbrickovenpizza.com SHANDON: 2930 Devine St., 771-7334

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Locally owned and operated, Za’s open-faced kitchen and energetic staff delivers more than a dozen signature pizzas as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and nightly specials.

Specialty pies include the Shrimp Pesto Za, Chicken Teriyaki Za, Zeus Za and Smoked Salmon Za. ¢-$.

SEAFOOD Blue Fin Seafood Restaurant and Bar

bluefinrestaurantandbar.com NORTHEAST:

461-4 Town Center Pl., 865-7346

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Brunch, lunch and dinner with a marine focus, from the lovely crab dip to the lobster ravioli and many fresh fish options. Steaks, chicken and the like will keep the non-seafood-loving happy. $.

harborinnseafood.com LEXINGTON: 411 W. Main St., 359-2979 NORTHEAST: 7375 Two Notch Rd., 462-3498 Sun and Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Your favorite seafood platters come fried or broiled, with familiar sides like hush puppies and slaw. The Land and Sea special pairs crab legs with a ribeye, and the Specialty of the House mixes fried flounder, deviled crab, shrimp, oysters and stuffed clams. Lunch and express menus available. ¢.

Ocean View Seafood Restaurant oceanviewseafoodcolumbia.com ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

1904 Broad River Rd., 772-7811 WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

1000 Knox Aboott Dr., 791-5700

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m. -9:30 p.m.

Expansive menu features expansive portions of all manner of fried and broiled seafood.

Daily specials, platters, steaks and sandwiches round out the menu with an emphasis on freshness. Hearty, affordable lunch specials on weekdays. $.

HARBISON/IRMO:

171 Harbison Blvd., 732-2482 VISTA: 902-A Gervais St.; , 254-5100

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

“Beef,” that great embodiment of the man’s man, Robert Mitchum, once famously decreed, “It’s what’s for dinner.” That’s certainly the case at this modern-day saloon in the heart of the Vista, though lest you embarrass yourself, the rousing rodeo strings of Aaron Copland’s are all in your head, so put down the lasso. You can also get shrimp and salmon, of course, even chicken — though really, cowboy, why would you? $-$$.

Outback Steakhouse outback.com

HARBISON/IRMO:

252 Harbison Blvd., 732-3771

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

7611 Two Notch Rd., 788-9800

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Popular Australian-themed steakhouse chain featuring Blooming Onion appetizers and all manner of salads, steak and chicken dishes. $.

Mon-Wed 4-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 4-11 p.m. (bar open later)

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse

A true, old-fashioned oyster bar, and the Vista’s first. Sit at the bar and let your server shuck you some steamed or raw Gulf oysters. Also serves steamed shrimp and scallops, plus shrimp and grits, crab legs and side dishes. ¢-$.

HARBISON/IRMO:

oysterbarcolumbia.com VISTA: 1123 Park St., 799-4484

Pearlz Oyster Bar

pearlzoysterbar.com VISTA: 936 Gervais St., 661-7741 Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Pearlz specializes in fresh oysters, regional seafood and Lowcountry recipes. But its hip, trendy ambience and signature martinis also make it a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd.

Seafood Academy

theseafoodacademysc.com FOREST ACRES: 3400 Forest Dr., 536-4558

Blue Marlin

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Serves traditional seafood like fried calamari, tuna salad and crab legs. Tailgate menu includes chicken wings, ribs, mashed potatoes and more. $-$$.

Specializing in creative seafood dishes with a decidedly Lowcountry flair, Blue Marlin also serves hand-cut steaks and prime rib. Shrimp and grits is a top seller, with the grits coming from right across the street at Adluh Flour.

Don’t overlook other tasty options such as the Crispy Firecracker Flounder served with a jalapeno salsa. Private dining facilities now available. $.

longhornsteakhouse.com

Oyster Bar

Sun 1 p.m.-8 p.m.; Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.

bluemarlincolumbia.com VISTA: 1200 Lincoln St., 799-3838

Longhorn Steakhouse

Did we list a restaurant that has closed? Did we overlook your favorite place? Let us know what you think: Email food@free-times.com.

rioz.com

410 Columbiana Dr., 708-3151

Mon-Fri 5-10 p.m. ;Sat.-Sun 4-10pm

Giant skewers stacked with meat and a massive salad bar — and you can have as much of it as you want. $$.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House ruthschris.com DOWNTOWN:

924-A Senate St. (Hilton Hotel), 212-6666

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

What can you say, it’s Ruth’s freaking Chris.

Among the best steaks on planet Earth, hands down, and you’ll be paying mightily for them.

Their seafood rocks, too. $$.

Texas Roadhouse texasroadhouse.com HARBISON/IRMO:

400 Columbiana Dr., 407-6670

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

NORTHEAST:

8304 Two Notch Rd., 788-5384 High-energy, casual Southwest-themed restaurant featuring hand-cut steaks, awardwinning ribs and several made-from-scratch items such as salad dressings, bread, croutons, mashed potatoes and gravy. $.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

TAPAS

VEGETARIAN

Blue.

Earth Fare

Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

blueinthevista.org VISTA: 721-A Lady St., 251-4447 A tapas bar and cocktail lounge that features the city’s only ice bar to go with breads and spreads and tapas items. Also serves salads, chips and dips and desserts. Enjoy sitting outside under the patio listening to the waterfall. And seriously, that ice bar is sweet. ¢-$.

Gervais & Vine

gervine.com VISTA: 620-A Gervais St., 799-8463

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:30-11 p.m.; Sat 4:30-11 p.m.

True Mediterranean wine and tapas bar with more than 40 wines by the glass and a wide selection of appetizers. Dishes prepared in open kitchen and are a fusion of Greek, Italian and Spanish cuisine with Southern influences.

A Vista gem. ¢-$.

THAI Baan Sawan

baansawan.blogspot.com FIVE POINTS: 2135 Devine St., 252-8992 Tue-Sat 5:30-9 p.m.

Not your typical Thai restaurant, Baan Sawan serves expertly prepared Thai standards like pad thai and curries, but also offers dishes you won’t find elsewhere and inventive seafood creations. It’s pricey Thai food, but well worth it. Classy setting and staff, too. $-$$.

Bangkok Restaurant GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

7546 Garners Ferry Rd., Ste. 280B, 724-2255 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Bangkok was one of the first Thai restaurants in Columbia and remains worth the search — even in its new location across Garners Ferry from the old restaurant. The pad thai and kaou pad bai kapow remain favorites. Offers a wide range of Thai cuisine, as well as soups and Thai iced tea. Also serves Chinese. ¢-$.

earthfare.com SHANDON: 3312-B Devine St., 799-0048 Health-food supermarket with full-service deli, café and scratch bakery. Offers salad and hot bar, fresh deli sandwiches or wraps, sushi and other wholesome snacks. Deli serves nothing with hydrogenated oil, cotton seed oil, bleached flour or artificial preservatives and sweeteners. ¢.

Good Life Cafe

goodlifecafe.net DOWNTOWN: 1614 Main St., 726-2310

Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

3681-D Leaphart Rd, 454-3516

Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

A full-on vegan raw food restaurant with a tasty and ever-rotating array of mock foods: tacos, tostadas, wraps, sandwiches, tarts and more. Also has a large selection of fresh squeezed juices and herbal tonics, and some scrumptious desserts. Main Street location has a full bar, too.

Lamb’s Bread Vegan Cafe

DOWNTOWN: 2338 Main St., 253-7889

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

One of the city’s only restaurants catering to both vegans and vegetarians. Entire menu is vegan and uses locally grown and organic produce.

Mock meats, sandwiches, vegetable dishes and fresh fruit juices available. Menu avoids genetically modified ingredients and tap water. ¢.

Rosewood Market & Deli

Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.6 p.m. Hot meals served Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday breakfast: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

eatatbasil.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Whole Foods

700 Cross Hill Rd., 782-0716

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-11 p.m; Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

Charleston’s favorite Thai restaurant comes to Columbia’s upscale Cross Hill Market, bringing Thai classics and approachable twists thereupon. Nice cocktail selection. $.

Mai Thai

maithais.com WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE:

2249 Sunset Blvd., 939-4795

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m, 5-9 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

Everything you’d expect from a good Thai place and more — spring rolls, fried calamari, stuffed chicken wing appetizers and a host of noodle and rice dishes and entrees such as rainbow duck, whole red snapper and a host of curries. Also offers reasonably priced lunch special entrees. $.

Thailand Restaurant ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

6024 St. Andrews Rd., 731-7715

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.

Authentic and delicious Thai food. Serves numerous entrées, soups and salads, with choices of mild, medium or hot. $.

ANY ENTREE! after 4pm EXPIRES 3.31.15 Open Monday Monday – – Sunday Sunday Open 7am -- 8pm 8pm 7am 1212 Hampton Hampton Street Street •• 779.6110 779.6110 1212 Behind The The Columbia Columbia Marriott Marriott in in the the alley alley Behind FancyThatBistroAndCatering.webs.com FancyThatBistroAndCatering.webs.com

rosewoodmarket.com SHANDON: 2803 Rosewood Dr., 765-1083

A natural-foods grocery featuring fresh organic produce, herbs and spices, as well as natural beauty aids and popular supplements. The deli serves a diverse selection of hot gourmet meals, salads, breads, pastries and desserts.

Eat in or take out. ¢.

Basil Thai Restaurant

$5 OFF

wholefoodsmarket.com

Building ‘Bites & Sites’ since 1976

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

702 Cross Hill Rd., 509-6700 Mon-Sun 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

The granddaddy of natural foods stores boasts a stellar deli and buffet. ¢-$$.

VIETNAMESE Golden Chopstix goldenchopstix.us

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1505 Charleston Hwy., 791-0206

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-8:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat noon-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.

Serves Thai and Vietnamese dishes. This quiet, tucked away restaurant is a pleasant surprise; the décor is tasteful and simple, and the service is excellent. Dishes are prepared fresh when they are ordered — even the curry. Also serves sushi. ¢.

Pho Viet

pho-viet.com FIVE POINTS: 2011 Devine St., 779-4077 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 2300 Decker Blvd., 699-5959

Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Though it specializes in pho — the fragrant Vietnamese beef soup served with fresh herbs, bean sprouts and more — Pho Viet also serves spring rolls, chicken and seafood soups, rice bowls and noodle bowls. Also serves jelly pearl drinks and Vietnamese coffee. ¢.

