Bites & Sights Spring 2013

Columbia’s Premier Visitors Guide

spring 2013

Bloody Mary @116 Espresso and Wine Bar

in partnership with

Dining, Attractions, Nightlife and Accommodations

best some of the

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columbia moments happen over .

Open for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Seven Days a Week Private Party & Meeting Facilities for 10 to 225 Guests

Columbia | 803.212.6666 | 924 Senate Street • ruthschris.net At the Hilton Columbia Center in the Historic Vista District 2

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Spring 2013 | free-times.com

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Columbia’s Premier Visitors Guide

contents Restaurants

spring 2013

Bloody Mary @116 espresso and wine Bar

in partnership with

Dining, Attractions, Nightlife and Accommodations

On the cover: Bloody Mary at @116 Espresso and Wine Bar, p. 14 Photo by Jonathan Sharpe

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

6 American/Southern 10 Asian 10 Bagel/Bakery 11 Bar/Pub Food 13 BBQ/Wings/Ribs 14 Bistro/

New American 15 Brew Pub 16 Café/Coffee House 16 Cajun 16 Caribbean/Latin 17 Chinese 17 Deli 19 Dessert 20 French 20 German 20 Greek/ editerranean 21 Indian 21 Italian

22 Japanese/Korean 23 Mexican 25 Middle Eastern 25 Pizza 26 Seafood 26 Steakhouse 28 Sushi 28 Tapas 28 Thai 30 Vegetarian 30 Vietnamese

Index 31 Restaurants by neighborhood

Play & Stay

32 Attractions 41 Nightlife 46 Accommodations 48 Events

free-times.com 1534 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 | (803) 765.0707 Published by Resorts Media LLC PUBLISHER: Charlie Nutt | charlien@free-times.com

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BUSINESS

OPERATIONS MANAGER: Jen Coody jenc@free-times.com | x124 Advertisers in Free Times Bites & Sights assume responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of all advertisements. In case of error or omissions in advertisement, the publisher’s sole liability shall be to publish the advertisement at a later date. Notice of error must be made within ten days of first insertion. Views expressed in Free Times Bites & Sights reflect the opinion of the individual writer or artist and are not necessarily those of Free Times. Unsolicited submissions are welcome, but may not be returned. © 2013 Resorts Media LLC. All rights reserved.

Chef Joseph Jacobson presents classic, American cuisine in the heart of downtown Columbia, S.C.

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Lunch Monday through Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Dinner Monday through Thursday: 5 to 10 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: 5 to 11 p.m. · Sunday: 5 to 9 p.m.

Brunch Sunday: 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Complimentary valet from 6 p.m. to close, daily Private dining and event space available

3/21/13 10:27 AM

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

american/ southern

City Center Grill

2108 State

Hotel dining under the atrium at the bottom of the Marriott. Serves Southern standards like fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and shrimp and grits. The Lowcountry egg roll with collard greens, chicken and smoked cheddar cheese is deep fried and served with peach chutney. Good lunch buffet. $.

West Columbia/Cayce: 2108 State St., 200-2108

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

I

n the food world, the calendar year often gets off to a slow start, as diners save their money after the holidays and chefs catch up on things like restaurant renovations and vacations. But now it’s spring in the Midlands. Bars and restaurants are readying their outdoor decks; the Legislature is in session, bringing a bustle to downtown; and a million tiny lettuces and carrots are sprouting out of the soil in local farms and gardens, begging to be eaten.

Meanwhile, the city has seen some new restaurants open. Roll Call Deli opened on Main Street, continuing the boom in eateries near the State House that began with the opening in 2012 of Cola’s American Cooking, The Oak Table and Rue 77.

There’s also been a burger boom along Devine Street, most recently with American Roadside, which joined Smashburger, Henry’s and Burger Tavern 77 to pave the corridor with ground beef. In nearby Five Points, of course, Pawleys Front Porch is still going strong on the heels of its 2010 appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. If you need an excuse to bite down on a burger, National Hamburger Day is May 23.

Spring also brings some hot food and drink events. The weekend of April 6 and 7, local farmers will welcome visitors for the first ever Midlands Farm Tour; the website carolinafarmstewards.org has more information. On Sunday, April 14, Slow Food at Indie Grits features local chefs cooking up sustainable dishes; visit indiegrits.com for tickets. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is in the game, too, hosting a wine tasting April 19 and a Mother’s Day brunch May 12; visit riverbanks.org to buy tickets. And throughout the spring, the urban farm City Roots will host Farm to Table and Nose to Tail dinners to highlight local chefs’ skills; visit cityroots.org for more information.

Columbia’s eateries are earning some recognition, too: Zagat, in a recent list naming a single can’t-miss coffeehouse in every state, chose our very own Drip Coffee to represent South Carolina.

And now that you’re well and truly hungry, here’s a guide to Midlands restaurants.

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

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$$ avg. entrée > $15

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

American Roadside Burgers

Shandon/Rosewood: 702 Cross Hill Rd., 790-9960 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

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

Anthony’s Past Time Café

Downtown: 1425 Sumter St., 255-6200 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Backyard Café

West Columbia-Cayce: 940 Old Barnwell Rd., 951-0405 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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

Burger Tavern 77

Shandon/Rosewood: 2631 Devine St., 667-9608 11 a.m.-11 p.m. daily

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

California Dreaming

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 opened in 1984 and ever since has been a popular destination. Serves large salads, burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, chicken and steaks. Truly outstanding mixed drinks, and the honey croissants always are a hit. centraarchy.com. ¢-$.

Carolina Ale House

Harbison/Irmo: 227 Columbiana Dr., 407-6996 Vista: 708 Lady St., 227-7151 Mon-Sun 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

North Carolina-based franchise offers extensive appetizers, signature sandwiches and all manner of chicken, steaks, barbecue and ribs and seafood entrees to complement pizzas and salads. Features more than 30 beers on tap and 40 or so bottle selections. Downtown Vista location features Columbia’s most popular rooftop bar and 99-cent kids meals. carolinaalehouse.com. ¢-$.

Carolina’s

Downtown: 1615 Gervais St., 771-8711

Mon-Fri 6:30-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 8:30-11 a.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sun 6:30-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Late-night buffet 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

Located at the Clarion Hotel, Carolina’s offers a popular Sunday brunch featuring hot breakfast, pork loin, salmon, cold salads, carving stations, boiled shrimp and an extensive selection of rich desserts. Daily breakfast and lunch buffets are above average, along with a limited menu featuring reubens, burgers, chicken salads and club sandwiches. Extremely popular for its Mother’s and Father’s Day buffets. clarionhotelcolumbia.com/dining. ¢-$$.

