Bites & Sights Spring 2015 Restaurants in Columbia SC

SPRING 2015 free-times.com/restaurants

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE

Dining, Attractions and Nightlife

C onsider “old fashioned” a Compliment. and a darn good C oC ktail. ta ke the road less traveled. s av o r fa mously hot Columbia o ne bite at a t im e .

924-A Senate Street at the Hilton Columbia Center In Columbia’s Historic Vista District 803.212.6666 For Menus & Additional Information, visit RuthsChris.net

Get fresh with us.

Columbia’s most progressive restaurant invites you to step out of normal and step into SakiTumi.

Flavorful grill and incredible sushi with fresh fish delivered DAILY. Creative cocktails from our full service bar and great service in a casual atmosphere bursting with energy and great music. You’ll have to remind yourself you’re still in Columbia. Get fresh with us for dinner and drinks anytime.

803.931.0700 • SakiFresh.com SakiTumi Grill & Sushi • 807 Gervais St, Vista • Open Every Day @ 5pm

contents Dining, Attractions and Nightlife

SPRING 2015 free-times.com/restaurants

COLUMBIA’S PREMIER VISITORS GUIDE

ON THE COVER Grilled swordfish with romanesco, cauliflower, broccolini and baby beets in a truffled cauliflower broth at Terra. For restaurant listing, see page 10.

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.

Restaurants

6 American/Southern 8 Asian 8 Bagel/Bakery 8 Bar/Pub Food 8 Bistro/ New American 10 BBQ/Wings/Ribs 12 Breweries/ Brewpubs 12 Café/Coffee House 12 Cajun 14 Caribbean/Latin 14 Chinese 14 Deli 14 Dessert 15 Ethiopian 15 Food Trucks

15 Greek/ Mediterranean 16 Indian 16 Japanese/Sushi 16 Korean 17 Mexican 18 Middle Eastern 18 Pizza 18 Seafood 19 Steakhouse 19 Thai 20 Vegetarian 20 Vietnamese

Play & Stay 25 Calendar of Events 26 Attractions 33 Nightlife

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1734 Main St Located in the old Elite Epicurean Restaurant

803.401.5882

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Kingsman Restaurant

Midlands’ Food Arts

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 936 Axtell Dr.

marriott.com/hotels/ hotel-information/restaurant/ caemh-columbia-marriott 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.

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. $.

(Parkland Shopping Center), 796-8622 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thu.-Sat. 11 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. ¢.

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

VISTA: 708 Lady St., 227-7150 Mon-Sun 11-2a.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. ¢-$.

Compton’s Kitchen comptonskitchen.com LEXINGTON: 5343-L Sunset Blvd., 399-1272 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.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1118 B Ave., 791-0750 Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Saturday 6 a.m.-noon. Closed Sunday.

With most everything made from scratch, you can’t go wrong with the meat-andveggies 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. ¢.

Eggs Up Grill eggsupgrill.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

2930 Devine St., 661-9174 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-2 p.m.

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! ¢.

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Ella’s NORTH COLUMBIA:

3800 North Main St., 661-8857 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tasty Southern comfort food served up meat-and-three style in an elegant location in North Main Plaza. $

Flight Deck shoppesatflightdeck.com LEXINGTON:

109-A Old Chapin Rd., 957-5990 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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. ¢.

Harper’s Restaurant FIVE POINTS: 700 Harden St., 252-2222

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.

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. $.

Jillian’s jillianscolumbia.com VISTA: 800 Gervais St., 779-7789 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m.

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. ¢-$.

Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles NORTHEAST: 110 Columbia Northeast Dr.,

834-7948 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 9:30 a.m.midnight; Sun 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

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. ¢.

Liberty on the Lake libertytaproom.com HARBISON/IRMO:

1602 Marina Rd., 667-9715 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

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, freshcaught 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. $.

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. ¢.

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. $

Pawleys Front Porch FIVE POINTS: 827 Harden St., 771-8001

Lizard’s Thicket

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

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? Crowds have been lining up outside Pawleys Front Porch ever since its fantastic burgers were featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2010. $.

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST:

Rockaway Athletic Club

lizardsthicket.com DOWNTOWN:

818 Elmwood Ave., 779-6407 BLYTHEWOOD:

711-1 University Village Dr., 451-8400 FOREST ACRES: 3147 Forest Dr., 787-8781 7938 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-0095

ROSEWOOD / OLYMPIA:

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:

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

Meat loaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, fried okra. Good lord, what more could you want? A true local institution that thrives on the meat-and-veggies formula.

This is what Southern cooking is all about. ¢.

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

$$ avg. entrée > $15

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 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. ¢-$.

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. ¢.

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ASIAN

Crust Bakehouse

M Cafe

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2701-B Rosewood

miyos.com

DOWNTOWN: 1417 Sumter St., 779-5788

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 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 healthful salad plus a choice of white rice, brown rice or steamed noodles. From the owners of Miyo’s. Also features a sushi bar. ¢-$$.

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

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. $-$$ .

M Vista 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 organic ingredients. Besides stir-fries, noodle soups and special sushi rolls, there’s a well-stocked bar. Yum! ¢-$.

Miyo’s

crustbakehouse.com

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

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. ¢.

Heather’s Artisan Bakery heathersartisanbakery.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1524 Lafayette Ave., 807-1428 Fri 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Artisanal bakery offers homemade breads for serious bread fans, from wheat to sourdough to ciabatta. For sale at Soda City Market, Rosewood Market and other area markets. ¢.

Silver Spoon Bake Shop SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2507 Devine St.,

673-6374 Tue-Fri 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

The Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s nonnahs.com VISTA: 928 Gervais St., 779-9599 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

BAR/PUB FOOD Bar None FIVE POINTS: 620 Harden St., 254-3354

miyos.com

NORTHEAST: 715 Fashion Dr., Ste. 1, Village

at Sandhill, 788-8878 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.

HARBISON/IRMO: 1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy., 781-7788 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.- 10:30 p.m.

FOREST ACRES: 3250 Forest Dr., 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.

LEXINGTON: 5594 Sunset Blvd., 957-9888 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Winner of many Best of Columbia awards for its Shanghai and Sichuan cuisine.

Features both traditional and innovative dishes served in a comfortable, elegant atmosphere. Also features a sushi bar. ¢-$$.

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. ¢.

British Bulldog Pub thebritishbulldogpub.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1220 E10 Bower Pkwy., 227-8918 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-2 a.m. (night menu Wed-Thu 10-11pm; Fri-Sat 10:30 pm-12 a.m.); Sun buffet 10 am-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. $.