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

| freetimes

27

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

O

K, you’re in town, now where’s the action?

For comprehensive events coverage on a week-to-week basis, pick up a copy of Free Times at one of hundreds of locations throughout the city. But to get you started, we’ve compiled some of the major concerts, exhibitions and other cultural highlights of what’s happening between now and March, when the next Bites & Sights hits the streets. Dates are subject to change. For more information, please contact the specific venue or organization.

For more things to do, go to free-times.com/events.

Museum Exhibitions Charles Courtney Curran: Seeking the Ideal Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Feb. 20-May 17. The first-ever museum retrospective of this American Impressionist painter brings together 58 Curran masterpieces.

Courage: The Vision to End Segregation and the Guts to Fight for It S.C. State Museum, scmuseum.org Feb. 28-TBA. Traces the saga of Rev. J.A. DeLaine and the brave citizens of Clarendon County, South Carolina, who brought the first lawsuit challenging racial segregation in public schools.

Finding Freedom’s Home: Archeology at Mitchelville S.C. State Museum, scmuseum.org Feb. 14-TBA. Tells the story of life in one of the first self-governing freedmen’s communities in the United States.

Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera

February

Harlem Globetrotters

Auntie Karen Legends Of…

Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com

Koger Center, auntiekaren.org

Main Street Ice Boyd Plaza, downtown Columbia Through Jan. 19. Outdoor ice skating on a smallish rink with all of your friends.

Who says Columbia can’t enjoy winter?

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day events at USC sc.edu Jan. 19. The University of South Carolina generally starts its festivities the week before and keeps on going well into the next week with talks, musical presentations, and more.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly Township Auditorium thetownship.org Jan. 17. R&B and soul favorite leads his longstanding band into Columbia, a frequent tour stop for the veteran performer.

Feb. 20. Signature fundraiser concert for The Auntie Karen Foundation. Features soul songstress Chaka Khan.

Benedict College Harambee Festival Feb. 28. One of the largest collegesponsored festivals in the country, the Harambee Festival features musical performances amid a slew of other offerings: food, dance, art, educational programs and more. Annual Hambaree Festival Community Choir Concert will be held on Mar. 1.

Black History Parade & Festival MLK Jr. Park, fundsinc1.org 2015 date TBD. A celebration of history, achievement and community.

Disney Live! Mickey’s Magic Show Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Feb. 20. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and a host of their animated pals team with a world-class illusionist to perform magic from beloved Disney films.

Through Jan. 18. It is little known that Rockwell staged photographs to make his popular covers of the Saturday Evening Post. This landmark exhibition includes 50 photographs that show the careful process Rockwell used to make his art.

Jan. 8-18. Restaurants offer deals, customers gobble up cheap and delicious eats.

Koger Center broadwayincolumbia.com

TEDxColumbiaSC

Feb. 4. Iconic film story of a steel worker who dreams of a life as a dancer comes to life on the stage.

Snowville Edventure Children’s Museum edventure.org Through Feb. 22. Winter playscape for children and the young at heart. You can climb Mount EdVerest, explore an ice cave or get the chills in a blizzard simulator. Try traveling to the South Pole to learn a little science.

Traditions, Change and Celebration: Native Artists of the Southeast McKissick Museum artsandsciences.sc.edu/ mckissickmuseum Through July 25. Features Native American artists who continue the traditions of their ancestors in a contemporary context.

Jan. 19. An eclectic variety of experts offer insights on a variety of topics. Let the education begin!

Tommy Ellison’s Legendary Singing Stars Gospel Showcase Township Auditorium thetownship.org Jan. 24. Revered gospel contingent headline a vast lineup including Lee Williams & The Spiritual QC’s, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and The Williams Brothers.

World Beer Festival Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, allaboutbeer.com Jan. 17. Sponsored by All About Beer magazine, the World Beer Festival is one of the premier beer events in the country, hitting several cities with a daunting assortment of hundreds of brews. Try not to leave too wasted, OK? Or if you do, make sure to line up a designated driver.

Flashdance the Musical

Historic Columbia Palladium Society Chili Cook-Off Music Farm, historiccolumbia.org Feb. 21. Features a variety of chili recipes, judging by local celebrities and chefs, live music.

Junior League Clean Sweep South Carolina State Fairgrounds jlcolumbia.org Feb. 7. Held since 1998, this fundraiser is basically a massive yard sale offering up donated items ranging from clothes to furniture. Proceeds support the mission and community projects of the Junior League. Famously hot deals.

Monster Jam Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Feb. 6-7. Giant trucks named Grave Digger and Aftershock will smash stuff.

People will cheer.

Nephew Tommy’s “I Got People Inside My Head” Comedy Tour Township Auditorium thetownship.org Feb. 7. Co-host of The Steve Harvey Morning Show headlines this comedy program at the Township.

28 freetimes |

University of South Carolina Band Clinic Koger Center, koger.sc.edu Feb. 13-15. Numerous University of South Carolina ensembles — from the USC Wind Ensemble to the USC Left Bank Jazz Band — offer free concerts at the Koger Center.

Zane’s The Other Side of the Pillow Feb. 13-14. Based on Zane’s novel of the same name, this play concerns a love affair between “a woman who’s had enough and a man who’s had it all.”

March Township Auditorium thetownship.org

Restaurant Week Columbia

Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College harbisontheatre.org

Feb. 14. A weird, wild, wacky and wonderful Mardi Gras festival and parade in Rosewood. Lots of food, drink and fun.

Proceeds benefit The Animal Mission.

The Avett Brothers

Benedict College benedict.edu

Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org

restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com

City Roots, mardigrascolumbia.org

Township Auditorium thetownship.org

January Jan. 10. World-famous basketball tricksters arrive in Columbia on their 2015 world tour. What do you think — can they best the Generals again?

Party Animals Mardi Gras Festival

Mar. 5-7. In one of the new year’s most anticipated bookings, the white-hot North Carolina folk-rock crew will set up shop at the Township for three consecutive nights.

Carolina Cup Springdale Race Course carolina-cup.org March 28. There’s a dress code mandating tweed slacks at the very least, making this event an opportunity to hobnob and imbibe in your Sunday best. Oh yeah, there’s a horse race, too!

John Mellencamp Township Auditorium thetownship.org Mar. 24. Long-running folk-rock journeyman lands in Columbia as part of his Plain Spoken Tour.

Journey, Steve Miller Band Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Mar. 11. 1970s arena rock lives on.

Palmetto Sportsmen’s Classic South Carolina State Fairgrounds dnr.sc.gov/psc March 27-29. Premier hunting and fishing outdoor show. Vendors, samples, demonstrations, more.

Sister Act Koger Center broadwayincolumbia.com Mar. 3-4. Based on the 1992 hit film starring Whoopi Goldberg, this show is sure to boast all the singing nuns you can handle.

St. Pat’s in Five Points Five Points, stpatscolumbia.com March 14. There’s a lot more than green beer at this annual street festival. Just ask the more than 30,000 people who attend. Columbia’s biggest party also includes the Get to the Green Race and the St. Pat’s Parade, not to mention a robust schedule of musicians and other performers. And hey, green beer!

Winter Jam 2015 Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Mar. 14. Youth-targeted Christian music tour touches down in Columbia once again. Featured artists include Skillet, Jeremy Camp and Francesca Battistelli.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

The African-American History Monument is on the grounds of the South Carolina State House.

Photo by Daniel Coston

PLAY&

STAY ATTRACTIONS C

olumbia is full of history — and historical attractions.

Even the Publix in the Vista carries a whiff of Civil War history, occupying a building that once printed Confederate currency. But it’s not just war sites that you need to see: Statewide, South Carolina has 1,300 sites on the National Register of Historic Places.

Our attractions aren’t all ancient, either. See, for example, the monument to Hootie & the Blowfish in Five Points — or, more importantly, the recently unveiled civil rights markers along Main Street.

Columbia has an oftenoverlooked civil rights history that includes three major Supreme Court rulings. The signs

commemorate key local events and people, among them Sarah Mae Flemming, a black domestic worker who was accused in 1954 by a bus driver of sitting in the whites-only area; the incident preceded the famous Rosa Parks case and led to a significant court ruling after the NAACP filed a lawsuit on Flemming’s behalf.

Columbia’s biggest attraction of all is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, which draws approximately 1 million visitors per year.

Opened in 1974, the zoo occupies 170 acres along the Lower Saluda River and houses some 2,000 animals in natural habitat exhibits; 70 of those acres are devoted to Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which features

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

woodlands, gardens, historic ruins, plant collections and a visitor facility.

Other top destinations in the city include the South Carolina State Museum, EdVenture Children’s Museum, Congaree National Park, the Columbia Museum of Art, Three Rivers Greenway, Colonial Life Arena, the Township Auditorium, the Woodrow Wilson Family Home, the Robert Mills House and more.

Of particular interest is the S.C. State Museum’s recently opened Windows to New Worlds expansion space, which includes a planetarium, observatory and 4D theater.

For a list of upcoming events, see the calendar on page 27 or visit free-times.com/events.

Downtown USC South Main

C

olumbia’s Main Street is booming these days. The Hub at Columbia has brought a major influx of young residents to the area.

New restaurants such as the Good Life Café, Michael’s, Cantina 76 and The Epicurean by Al-Amir have given Main Street a big daytime boost. The Soda City farmers market is bustling on Saturday mornings. Columbia’s home of independent film, the Nickelodeon Theatre, is on the 1600 block of Main Street. Drip Coffee services downtown dwellers’ caffeine addictions and provides a great meeting spot. The Whig is one of the hippest

PLAY&STAY | freetimes 29

ATTRACTIONS bars in town. And the Columbia Museum of Art, long the area’s cultural anchor, provides a steady stream of exhibitions and events. Bottom line: Things are happening downtown.

Just south of the State House is a string of establishments catering largely to university types and state employees.

Among the options within a few-block radius: Indian food; coffee; sandwiches; frozen yogurt; hot dogs; ice cream; bagels and locally brewed beers at HunterGatherer.

African-American History Monument

State House grounds The backstory of this monument goes back to 1994, when state Sen. John Courson put forward a grand bargain that would link removing the Confederate Flag from the State House dome (but keeping it on State House grounds) with creating an African-American history monument. That initial proposal didn’t pass, but eventually a compromise came together and the monument was dedicated in 2001. A citizens’ committee reviewed proposals from more than 40 artists and selected Colorado artist Ed Dwight from among them. The result is a 12-panel sculpture representing key aspects of the African-American experience.