Downtown: 1200 Hampton St., 771-7000

Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Sat-Sun 6:30 a.m.-noon. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Dinner: Mon-Sun 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

Compton’s Kitchen

West Columbia/Cayce: 1118 B Ave., 791-0750 Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-2:15 p.m.; Sat 6 a.m.-noon

Lexington: 5343-L Sunset Blvd; 399-1272 Daily 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Compton’s Kitchen is Southern cooking at its finest. Serving breakfast and lunch, you’ll leave with a bellyful of home cooking. With most everything made from scratch, you can’t go wrong with Compton’s meat and two veggies. A special menu highlights meals under 400 calories.

Regular lunch entrées include fried chicken, stewed beef and rice, salmon patties, livers and gizzards, country-style steak and the expected sides: fried okra, buttered spinach, squash casserole, June peas, etc. comptonskitchen.com ¢.

The Diner

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4405 Jackson Blvd., 661-7676 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

This eatery makes downhome American and European favorites — pot pies, meatloaf, fishand-chips and the like — in a low-key space decorated with local folk art. Weekend brunches are a big draw. Plus: ice cream!

Drake’s Duck In

Downtown: 1544 Main St., 799-9290

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

Known for its cheeseburgers, chicken filet sandwiches and very affordable eats, Drake’s Duck In offers some of the best, fastest fast-food-that’snot-fast-food you’ll find anywhere in town. ¢.

Edna’s Drive In

North Columbia: 3609 River Dr., 252-6696 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

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

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

Forest Acres: 4751 Forest Dr., 787-3178 Harbison/Irmo: 285 Columbiana Dr., Suite N, 407-6443 Northeast: 460-2 Town Center Place, 788-6200 Lexington: Hwy. 378 (Target Ctr.), 356-1007 Vista: 931 Senate St., 799-0441 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Flight Deck

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

Family-owned restaurant with an extensive collection of World War II-themed memorabilia and photographs. Menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to ribs, pizza and Greek specialties. Everyday blue-plate special includes one meat, two veggies, dessert and a drink. shoppesatflightdeck.com. ¢.

Fuddruckers

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1801 Bush River Rd., 798-3775 Sun-Wed 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

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Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn

Harbison/Irmo: 434 Columbiana Dr., 407-6640

Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m. and 5:30-9 p.m.; Sat 6:30-10 a.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-11 a.m. and 5:30-10 p.m.

Upscale appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled specialties and more. Highlights include a smoked salmon ciabatta sandwich, a porterhouse steak and a mustard sage pork loin. $.

Harper’s Restaurant

Five Points: 700 Harden St., 252-2222

Mon-Wed 11:15 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-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 both in the quality of the ingredients and the level of attention paid your dinner by the kitchen. 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. Get there early for lunch or you’ll have a wait. Sunday brunch runs 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and features signature omelets and more. harpersrestaurants.com. $.

Interstate Hoagies and Steaks

Harbison/Irmo: 101A Ministry Dr., 781-6878 Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Authentic, enormous Philly cheesesteaks — a foot long and piled high with all the classic Philly options, including Cheez Whiz. $.

Jillian’s

Vista: 800 Gervais St., 779-7789

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

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. jillianscolumbia.com. ¢-$.

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Judy’s at the Market

tatoes with onions and ham). Serves liquor. Busy lunch, lots of atmosphere. ¢.

Sun-Thu 8-3 p.m., Fri-Sat 8-8 p.m.

Liberty Tap Room & Grill

West Columbia/Cayce: 3483 Charleston Hwy., 509-5641 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.¢-$.

Judy’s Café and Bakery

Lexington: 5135-A Sunset Blvd., 356-6159

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

In the Target shopping center you’ll find Judy’s serving up downhome Southern favorites like chicken and dumplings, shrimp and grits, country fried steak and meatloaf, plus an array of home-baked desserts. ¢.

Just Us Café

West Columbia/Cayce: 1208 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-5162 Tue-Sun 6 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles

Northeast: 110 Columbia Northeast Dr., 8347948 Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

Kingsman Restaurant

West Columbia/Cayce: 936 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Shopping Center), 796-8622 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

This longtime Cayce favorite offers an extensive menu featuring everything from fried appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings to salads, lasagna and even liver and onions. Known for their grilled rib eye, which is one of the city’s best, they also brag on Taz’s Taters (grilled po-

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 (mmm ... burgers!) 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, which has everything including a fried egg on it, or try any of the fresh seafood, pizzas, chicken and pastas. New location at Lake Murray opens soon. tbonz.com. $.

Lizard’s Thicket

Downtown: 818 Elmwood Ave., 779-6407 Blythewood: 711-1 University Village Dr., 451-8400 Forest Acres: 3147 Forest Dr., 787-8781 Garners Ferry/Southeast: 7938 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-0095 Garners Ferry/Southeast: 402 Beltline Blvd., 738-0006 Harbison/Irmo: 7569 St. Andrews Rd., 732-1225 Lexington: 621 W Main St., 951-3555 Northeast: 10170 Two Notch Rd., 419-5662 Northeast: 7620 Two Notch Rd., 788-3088 St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1824 Broad River Rd., 798-6427 West Columbia/Cayce: 2240 Airport Blvd., 796-7820 West Columbia/Cayce: 501 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-0314 West Columbia/Cayce: 2234 Sunset Blvd., 794-0923 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Lucky’s Burger Shack

Harbison/Irmo: 7811 Broad River Rd., 749-0048 Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

Mac’s on Main

Downtown: 1710 Main St., 929-0037

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-8 p.m.;Wed-Thu 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-midnight;Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-1 a.m.; Sat 5 p.m.-midnight

Yam fries! Shrimp and grits! Barbecue! Premier jazz and blues club by night; popular all-you-caneat Southern lunch buffet on weekdays. Rotating buffet items include ribs, fried catfish, Moncks Corner Meatloaf and Cajun Pork Chops. Signature dishes: Viola’s Macaroni and Cheese and Mac’s Peach Cobbler. macsjazznblues.com. ¢-$.

Mack’s

Downtown: 1809 Laurel St., 779-9681 Mon-Fri 6 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

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

Main Street at the Sheraton Downtown: 1400 Main St., 988-1400 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Located downstairs in the Sheraton hotel (you enter at street level), Main Street offers up eclectic fare ranging from duck ravioli to burgers, soups and salads, barbecue chicken, quesadillas and even a Bac ‘N’ Blue Shrimp and Grits, which is the classic shrimp and grits combo with bacon and blue cheese added. $

Mathias Sandwich Shop

Harbison/Irmo: 7235 St. Andrews Rd., 781-4002 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

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The Mousetrap

Forest Acres: 2711 Middleburg Dr., 799-2120 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.