BAGEL/BAKERY

Delaney’s

Ally & Eloise Bakeshop

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. delaneyspub.com. ¢.

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. ¢.

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

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$$ avg. entrée > $15

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FIVE POINTS: 741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345

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 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. ¢.

Henry’s Grill and Bar henrysgrillandbar.com SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2865 Devine St., 708-4705 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

NORTHEAST: 111 Sparkleberry Crossing, 563-5674 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 jakesofcolumbia.com FIVE POINTS: 2112 Devine St., 708-4788 Tue-Fri 4 p.m.-until; Sat 4 p.m. -2 a.m.; Sun 5 p.m.-until 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. $.

Krafty Draft kraftydraft.com LEXINGTON: 269 Charter Oak Rd., 996-0345 Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m.-midnight Nibble on tortilla chips, hummus or a rotisserie chicken salad while sampling a wide assortment of beers. ¢.

The Kraken facebook.com/thekrakengastropub SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2910 Rosewood Dr., 955-7408 Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight (kitchen open 5-10 p.m.Mon-Thu, 5-11 p.m. Fri-Sat); 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. $.

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.)

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 tinroofbars.com VISTA: 1022 Senate St., 771-1558 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun noon-2 a.m.

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. $.

The Whig thewhig.org

DOWNTOWN: 1200 Main St., 931-8852

Mon-Fri 4p.m.-until; Sat-Sun 5 p.m.-until Hip underground bar across from the State House serves burgers, sweet potato fries and a mean chicken sandwich. Also home of the infamous Taco Tuesdays, when beef or bean tacos are 75 cents apiece and the crowds are massive. $1 slices on Mondays. ¢.

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

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 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 Mon-Thu 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-11 p.m.

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 MonFri 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 DOWNTOWN: 1215 Assembly St.,

451-0051 Mon-Thu 5:30-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m.

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

Copper River Grill copperrivergrill.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1230 Bower Prkwy., 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. $.

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. ¢-$$.

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1200 Lincoln St. â&#x20AC;˘ 799.3838

bluemarlincolumbia.com â&#x20AC;˘ signaturecateringsc.com | freetimes

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Julep’s Bistro

The Oak Table

Spotted Salamander

julepsbistro.com NORTHEAST: 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. $.

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. $-$$.

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. Daily specials offer quirky, balanced, tasty fare. Plus — cronuts! $.

Motor Supply Co. motorsupplycobistro.com VISTA: 920 Gervais St., 256-6687 Tue-Th 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.,5:30-10:30 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 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 additionto its daily menu, Mr. Friendly’s offers innovative nightly specials. $-$$.

Saluda’s saludas.com

FIVE POINTS: 751 Saluda Ave., , 799-9500

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

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar solsticekitchen.com NORTHEAST: 841-4 Sparkleberry Lane, 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. $-$$.

Stonefire American Grill stonefireamericangrill.com Northeast: 566 Spears Creek Church Rd., 419-2332 Mon-Sun 4-10 p.m.

Upscale American classics — steakhousestyle 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. $-$$.

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 wood-fired 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. $$.

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. $.

BBQ/WINGS/RIBS 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 mustard-based sauce.

The sides are first-rate. Friendly people, generous portions. Top it all off with some homemade chocolate cake. ¢.

Tios Mexican café 921 Sumter St

Order Online

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

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Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

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

SPECIALTY SANDWICHES

Served with a side item & pickle.

Make any sandwich a wrap (.50).

CREATE YOUR OWN ..................... 5.96 Roasted turkey, Honey pit ham, or Top round roast beef Wheat, Sourdough, Dark Rye or Texas toast Cheddar, Swiss or Provolone cheese Sandwiches loaded with romaine, local tomatoes, red onions, mayo & deli brown mustard.

CHICKEN SALAD ............................ 6.79 A local favorite! Chicken breast, pecans & golden raisins with a leaf of romaine on dark rye bread.

TUNA & CUKES .............................. 6.79 Homemade tuna salad served on a leaf of romaine with fresh cucumbers and wheatberry bread.

DAGWOOD ......................................... 7.89 Choose your bread & cheese for this mammoth sandwich! Enjoy piles of turkey, ham & roast beef stacked in three layers…loaded with all the deli trimmings.

APPLE ORCHARD ........................... 6.79 Roast beef & swiss served open faced with Royal Gala apples & mayo. Toasted on dark rye bread.

SOUP & SANDWICH OR SANDWICH & SALAD.................. 6.79

Half of Chicken Salad, Tuna and Cukes, or Create Your Own sandwich with a cup of soup or smaller portion of any salad.

WRAPS

UPSTATE .............................................. 6.79 Roasted turkey breast, feta, Royal gala apples and sweet mustard in a spinach tortilla.

ATHENA .............................................. 6.97 Roasted turkey breast, feta, black olives, red onions, tomatoes, romaine & our house dressing in a spinach tortilla.

GARDEN CLUB ................................ 7.29 Honey pit ham, roasted turkey breast, bacon, cheddar & sweet mustard in a tomato tortilla.

Loaded with romaine, tomatoes & red onions.

SUMMER CHICKEN ..................... 6.97 Our famous chicken salad with romaine, cheddar and Royal Gala apples in a whole wheat tortilla.

GARDEN BOUNTY ........................ 5.96 Shredded zucchini, squash & carrots with pecans & strawberry vinaigrette in a spinach tortilla. Add turkey (2.29).

SINBAD ................................................. 6.70 Roasted Greek hummus, feta, black olives, tomatoes, cucumbers & romaine in a tomato tortilla.

BUFFALO CHICKEN ...................... 7.29 Grilled chicken breast tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce with bleu cheese crumbles, tomatoes & romaine in a garlic herb tortilla. Served with a side of bleu cheese dressing.

BISTRO CHICKEN MELT ............. 7.29 Grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese & bacon with sweet mustard in a garlic herb tortilla .

SMASHED SANDWICHES

Served with a side item & pickle.

SMASHED CUBAN ........................ 6.79 Our best seller! Honey pit ham, top round roast beef, swiss, pickles & sweet mustard on Texas Toast.

RAGIN’ CAJUN ................................ 6.79 You may know it as the Stanton Moore! Honey pit ham, bacon, swiss, romaine, tomatoes and Cajun dressing on grilled sourdough.

SMASHED HAM & SWISS ....... 6.28 Classic honey pit ham & swiss with a bit of mayo on your choice of Texas Toast or sourdough. Great with local tomato (.50).

SMASHED CHARLIE MELT ....... 6.79 Homemade tuna salad, red onions & provolone on your choice of Texas Toast or sourdough.