Main series, plus lots of lectures, films and more.

Elmwood Cemetery

501 Elmwood Ave. OK, so maybe hanging out in a cemetery isn’t your idea of fun.

But this cemetery is full of history — and Civil War history in particular. Established in 1854, Elmwood Cemetery covers 168 acres and includes an area dedicated to Confederate soldiers. It was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Finlay Park

930 Laurel St., 545-3100 Truth be told, Finlay Park (opened in 1991) has seen better days.

Nonetheless, it can still be a good place for a walk amid the hustle of downtown, and kids love its two play areas. It could also get a boost with the move of the Busted Plug sculpture and an accompanying splash pad. Also hosts occasional concerts and festivals. Located behind the Assembly Street post office.

Governor’s Mansion

800 Richland St., 737-1710 scgovernorsmansion.org Built in 1855 as a residence for officers of the Arsenal Military Academy, Gen. Sherman’s troops spared the building at the end of the Civil War and it became the official Governor’s Mansion in 1868.

Hampton-Preston Mansion

1615 Blanding St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org Built in 1818, the Hampton-Preston Mansion opened for tours in 1970; its rooms reflect the Federal period to the early postbellum years.

Koger Center

1400 Block of Taylor St. It’s still on Taylor Street now, but it won’t be for long. Artist Blue Sky’s giant metallic fire hydrant needs a new home, as its former host, AgFirst, has moved to Main Street.

1051 Greene St., 777-7500 koger.sc.edu The Koger Center is operated by USC and has served as Columbia’s primary facility for the performing arts since 1989. Seats just over 2,000.

Columbia Museum of Art

Mann-Simons Cottage

Busted Plug Plaza

Main and Hampton streets 799-2810, columbiamuseum.org Exhibitions! Concerts! Beer! The museum’s traveling exhibitions span the full range of art history, while its permanent collection emphasizes European fine and decorative arts. Of course, the art is always a key draw when you’re talking about an art museum, but there are also a ton of other events happening here: the 20-something-oriented Arts & Draughts series, the acclaimed Chamber on

1403 Richland St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org One of only a few houses in South Carolina owned by free blacks in antebellum days and preserved as a historic house museum. Celia Mann and her descendants owned the house from the mid-19th century until 1970. The house serves as the focal point for the annual Jubilee Festival.

30 freetimes | PLAY&STAY

McKissick Museum

USC Horseshoe, 777-7251 www.cas.sc.edu/mcks Offers exhibits relating to the cultural, political and natural history of South Carolina and the southeastern United States.

Modjeska Monteith Simkins House

2025 Marion St. Built between 1890 and 1895, this one-story cottage was the home of Modjeska Simkins, a leader in South Carolina’s civil rights movement and the first woman to serve as state secretary of the state NAACP. At a time when blacks could not stay at city hotels, Simkins’ home offering a gathering space and lodging for many civil rights figures, including Thurgood Marshall.

Nickelodeon Theatre

1607 Main St., 254-8234 nickelodeon.org Specializing in foreign and independent films, the Nickelodeon moved into the spot of the former Fox Theatre on Main Street in 2012.

Also presents the popular annual Indie Grits Film Festival.

Palmetto Trail

palmettoconservation.org Conceived in 1994 as a statewide series of linked trails, the Palmetto Trail features 350 miles of completed paths thus far. In the Midlands, the Capital City Passage is an urban section of the trail going from Riverfront Park to Fort Jackson.

Randolph Cemetery

Elmwood Ave. at I-26 historicrandolphcemetery.org Founded on land purchased from Elmwood Cemetery in 1872, Randolph Cemetery is the first cemetery established specifically for Columbia’s black community. Prior to the cemetery’s founding, blacks were buried along with poor whites near the river in a potter’s field. But in 1871, 19 local black leaders came together to establish a respectable place for burial for blacks; it is named in honor of Senator Benjamin Franklin Randolph.

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden

I-126 at Greystone Blvd., 779-8717 riverbanks.org From reptiles to birds and everything in between, Riverbanks Zoo is by far Columbia’s biggest tourism draw. Home to more than 2,000 animals and a 70-acre botanical garden, Riverbanks also sports a 3-D theater, a ropes course and hosts popular annual events such

as Boo at the Zoo, Brew at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas.

Robert Mills House and Garden

1616 Blanding St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org The Robert Mills House is best known for its namesake, who also designed the Washington Monument. Open for tours, it is one of only five National Historic Landmarks in the city.

South Carolina State House

Main Street at Gervais Street scstatehouse.net More than 50 years after its original inception in 1851, architect Charles C. Wilson finally completed the building, calling it “one of the most notable buildings of the world.” Others disagreed, with one legislative observer calling the dome “nothing short of a miserable fraud.” Call 7342430 or visit scstatehouse.net for tour information.

Seibels House

1601 Richland St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org Built in the late 18th century, the Seibels House now serves as the Historic Columbia Foundation office and is a popular spot for weddings. Historic Columbia was chartered in 1961 to prevent the loss of the Robert Mills House and now is involved in many aspects of historic preservation in Columbia.

Soda City Market

1500 Block of Main Street sodacitysc.com Held every Saturday morning, the Soda City market offers sustainably produced meat and produce, as well as fresh bakery items, crafts and other locally produced goods.

Sylvan Building

1500 Main St. Where’s the Sylvan Building? Just look for that old clock at the corner of Main and Hampton streets. Built between 1868 and 1870, The Sylvan Building was the first large building constructed in Columbia after Union soldiers burned the city on Feb. 17, 1865. Now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Tapp’s Arts Center

644 Main St., 988-0013 tappsartscenter.com Tapp’s Arts Center officially opened in 2011 and has become a focal point of Main Street’s art scene.

Presents visual arts exhibitions and offers artist studios. Also hosts a range of arts-related events and is available for rentals.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

ATTRACTIONS Town Theatre

1012 Sumter St., 799-2510 towntheatre.com Built in 1924, Town Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continuously operating community theater building in the country; presents family-friendly musicals and other productions.

the nation’s first federal architect, designed several buildings there, as well as the Maxcy Monument, named for the first president of the college, Jonathan Maxcy.

Paths of De stru c ti o n Sh erman ’s Fin al Campaign

Woodrow Wilson Family Home

1705 Hampton St., 252-7742 woodrowwilsonhome.com The Wilson family moved to Three Rivers Greenway Columbia in 1870, moved into the home in 1872 and left two years riveralliance.org, 765-2200 later following a dispute over Designated in 2013 as a National mandatory chapel service between Recreation Trail, the Three Rivers Wilson’s father and the Presbyterian Greenway provides approximately Theological Seminary where he 10 miles of linked river access in Columbia, Cayce and West Colum- taught. After years of renovations, bia. The completed Cayce and West the home re-opened in February Columbia portions of the Greenway of 2014. are already popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Township Auditorium

1703 Taylor St., thetownship.org First opened in 1930, the 3,000-plus-seat Township Auditorium has hosted such artists as Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington, Pink Floyd, The Clash and Bob Dylan.

Reopened in 2010 after a $12 million facelift, the Township brings everything from R&B, country, rock and EDM acts to wrestling, comedy and dance.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral & Cemetery

1100 Sumter St. Originally dedicated in 1814, Trinity Episcopal grew into a new building in 1847, one designed by Edward Brickell White and modeled after York Cathedral in England. Today, it’s one of the nation’s 20 largest Episcopal churches in the country and recently completed a major renovation. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice James F. Byrnes and six governors are buried in its cemetery.

Tunnelvision

Taylor and Marion streets Artist Blue Sky’s Busted Plug is moving from this location because its host, AgFirst, is moving its offices.

But the Tunnelvision mural will remain as the building is converted into apartments. A 1975 wall mural of a road running through a tunnel, Tunnelvision is an iconic piece of local public art. Don’t drive by this thing when you’re stoned unless you feel like totaling your car.

USC Horseshoe

900 Block of Sumter St., 777-8161 Little do most of the frolicking young college students on the gorgeous USC Horseshoe know — or care, probably — that Robert Mills,

See a life-size diorama of Columbia in flames, excavated relics, weapons, interactives and much more on display now!

Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West

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his converted warehouse district is largely known for its many dining options and art galleries, but it also sports some key attractions such as the Colonial Life Arena, EdVenture Children’s Museum and the South Carolina State Museum, as well as nightclubs, a theater and a grocery store (converted from a former Confederate printing plant). Home to such popular annual events as Vista Lights (a holiday season kick-off party), Artista Vista (a three-day gallery crawl in the spring) and Art Bar Agora, the Vista also has an increasing number of residential options. On the third Thursday of every month, the area also holds the Vista Nights art crawl.

Just across the Gervais Street bridge sits an eclectic mix of nightspots, galleries, gift shops and restaurants. With its cheap rent, West Columbia has many of the amenities of its sister city across the river, with fewer hassles.

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Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum www.crr.sc.gov

803-737-8095

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ATTRACTIONS The Big Apple

1000 Hampton St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org A debate still rages as to whether the phrase “The Big Apple” came to New York City from jazz or from horse racing (a 1930s N.Y.C. sports column was called “Around the Big Apple”). For Columbia’s sake, let’s go with the jazz theory: Once a local synagogue, The Big Apple later was turned into a juke joint where, in 1936, blacks invented a new dance, the Big Apple. Now popular for events and receptions.

Colonial Life Arena

801 Lincoln St. Charge by phone: 1-877-489-2849 General Info: 576-9200 coloniallifearena.com The 18,000-seat Colonial Center is the largest arena in South Carolina, hosting major concert and entertainment acts and serving as the home for USC men’s and women’s basketball.

Columbia Marionette Theater

401 Laurel St., 252-7366 cmtpuppet.org Located near Riverfront Park, the Columbia Marionette Theater was founded in 1988 and presents children’s productions ranging from traditional fairy tales to educational shows. In 2009, founder Allie Scollon received a top national puppetry award.

EdVenture Children’s Museum

211 Gervais St., 779-3100 edventure.org The South’s largest children’s museum, with more than 70,000 square feet of cool stuff to keep the kids occupied.