One of the more out-of-the-way restaurants in town, this 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 food. Downhome lunch and dinner specials, and huge portions. ¢.

Ms. B’s Southern Kitchen

West Columbia/Cayce: 1213 Sunset Blvd., 509-5945

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

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

Original Pancake House

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. originalpancakehouse.com. ¢.

Pawleys Front Porch

Five Points: 827 Harden St., 771-8001

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

Ever since its burgers were featured in February 2010 on the Food Network show Diners, DriveIns and Dives, the lines outside Pawleys Front Porch have grown much longer. There’s more to the menu than burgers and shoestring fries — for example, fried oysters, fish tacos and a gourmet BLT — but make no mistake: it’s the allbeef behemoths and atypical toppers that keep people lining up at this Five Points bar and grill.

Fancy a fried egg, apple-cured ham, pineapple, melted brie, guacamole, portobellos or a pair of onion rings stuffed between the half-pound patty and the ciabatta bun? $.

Rockaway Athletic Club

Shandon: 2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (bar open later)

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 for its unbeatable pimento cheeseburgers and excellent seafood. ¢-$.

Rush’s

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 7450 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-5201 Harbison/Irmo: 283 Harbison Blvd., 781-1277 Lexington: 201 Columbia Ave., 359-8858 Northeast: 10016 Two Notch Rd., 699-1376 Northeast: 2500 Decker Blvd., 736-0101St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 2640 Broad River Rd., 772-2393 West Columbia/Cayce: 2332 Sunset Blvd., 796-2396 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-midnight (Decker Blvd. Location closes at 10 p.m.)

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

Great burger baskets, hot dogs, shakes, etc. Why give your money to conglomerates when there are locals ready to beat their prices, quality and service? rushs.net. ¢.

Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs

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

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

Lexington: 5175 Sunset Blvd., 356-9956 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1935 Broad River Rd., 772-1020 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 612 St. Andrews Rd., 772-8617 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sun noon-9 p.m.

These folks probably didn’t invent the slaw dog, but they might as well have, at least in these parts. Proving that chili and coleslaw and onions and mustard can elevate the simple grilled wiener to something approaching haute cuisine,

free-times.com | Spring 2013

this local chain has been many a Columbian’s introduction to the sublime world of a well-prepared dog. Sandy’s also sells ice cream, though if you still have room after the main event, you’re doing something wrong. ¢.

Serenity Restaurant & Lounge Northeast: 301 Rice Way Dr., 736-8228

Mon-Wed 4 p.m.-midnight; Thu-Sun 11 a.m.midnight

If you find yourself up north — like, north of Killian Road — check out Serenity, which serves robust meals and a daily meat-and-three-style special.

Smashburger

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4601 Devine St., 224-9443 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

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

Tony’s

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 3055 Bluff Rd., 776-3261 Mon-Fri 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fried pork chops, fried chicken, gizzards, okra, pot roast, apple cobbler. Hearty breakfasts, too. ¢.

Utopia Food & Spirits

Rosewood: 3830-A Rosewood Dr., 782-8522 Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Eclectic neighborhood bar and eatery located in the Jim Casey’s complex. Menu heavy on salads and sandwiches plus appetizing daily specials.

Live music Wednesdays through Saturdays. ¢.

Vella’s Restaurant & Tavern

Harbison/Irmo: 912 Chapin Rd., 941-7113

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 829 Knox Abbott Dr., 796-4629 Mon-Thu and Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

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

Very’s

Northeast: 6729 Two Notch Rd., 788-6254 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m

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

Waffle House

Five Points: 916 Harden St., 799-0313 Open 24 hours

Dude, it’s Waffle House. It has hash browns, waffles, eggs, steaks — everything you need, whether you’re planning to do some lumberjackin’ or you just have a brutal hangover. For other Midlands locations, visit wafflehouse.com. ¢.

What-A-Burger

West Columbia/Cayce: 804 Meeting St., 7941929 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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

Wild Hare Sports Café

Harbison/Irmo: 5122 Old Bush River Rd., 2131000 Lexington: 5474 Augusta Rd., 951-1916 Vista: 902 Gervais St., 929-0374 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

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Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

M Fresh

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

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

Five Points: 2030 Devine St., 799-0196

A Columbia landmark since 1978, people flock here not just for a glimpse of a guy in a bathtub but also to throw back some suds while filling up on the heartiest fare in town, including Meatloaf, Broiled Salmon or Lowcountry Shrimp and Grits and, of course, Confederate Fried Steak. Just about everything comes with veggies, too, unless you’re ordering late-night, when the sides scale back to slaw and fries and cold draught beer. yesterdayssc.com. ¢.

asian Antai Asian Dining

Lexington: 5084 Sunset Blvd. (McCauley Square), 356-0062

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

Boasting a “comfortable atmosphere, gourmet dishes and the highest standards of service,” Antai specializes in both Chinese and Japanese fare. Sushi is on the menu as well as traditional Asian soups and appetizers, chicken, meat and seafood dishes. Strong vegetarian menu and house favorites that include Black Bean Scallops, Beijing Duck and Honey Walnut Shrimp. antaiasiandining.com. $.

M Café

Downtown: 1417 Sumter St., 779-5788 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

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

Also features a sushi bar. miyos.com. ¢-$$.

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Downtown: 1237 Washington St., 779-1688 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

M Vista

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 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Just like the other Miyo’s and M Café 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! miyos.com. ¢-$.

Red Bowl Asian Bistro

Northeast: 481-11 Town Center Place , 4629991

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

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

Tsubaki

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

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

Miyo’s

bagel/bakery

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

Ally & Eloise Bakeshop

Downtown: 922 S. Main St., 779-6496 Harbison/Irmo: 1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy., 7817788 Sun-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.

Northeast: 3250 Forest Dr. Ste. B, 743-9996 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.10:30 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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.

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

Atlanta Bread Company

Downtown: 1307 Main St., 779-0101

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 108 Sunset Ct., 7911150 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery

Forest Acres: 4699 Forest Dr., 738-8112

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

Fresh-baked bagels, wraps, signature sandwiches, boxed lunches and salads to go. What’s not to like? Now serving grilled paninis as well. brueggers.com. ¢.