Great with local tomato (.50).

SMASHED THREE CHEESE ...... 5.78 A combo of cheddar, swiss & provolone on your choice of Texas Toast or sourdough.

Great with tomato (.50) or bacon (.75).

SIDE ITEMS

Three Potato Salad • Asian Slaw • Greek Pasta Garden Salad • Bagel Chips • Sun Chips Fresh Fruit Cup (Add an extra 1.48)

SALADS

BISTRO GARDEN SALAD .......... 5.50 Fresh romaine, local tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers & a medley of shredded carrots, zucchini, and squash. Add grilled chicken or a scoop of chicken salad (2.29).

BIRD’S NEST ..................................... 6.79 Our classic turkey & cheddar cheese with pecans on top of our garden salad.

MEDITERRANEAN ......................... 6.42 Romaine, feta, black olives, red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers & pepperoncini with our house dressing. Add grilled chicken or a scoop of chicken salad (2.29).

SUMMER SALAD ........................... 6.42 Royal Gala apples on romaine with crumbled bleu cheese, pecans & strawberry vinaigrette dressing. Add grilled chicken or a scoop of chicken salad (2.29).

MANDARIN CHICKEN.................. 6.79 Grilled chicken breast, mandarin oranges & chow mein noodles over romaine with fat free toasted sesame dressing.

BLT SALAD ......................................... 6.79 Bacon, lettuce, tomatoes with onions, pecans, crumbled bleu cheese and our house dressing.

SOUP & SALAD COMBO........... 6.79 1/2 of any salad & soup of the day.

DRESSINGS

Herb Romano Vinaigrette • Ranch • Bleu Cheese • Sweet Mustard • Strawberry Vinaigrette • Fat Free Toasted Sesame

1303 B Assembly Street • Columbia, SC 29201 803.933.9085 | www.GardenBistroVista.com Monday–Friday 11am–2pm

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.

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

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

2450 Augusta Rd., 796-4777 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

This Midlands barbecue institution pitcooks its juicy pork, ribs, beef and chicken over hickory coals, and its Carolina Gold mustard-based 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. ¢.

Hudson’s Smokehouse & Saloon

Palmetto Pig

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 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 mustardbased, ketchup-based and vinegar-andpepper options. ¢.

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. $.

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.

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

Little Pigs littlepigs.biz

NORTHEAST: 4927 Alpine Rd. , 788-8238

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.

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 piggiepark.com DOWNTOWN: 800 Elmwood Ave., 256-4377 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO:

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.

NORTHEAST: 252 O’Neil Ct., 865-0608 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

NORTHEAST: 9563 Two Notch Rd., 462-0882 Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD:

411 Devine St., 782-9547 Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

622 St. Andrews Rd., 772-6999 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

1600 Charleston Hwy., 796-0220 Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

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DOWNTOWN: 530 Devine St. , 733-2556

Publick House SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 2307 Devine St., 256-2207 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-until; Sat-Sun 3 p.m.-until (Kitchen closes midnight Sun-Thu; 1 a.m. Fri-Sat) A Devine St. 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: 941 Spears Creek Ct.,

563-5501 Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.

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. $.

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House shealysbbq.com LEESVILLE: 340 E. Columbia Ave., 532-8135 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.)

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. Among the bestloved barbecue places in the state. ¢.

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. ¢-$.

True BBQ WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 1237 D Ave.,

791-9950 Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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 vinegar-based sauce. ¢.

BREWERIES/ BREW PUBS

College Grounds Café DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St.,

Conquest Brewing Co. conquestbrewing.com

GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 947 S. Stadium Rd., Bay 1 Wed-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 4-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.9 p.m.; Sun 1-9 p.m.

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

Hunter-Gatherer huntergathererbrewery.com DOWNTOWN: 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. ¢-$.

Old Mill Brew Pub oldmillbrewpub.net LEXINGTON: 711 E. Main St., 785-2337 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.midnight (kitchen); bar open until.

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. $.

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.

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

Swamp Cabbage Brewing Co.

708-9476 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.

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. ¢.

Cool Beans Coffee Company DOWNTOWN: 1217 College St.,

779-4277 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-midnight; Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-midnight 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

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

FIVE POINTS: 729 Saluda Ave., 661-9545 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Five Points shop specializes in the pour-over 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. Serves baked goods, sandwiches, salads — and, of course, lattes in many varieties. ¢.

Immaculate Consumption

swampcabbagebrewing.com

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 extra-special bitter. Run by two brothers.

CAFE/ COFFEE HOUSE Café Strudel cafestrudel.com

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. ¢.

DOWNTOWN: 933 Main St., 799-9053

Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (coffee until 6 p.m.)

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

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. $$.

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

$$ avg. entrée > $15

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COLUMBIA | 802 GERVAIS STREET 803-252-3100 | WWW.OLDCHICAGO.COM

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DUROC HOG

GARLIC

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

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CARIBBEAN/ LATIN

Garden Bistro VISTA: 1303 Assembly St., 933-9085

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

Healthy downtown lunch option with an eclectic assortment of soup, salads, wraps and specialty sandwiches. ¢.

Arkos Mojo Grill and Martini Bar arkosmojo.com LEXINGTON: 109K Old Chapin Rd., 785-5660 Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-until 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. $.

Coconuts Caribbean Restaurant DOWNTOWN: 1710 Main St., 814-0459

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

Has all your Caribbean favorites including jerk chicken, curry chicken, fried plantains, oxtails, beef patties and that same peach cobbler Mac’s on Main used to serve. ¢-$.

CHINESE WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 135 Sunset Blvd.,

791-4060 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

DELI Andy’s Deli FIVE POINTS: 2005 Greene St.,

JOIN US FOR HAPPY HOUR MONDAY - SUNDAY 4-7PM

BUY ONE GET ONE • DRAFT + SLICES

CRAFT BEER ON TAP YARD BEERS • MIMOSA TOWERS CRAFT BEER ON TAP • SANDWICHES DELICIOUS BRICK OVEN PIZZA FRESH LOCAL BAGELS

799-2639 Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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. ¢

DiPrato’s Delicatessen dipratos.com FIVE POINTS: 342 Pickens St., 779-0606 Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

A stone’s throw from Maxcy Gregg park, DiPrato’s brings a New York attitude to its gourmet deli selections. Choose from its signature sandwiches, build your own or explore the paninis and salads. A fabulous and well-loved brunch spot, too. ¢-$.

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

Open 10am til Late

707 HARDEN STREET ACROSS FROM HARPER’S 803.851.5605

14 freetimes |

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: MonSat 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. ¢-$.