Riverfront Park

Laurel at Huger Street, 545-3100 columbiasc.net Separating the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, Riverfront Park is a popular jogging and walking trail encompassing 167 acres just west of Huger Street.

South Carolina State Confederate Relic Room & Museum

301 Gervais St., 737-8095 www.crr.sc.gov The Confederate Relic Room actually has much more than Civil War memorabilia, with artifacts dating from the Revolutionary War to World War II. Located in the former mill that also houses the South Carolina State Museum.

South Carolina State Museum

301 Gervais St., 898-4921 southcarolinastatemuseum.org The State Museum is the talk of the town, having recently opened a major expansion space featuring an observatory, planetarium and 4D theater. Housed in the historic Columbia Mill building (built in 1893), the South Carolina State Museum has permanent and rotating exhibitions covering South Carolina’s cultural history, natural history, science, technology and art. The museum also brings in non-South Carolina-related blockbuster exhibitions.

Three Rivers Greenway

riveralliance.org, 765-2200 The Three Rivers Greenway will eventually provide 12 miles of linked river access to citizens of Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia. The completed portions of the Greenway are already popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Trustus Theatre

520 Lady St., 254-9732 trustus.org Columbia’s only professional theater company is also its leading progressive one, offering contemporary works alongside popular musicals and established plays.

Five Points Rosewood Olympia Southeast

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ive Points is a college student’s playground, but it’s also much more. Home to the annual St. Pat’s festival — which draws thousands of music fans and partiers every year — Five Points offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and bars where you’ll find everything from coffee, hip clothes, books and records to deli sandwiches, burritos, gelato and more. And with the coveted tree-lined bungalows of Shandon just up the street, Five Points and Devine Street also have options for the post-college crowd, including numerous

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locally owned clothing stores and other retail spots, as well as several dining options.

Not far away in Rosewood, you’ll find a burgeoning residential and retail area anchored

by Publix and sprinkled with eclectic spots to grab a drink such as the Kraken, Cock ‘N’ Bull Pub and Rockaway Athletic Club. Rosewood has its own signature events, too, among them the Rosewood Crawfish Festival, the Tasty Tomato festival and an annual Mardi Gras festival.

Over in the historic mill village of Olympia, you’ll find a dynamic community space at 701 Whaley — which houses the 701 Center for Contemporary Art and hosts numerous local events — and Carolina Stadium, home of the Gamecock baseball team.

701 Center for Contemporary Art

701 Whaley St., 779-4571 701cca.org Opened in the fall of 2008, the 701 Center for Contemporary Art is an integral part of the local arts scene, hosting cutting-edge visual arts exhibitions, artist talks and more.

Carolina Stadium

431 Williams St. University spokespeople will tell you that USC’s new baseball stadium (which opened in 2009) is located in the Innovista district, but locals know the area as Olympia. Regardless of where you place it, the 9,000-seat baseball stadium is a bang-up place to watch USC’s always-strong team. Has served as a regional NCAA tournament host for five years in a row.

Congaree National Park

nps.gov/cong, 776-4396 No, Congaree National Park is not in Rosewood, but if you head out Rosewood Drive to Bluff Road and keep going for 18 miles, you’re there. This 22,000-acre park boasts the largest old-growth, floodplain forest on the continent. It’s also an International Biosphere Reserve, a Globally Important Bird Area and a

National Natural Landmark. Activities include hiking, boating, camping, canoeing, fishing, kayaking, nature walks and more. Located in Hopkins, 18 miles southeast of Columbia (S.C. 48 from Bluff Rd. or exit 5 off I-77).

Five Points Fountain

Harden Street and Saluda Avenue The Five Points Fountain is a nice place to hang out with your coffee or lunch; it’s also ground zero for numerous events, including the Five Points After Five concert series, which presents local and regional bands on an outdoor stage.

Five Points Retail Five Points is for strolling, dining and shopping. Retail options are wide, encompassing everything from unique gifts at Portfolio Art Gallery or Finleaf Gallery to hip clothing at Sid and Nancy and skateboards at BlueTile. When night falls, there are plenty of places to get your groove on, too (see Nightlife).

Hootie Monument Remember that band with the song “Hold My Hand” that came out in the mid-’90s and sold an ungodly number of records? Those guys were from Columbia. Head to Santee Avenue, look at the big metal sculpture and read all about the many musical exploits of Hootie & The Blowfish.

Shops on Devine Just up the hill from Five Points on Devine Street are a string of highquality, locally owned boutiques.

From eco-friendly children’s clothes at K.D.’s Treehouse to ultracool furniture at Bohemian Home and high-end fashion at Pout and VanJean, Devine Street merchants specialize in some of the most unique and eclectic offerings in the city.

South Carolina Military Museum

1225 Bluff Road, 806-4440 scmilitarymuseum.com Dedicated to honoring South Carolina’s National Guard and its citizen soldiers throughout history, from the late 17th century to the wars of the 21st century.

Williams-Brice Stadium

1125 George Rogers Blvd., 777-4271 uscsports.cstv.com Situated close to both Rosewood and Olympia, Williams-Brice Stadium is party central during football season, with fans spilling into both Five Points and the Vista after games. Since being built in 1934, Williams-Brice has served as the site of lots of drunken football

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ATTRACTIONS revelry, as well as hosting Pope John Paul II, the Rolling Stones, U2, Kenny Chesney and then-U.S. Sen. Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign.

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ome to the wonderful Sesquicentennial State Park, the Northeast also sports the 600-acre Sandhill Research and Education Center, the annual Sparkleberry Country Fair, the enormous Village at Sandhill retail complex, the expansive Lake Carolina residential development, several golf courses and farmers markets, and top-notch schools that keep residents coming.

Columbia Children’s Theatre

3400 Forest Drive, 691-4548 columbiachildrenstheatre.com A nonprofit, professional theater offering educational and entertainment opportunities to children and families.

Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County

810 Lyttleton St., Camden, 803-425-7676 fineartscenter.org Presents community-oriented theater, music, dance and exhibitions, as well as the annual Carolina Downhome Blues Festival.

Fort Jackson Museum

4442 Jackson Blvd., 751-7419 jackson.armylive.dodlive.mil/post/ museum/ Acquires and exhibits Fort Jacksonrelated artifacts dating to the fort’s founding in 1917.

Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site

historic-camden.net We’ll spare you the suspense: The Americans got their asses handed to them at the 1780 Battle of Camden. Some 233 years later, though, we’re over it. Hosts a Battle of Camden Remembrance Day each August, Revolutionary War Field

Days each November and other events throughout the year.

Sandhills Farmers Market

900 Clemson Road, 788-5700 sandhillsfarmersmarket.com Open each Tuesday from 2 to 7 p.m. from May 6 through Nov. 25.

Farmers from around the region bring fresh local produce, meat, fish, eggs, butter, milk, cheese, honey, plants, flowers, shrubs and baked goods. Across from the Village at Sandhill.

Sandhill Research and Education Center

900 Clemson Road, 788-5700 Agricultural research facility and nature preserve on 600 acres. Wildlife is abundant; guests are advised to stay on designated trails.

Sesquicentennial State Park

9564 Two Notch Rd., 788-2706 southcarolinaparks.com This 1,419-acre park features a 30-acre lake surrounded by trails, picnic areas and campsites. Also offers boating, fishing, swimming, meeting facilities and trails. Trails include a 6.1-mile mountain bike trail, a 1.9-mile nature trail, and a 3.5-mile walking and jogging trail. Located 13 miles northeast of Columbia on Two Notch Road.

South Carolina Railroad Museum

110 Industrial Park Rd. (Winnsboro), 803-712-4135 scrm.org Everybody loves trains, right? Take an hour-long ride, stroll through historic train cars and check out the hats, whistles and other train paraphernalia in the gift shop.

U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum

4442 Jackson Blvd., 751-7419 jackson.armylive.dodlive.mil/post/ museum Commemorates Fort Jackson’s prominent role in training American soldiers by acquiring and exhibiting artifacts dating to the fort’s founding in 1917.

Village at Sandhill

481 Town Center Place, 419-0235 villageatsandhill.com Located off I-20 (Exit 80, Clemson Road), the Village at Sandhill is a testament to the growth of Columbia’s Northeast region. Primarily a massive retail development, the Village at Sandhill also boasts a movie theater, numerous dining options and community events, including outdoor concerts.

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Chapin Theatre Company

Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo

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or visitors to the area, the key draw in this part of town is Lake Murray, where you’ll find more than 500 miles of shoreline along South Carolina’s largest manmade lake. Lake Murray offers a wide range of seasonal recreation options — including sailing, fishing (especially striped bass), camping and hiking — and a huge Fourth of July fireworks display (held the Saturday before the holiday). Public access is limited to the few parks and marinas scattered around the lake, so keep that in mind as you make your plans.

There’s more to the area than the lake, however.

Among your options: Saluda Shoals Park, which features a wetlands preserve; Harbison State Forest, a great place to bike; and Seven Oaks Park, with a full-service recreation complex.

If you’re looking for cultural offerings, among your options are the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra and the Chapin Theatre Company, which has been serving the area for more than 25 years. For Columbians from all areas of town, the Columbiana Centre Mall and its surrounding big-name retailers make it a necessary stop. Good schools and neighborhoods round out the package for residents.

Cayce Tennis and Fitness Center

1120 Fort Congaree Trail, 227-3030 cayce.lexingtoncountytennis.com A massive and well-kept modern tennis complex hosting tournaments and offering year-round lessons. Also has a gym.

PO Box 360, Chapin, 240-8544 chapintheatre.org What originated informally in the late ‘70s as a few friends staging no-frills plays has become a staple of Lexington County’s cultural life.

Shows at Harbison Theatre.

Congaree Riverwalk

riveralliance.org, 765-2200 We’re still waiting for Columbia to finish its portion of the Three Rivers Greenway, but most of the Lexington County sections are already done. The completed Cayce and West Columbia portions of the Greenway are popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Crooked Creek Park

1098 Old Lexington Highway (Chapin), 345-6181, icrc.net “Crooked Creek” makes this park sound like it’s a dirt path next to a trickle of water. Actually, it’s got a 53,000-square-foot community center with a full gym and racquetball courts, along with tennis courts, athletics fields, picnic areas and walking trails.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area

3677 State Park Rd., Exit 91 off I-26, 803-364-4152 southcarolinaparks.com Located 30 miles northwest of Columbia in Prosperity, the Dreher Island recreation area consists of three islands encompassing 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray.