Chocolate Nirvana

Downtown: 1531 Richland St., 799-9982 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

Crust Bakehouse

Shandon/Rosewood: 2701-B Rosewood 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, they have no telephone. crustbakehouse.com. ¢.

Heather’s Artisan Bakery

West Columbia/Cayce: 1524 L 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, you can’t go wrong ordering breads baked with care. heathersartisanbakery.com. ¢.

Lady Antoinette’s French Bakery

Vista: 929 Gervais St., 400-8646

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

[deep breath] Petit fours, truffles, beignets, macarons, cupcakes, pie slices, bon bons, cookies, eclairs, baklava, soups, sandwiches, whoopie pies, sticky buns, hot chocolate ... [panting, out of breath] ¢.

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Lillian’s Eatery & Bakery

Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery

Bentley’s Beach House

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

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Kitchen closes at 2:30 p.m.)

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

Forest Acres: 4711 Forest Dr., 790-0733

Begun as a bakery, Lillian’s also offers a lunch menu. The bakery is rather inventive, creating cakes that look like gift packages, traditional croquembouches (French wedding cakes), trees with custard-filled cream puffs and meringues. Lillian’s dobosh torte is seven layers of white cake with a chocolate butterberry cream in between and a fan of caramelized sugar on top. ¢-$$.

Panaderia Odalys

West Columbia-Cayce: 103 N. 12th St., 7943323

Northeast: 8502 Two Notch Rd., 736-2253 Bread, cakes, pastries, quiches, soups, salads and chicken, all made fresh daily. One house specialty is Spring Valley chicken salad with white raisins, pecans and honey mustard dressing. ¢.

bar/pub food Bailey’s Sports Grill

Harbison/Irmo: 115 Afton Ct., 407-3004 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6080 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-9722

Open every day of the year. Really. Bailey’s is an enormous sports bar and grill serving a wide variety of appetizers, entrees and desserts in generous portions. Features a full-service bar and large selection of domestic, imported and premium draft beers. State-of-the-art audio and video systems for viewing sporting events as well as tournament-quality billiards tables, shuffleboard, ping pong and darts.tentcorp.com. ¢.

Harbison/Irmo: 1007 Bower Pkwy., 407-5773

Bar None

7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Mexican bakery offering a delightful array of pastries (pasteleria) and lightly sweetened breads (pan dulce) baked in-house daily. ¢.

Panera Bread

Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Mon-Sat 6 am.-9 p.m., Sun 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Panera’s cornerstone is freshly made, all-natural artisan breads. Serves a variety of sandwiches and soups offerings in a comfortable, high-tech atmosphere. Panera is also committed to community service, donating bread to hunger relief agencies and offering products or gift certificates to charitable causes. panerabread.com. ¢.

The Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s Vista: 928 Gervais St., 779-9599 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

free-times.com | Spring 2013

Five Points: 620 Harden St., 254-3354

Mon-Wed 4 p.m.-6 a.m.; Thu-Fri 3 p.m.-6 a.m.; SatSun 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Late-night bar serving food into the wee hours of the morning. Large selection of beers on tap. ¢.

Beef O’Brady’s

Harbison/Irmo: 2742 N. Lake Dr., 781-5656

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

Northeast: 4561 Hardscrabble Rd., 699-9687, Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

From the Philly cheesesteak to the roast beef garlic melt to the corned beef reuben and a full line of deluxe burgers, you won’t be hurting for red meat options here. There are wings too, and wraps featuring shrimp and chicken, but “beef” is in the name for a reason. Served in a family friendly setting peppered with sports memorabilia and TVs. beefobradys.com. ¢.

Lexington: 5464 Sunset Blvd , 808-7263

pie, fish-n-chips, pot roast and more, plus the always-amazing shrimp burger.¢-$.

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

Corner Pocket

Bey’s Sports Bar Mon-Sun 3 p.m.-until

Nachos, pizza, wings, burgers and more. Pizza served late-night. ¢.

Burgers, wings, steaks, sandwiches and more.

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

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

Blue Coyote

Delaney’s

Five Points: 711 Harden St., 255-2996

Harbison/Irmo: 10708 Broad River Rd., 781-4606

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 489 Piney Grove Rd., 731-0403 Mon-Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Five Points: 741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

British Bulldog Pub

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. ¢.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m. (late night menu after 10 p.m.)

Flying Saucer

Mon-Thu 4 p.m.- 12 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Wings, steaks and comfort food. ¢-$.

Harbison/Irmo: 1220 Bower Parkway, 227-8918

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. $.

Caprioska

Northeast: 7001 Parklane Rd., 699-8300 Wed-Sat 6 p.m.-until

Any sports bar named for the caprioska, a beloved Brazilian mixed drink, is going to have a good drinks selection. But it also has a creative menu, with everything from barstool classics — mozzarella sticks and club sandwiches — to Latin American specialties — plantain chips and skirt steaks. Happy hour buffet, too. ¢-$.

Cock N’ Bull

Shandon: 326 S. Edisto Ave., 251-4474

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m; Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (bar open later)

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

Pub food and daily specials include shepherd’s

The Vista: 931 Senate St., 933-9997

Mon 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Tue-Wed 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun noon-midnight

The Saucer operates according to the more-isbetter principle — unless, of course, you’re talking about the waitresses, who deliver the highend pints and mammoth soft pretzels 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. beerknurd.com. ¢.

Group Therapy

Five Points: 2107 Greene St., 256-1203

Bar: Mon-Fri 4:30 p.m.-until; Sat-Sun 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

Kitchen: Sat-Wed 7 p.m.-3 a.m.; Thu-Fri 7 p.m.-4 a.m.

This bar, a longtime Columbia favorite, has upgraded its menu with deluxe salads, Tex-Mex, wings, burgers, sandwiches (including a tasty Philly cheesesteak) and platters. Offers free delivery downtown and is open very, very late. grouptherapybar.com. ¢.

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Hemingway’s

Harbison/Irmo: 7467 St. Andrews Rd., 749-6020 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m. (bar open later); Sun 12 p.m.-12 a.m.

Serves 25 different sandwiches, as well as buffalo wings. Casual atmosphere befriends the tshirt and suits alike. Daily lunch specials.¢.

Henry’s Grill & Bar

Shandon: 2865 Devine St., 708-4705

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5 pm.-until; Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

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

Jake’s

Five Points: 2112 Devine St., 708-4788 Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-4 a.m.; Fri-Sat 2 p.m.-2 a.m.

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. $.