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:

Egg Roll Station

2009

The Gourmet Shop

$$ avg. entrée > $15

For more food and drink coverage and restaurant listings, visit free-times.com.

800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515 Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

LEXINGTON: 117 1/2 East Main St., 356-8800 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2265 Sunset Blvd., 796-7826 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 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. ¢

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. ¢

DESSERT Blue Flour blueflour.com

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. ¢.

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 covered and then some. ¢.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

Insomnia Cookies insomniacookies.com FIVE POINTS: 2013 Devine St., 877-632-6654 Mon-Sun noon-3 a.m.

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). ¢.

Main Street Bakery NORTH COLUMBIA: 3307 N. Main St.,

807-9567 Tue-Fri 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Cozy bakery housed in a brick home serves fresh-made cinnamon rolls, sweet potato pie, cupcakes and more, plus specially made-to-order cakes.

My Dessert Bar mydessertbar.com WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE:

134 State St., 728-1690 Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Bakery and dessert catering company with everything from cakes to cakepops; also offers brunch on weekends. ¢-$$

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

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. ¢-$.

Scoopy Doo FIVE POINTS: 725 Saluda Ave., 765-6999

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

Housemade gelato and sorbetto incorporating some excellent local ingredients, including coffee from Drip, which is right next door. Cool records for sale in the back. ¢.

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.

Wonderful stews, veggies and curries are served atop injera, a sourdough flatbread made from teff, a North African grain. A warm and inviting restaurant with a large bar, too. $.

FOOD TRUCK 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. Oh yeah, they have a TV show, too. Really. ¢.

Belgian Waffle Truck thebelgianwaffletruck.com Mobile: 606-6780 Serves authentic Liege waffles — a dense, browned version of the Belgian waffle — with toppings both sweet and savory. Try the Ouf-Ti Waffle, which features goat cheese, lettuce, duck and chicken confit and an onion confiture. ¢-$.

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels 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) or check the website.

Pawleys Front Porch Truck 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. ¢.

The Wurst Wagen 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. For locations and hours, follow the truck on twitter: @BestWurstWagen.

GREEK/ MEDITERRANEAN Ariana’s Greek Restaurant 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.

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. $.

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. ¢-$.

To sign up for our weekly food and drink newsletter, Nibbles & Sips, visit free-times.com.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

brewery and ale house

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15

INDIAN

JAPANESE/SUSHI

Inakaya Watanabe

Tsunami

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

Bombay Grill

Camon Japanese Restaurant

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE:

DOWNTOWN: 1332 Assembly St.,

655-C St. Andrews Rd., 731-2538 Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Fri 11:45 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-11 p.m.

Excellent sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes. $.

tsunamicompany.com HARBISON/IRMO: 1290 Bower Pkwy., 407-3873 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10 p.m.; SatSun 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

The Vista: 700-C Gervais St., 312-9911 Mon-Sat 4-11:45 p.m. Sun 4-10:45 p.m.

Trendy, chic sushi bar and restaurant with elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating areas to complement extensive sake, wine and beer selection. $.

245 Bush River Rd., 772-5121 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.

Featuring a range of South and North Indian dishes, as well as a handful of Indian Chinese entrees, this Boozer Shopping Center one-stop satisfies vegetarians and omnivores alike. The South Indian dosai (stuffed savory crepes) are not to be missed. Under new ownership; stay tuned for a name change. $.

Delhi Palace

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. $

delhipalace.ms11.net

Ganbei

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. ¢-$

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 fries, fried rice, sushi, donburi, plus some curve balls like baked mussels and spring rolls. $.

Spice Junction

Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 542 St.

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 restaurant with 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. $.

LEXINGTON: 5580-F Sunset Blvd.,

NORTHEAST: 224 O’Neil Ct., 699-2626

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.

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. $

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 also slings noodles. We’re told the beef and vegetable curry — a mild, brown-gravy concoction served over rice — is highly authentic, as well. ¢.

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. $

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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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Hero Korean Steak House and Sushi

Seoul Restaurant and Grocery

NORTHEAST: 6634 Two Notch Rd., 699-9922

NORTHEAST: 1717 Decker Blvd., 790-0090

Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 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.

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. ¢

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

$$ avg. entrée > $15

Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

This charming restaurant and grocery offers authentic homestyle Korean fare in a casual setting. $.

MEXICAN 7 Mares LEXINGTON: 4360 Augusta Rd., 520-0067

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

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. Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly.

Live bluegrass on Thursdays (seasonal).

One of the best salads in town. ¢

For more food and drink coverage and restaurant listings, visit free-times.com.

Cantina 76

Takosushi

cantina76.com DOWNTOWN: 1301 Main St., 764-1769 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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.

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. $

VISTA: 1115 Assembly St., 771-7131

Chapala Mexican Restaurant LEXINGTON: 1792 S. Lake Dr., 957-0840 ST. ANDREWS/DUTCH SQUARE: 7001 St.

Andrews Rd., 749-7071 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. $.

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. West Columbia location includes a store, too

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.

Friendly Mexican joint bursting with flavor. ¢-$.

Tio’s Mexican Cafe tiossc.com

DOWNTOWN: 921-A Sumter St., 252-7229

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

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. Check out the award-winning No. 4 Salsa. ¢

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17

MIDDLE EASTERN

Pitas

Al-Amir

Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.

DOWNTOWN: 1901 Main St., 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. ¢

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. Housed 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 excellent Lebanese wines.

Now open for lunch only. ¢-$.

For more food and drink coverage and restaurant listings, visit free-times.com.

DOWNTOWN: 1800 Taylor St., 343-3454

PIZZA Dano’s Pizza danosdelivers.com

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 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 Eddies 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

Pizza Man Pizzeria

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. $.

Mellow Mushroom mellowmushroomcolumbia.com 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.

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.

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. $

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 Yorkstyle 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

Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom oldchicago.com/locations/ columbia-south-carolina VISTA: 802 Gervais St., Ste. 100C, 252-3100 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Combine your barbecue chicken, Hawaiin or Thai pie with a beer, glass of wine or cocktail. Also offers mac n’ cheese, fish and burgers. ¢-$

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

SHANDON/ROSEWOOD: 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. ¢

Rio’s Pizza and Bagels rios5points.com FIVE POINTS: 707 Harden St., 851-5605 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-4 a.m.

Rio’s Pizza and Bagels serves both the pre-party and the post-party crowd, staying open well after the bars close. Or you could have the party at Rio’s, which has $10 mimosa towers in addition to fresh-made pizza and bagels. ¢.

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. ¢

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. $.