Especially popular for fishing and boating (Lake Murray is a top destination for striped and largemouth bass), Dreher Island also offers lakefront camping, cabin and villa rentals, water skiing and picnicking.

First Responders Wall of Remembrance

lexingtonsc.org/attractions Dedicated in 2008, this memorial to 9/11 was made from steel from Ground Zero in New York City.

Frankie’s Fun Park

140 Parkridge Dr., 781-2342 frankiesfunpark.com Kids’ stuff? Hardly. This Harbison-area entertainment center packs three go-kart tracks, three 18-hole mini-golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, an arcade, a 5,000-square foot multi-tiered laser tag arena and an super-tall drop zone that says “In your face, gravity!” into 14 acres filled with fun for all ages. What, do you hate fun or something?

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ATTRACTIONS Gibson Pond

241 Gibson Rd., 359-1027 scgreatoutdoors.com These 15 acres in the Town of Lexington offer walking trails, kayaking, picnic tables and a scenic overlook.

Harbison State Forest

state.sc.us/forest/refharb.htm 896-8890 If you didn’t know it was there, you’d never expect to find 2,177 acres of forest along the sprawling mess that is Broad River Road.

But there it is — one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Features more than 16 miles of roads and trails (popular for biking) and a canoe landing.

Harbison Theatre

7300 College St., Irmo Info: 407-5003, Tickets: 407-5011 harbisontheatre.org The 400-seat Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College presents a high-quality and eclectic array of performing arts events that diversify Midlands Tech’s offerings and strengthen its relationship with the local community. Also serves as a rental facility for local arts organizations.

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Lake Murray

lakemurraycountry.com, lakemurray.com Located a few miles northwest of downtown Columbia, Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre lake offering boating, camping and other recreational activities. Lakemurraycountry.com lists public access points, as well as marinas and landing spots. Good striped bass fishing during the season.

Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra

lmso.org Think there’s no culture when you get outside downtown? Think again.

Led by artistic director Einar Anderson, the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra was conceived in 2001 and held its first concert in 2004.

Lexington County Museum

U.S. Highway 378 and Fox St. Lexington, 359-8369 facebook.comlexingtoncountymuseum Founded in 1970, the museum complex encompasses seven acres and features 36 historic structures focusing on the early history of Lexington County, from 1770 until the Civil War.

Peachtree Rock Nature Preserve

scgreatoutdoors.com/ park-peachtree.html, 254-9046 Sadly, the geological wonder known as Peachtree Rock — a triangularshaped top-heavy sandstone formation that had stood on its pointed base for millions of years — fell in December of 2013, likely due to rain and years of vandalism. The good news? You can see the formation lying on its side, as well as Little Peachtree Rock and the rest of this beautiful 460-acre preserve, which has the only waterfall in the coastal plain. Located off S.C. 6 in southern Lexington County near Swansea.

Riverbanks Zoo & Botanical Garden

an environmental education center, canoe trips, nature hikes, biking trails, fishing spots, picnic shelters, art exhibits, summer camps, health and wellness programs, meeting facilities and more. Good trout fishing if you like to wade.

Seven Oaks Park

200 Leisure Lane, 772-3336 icrc.net Built in 1973 and located in the St. Andrews area, Seven Oaks Park is a full-service recreation complex offering fitness, athletics and cultural arts programs. Features a dance studio, art gallery, picnic areas, tennis courts, walking trails and more.

State Farmers Market

riverbanks.org If you live downtown, you’ll likely enter the zoo from its Greystone Blvd. entrance off I-26. But if you live west of the Congaree River, you can enter from Sunset Boulevard (Highway 378) in West Columbia.

This entrance will take you right to the zoo’s beautiful, 70-acre botanical garden.

Saluda Shoals Park

icrc.net, 731-5208, 213-2050 (weekend) Situated on 270 acres downstream from the Lake Murray Dam, Saluda Shoals features a popular water park,

Exit 115 off I-26 scstatefarmersmarket.com Relocated to Lexington County from Richland in 2010, the South Carolina State Farmers Market has a lot more space than it used to — space for vendors, shoppers and parking. Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun noon to 6 p.m.

Village Square Theatre

105 Caughman Rd., Lexington, 359-1436, villagesquaretheatre.com Community theater from the Lexington County Arts Association.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Downtown USC/South Main St. The 1425 Inn

1425 Richland St., 252-7225 Exquisite bed-and-breakfast near the heart of Columbia. Amenities: smoke-free; Southern-style porch; full breakfast.

Chesnut Cottage

1718 Hampton St., 256-1718 chesnutcottage.com The wartime home of author Mary Boykin Chesnut; once visited by Jefferson Davis. Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; free Wi-Fi; pets allowed; smoke-free.

Clarion Hotel Downtown

1615 Gervais St., 771-8711 clarionhotel.com The 160-room Clarion is three blocks from the State House, a half-

mile walk from Finlay Park and a quick taxi ride to the Vista. Built on the grounds that housed Sherman’s Columbia headquarters, the Clarion is also home to Carolina’s Restaurant, which offers a delicious Southern-food lunch buffet and a delicious Sunday brunch. Amenities: Family rooms; room service; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool; free ground-level parking; free airport shuttle; exercise room.

Country Hearth Inn

621 S. Assembly St., 252-2000 countryhearthcolumbiasc.com Good luck getting a room in October: This 45-room hotel is one block from the State Fairgrounds and a quarter-mile from WilliamsBrice Stadium. Equidistant from both Five Points and The Vista, though you’ll probably need to cab it to both. Amenities: Smoke-free rooms; free Wi-Fi; on-site parking; complimentary breakfast.

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Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC

630 Assembly St., 321-2211 marriott.com Located at the tail end of Assembly Street, the 189-room Courtyard Columbia Downtown is a stone’s throw away from all sorts of action, equidistant from both the highclass Vista and fun-loving Five Points. It’s also close to WilliamsBrice Stadium and several arts venues (Colonial Life Arena, Koger Center, Columbia Museum of Art), restaurants (California Dreaming, Moe’s) and more. Amenities: Smoke-free rooms; room service; free Wi-Fi; mini-fridge; fitness center; outdoor swimming pool; restaurant; on-site parking; free airport shuttle.

Embassy Suites

Columbia Greystone 200 Stoneridge Dr., 252-8700 embassysuites.hilton.com/ columbia Just outside downtown Columbia, off I-126. Offers courtesy shuttle service to USC, the Vista, Five Points, Main Street. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; meeting facilities; business center; smoke-free rooms; indoor pool.

The Inn at USC

1619 Pendleton St., 779-7779 innatusc.com An elegant boutique hotel located on the campus of the University of South Carolina in the heart of downtown, The Inn at USC boasts 117 first-class guestrooms and suites, each outfitted with deluxe amenities (including wireless Internet and premium cable — score!).

The Inn is conveniently sur-

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ACCOMMODATIONS rounded by Columbia’s academic, government, business, cultural and historic districts. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; free Wi-Fi; banquet facilities; parking garage; smoke-free rooms; onsite dry cleaning services; library.

Hilton Columbia Center

924 Senate St., 744-7800 hiltoncolumbia.com Located conveniently near the convention center, the 222-room Hilton Columbia Center is literally in the center of the Capital City — right in the Vista and just a brisk Marriott Columbia walk to campus and a quick taxi or 1200 Hampton St., 771-7000 bus ride to Five Points and Main The 300-room Marriott is not Street. Also close by: Riverfront only one of the largest but also Park and the South Carolina State one of the best rated in the Capital Museum. The Hilton building is City. And with good reason — the also home to Ruth’s Chris Steak14-floor behemoth is located at the house. Amenities: Non-smoking corner of Main and Hampton in the rooms; business center; on-site noheart of downtown, providing easy tary public; lounge; exercise room; access to just about everything, outdoor pool; parking garage with from local government offices to valet parking; full-service bar. local art havens to fine dining.

Offers a cultural concierge service SpringHill Suites Columbia assisting visitors with tickets to arts 511 Lady St., 978-2333 and cultural events. Amenities: Ex- marriott.com/caesh ercise room; room service; indoor Located near the corner of Pulaski restaurant, lounge and sports bar; and Lady, the brand-spankingindoor pool; free airport shuttle; new, 132-room SpringHill Suites valet covered parking; free Wi-Fi. is within walking distance of everything the Vista has to offer, Sheraton Columbia from fine dining (Gervais & Vine, 1400 Main St., 988-1400 Motor Supply) to chic nightlife (Art starwoodhotels.com Bar, Social) to fine arts (Trustus Housed in the historic Palmetto Theatre, Koger Center) and ways to Building, built in 1913, the 135appease the crap out of your kids room Sheraton is chock full of (EdVenture Children’s Museum).

Gothic revival-style details. That’ll Amenities: Free continental breakplease the locals, sure, but travelers fast; free Wi-Fi; indoor pool; fitness will appreciate the ground-floor center; non-smoking rooms.

Starbucks kiosk and the bar on the roof, which offers a fantastic view Staybridge Suites Columbia of the city. The high-class hotel is 1913 Huger St., 451-5900 near some high-class entertainstaycolumbiasc.com ment, too; it’s also just a block from The 93-room Staybridge Suites is the Columbia Museum of Art and close to everything — but a quick within striking distance of the ride away from Riverbanks Zoo, Vista, Five Points, USC and just The Vista, Five Points and the about everything else. Amenities: University area — while removed Airport shuttle; lounge; exercise enough from the associated clamroom; business center; valet parkor. Located on Huger Street, it’s ing; public Wi-Fi (not free). also close to Interstates 26 and 277, offering quick access to Columbia’s suburban shopping centers. Bonus: The Vista It’s a quick walk to scenic RiverRiverfront front Park. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; free wi-fi; business State Street center; indoor convenience store; fitness center; swimming pool.

Vista West

Hampton Inn Historic District

822 Gervais St., 231-2000 hamptoninncolumbia.com The 122-room Hampton Inn is located right in the heart of the Vista, giving walking access to rock clubs (Music Farm Columbia, Art Bar), swanky bars and chic shops, not to mention walking distance to the Congaree River. Double points for its location near Liberty Tap Room.

Rated as one the top three hotels in Columbia by Yahoo! Travel. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; business center; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool; non-smoking floors.

Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia The Inn at Claussen’s

2003 Greene St., 765-0440 theinnatclaussens.com You won’t find a swimming pool here, but you will find a charming brick hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places with 28 rooms, many recently renovated and each individually decorated in

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contemporary or traditional design.

Located in the heart of Five Points, Claussen’s is a brief walk to a host of fine restaurants, cool clothiers and other hip hangouts. Doubleplus points for the complimentary wine served in the lobby every evening. Amenities: Free continental breakfast; free guest parking; non-smoking rooms; free Wi-Fi; lounge.

Columbia. Amenities: free Wi-Fi, 24-hour business center, meeting space, heated indoor pool with hot tub.

Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

Hilton Garden Inn

Bloomsbury Inn

1707 Lyttleton St. (Camden), 803-432-5858 bloomsburyinn.com You want to be pampered? This is the place. The focus is on elegance, history and uncompromising detail in this 1849 home where South Carolina author Mary Boykin Chesnut penned her famed Diary From Dixie.

Gourmet breakfast, luxury accommodations. Three miles from I-20.

Camden House Bed & Breakfast

1502 Broad St., 803-713-1013 camdenhouse.us Completed in 1832, this four-room bed-and-breakfast is in the heart of downtown Camden. You’ll get classic comforts such as a Southern breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wine and cheese happy hour along with such modern amenities as wireless Internet and a swimming pool.

The Granary Hotel

1539 Horseshoe Drive, 736-0708 facebook.com/granarylodging Located eight miles north of downtown Columbia, The Granary Hotel Event and Convention Center is an independently operated boutique hotel. Features more than 160 sleeping rooms and suites, five meeting rooms, and an onsite fullservice bar and restaurant.

Hampton Inn Clemson Road

1021 Clemson Frontage Rd., 788-4901 Located off I-20, this 80-room hotel offers a business center, fitness center, free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and complimentary breakfast.

Harbison/Irmo Lake Murray Lexington St. Andrews 434 Columbiana Dr. (Harbison), 407-6640 hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com Business-friendly rooms equipped wireless, high-speed Internet.

Guestrooms have refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and cable TV. Also offers fitness room, pool and laundry facilities.

Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia Airport

500 Chris Dr. (West Columbia), 391-4000 hicolumbiaairport.com Columbia’s first eco-friendly non-smoking hotel designed for LEED certification, the eco-friendly rooms boast flat-panel TVs and ample work space; the hotel also offers meeting spaces, business and fitness centers, and a high-energy sports bar on the ground level.

Hyatt Place Columbia Harbison

1130 Kinley Rd., (Harbison) 407-1560 columbiaharbison.place.hyatt.com Spacious and upscale, minutes from downtown, state offices, USC, Columbia Conference Center, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, sporting venues, Lake Murray, Columbia Metropolitan Airport and some of the best dining and shopping in the Columbia area. Free continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, free Wi-Fi.

Wingate By Wyndham Columbia

108 Saluda Pointe Ct., (Lexington), 957-5000 lexingtonwingate.com Situated at the intersection of I-20 and Highway 378. Offers free Continental breakfast; high-speed, wireless Internet access; highquality mattresses and pillows; inroom safe; 24-hour business center; fitness room; and whirlpool.

Hilton Garden Inn - Northeast

8910 Farrow Rd., 807-9000 This 110-room hotel is just off I-77 at exit 19, near Northeast businesses and just 11 miles from downtown

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NIGHTLIFE

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o you’ve worked your way through all the daytime attractions and restaurants that you can handle — what now?

Drinking, of course. And Columbia’s got you covered in pretty much every regard. Whether it be a laid-back spot to catch the game, a swank watering hole where the bartenders mix up invigorating cocktails, a hip place to dance, or an upscale pub that centers its menu entirely around bacon, this famously hot town counters its climate with a bevy of options to quench your thirst.

And even if you think you know the local scene, keep in mind that things are always changing — clubs open, close, change formats or managers, etc.

So it’s a good idea to take a fresh look around every now and then — or just pick up your weekly issue of Free Times — and make sure you haven’t missed out on a new place you might love.

Downtown/Main Street/South Main/ USC/North Main

cuisine, or just come for the deep bar and fantastic cocktails, including the rye-based Mac-hattan and the gin-based French Shogun.

Le Cafe Jazz

The Palace II

930 Laurel St., 400-1879 skpfoundationlecafejazz.webs.com You want jazz? Stop by this jazz club in Finlay Park. Call ahead for hours.

Cantina 76

1301 Main St., 764-1769 cantina76.com This downtown joint is abuzz with hot young lawyers and college students who come for the fancy tacos and stay for the excellent margaritas, made in all shapes, flavors and sizes with top-shelf tequilas.

Family-friendly, too.

Columbia Soundstage

1800 Blanding St., 397-3895 thecolumbiasoundstage.com Warehouse-type space near the Township hosts large hip-hop concerts and dance parties.

Hunter-Gatherer

900 Main St., 748-0540 huntergathererbrewery.com More than the token local microbrew joint, H-G boasts awesome bartenders, scrumptious entrées and an excellent liquor selection.

The Oak Table

1221 Main St., 563-5066 theoaktablesc.com Come for the modern American

6820 N. Main St., 708-3474 An upscale R&B club for the “prestigious and elite.”

Sheraton Rooftop Lounge

1400 Main St., 988-1400 Not for the acrophobic, the Sheraton’s hip Rooftop Lounge boasts a classy clientele, fine libations and desserts, plus a beautiful view of the Capital City.

Sheraton Vault Martini Bar

1400 Main St., 988-1400 Nestled within the bank’s original safe, the Vault Martini Bar is a popular hotspot for those who insist upon their martinis stirred, not shaken, and with a twist of sophistication.

Tio’s Mexican Cafe

921-A Sumter St., 252-7229 tiossc.com.

Full bar with 35 types of tequila.

Mimosas and bellinis on Sundays.

The Vino Garage

2327 Main St., 834-3392 This Earlewood wine and beer shop also hosts a lot of tastings of hard-to-come-by wines and beers.

The Whig

1200 Main St., 931-8852 thewhig.org The Whig used to be Colum-

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bia’s cool-kids-only bar, but its dollar-slice Mondays and cheaptaco Tuesdays have broadened its clientele to Greeks and Main Street urban professionals. Still has that rad jukebox.

Wine Down on Main

1520 Main St. Suite 1B, 673-4810 This small, cozy wine bar is charming and unassuming, offering select beers and complimentary hors d’oeuvres in addition to a large selection of traditional and offbeat wines.

The Vista Art Bar

1211 Park St., 929-0198 artbarsc.com Art Bar’s been around for more than 21 years now, but it still hasn’t grown up: It’s still the same eclectic, non-corporate nightspot it’s always been. Cool but never pretentious.

Looking for that hot derby girl?

She’s probably here.

Blue.

721A Lady St., 251-4447 blueinthevista.org Blue, a tapas bar and cocktail lounge, features Columbia’s only ice bar and draws in big crowds for its popular ’80s night on Wednesdays. Cozy late-night spot as well.

Carolina Ale House

708 Lady St., 227-7150 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern grille-and-grog chain offers good eats, a good beer selection and plenty of televised sports. Features the Vista’s hottest rooftop bar and plenty of fun drink specials.

Flying Saucer

931 Senate St., 933-9997 beerknurd.com If you love beer, you’ve been to Flying Saucer. (You’re probably already a Beer Knurd, too.) If you love beer but haven’t been to Flying Saucer, you’re missing out on a hundredsdeep beer list stocked with beers you’ve never heard of, and beers you’ve only heard about in legend.

Gervais & Vine

620A Gervais St., 799-8463 gervine.com Gervais & Vine offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere for its exquisite Southern fusion tapas. Its extensive wine selection separates it from most of Colum-

bia’s metropolitan haunts, and the diversity and daring of the menu make it hard to dislike.

Jillian’s

800 Gervais St., 779-7789 jillianscolumbia.com Games! TVs! Food! Beer! Housed in the historic Train Depot Building built in 1860, Jillian’s has been serving up entertainment in the heart of the Vista since 1997. Offers an arcade, billiard tables, a ping-pong table, and walls of huge flat-screen televisions, as well as an extensive list of imports, domestics, cocktails and libations. Also presents live music and entertainment.

Kelly’s

1001 Washington St., 254-4464 If this converted fire station reminds you of Five Points, it’s probably because its owners cut their teeth working for places like Group Therapy and Jungle Jim’s.

These Gamecock fans host regular acoustic performances in addition to karaoke and open mic contests.

Liberty Tap Room

828 Gervais St., 461-4677 libertytaproom.com Whether you’re after a nice meal or just a tasty drink, you’ll find much to enjoy here consider the muchacclaimed menu and massive beer list, which offers 75 tap and bottle varieties to choose from.

Music Farm

1022A Senate St., 471-2779 Charleston’s famed music venue has opened a sister venue in Columbia, bringing the city a sorely needed large-scale rock club, a potential home for a diverse array of trendy touring acts.

Nonnah’s

930 Gervais St., 779-9599 nonnahs.com Best known for its desserts, Nonnah’s is a good place to stop for coffee and drinks after dinner or a show.

The Oyster Bar

1123 Park St., 799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com Serves up Gulf oysters, steamed and raw. The dressed-down atmosphere, excellent service and better-than-average beer selection will keep you coming back. Best of all? They shuck, you eat.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

NIGHTLIFE Pearlz

936 Gervais St., 661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com As an oyster bar, Pearlz specializes in all things bivalve mollusk. But its hip, trendy ambience and signature martinis make it a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd.

Pearlz Upstairs

936 Gervais St., 661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com Pearlz’ new upstairs lounge is a hotbed for hot local jazz, and, like its downstairs big brother, a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd.

PT’s 1109

1109 Assembly St., 253-8900 You could live your whole life in Columbia and not know this gay bar exists, and, frankly, its regulars probably wouldn’t mind all that much. Conversely, this haunt is a treasure to the folks who frequent it.

SakiTumi

807 Gervais St., 931-0700 sakifresh.com Sushi, sake and salacious servers ... what else could you want out of an über-hip Vista sushi bar?

Social

918 Gervais St., 603-4313 socialcolumbiasc.com A hot new Vista night spot, Social gets weird on the weekends, hosting paint parties, ice parties, inflatable wonderland parties, foam parties and all manner of events at which to get turnt — soundtracking it with some nationally respected EDM talents.