Karl’s Korner Pool Room & Tavern

West Columbia/Cayce: 1800 Memorial Dr., 791-1772 Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat 4 p.m.-midnight

As you can guess from the name, Karl’s Korner is all about the pool, with leagues and tournaments happening all the time. Of course, when you’re hungry after scratching the eight-ball, they can settle your stomach right down with your basic bar food specials. Burger, anyone? ¢.

Kelly’s

Harbison/Irmo: 1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 749-1555

Wed-Sun 5-10:30 p.m. Quarterdeck: Mon-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 5-10 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

Lakeside destination features all-you-caneat seafood specials to go with generous chicken, steak, scallop, salmon and lobster offerings. Live music through the summer on one of the town’s best outdoor venues. rustyanchorrestaurant.com. $.

Salty Nut Café

Five Points: 2000-A Greene St., 256-4611 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

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

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

Sporting News Bar and Grill

West Columbia/Cayce: 110 McSwain Dr., 391-4002 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m. daily

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

Tap’s Pub

Northeast: 104-B Columbia NE Dr., 699-4657 Mon-Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

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

Thirsty Fellow

Vista: 621 Gadsden St , 799-1311

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

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

Offers pizza, jerk wings and a variety of baskets.

Full bar features beer buckets, drink specials and Long Island Iced Tea specials. Lively regular crowd and outgoing staff makes Kelly’s a cut above. Catering available and private parties welcome. ¢.

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. Sunday brunch includes breakfast pizzas.

The Kraken Gastropub

Tin Roof

Vista: 1001 Washington St., 254-4464

Shandon/Rosewood: 2910 Rosewood Dr., 955-7408 Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight

What’s a gastropub? Well, that just means the food is as good as the excellent beer, with offerings like pork belly, a lobster grilled cheese sandwich, crab cakes and butterbean hummus. $.

Lucky’s

Five Points: 2100 Devine St., 929-1118

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

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

Polliwog’s

Northeast: 10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

Pour House

Vista: 1022 Senate St., 771-1558 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

In its quest to be a “bar that doesn’t serve bar food,” the Tin Roof lays out an impressive spread: spicy corn quesadillas, Cuban sandwiches, Greek salads and more — plus enough wings, cheese fries and jalapeño poppers to satisfy the bar-food-craving masses. $.

Tipsy Toad Tavern

Harbison/Irmo: 103 Beaufort St. (Chapin), 932-4470 Mon-Fri 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

The Tipsy Toad Tavern delivers on its effort to be a local pub in the most traditional sense while also acknowledging its proximity to Lake Murray with a seafood-heavy menu that far eclipses the entrees typical of what one normally associates with pub food. You won’t do better anywhere near this close to the lake for good food and beer. ¢-$.

TLC Sports Bar and Grill

Downtown: 936 S. Stadium Rd., 251-3087

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

A fun and relaxing place to hang out with friends and catch the game on any number of widescreen TVs. Drink specials, pub food and more. pourhousecolumbia.com.

Formerly called The Loose Cockaboose, this Gamecock bar is within a stone’s throw of Williams Brice Stadium. Offers burgers, wings and other good grub for hungry fans. Great tailgating location before and after the game. facebook.com/theloosecockaboose. ¢.

The Puddlin’ Duck

Vivid

Five Points: 800 Harden St., 409-0004 Tue-Sat 8 p.m.-2 a.m.

Northeast: 108 Columbia Northeast Dr., 8652859

Northeast: 110-I Columbia Northeast Dr., 708-8500

Variety of great beers on tap, including classics such as Guinness Smithwick’s, Newcastle Brown and Harp, and traditional Irish pub food like Irish O’ Rings, Irish Pumpernick, McDag’s Irish Meatloaf and Corned Beef & Cabbage. Live music Wed-Fri. ¢.

Shrimp, salmon and chicken done various ways, from scampi to Southern fried. Lots of drinks specials to choose from. $.

Tue-Sat 4 p.m.-until

2009

Rusty Anchor

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

Wet Willie’s

Vista: 800 Gervais St., 779-5650

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

Of course you know that Wet Willie’s is all about the daiquiris. But this self-described classic-

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rock venue also is serious about the food, from oven-baked seafood to appetizers, sandwiches and pizza. Also check out the rotating specials such as sausage-stuffed mushrooms and a halfpound pulled-pork sandwich. ¢.

town. Pit-cooked pulled pork is the standout, served with hot or mild, slightly sweet mustardbased sauce. The sides are first-rate. Friendly people, generous portions. Top it all off with some homemade chocolate cake. ¢.

The Whig

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels

Downtown: 1200 Main St., 931-8852 Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-until

Hip underground bar across from the State House serves pizzas, sweet potato fries, burgers and a mean grilled cheese sandwich. Also home of the infamous Taco Tuesdays, when beef or bean tacos are 75 cents apiece and the crowds are massive. $1 slices Mondays. thewhig.org ¢.

Truck: 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 visit artisanbbqtruck.com.

The Woody

Buffalo Wild Wings

Vista: 808 Lady St., 779-9663

Wed-Thu 6 p.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

A nostalgic, throwback dance club owned and manned by Woody Windham, a Columbia DJ since 1960; accordingly, the menu features stuff like the Beach Billy Burger and Penny Loafer Quesadilla. Drink specials abound.

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4500 Devine St., 738-8090 Harbison/Irmo: 1000 Bower Parkway, 407-3431 Lexington: 5570 Sunset Blvd., 957-2999 Northeast: 10056 Two Notch Rd., 865-5222

Big-T Bar-B-Que

Gadsden: 2520 Congaree Rd., 353-0488

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

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 7535 Garners Ferry Rd., 776-7132 Northeast: 1061 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-4295 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Big T’s turns out some of the best barbecue in

free-times.com | Spring 2013

Little Pigs

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. docsbarbeque.com. ¢.

Hooters

Harbison/Irmo: 5195 Fernandina Rd., 407-9464 Northeast: 7711 Two Notch Rd., 419-3456 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Carolina Wings & Rib House

Blythewood: 240 Blythewood Rd., 714-0181

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

Lexington: 105 Northpoint Dr., 356-6244

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

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

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 1601 Shop Rd., 799-1532

Hudson’s Smokehouse and Saloon

2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings

West Columbia/Cayce: 240 Dreher Rd., 7944120 Don’t let the plain cinder block building deter you.

No-frills tasty pulled pork barbecue, roasted chicken, ribs and ham. Meats and the usual fixins available to go by the pound or the pint. Takeout only. ¢.

Home of the Hooters Girls ... you didn’t really think “Hooters” was referring to owls, did you?