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Made With Love & Butter

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Blue Marlin bluemarlincolumbia.com VISTA: 1200 Lincoln St., 799-3838 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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 facility available. $

Bonefish Grill bonefishgrill.com FOREST ACRES: 4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200 Mon-Thu 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

HARBISON/IRMO: 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. ¢-$

Oyster Bar

dining room. Some 30 cuts available, including filet mignon, chicken wing, pork sausage, lamb shoulder and beef picanha — a special Brazilian cut. $$.

Longhorn Steakhouse longhornsteakhouse.com 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? $-$$.

Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse HARBISON/IRMO: 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

oysterbarcolumbia.com VISTA: 1123 Park St., 799-4484 Mon-Wed 4-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 4-11 p.m. (bar open later) 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. ¢-$

ruthschris.com VISTA: 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. $$

Pearlz Oyster Bar

THAI

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 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. $-$$. .

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 always open to 12 a.m.

Steaks. Salads. Steak salads. Burgers, too, and seafood. Your straight-up American steakhouse. $-$$.

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse DOWNTOWN: 1508 Main St., 728-0887

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

Visit the enormous salad bar, then partake in the never-ending parade of sizzling grilled meats being carried around the

Columbia’s home cookin’ Since 1977!

Baan Sawan 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., 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. The pad thai and kaou pad bai kapow are favorites. Offers a wide range of Thai cuisine, as well as soups and Thai iced tea. Also serves Chinese. ¢-$

Basil Thai Restaurant eatatbasil.com GARNERS FERRY/SOUTHEAST: 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. $

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

$$ avg. entrée > $15

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

14 convenient locations to serve you 10170 Two Notch Rd. (803) 419-5662

7942 Garners Ferry Rd.

(803) 647-0095

2234 Sunset Blvd.

(803) 794-0923

7620 Two Notch Rd (803)788-3088

402 Beltline Blvd.

(803) 419-5662

1824 Broad River Rd. (803) 798-6427

3147 Forest Dr. (803) 787-8781

2240 Airport Blvd.

(803) 796-7820

7569 St. Andrews Rd. (803) 732-1225

818 Elmwood Ave. (803) 779-6407

711-1 University Village Dr. (803) 451-8400

621 West Main St. (803) 951-3555

501 Knox Abbot Dr. (803) 791-0314

4616 Augusta Rd. (803) 785-5560

www.LIZARDSTHICKET.com 14 convenient locations to serve you!

Catering and drop off services available | freetimes

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Mai Thai

Lamb’s Bread Vegan Cafe

maithais.com

DOWNTOWN: 2338 Main St., 253-7889

WEST COLUMBIA/CAYCE: 2249 Sunset

BEST SELECTION OF BEER, WINE & SPIRITS IN TOWN!

ONLY MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN! RIGHT BEHIND ZESTOS ON FOREST DRIVE

LARGEST GROWLER STATION IN COLUMBIA!

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. $

VEGETARIAN 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

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. ¢

VIETNAMESE Golden Chopstix 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 NORTHEAST: 2300 Decker Blvd., 699-5959 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

FIVE POINTS: 2011 Devine St., 779-4077 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 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. ¢

Finding your favorite restaurants is easy with the free Vista app for Smartphone and Android.

Download it today!

Visit VISTACOLUMBIA.COM for more info about all there is to see and do in the Vista.

For more food and drink coverage, restaurant listings and events, visit free-times.com.

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Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

Columbia in Seven Bites

By Jonathan Sharpe Every week of the year, Free Times contributor Jonathan Sharpe hunts up a worthy local dish to photograph for the paper’s food and drink section.

Here, we’ve collected seven of his favorites from the past year.

— Eva Moore what: old fashioned shrimp salad sandwich cost: $8.99 where: Spotted Salamander Cafe, 1531 Richland St., 556-2197

S

potted Salamander has earned a reputation for its fresh, high quality, Southern-inflected catering. I say Southern-inflected because it’s set itself apart from the pack of plain-old Southern catering companies out there — you know, the ones that serve bland, watered-down grits.

Not Spotted Salamander. Which is why it was welcome news that owners Jessica Shillato and Jake Wendling opened a brick and mortar cafe off Bull Street in late 2014 in the former Chocolate Nirvana location. I stopped by and sampled their chicken liver paté appetizer (a tasty bargain at $6), served with a crystallized onion jam and toasted baguette. The pate hit the right note; strong enough to be flavorful without being too iron-rich. Next was this Bite of the Week from last November: poached shrimp salad made with cucumber, fresh herbs and mayo, and stuffed in a croissant. You could get it as a wrap, but let’s do the math: croissants > wraps. The sandwich comes with some snappy okra pickles and a side dish; the sweet broccoli and cranberry salad made for a solid choice. Open MondayFriday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

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what: scallops appetizer cost: $14 where: Motor Supply Company Bistro, 920 Gervais St., 256-6687

M

otor Supply renovated its patio last year, adding a wall of overhead doors that make for delightful, open air, al fresco dining when weather permits (or air conditioning when needed). Free Times’ last visit started in familiar territory: a cocktail and the butcher’s board of housemade charcuterie, both of which were excellent, as expected. This Bite of the Week from last fall was another appetizer from the dinner menu, and an example of how things are going these days at Motor Supply under executive chef Wes Fulmer’s leadership. Chef Fulmer seemed relaxed as he made his rounds through the patio, checking on customers. When he stopped by my table, he was quick to give credit to his culinary team for this dish of seared scallops, crisp-roasted brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes and carrots with a bacon and herb aioli. Chef Fulmer’s passion for charcuterie was on display when he answered a few questions about how long it takes to cure the lonza and coppa on the butcher board, and the intricacies of knowing when it’s ready (hint: you have to squeeze it).

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what: Mamasan’s Taiwanese beef noodle soup cost: $5.95 where: Egg Roll Chen, 715 Crowson Rd., 787-6820

E

gg Roll Chen, founded in 1985, has become one of Columbia’s most beloved, quick and low-cost Chinese American restaurants, receiving repeat accolades in Free Times’ Best of Columbia contest. This Bite of the Week is their beef noodle soup, a favorite among regulars, and for good reason. It’s a simple dish of beef, napa cabbage, green onions and thick, chewy egg noodles in a clear, homemade beef broth. It’s not a fancy dish, but I defy you to find a tastier bowl of soup for the money. Along with one of the egg rolls ($1.45) for which the restaurant is named — crisp, without being overfried or greasy — I was stuffed.