Thirsty Fellow

621 Gadsden St., 799-1311 thirstyfellow.com Launched by Willie Durkin — formerly of Shannon’s, Sneakers and Durkin’s — Thirsty Fellow serves up eclectic, delicious pizzas and offers a full bar.

Tin Roof

1022 Senate St., 771-1558 tinroof.com Named Best Bar by Free Times readers in the 2014 Best of Columbia poll. Its calling cards: live music, good food and a laid-back atmosphere. Open for lunch, happy hour, dinner and into the night.

Tsunami

700-C Gervais St., 312-9911 tsunamicompany.com Two chic sushi bars within two blocks of each other in the Vista? Be still our beating hearts!

Tsunami’s elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating area

complements its extensive sake, wine and beer selection.

Uncle Fester’s

522 Devine St., 748-9897 While most of the Soda City’s bars are closing up shop on Sunday morning, this watering hole between Palmetto Pig and Todd & Moore keeps the party going. Always packed with a diverse clientele.

Uncle Louie’s

1125 Park St., 933-9833 Its no-frills, no-nonsense attitude has endeared this unassuming watering hole to a loyal legion of regulars, but there’s always room for more.

Five Points/Devine Street/Rosewood/ Olympia

plaza, thus making CJ’s a great spot for taking in this colorful corner of Columbia.

Bar None

326 S. Edisto Ave., 251-4474 As British as you’ll get in Rosewood. Popular and laid-back, this neighborhood favorite has a small but stellar beer menu, and lots of soccer on TV.

620 Harden St., 254-3354 Open from happy hour until sunrise, Bar None is the last refuge of the late-night lush and the service industry worker. Try the smoked wings, when they’re available.

The Bird Dog

Wet Willie’s

800 Gervais St., 779-5650 wetwillies.com How can you not love a bar that specializes in grain alcohol slushies? Er, excuse us, daiquiris.

715 Harden St., 799-0611 It’s called The Bird Dog, ostensibly, because hanging on its walls, right next to mounted deer heads, are soft-hued paintings of hunting dogs staring pensively — tentatively, even, waiting for their prey to emerge — into wooded lakes.

If that sounds like the setup for a Southern bar, well, it is: Drinks, often cheap and big, are served in Mason jars.

The Wild Hare

Blazing Copper

902-B Gervais St., 929-0374 wildharesc.com Three-time winner of the Best Sports Bar in the Best of Columbia poll. Serves up hefty portions of some hefty selections (try the potato cakes!), and earns points for televisions and attractive wait staff.

Down-to-earth crowd.

Wild Wing Café

729 Lady St., 252-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is their 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

The Woody

808 Lady St., 779-9663 Named after popular Columbia oldies disc jockey Woody Windham, The Woody is a popular Vista spot for shag and salsa dancing, as well as a welcoming spot for partiers who aren’t in their 20s. You have to duck through an alley, but don’t let that ward you off. Offers nightly drink specials.

World of Beer

902F Gervais St., 509-6020 worldofbeer.com Lagers and porters and stouts (and pales and ales and bocks), oh my!

World of Beer offers more than 500 beers, stocking something for aficionados and neophytes alike. Wine and cigars, too, plus live music on the weekends. The suds bring the masses in, but the living-room atmosphere keeps ‘em coming back.

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812-814 Harden St., 251-4447 blazingcopper.com Lots of cheap drink specials and occasional live music make this a good bet for the college set.

Breakers

801 Harden St., 771-6360 breakersbarandgrill.com One of the biggest draws to Dr. Rocco’s was its outdoor patio, which offered an ideal Five Points people-watching spot. Breakers, now in the old Dr. Rocco’s space, keeps the patio, but the inside bar got an upscale makeover.

Cantina 76

2901 Devine St., 708-6004 cantina76.com This Devine Street joint is abuzz with young women in cocktail dresses, couples on dates who come for the fancy tacos and stay for the excellent margaritas, made in all shapes, flavors and sizes with top-shelf tequilas. Family-friendly, too.

Capital Club

1002 Gervais St., 256-6464 The oldest gay bar in the state is a private club that’s also welcoming to people of other stripes.

Carolina Pour House

Cock N Bull Pub

Cover 3

711 Harden St., 533-7030 The Cover 3 is a defensive scheme in football with three deep coverage zones covered by two cornerbacks and one safety. It’s also a bar in Five Points in the old Bey’s spot.

Craft and Draft

2706 Devine St., 764-2575 craftanddraftbeer.com Craft beer is booming, and Craft and Draft is on it. Grab a six-pack, pick up a growler or take a seat at the bar.

Delaney’s

741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345 Delaney’s is as Irish as it comes here in the Bible Belt. Of course it has Guinness, but it also has quite an assortment of classy imports and plenty of good ol’ Irish grub.

Wicked friendly staff, live music and a vibrant atmosphere round out the package — but get there early, as it fills up fast, especially on pint nights.

Foxfield Bar & Grille

406 Howard St., 728-0420 Offers a reliable selection of beers and spirits at affordable prices.

Sometimes hosts punk and metal shows.

Group Therapy

2107 Greene St., 256-1203 grouptherapybar.com Columbia’s quintessential college bar, with cheap drinks, loud music and an outdoor oasis to escape the crowd. Group wrote the book on college partying in Columbia.

Henry’s

2865 Devine St., 708-4705 henrysgrillandbar.com Henry’s champions the traditional neighborhood bar — and, equally importantly, brings terrific bar food. Comfortable and classy.

800 Harden St., 932-3033 Next to the always overflowing Group Therapy, The Pour House has a good drink selection at prices that won’t send you to the poor house.

The Hookah Spot

CJ’s

2112 Devine St., 252-5253 jakesofcolumbia.com The renewed Five Points institution is as friendly as ever, and offers

749 Saluda Ave., 748-8694 Its retractable exterior wall opens to reveal the Five Points fountain

617 Harden St., 661-8337 hookah-spot.com Grab a couch, sidle up to a hookah and get your smoke on.

Jake’s

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

NIGHTLIFE the same variety of televised sports and multiple bar stations. Even better: Jake’s is bringing rock ‘n’ roll back to its hallowed hall.

The Kraken Gastropub

2910 Rosewood Dr., 955-7408 Rosewood’s hip new bar, The Kraken has a great draft beer selection and signature beer-based cocktails along with a swanky menu and cozy-cool vibe.

Lucky’s

2100 Devine St., 929-1118 For the Vista experience in Five Points, Lucky’s is your place — good wine and beer selection and an outdoor patio.

Moosehead Saloon

2020 Devine St., 708-4984 A rock ‘n’ roll country bar. Kind of like Coyote Ugly. A little. Kind of.

Nicky’s Pizza

2123 Greene St., 748-9661 Need a slice to fuel another late night in Five Points? Drop by Nicky’s. Grab a beer while you’re there, too.

Nightcaps

2722 Devine St., 771-6575 An out-of-the-way place with respect to Five Points, Nightcaps has a pool table, a big-screen television, comfy lounge chairs and a good late-night atmosphere. A popular haven for those not ready to let the night end.

Pavlov’s

2000B Greene St. pavlovsofcolumbia.com Tucked behind the Salty Nut, Pavlov’s is a long-time stomping ground of college revelers and serves as hallowed ground for many in the fraternity and sorority circles.

Pawleys Front Porch

827 Harden St., 771-8001 pawleysfrontporch.com Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Pawley’s is primarily known for its behemoth and fantastic specialty burgers, but it also caters to a late-night crowd on weekends.

Especially good for game days, as it shows football games on its huge screen on its even huger deck.

Pinch

640 Harden St., 708-6838 Like Lucky’s next door, Pinch offers Vista atmosphere at Five Points prices. On-tap beers are rotated frequently, and frequently feature high-class offerings.

Publick House

2307 Devine St., 256-2207 Exceptional beer selection, challenging trivia, hip music selection, über-friendly staff, good burgers and the best raw fries around.

Rockaway Athletic Club

2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075 Exquisite burgers, low-key atmosphere and a nice, amply stocked bar. Plus, lots of sports on TV and a corner nook with arcade games.

Salty Nut Cafe

2000 Greene St., 256-4611 saltynut.com Hooray! The Salty Nut, closed for about a year after an arsonist torched it, has re-opened, and reclaimed its rightful place as a favorite Five Points watering hole. Yes, you can still throw peanut shells on the floor.

Sizzle

819 Harden St., 661-9390 sizzlesc.com Bacon is the name of the game at this new eatery and pub. Menu items include the Bloomin’ Bacon Garlic Bread and the All B and No LT (“1/4 lb. of delicious smoked bacon on Texas toast”). The grill stops sizzling at 10 p.m., but the drinks keep flowing until 2 a.m.

The Southern Belly

1332 Rosewood Dr., 667-9533 southernbellybbq.com Still-pretty-new Rosewood hangout offers live music and a stocked bar to go with its laid-back feel and slow-cooked ‘cue.

Speakeasy

711 Saluda Ave., 255-0869 delaneysspeakeasy.com Home to live jazz several nights of the week, Delaney’s classy, hip younger sibling also boasts a fine liquor selection, great beers and a top-notch staff, as well as fine cigars and comfy leather couches.

Also hosts the Science Café series

The Thirsty Parrot

734 Harden St., 708-4768 Like Jimmy Buffett? You’ll most likely dig this place, which offers fine burgers and spirits in an easygoing atmosphere.

TLC Sports Bar and Grill

936 S. Stadium Rd., 251-3087 Built to withstand even the toughest of game days, this ultimate Gamecock bar, located within a stone’s throw of Williams-Brice, offers enough food, drink and fun to satisfy even the most orangeblooded Clemson fan.

Utopia

4330 Fort Jackson Blvd., 782-8522 Neighborhood bar offers an offthe-beaten-path spot for catch-

40 freetimes | PLAY&STAY

ing up with friends and taking in some tunes from its frequent guest singer-songwriters.

Village Idiot

2009 Devine St., 252-8646 villageidiotpizza.com Columbia’s quintessential college-town pizza joint in a pub atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious fare, cold beer, wallet-friendly weekly specials and a heaping helping of revelry.

Serving New York-style pizza since 1990. Dine in, pick up or delivery, and menu also features salads, sandwiches and wings.