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

bbq/wings/ribs

John D. Hite’s

Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-midnight

You’ve seen the commercials. You know what to do: Watch sports. Eat wings. Drink beer. ¢-$.

Truck:, 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. ¢.

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

Lexington: 4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070

Wed-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Northeast: 4927 Alpine Rd., 788-8238

Wed 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Thu 11 p.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. littlepigs.biz. ¢.

Maurice’s Barbecue

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.-8 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.-8 p.m.

Northeast: 252 O’Neill Ct., 865-0608

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

Lexington: Hudson’s Smokehouse Express, 931 Old Two Notch Rd., 356-1070

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

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

D’s Wings

In a town full of barbecue joints, Hudson’s distinguishes itself with Cheerwine and a mean and lean tender brisket. Was spotlighted by Turner South as a “Blue Ribbon Barbecue Joint.” Offers mustard-based, ketchup-based and vinegarand-pepper options as well as featuring music from three to four nights a week. hudsonssmokehouse.com. ¢.

Northeast: 2000 Clemson Rd., 419-0022

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

Portions are generous and can be washed down with one of the many different beers offered.

The Northeast location has a nice deck out back. carolinawings.com. ¢-$.

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 920 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Plaza), 791-4486

Northeast: 9563 Two Notch Rd., 462-0882

Shandon/Rosewood: 4411 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: 2450 Augusta Rd., 796-4777

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

Serves ribs, burgers, sandwiches and chicken

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

Maurice Bessinger finally pulled the Confederate flag down from some of his locations — citing the high costs of dry cleaning — but the flag still flies over the barbecue chain’s Lexington and West Columbia outposts. Serves fresh pork, ribs, beef and chicken pit-cooked over hickory coals and doused with Carolina Gold mustard-based sauce. mauricesbbq.com. ¢.

Wing Zone

Downtown: 132 Assembly St., 933-9464

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

Palmetto Pig

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

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

Wings & Ale

Downtown: 530 Devine St., 733-2556

Harbison/Irmo: 1002 AJ Amick Rd., 732-1227 Wed-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Publick House

Shandon: 2307 Devine St., 256-2207

Sun-Thu 4 p.m.-1 a.m.; Fri-Sat 3 p.m.-1 a.m.

This restaurant and bar is a Devine Street icon, and rightfully so. Hot wing lovers consider these hot wings among the city’s best; also offers several non-hot wing flavors, including three types of buffalo style and honey mustard, teriyaki, barbecue, pterodactyl, garlic butter and buttery barbecue. Salads, burgers and pasta round out the menu — and the excellent pub bread. Offers billiards and wide range of beers on tap. ¢.

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 125-C Outlet Pointe Blvd., 750-1600

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

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

bistro/ new american @116 Espresso & Wine Bar

West Columbia/Cayce: 116 State St., 791-5663 Tue-Thurs 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 4 p.m.-midnight; Sat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-11 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily

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, steals and more. $.

Combine a coffee shop atmosphere with great wine and food, and you have @116 on State Street. Fresh-baked pastries and homemade soups accompany coffee-spiced steak, pizzas and empanadas. A Sunday brunch features omelets, sweet potato pancakes and more. Also has Spanish wines, great sangria, martinis and a White Russian drinks menu. ¢-$.

RB’s Bodacious Bistro

Ava’s Copper Pot Bistro

Quaker Steak and Lube

Northeast: 941 Spears Creek Ct., 563-5501

Downtown: 1901 Main St., 251-0303 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 502 Lexington Ave., Chapin, 941-7003

Surprisingly smoky, down-home pulled pork wonderfulness tucked away inside a straightlaced bank tower. The macaroni and cheese is splendid. Includes wraps, pimento cheese sandwiches, burgers and other lunch items.

Serves real breakfast, too — eggs, biscuits, hash browns and more. ¢-$.

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Thurs-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 5-10 p.m.

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 782-0760

Leesville: 340 E. Columbia Ave., 532-8135

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; 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. Widely considered the best barbecue place in the entire state, maybe the country. Every bit worth the drive from town, or have them cater if you want your event to be remembered. shealysbbq.com. ¢.

True BBQ

West Columbia-Cayce: 1237 D Ave., 791-9950 Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-6 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 and Sexy Lady sauce. ¢.

WG’s Chicken Wings

Located a bit past Irmo in Chapin, this eatery serves a variety of American and Italian favorites, from crab cakes to pizzas to chicken marsala. $.

Café Caturra

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

This trendy wine bar, part of a Southeastern chain, features bistro fare like the warm crab wraps, plus pizzas, pastas, soups, salads. Check out the variety of crostini and the cheese-andcharcuterie plate on the appetizer menu. $.

Cellar on Greene

Five Points: 2001D Greene St., 343-3303

Tues-Thurs 5 p.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

(Shop open Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Part wine shop, part tapas bar, the Cellar on Greene is the place to go for wines by the halfand full-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 truffleparmesan 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.

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 736 St. Andrews Rd., 772-1489

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

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

Copper River Grill

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

Wild Wing Café

Harbison/Irmo: 1150 Bower Pkwy., 749-9464 Northeast: 480 Town Center Place, 865-3365

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight, Thu-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Vista: 729 Lady St., 252-9464 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

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salads, wraps, ribs, skewers, sandwiches and a variety of platters. wildwingCafé.com. ¢.

Harbison/Irmo: 1230 Bower Parkway, 749-4647 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight (bar until 2 a.m. weekends)

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. copperrivergrill.com. $.

Courtyard Café by Marriott at USC

Columbia: 630 Assembly St., 799-7800

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

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

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Goatfeathers

Rue 77

Kitchen: Sun-Wed 5:30-9 p.m.; Thu-Sat 5:30-10 p.m.Bar: Mon-Sun 4 p.m.- until

Mon-Fri 7:30-11:10 a.m., 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. (bar open later) Sat 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.

Five Points: 2017 Devine St., 256-3325

With a focus on select wine and spirits, a sophisticated menu and a casual elegance at odds with nearby Five Points meat markets, Goats is a local institution that strays far from the collegiate herd. Whether you fall in with the philosophers at the big round table, opt for a candle-lit booth or hit the bar for an expertly mixed cocktail, the grown-up vibe is never fratty, if frequently fraternal. $.

Hampton Street Vineyard

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, hand-cut steaks, lamb, duck, veal, accommodating and professional service all taking place in an urban cool space below the sidewalk in the historic Sylvan Building. hamptonstreetvineyard.com. ¢-$$.