Couldn’t quite finish my noodles. I ordered a side of kimchi and picked up the chili tray on my way to the table, but I didn’t really need them. The soup was pleasantly spiced as served, and one of the tastiest ways to warm up on a cold day when your wallet is a little thin.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

what: textures of chestnut cost: $8 where: The Oak Table, 1221 Main St., 563-5066

T

his Bite of the Week, a sweet meditation on the humble chestnut, closed out 2014 on a smart note, and one that bodes well for the future of the restaurant scene in Columbia. Why chestnut, instead of, say, pecan or peanut? “It was an ingredient I hadn’t used much before, so it was almost a study for me,” says Oak Table pastry chef Charley Scruggs. The dish incorporates fresh chestnut puree, chestnut flour and a chestnut liqueur.

More than just an academic exercise, though, the dessert is plated like an abstract winter landscape, set on a pond of rich chocolate mousse dotted by trees of crunchy chestnut merengue, along with chestnut crumbles and a ribbon of roasted chestnut puree, and a little spoonful of chestnut sorbet. “I wanted to see how the different textures and flavors added complexity,” Scruggs said. As delicious as it is visually stunning and complex, treats like this are reason enough to plan ahead, and save room for dessert. The dessert menu changes frequently at Oak Table, so keep an eye out for new creations from Chef Scruggs.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

what: fried-to-order turkey wings cost: $9.99 where: Ella’s, 3800 N. Main St., Ste. A, 661-8857

I

f you’re looking for honest, meat-and-three Southern comfort food, you owe yourself a visit to Ella’s. Ella Glover, formerly of Savalis on Main Street, opened her new restaurant in the erstwhile Houston’s Lowcountry Grill location in North Main Plaza. Ella’s serves diner-style breakfast all day, and not just your standard bacon and eggs; you’ll find chicken and waffles and whiting and grits on the menu, along with salmon croquettes or a side of fatback, if you’re so inclined. The lunch and dinner menu’s meat-and-three section includes daily blue plate specials, like meatloaf Mondays, smothered pork chop Thursdays, or baked, sticky-sweet barbecue rib Fridays. This Bite is a turkey wing lunch plate (one lemon pepper, one barbecue) with serious sides like made-from-scratch mac and cheese, collards with a nice tangy-peppery bite, and stewed rutabagas. And the turkey wings? Since they’re fried to order, they’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.

Full disclosure: the sweet cornbread muffin was dessert enough for me. The pecan pie ($3) pictured here had to be boxed up and taken to go.

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what: sopa de pollo cost: $7.50 (large) where: Taqueria Jalisco, 612 St. Andrews Rd., 731-5546

what: Oufti waffle cost: $8 where: Belgian Waffle Truck, location varies, 606-6780

I

“I

n every culture that adopted the domesticated chicken as a food source, distinctive versions of chicken soup have emerged. But whether it’s in the form of matzoh ball soup, tom kha gai or this week’s Bite, there’s something inherently comforting about a big bowl of chicken soup.

Comforting and maybe curative, too: an oft-cited study from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2000 showed that chicken soup helps reduce upper respiratory cold symptoms by inhibiting the movement of neutrophils.

Taqueria Jalisco’s sopa de pollo blooms with the aromatics of fresh cilantro and onion in the pico de gallo added to the soup, along with steamed rice, chopped avocado and pulled breast meat in a house-made stock. Served with a lime wedge to brighten up all the flavors; plus, the extra vitamin C couldn’t hurt during allergy season, right? If you’d like to really clear your head, request some red or green hot sauce to spice up your soup.

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t’s like saying, ‘wow!’” That’s the way Yvette Ledent, who owns and operates the Belgian Waffle Truck with her husband and waffle-maker-in-chief, JeanLouis Ledent, translates the meaning of the Belgian-French exclamation, “oufti!” The Ledents make their waffles in the style of their native city of Liege, Belgium, with a denser, chewier dough than Brussels-style waffles. Another characteristic that makes Liege-style waffles unique is the use of pearl sugar in the dough, which tends to caramelize in the crust. This week’s Bite is one of the truck’s savory offerings: confit of chicken and duck, pulled and served with a spread of creamy goat cheese, confiture of sweet onion and shredded lettuce, stuffed between two waffles.

It’s a hearty sandwich that would go well with a beer, which is a distinct possibility depending on the truck’s location. They’ve been a weekend fixture of late at each of Columbia’s local breweries, making appearances at Conquest, River Rat and Swamp Cabbage Brewer, as well as Soda City Market. Follow the truck at twitter.com/1BelgianWaffle.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

APRIL Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey: Circus Xtreme!

Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com April 2-5. Watch circus spectacles made more extreme with liberal use of the letter “x.”

An Evening with Johnny Mathis Koger Center broadwayincolumbia.com April 10. With over 350 million records sold worldwide, Mathis is one of the most successful recording artists of the 20th century.

Bark to the Park Finlay Park, barktothepark.com April 18. One-mile dog walk and activities for canines. Oh, and people, too: food, entertainment, vendors, more.

Olympia Fest olympiafest.com April 18. History, gravel quarry tours, family activities, arts, crafts, live music, more. Historic Quarry Crusher Run (quarrycrusherrun. com) held in conjunction with the festival.

Columbia International Festival

Riverfront Park riverrocksfestival.com April 11. Paddling opportunities on the Columbia Canal, environmental education, family-friendly activities, food, beverages and live music presented by the Congaree Riverkeeper. Blitzen Trapper headlines.

South Carolina State Fairgrounds facebook.com/ columbiainternationalfestival April 18-19. Long-running annual international food and culture festival offers bazaars, ethnic foods, national exhibitions, a fashion show, cultural performances and culminates in a parade of nations.

This year, the festival gives a special emphasis to the countries of South Asia.

Runaway Runway

Artista Vista

River Rocks Music Festival

Columbia Museum of Art columbiadesignleague.org April 11. One man’s trash is another’s haute couture, as this recycled fashion show proves.

USMC Ultimate Challenge Mud Run The Leatherneck ultimatechallengemudrun.org April 11. Sure, go ahead and run through a daunting 6.2-mile, allterrain obstacle course packed with boot camp-style traps, including mud holes, walls and trenches. But don’t come crying to us when you can’t get out of bed the next day.

Widespread Panic Township Auditorium thetownship.org April 14-15. Longstanding, Southernleaning rock band from Georgia returns to Columbia for a two-night stand.

Indie Grits Festival indiegrits.com April 15-19. So much more than just a film festival. This Nickelodeon Theatre-curated and -directed event, which screens films from Southern filmmakers at venues throughout downtown, also packs surprisingly exciting concerts, a Slow Food Columbia eat-and-greet, a hand puppet slam and a Hip-Hop Family Day.

Disney On Ice: Let’s Celebrate!

Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com April 16-19. Costumed cartoon favorites perform on ice skates.

(A)ugusta Baker’s Dozen Richland County Public Library richlandlibrary.com April 17-18. Annual storytelling festival brings to life the world of storytelling and children’s literature.

The Vista, artistavista.com April 23-25. Columbia’s oldest and most celebrated gallery crawl.

Sparkleberry Country Fair Clemson Extension, Northeast Columbia sparkleberrycountryfair.org April 24-25. Like the South Carolina State Fair, except way smaller: Amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, etc. Plus, in true country style, lots of tractors.

Eau Claire Fest

EVENTS

OK, 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.

24 Hours of LeMons, Spring

Conductors Institute

Carolina Motorsports Park 24hoursoflemons.com May 2-3. Beat-up old heaps of junk get fixed up and put through an endurance race. Don’t mind the smoke.

Koger Center conductorsinstitute.com June 6-20. Aspiring conductors come to town from all over the country and beyond to hone their craft. Conducting sessions are open to the public.

The Big Nosh Tree of Life Congregation bignosh.org May 3. Festival celebrating JewishAmerican cuisine.

Aiken Bluegrass Festival aikenbluegrassfestival.org May 8-9. Greensky Bluegrass, Town Mountain, Larry & Jenny Keel and more will perform at Aiken’s 11th salute to pickin’ ‘n’ grinnin’.

Black Expo

Eau Claire Town Center eauclairefest.com April 26. The Eau Claire festival celebrates the North Columbia neighborhood with a marketplace, music and food.

Colonial Life Arena blackexposouth.com May 9. Features more than 200 exhibitors and vendors, as well as seminars, workshops, youth activities, a health fair and local and national entertainment.

Camelot

Lexington Wine Walk

Koger Center broadwayincolumbia.com April 28-29. Recount the timehonored legend of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table.

Florida Georgia Line

lexingtonwinewalk.com May 9. Held on the 100 block of East Main Street in Lexington, the Lexington Wine Walk offers wine tastings, hors d’ouevres and live music. Fundraiser for the Lexington Beautification Foundation.

Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com April 30. At the forefront of the “brocountry” movement, this group is both celebrated and loathed for its string of recent hits.

South Carolina Book Festival

MAY

JUNE

Rosewood Crawfish Festival

Southern Guitar Festival & Competition

Rosewood Drive rosewoodcrawfishfest.com May 2. The annual Crawfish Festival takes over Rosewood Drive for a whole day. Stuff yourself with Cajun and Creole cuisine in addition to samples from Rosewood restaurants.

It’s a feast for the ears as well, with four stages typically dominated by ‘90s alt-rockers and up-and-coming locals.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, scbookfestival.org May 15-17. South Carolina’s premier literary festival. Workshops, readings and literary discussions.

southernguitarfest.com June 5-7. Present concerts, masterclasses, lectures and an international competition, with divisions for elementary/middle school, high school, and college/ professional levels.

Tour of Homes columbiabuilders.com June 6-21. Showcases five communities and more than 50 homes spanning every price range.

Southeastern Piano Festival sepf.music.sc.edu June 14-21. It used to be that the local arts scene died in the summer.

It’s alive and well the Southeastern Piano Festival, which presents some of the nation’s most talented up-andcoming pianists.

Columbia Fashion Week columbiafashionweek.com June 15-20. Who says Columbia doesn’t have style? Go get dazzled at a few displays on the runway and attend special events like the annual Beautiful People Party.

South Carolina Black Pride southcarolinablackpride.com June 24-28. Like the annual Pride festival, but black-oriented.

Carolina Celebration of Liberty First Baptist Church of Columbia fbccola.com/liberty June 28. U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A! Patriotic celebration and salute to the armed forces.

JULY Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration Lake Murray, lakemurraycountry.com July 4. Boat parade and fireworks extravaganza.

Lexington County Peach Festival Gilbert lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com July 4. Mmm . . . peaches!

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PLAY&

STAY

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden draws about a million visitors each year. Photo by Austin Price

ATTRACTIONS C

olumbia is full of history — and historical attractions. The Articles of Secession were signed here, and Gen. Sherman occupied the city at the end of the Civil War. 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 civil rights markers along Main Street.

Columbia has an often-overlooked civil rights history that includes three major Supreme Court rulings.

Signs along Main Street 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

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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 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 28 or visit free-times.com/events.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

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 ŠTerra Foundation for American Art, Chicago.

On View through May 17

1515 Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, SC | 803-799-2810 | columbiamuseum.org Organized by Dixon Gallery & Gardens in Memphis, Tenn., with the Frick Art and Historical Center in Pittsburgh, Pa., and the Columbia Museum of Art. Presented by: Darnall and Susan Boyd Joyce and George Hill Dr. Suzan D. Boyd Hannah and Ron Rogers and Mr. M. Edward Sellers

Silver Sponsors: Kay and John Bachmann Helen and John Hill Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd, PA Dr. and Mrs. Nicholas K. Moore

ATTRACTIONS 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.

Restaurants such as the The Oak Table, Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, 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 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 AfricanAmerican experience.

Busted Plug Plaza

1400 Block of Taylor St. It’s a giant metallic fire hydrant.

What else can we say?

Columbia Museum of Art

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 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 soon as the city is considering major renovation plans. 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.

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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

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.

Mann-Simons Cottage

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.

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 multidisciplinary Indie Grits 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 734-2430 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.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

ATTRACTIONS 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.

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

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.

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, 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.

Three Rivers Greenway

Woodrow Wilson Family Home

Town Theatre

riveralliance.org, 765-2200 Designated in 2013 as a National Recreation Trail, the Three Rivers Greenway provides approximately 10 miles of linked river access in Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia. The completed Cayce and West Columbia portions of the Greenway are already popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

1705 Hampton St., 252-7742 woodrowwilsonhome.com The Wilson family moved to Columbia in 1870, moved into the home in 1872 and left two years later following a dispute over mandatory chapel service between Wilson’s father and the Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he taught. After years of renovations, the home re-opened in February of 2014.

Paths of De stru c ti o n Sh erman ’s Fin al Campaign See a life-size diorama of Columbia in flames, excavated relics, weapons, interactives and much more on display now!

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.

Courtesy National Archives and Records Administration

For more things to do in Columbia, visit free-times.com/events. free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum www.crr.sc.gov

803-737-8095

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ATTRACTIONS 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.

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.

of the Greenway are already popular for walking and running, and the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheatre hosts outdoor concerts and more.

Columbia Marionette Theater

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.