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

2030 Devine St., 799-0196 yesterdayssc.com A great place for an undergrad to take his or her squeeze out for dinner without maxing out the credit card. Good food, above-average beer and liquor selection. Bar in the back has its own entrance on Devine Street. A veritable Columbia landmark since 1978.

State Street/ Vista West/ West Columbia/Cayce @116 Espresso & Wine Bar

116 State St., 791-5663 116state.com A coffee shop that serves gourmet food and booze? Be still our beating hearts! Dig those specialty cocktails; also serves an extensive assortment of wines. Small, but cozy. A good date spot.

Bogart’s

530 12th St., 791-4617 A friendly Triangle City neighborhood bar. Free pool on Saturdays.

Platinum West

1995 Old Dunbar Rd. theplatinumplus.com Exactly like Platinum Plus, but in West Columbia (i.e., the ladies have no shirts on.)

Rooster’s Den

1215 Augusta Rd., 794-8200 A members-only bar in Triangle City.

The Skyline Club

100 Lee St., 822-8608 skylinefunclub.com Where do you go in Columbia if you want to do the Boot-Scootin’ Boogie? This line-dancing bar near the airport, that’s where.

State Street Pub

136 State St., 796-2006 An across-the-bridge institution, State Street Pub wins its crowd with pool, cheap beer, sports and plenty of charm. Loads of beers on tap.

You’ll need to be a member, but you should be.

Northeast/Forest Acres/Fort Jackson Blythewood/Camden Ale House Lounge

12 Tommy Circle, 771-0161 An off-the-beaten-path hole-inthe-wall not without its charms.

Comedy House

2768 Decker Blvd., 798-9898 comedyhouse.us Regional and national comedy acts stopping by regularly. Offers a full menu with steak, shrimp, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and appetizers.

Hooters

2410 Augusta Rd., 926-1199 callowaysbarandgrill.com Pool tables, big-screen TVs and food: What more do you want from a sports bar?

7711 Two Notch Rd., 419-3456 hooters.com The same people who justify buying Playboy for the articles probably justify going to Hooters for its food. A guy’s hangout if there ever was one, Hooters is famous for its wings and women — both of which can get pretty hot.

Conundrum Music Hall

Kwagga

Calloway’s Bar & Grill

626 Meeting St., 250-1295 conundrum.us A hub for avant-garde music, offering weird, wild and wonderful avant-jazz, contemporary classical and out-there prog ensembles.

Stocks beer and wine, but no liquor.

New Brookland Tavern

122 State St., 791-4413 newbrooklandtavern.com New Brookland Tavern is Columbia’s most storied rock club, but it’s a damn fine bar, too, offering a fine array of specials and a bar stocked with much more than Pabst Blue Ribbon served up by friendly staff.

108 Columbia Northeast Dr., 865-2859 A South African sports bar. No. Really.

The Mouse Trap

2711 Middleburg Dr., 799-2120 One of this town’s hidden gems, the bar is located beneath an office building in Middleburg Park.

Perhaps its location is why it’s frequented by local celebrities such as former Gamecock football players, but the real draw is its incredible comfort food.

Off the Rail

10327 Two Notch Rd., 708-4817 Nightly shot specials.

Winter 2014-15 | free-times.com/restaurants

NIGHTLIFE The Pizza Joint

3246 Forest Drive, 454-1743 thepizzajoint.net Come for the pizza, stay for the surprisingly highfalutin beer selection.

Hey, your bar options are limited in Forest Acres.

Polliwog’s

10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775 polliwogsc.com This state-of-the-art sports bar offers an attractive selection of viewing and dining possibilities. And if you hate sports, there’s always karaoke.

Salsa Cabana

2005 N. Beltline Blvd., 787-1052 This weekend spot is one of the few places in town where you can go to find authentic salsa music, dancing and flair.

Salud!

1101 Broad St., 425-4850 Taqueria and tequila lounge is the place to catch live jazz in Camden.

Harbison/Irmo Lake Murray/ Lexington/ St. Andrews Bentley’s Beach House

1605 N. Lake Dr., 808-7263 A popular stop for Lexington locals located near the Lake Murray Dam. Family-friendly; cheap eats, cheaper drinks.

British Bulldog Pub

1220 E10 Bowers Pkwy., 227-8918 thebritishbulldogpub.com A British pub in the middle of Irmo’s urban sprawl? Rad. A dinner menu of traditional U.K. cuisine is augmented with specials on Guinness and Irish whiskeys, but the Bulldog doesn’t forget us Yanks, offering basketball (and soccer, too) on big-screen televisions and multiple, cold domestics.

Carolina Ale House

301 Rice Meadow Way, 736-8228 Serenity now! A country-ish restaurant by day and lounge by night.

277 Columbiana Dr., 407-6996 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern chain grille-and-grog offers good eats, a good beer selection and plenty of televised sports.

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar

Carolina Wings & Rib House

Serenity

841-4 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-6966 solsticekitchen.com Named Best Neighborhood Bar in northeast Columbia by readers in the 2013 Best of Columbia poll, and for good reason: It’s a great place to relax with a fancy cocktail.

Taps Pub & Restaurant

104-B Columbia NE Dr., 699-4657 Patriotically themed pub.

Keg Cowboy

108 E. Main St., 937-2337 kegcowboy.com A retail store, yes, but one with its own craft beer tavern — with some seriously adventurous stuff — and its own outdoor garden. Lovely.

Liberty on the Lake

Main Street Café

Corner Pocket

480 Town Center Place, Ste. 2; 865-3365, wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

5195 Fernandina Rd., 407-9464 hooters.com The same people who justify buying Playboy for the articles probably justify going to Hooters for its food.

A guy’s hangout if there ever was one, Hooters is famous for its wings and women — both of which can get pretty hot.

Copper River Grill

Venue on Broad

Wild Wing Café

Hooters

105 Northpoint Dr., 356-6244 carolinawings.com What can we say about this Columbia institution? They carry a good selection of bottled beers, and the assortment of buffalo wing flavors is enticing, too.

224 10 O’Neil Ct., 736-7474 Love karaoke? You’ll love Tsubaki, where the karaoke is as authentically Japanese as next-door Inakaya’s sushi.

1020 Broad St., 713-8333 This laid-back venue is the place to catch live music in Kershaw County, offering everything from singer-songwriters to popular local and regional rock acts.

7467 St. Andrews Rd., 749-6020 hemingwaysmusicpub.com A neighborhood institution in Irmo for years, Hemingway’s has been the watering hole of choice there for several reasons. Not content to do just one thing well, Hemingway’s is a sports bar, a great restaurant and a nice little music club all rolled into one. Papa would approve.

1602 Marina Rd., 667-9715 Yo dog, we heard you love Liberty Tap Room so we put a Liberty on the lake so you can Liberty at the Lake. Offers all the accoutrements of Liberty’s downtown drinkery with the added scenery of Lake Murray. Forty-eight beers on tap.

Forty-eight!

1230 B8 Bower Parkway, 749-4647 copperrivergrill.com Copper River Grill is a destination drinking spot for the entire Irmo/ St. Andrews area. A super-large bar area means you’ll always have someplace to sit, but it still gets crowded the later the night progresses.

Tsubaki

Hemingway’s

489 Piney Grove Rd., 731-0403 Karaoke, cover bands and lots of pool. (Hence Corner Pocket. Get it?)

Wannabe pool sharks are welcome — but be ready to meet your match.

Finz Seafood House

211 Chapin Rd., 941-7148 Nothing fishy about this cozy Chapin watering hole, which often books singer-songwriters and small cover bands.

Goodfellas Grill & Bar

7608 U.S. 378., 951-4663 As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to hang out at a laidback bar in Lexington.

free-times.com/restaurants | Winter 2014-15

131 E. Main St., 808-5886 This little Greek restaurant is tucked into a storefront space on Main Street in downtown Lexington. With happy hour specials and live local music several nights a week, it’s a great way for Lexington residents to enjoy dinner and some entertainment without having to travel into Columbia.

McCary’s Sports Bar

851 Bush River Rd., 551-5680 Typically places high in the annual Best of Columbia poll, and for good reason: Good selection, good atmosphere.

Platinum Plus

362 Jacob Rd., 731-0555 Good (or bad): The girls at Platinum Plus take their clothes off. Better (or worse): Platinum Plus serves booze.

Rusty Anchor

1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 749-1555 rustyanchorrestaurant.com Sliding glass doors opened most of the year offer a great view of Lake Murray. And live entertainment on The Quarterdeck outside jazzes up the summer months.

Schooners

6226 Bush River Rd., 661-6138 schoonersbarandgrill.com On the eastern shores of Lake Murray by the confluence of Bush River Road, North Lake Drive and Lake Murray Boulevard, Schooners is a simple unassuming bar and grill, offering daily specials, cheap wings, televisions and live music.

Skores

2700 Broad River Rd., 751-2500 Restaurant in St. Andrews centered around sports on TV, yummy bar food and cold beers.

Tipsy Toad Tavern

103 Beaufort St., 932-4470 A godsend to the culturally deprived lake area, the Tipsy Toad features a good beer selection and Vista-style atmosphere.

Tsunami

1290 Bower Pkwy.,407-3873 tsunamicompany.com Like its sister Vista location, Tsunami’s elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating area complement its extensive sake, wine and beer selection.

The Wild Hare

5122 Bush River Rd., 213-1300 wildharesc.com A sports bar with plenty of TVs, pool tables and dartboards, this location also offers an outdoor bar area with a sand volleyball court.

Named Best Sports Bar in the Best of Columbia poll for three years running.

Wild Wing Café

1150 Bower Pkwy., 749-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

Wings ‘n’ Ale

154 Ellis Ave., 359-4475 Specializing in wings, beer and pool, Wings ‘n’ Ale has an ample supply of all three. If you’re looking for a place where the odds of getting a table are better than making a masse shot, this is it. Classic and modern rock flows as freely as the brew. Not your khaki and buttondown crowd.

freetimes

PLAY&STAY || freetimes

41 41

Enjoy Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest farm-to-table dining experience,

featuring all local ingredients, house-made condiments, smoked meats and infused cocktails.

Photo: Forrest Clonts

Located at 920 Gervais Street in the Vista since 1989. For menu & hours, visit motorsupplycobistro.com Please call 803.256.6687 for reservations. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@motorsupply).