Melting Pot

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1410 Colonial Life Blvd., 731-8500

Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri 5-11 p.m.; Sat 4-11 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.-10 p.m.

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

MoMo’s Bistro

Shandon/Rosewood: 2930 Devine St., 252-2700 Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Got a hankering for some ostrich? MoMo’s upscale but comfy dining room offers exotic meats like kangaroo and ostrich, plus classic meat and seafood specials and lighter fare. Sunday brunches offer a combination of classics and cooler stuff.

Motor Supply Co.

The Vista: 920 Gervais St., 256-6687

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

An early pioneer of dining in the Vista 20 years ago, Motor Supply’s eclectic menu reflects a classic bistro mentality and changes every day and every night. Upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent food with a focus on fresh, local produce and artisanal techniques. Especially popular for Sunday brunch. motorsupplycobistro.com. $-$$.

Mr. Friendly’s

Five Points: 2001-A Greene St., 254-7828

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

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

The Oak Table

Downtown: 1221 Main St., 563-5066

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

P.O.S.H.

Downtown: 1400 Main St., 988-1400 Mon-Sun 5-10 a.m.

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

Downtown: 1301 Assembly St., 708-4785

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

Great happy hour. $.

Saluda’s

Five Points: 751 Saluda Ave., 799-9500 Mon-Sat 5:30-11 p.m.

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. saludas.com. $$.

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar

Northeast: 841 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-6966

Lunch: Tue-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 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. solsticekitchen.com. $-$$.

Stonefire American Grill

Northeast: 566 Spears Creek Church Rd., 419-2332 Tue-Sun 4-10 p.m.

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

Terra

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. terrasc.com. $$.

Tombo Grille

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.)

Features fine wine, great appetizers, pasta, unique entrees (such as the Tombo Rito) and nightly specials. Run by the same owner as Motor Supply Co and with a menu crafted by Motor’s executive chef Tim Peters, Tombo offers amazingly well crafted dinners, from Crispy Roasted Duckling, Flatiron Steak to Carpaccio of Beef Tenderloin and Steamed Prince Edward island Mussels. You can’t go wrong here.Menu changes to reflect seasonal offerings. Live entertainment Wednesdays and Saturdays. tombogrille.com. $.

brew pub Hunter-Gatherer

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 jazz lovers, who come out in force on Thursdays for Skipp Pearson. Also offers halfgallon growlers so you can take the good stuff home. ¢-$.

Old Mill Brewpub

Lexington: 711-H E Main St , 785-2337

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

All your favorite pub foods — fish and chips, chili, nachos, a grilled pork chop — plus salads, sand-

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wiches and appetizers. Located in the historic old Lexington Mill. oldmillbrewpub.net. $.

café/ coffee house

College Grounds Café

Immaculate Consumption

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat-Sun 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (coffee until 6 p.m.)

Downtown: 1217 College St., 708-9476

Café Strudel

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. ¢.

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

Cool Beans Coffee Company

West Columbia/Cayce: 300 State St., 794-6634

Now open in a new, larger location mere blocks away, 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. caféstrudel.com. ¢.

Downtown: 1217 College St., 779-4277

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

Serves fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. Large selection of coffee drinks, including the Perfect Woman and Holy Mocha.

Near campus. ¢.

Downtown: 933 Main St., 799-9053

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

Millwood Coffee Company

Downtown: 2911 Millwood Ave , 667-9939

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Nice simple breakfast, lunch and brunch in this Millwood Café, but the real attraction is all the varieties of coffee from points near and far. ¢.

cajun The Big Ugly

Vista: 931 Senate St., 834-5496 Tue-Sat 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

This Vista bar serves up Cajun-dusted bar food, from crawfish etouffee to fried green tomatoes.

Salads, soups and sandwiches join fresh fish entrees, burgers, wings and gumbo — not to mention the warm cinnamon pound cake, which would go equally well with milk or a Sazerac.

J. Gumbo’s

Downtown: 1401 Sumter St., 748-8878 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 743-4350

Serving up lunchtime Cajun fare downtown, this chain eatery boasts an array of classic Louisiana dishes: jambalaya,étouffée, bumblebee stew and red beans and rice, plus po’ boys, wraps and an array of sides. Gluten-free and vegetarian items are noted on the menu. ¢.

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6080 Garners Ferry Rd., 695-0115

caribbean/latin

Carolina Café & Catering

The Five Points shop specializes in the pour-over method of coffeemaking, 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. ¢-$.

Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat-Sun 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Gourmet Shop

Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7 a.m.- 10 p.m.; Sun 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m.

Drip Coffee

Downtown: 1441 Main St., 799-006

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

Café Chartier

Five Points: 729 Saluda Ave., 661-9545

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

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

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

Downtown: 945 Sumter St. (corner of Sumter & Pendleton), 799-6676 Primarily a sandwich and bagel shop that serves breakfast and lunch all day. Menu includes homemade chicken, tuna and egg salad sandwiches as well as such classics as reubens, clubs and melts alongside salads and hot and cold specialty drinks. Catering available seven days a week including boxed lunches and catered trays. Free delivery to downtown and campus. carolinacaféandcatering.com. ¢.

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

Five Points: 724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705

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

A Five Points icon because of its coveted sidewalk seating and signature dishes that include the chicken salad and the turkey pesto. The store offers coffees, wines, breads, kitchen gadgets and more. thegourmetshop.net. ¢-$.

Starbucks

Five Points: 747 Saluda Ave., 779-1082

Mon-Thu 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Mon-Thu 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 100 Columbiana Circle (Columbiana Centre), 749-4557 Mon-Sat 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun noon-7 p.m.

Northeast: 480-6 Forum Dr., 462-3352 (Village at Sandhill) Northeast: 163-8 Forum Dr., 736-3412 (Village at Sandhill)

Mon-Thu 6 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Vista: 831 Gervais St., 779-3484

Mon-Thu 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6 a.m.-midnight; Sun 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Honestly, is there anybody out there who doesn’t already know about this place? Either you’re a devoted zealot in the crusade for superstrong Seattle lattes and bizarro cup-sizing, or you think Starbucks is the Evil Empire. Moving on … starbucks.com. ¢.

Calypso Caribbean Grill

Five Points: 724 Harden St., 256-1390

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

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

Mojitos Tropical Café

Vista: 1004 Gervais St., 779-1717

Mon 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tues-Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

Swanky Cuban/Caribbean restaurant featuring everything from beans and rice to pulled pork and fried plantains. The classic Cubano — a sandwich filled with pulled pork, ham and mustard — is delightful; and if you’re not into pork, there are other versions of the Cubano as well: a portobello mushroom version for the vegetarians, a chicken version and more. Dessert and drink menus, plus a bar.