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 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

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

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Trustus Theatre

701 Center for Contemporary Art

Five Points Rosewood Olympia Southeast

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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.

Olympia’s big annual events are Olympia Fest and the Quarry Crusher Run.

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, ice cream 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 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.

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 consistently strong team.

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.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

ATTRACTIONS 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 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.

For more things to do in Columbia, visit free-times.com/events.

Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

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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.

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.

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 Jackson-related artifacts dating to the fort’s founding in 1917. Public access is limited; call ahead for details.

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.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

For more things to do, including Arts & Draughts at the Columbia Museum of Art, visit free-times.com/events.

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ATTRACTIONS 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 yearround 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.

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.

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

lexingtonsc.org/attractions Dedicated in 2008, this memorial to 9/11 was made from steel from Ground Zero in New York City.

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.

Frankie’s Fun Park

Lexington County Museum

First Responders Wall of Remembrance

140 Parkridge Dr., 781-2342 frankiesfunpark.com Kids’ stuff? Hardly. This Harbisonarea entertainment center packs three go-kart tracks, three 18hole 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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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

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

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, 70acre 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, 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

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, 3591436, villagesquaretheatre.com Community theater from the Lexington County Arts Association.

scgreatoutdoors.com/ park-peachtree.html, 254-9046

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

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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. See free-times.com for more nightlife listings and coverage.

Downtown/ Main Street/ South Main/ USC/North Main Bourbon

1214 Main St., 403-1404 bourboncolumbia.com Go for the bourbon, stay for the whiskey. Serves higher-end CajunCreole cuisine along with a diverse selection of classy cocktails.

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.

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.

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 Columbia’s cool-kids-only bar, but its dollarslice Mondays and cheap-taco Tuesdays have broadened its clientele to Greeks and Main Street urban professionals. Still has that rad jukebox.

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.

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.

free-times.com/restaurants | Spring 2015

Carolina Ale House

Liberty Tap Room

Flying Saucer

Music Farm

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.

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 hundreds-deep 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 Columbia’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.

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.

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.

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.

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 lounge is a hotbed for hot local jazz.

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.

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NIGHTLIFE Thirsty Fellow

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

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.

The Wild Hare

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 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.

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.

Five Points/ Devine Street/ Rosewood/ Olympia The Attic

638 Harden St. 521-0046 Located above Pinch on Harden St. Five Points’ only rooftop bar with over 25 craft beers.

Bar None

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

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.

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.

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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

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.

CJ’s

749 Saluda Ave., 748-8694 Its retractable exterior wall opens to reveal the Five Points fountain plaza, thus making CJ’s a great spot for taking in this colorful corner of Columbia.

Cock N Bull Pub

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.

The Cotton Gin

632 Harden St. In the space once occupied by Red Hot Tomatoes, this bar’s mission is “celebrating the Roaring ‘20s in style.”

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.

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.

The Hookah Spot

617 Harden St., 661-8337 hookah-spot.com Grab a couch, sidle up to a hookah and get your smoke on.

Jake’s

2112 Devine St., 252-5253 jakesofcolumbia.com The renewed Five Points institution is as friendly as ever, and offers 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 The Kraken has a great draft beer selection and signature beer-based cocktails along with a swanky menu and cozy-cool vibe.

Latitude 22

636 Harden St., 834-7113 facebook.com/lattitude22colasc Replacing the long-running Sharky’s, this Five Points bar focuses on cheap drink specials and breezy good times.

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.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

NIGHTLIFE Publick House

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 Pinch offers Vista atmosphere at Five Points prices. On-tap beers are rotated frequently, and frequently feature high-class offerings.

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 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

EST

1992

at 10 p.m., but the drinks keep flowing until 2 a.m.

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 WilliamsBrice, offers enough food, drink and fun to satisfy even the most orange-blooded Clemson fan.

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

a’s The Vist

adhouse

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.

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@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.

Calloway’s Bar & Grill

2410 Augusta Rd., 926-1199 callowaysbarandgrill.com Pool tables, big-screen TVs and food: What more do you want from a sports bar?

Conundrum Music Hall

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.

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.

Ro c i t c OKE e l c / KARA E IC S U M IVE TO RO-MO NCE / L HAPPY HOUR M-F 5-8:00 PM EVERYDAY 8:00 PM UNTIL 1211 PARK ST \ 803.929.0198 ARTBARSC.COM \ INSTAGRAM @ARTBARSC

State Street/ Vista West/ West Columbia/ Cayce

State Street Pub

For more things to do at night in Columbia, visit free-times.com/music.

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.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

NIGHTLIFE Northeast/ Forest Acres/ Fort Jackson/ Blythewood/ Camden

Utopia

4330 Fort Jackson Blvd., 782-8522 Neighborhood bar offers an offthe-beaten-path spot for catching up with friends and taking in some tunes from its frequent guest singer-songwriters.

Venue on Broad

12 Tommy Circle, 771-0161 An off-the-beaten-path hole-inthe-wall not without its charms.

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.

Comedy House

Wild Wing Café

Ale House Lounge

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.

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.

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.

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar

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.

Tsubaki

224 10 O’Neil Ct., 736-7474 Love karaoke? You’ll love Tsubaki, where the karaoke is as authentically Japanese as nextdoor Inakaya’s sushi.

480 Town Center Place, Ste. 2; 8653365, 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.

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.

Call 803-309-1283 to book your reservations or private parties

WEDNESDAYS Classes from 7:30 - 8:30 Corona and Tequila Specials

THURSDAYS

THROWBACK THURSDAY’S with live DJ

from 7-9pm

FRIDAY + SATURDAY

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

277 Columbiana Dr., 407-6996 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern chain grille-andgrog offers good eats, a good beer selection and plenty of televised sports.

9pm - until

THE BEST DANCE PARTY IN TOWN OPEN Wed–Sat 6pm

TheWoodyInTheVista A nightclub owned by legendary DJ Woody Windham

Carolina Wings & Rib House

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.

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NIGHTLIFE Copper River Grill

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.

Corner Pocket

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 laid-back bar in Lexington.

Hemingway’s

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.

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

For more things to do at night in Columbia, visit free-times.com/music.

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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!

Main Street Café

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.

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.

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 button-down crowd.

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants

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Outdoor dining, year-round.

For 25 years, Motor Supply Company has been Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot spot for farm-totable deliciousness, cocktails and year-round outdoor dining.

Drop in for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch on our beautiful new patio.

Located at 920 Gervais Street in the historic Congaree Vista since 1989. For menu & hours, visit motorsupplycobistro.com.

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Talk with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@motorsupply).

Spring 2015 | free-times.com/restaurants