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Montego Bay Caribbean Restaurant

Top China Buffet

11 a.m.-5 a.m. daily

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

Northeast: 7314 Parklane Rd., 708-8481 Just look for the big sign that says “MoBay.” If you’re craving jerk chicken, this is the place for you — but there are plenty of other Jamaican favorites as well. $.

Taste of Jamaica Café & Lounge

Forest Acres: 3123 N Beltline Blvd., 256-9050 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-until

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: Corner of Broad River and St. Andrews Rds., 750-2299 Offers all your favorite Chinese staples, from egg rolls, spring rolls and fried or steamed dumplings to Sesame Shrimp, General Tso’s Chicken and Pepper Steak. And you can top it all off with those addictive little Chinese donuts. ¢.

Yummy Yummy Chinese Restaurant

Oxtail, curry goat, fried plantains — in short, Jamaican favorites, appropriately located in Columbia’s international district.

Forest Acres: 4600 Forest Dr., 790-9979

chinese

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

China Buffet Sushi and Bar

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4464 Devine St., Suite E (Bi Lo Shopping Center), 787-8898

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

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

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

Northeast: 3902 Two Notch Rd., 714-9922

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

deli Andy’s Deli

Five Points: 2005 Greene St., 799-2639 Mon-Sat 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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

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. ¢.

Egg Roll Station

Beezer’s

Egg Roll Chen

Shandon: Shandon: 715 Crowson Rd., 787-6820

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 135 Sunset Blvd., 791-4060

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

Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-4 a.m.

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

Beloved by generations of Columbians, Egg Roll Station prepares inexpensive, fresh ChineseAmerican standards to order while you watch.

Go Cocks; go E’Rolls. ¢.

Sandwiches like the T-Bird, the Godfather and the Rebel Rouser have become mainstays for any self-respecting college student or budgetconscious diner. New on the menu are Wheat Wraps and a Big Bear Cheesesteak. ¢.

Hong Kong

Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop

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

Mon-Sat 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Downtown: 1211 Taylor St., 779-6689

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

Affordable lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. plus a large a la carte and combination menu. Delivery available for a $10 minimum. ¢.

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

Jin’s Hibachi & Chinese

Crossings Deli

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

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

Northeast: 4435 Hardscrabble Rd., 788-3339

Northeast: 8604 Farrow Rd. Suite F, 736-4446

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

Main Moon

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

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

The Deli

Rosewood: 2800 Rosewood Dr., Suite D, 251-8990

Cheap, speedy, delicious Chinese takeout.

Popular with the college set, especially on game days, what with the stadium so close. The mu shu pancakes are a good bet. ¢.

Sun Ming

Harbison/Irmo: 7509 St. Andrews Rd., 7324488

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

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

Tea Pot Chinese Restaurant

West Columbia/Cayce: 829 Knox Abbott Dr., 796-7136 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10:30 p.m.

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

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

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

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

DiPrato’s Delicatessen

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 17 signature sandwiches, build your own or explore the paninis and salads. The menu also offers 10-12 dinner entrées, including crab cakes and salmon. dipratos.com. ¢-$.

DL McLaughlin’s

Harbison/Irmo: 10400 Broad River Rd., 7324109

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

The sign by the highway at this stop-off en route to or from the lake boasts about the Philly cheese steaks — and rightfully so. Brought to you by the former owners of the popular Sub Cabin, its Philly sandwiches are second to none.

Remodeled to include an outdoor seating area.

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Also serves subs, wings, pizza and French fries cooked in peanut oil. ¢-$.

Meatball & Cheese, the Philly cheesesteak and the Bar-B-Que Beef Sub. jerseymikes.com. ¢.

European Mini Market

Jimmy Johns

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun noon-3 p.m.

Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. (summer hours)

West Columbia-Cayce: 515 Meeting St., 939-7088 Carries specialty prepared foods from Eastern Europe, Germany, Russia and more.

Fifth Avenue Deli

Shandon: 2910 Rosewood Dr., 988-0063

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 5910 Garner’s Ferry Rd., Ste. B, 695-3278 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Vista: 715 Gervais St., 933-9595 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Gourmet deli offers soups, sandwiches, salads and ice cream. Highlights include the The Big Rosewood, the Shandon Club, a Tomato Melt with Boursin and Swiss cheeses and a Pesto Turkey sandwich. 5thavenuedeli.com. ¢.

Chain serving subs, clubs and their meat-heavy signature sandwich, The J.J. Gargantuan. Subs on French bread, clubs available on whole wheat.

Atypical vegetarian toppings include avocado, cucumber and sprouts. Delivery available for a modest charge. ¢.

Firehouse Subs

McAlister’s Deli

Downtown: 633 Main St., 733-9836 Forest Acres: 0000 Forest Dr., 000-0000 Northeast: 10136 Two Notch Rd., 419-8161 Lexington: 109 Old Chapin Rd., 957-1100 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fire station-themed deli featuring enticing hot and cold selections and combos. Soups, salads and a children’s menu are also available. firehousesubs.com. ¢.

Forest Acres: 4710-A Forest Dr., 790-5995 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Lexington: 5175 Sunset Blvd., 951-3332 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Northeast: 119 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-7600 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Green Fork

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

Mon-Sun 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nathan’s Restaurant

Vista: 211 Gervais St., 779-3100 Grab a bite to eat while visiting EdVenture, the world-class children’s museum. The menu focuses on healthy eating choices with options like grilled chicken wraps, salads, veggie and fruit cups and yogurt with granola. ¢.

Downtown: 1840 Hampton St., 254-0484 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Blythewood: 730 University Village Dr., 754-4509

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

Five Points: 611 Harden St., 799-5708

No Name Deli

Forest Acres: 4717 Forest Dr., 790-0801

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Groucho’s

Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

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

Harbison/Irmo: 800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515

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

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. grouchos.com. ¢.

Downtown: 2042 Marion St., 252-0480 This popular downtown lunch spot is anything but anonymous. Grab a tray and line up for sandwiches (hot or cold), salads and homemade soup. Pay at the register when you get your food, though be sure to bring cash or a check, no cards. Separate counter for to-go order pickup helps long lines disappear quickly. ¢.

Pita Pit

Downtown: 2002 A Greene St., 799-4557

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

Hampton Place Café

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

Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Roll Call Deli

Downtown: 1230 Hampton St., 254-5847

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

Downtown: 1202 Main St., 799-1255

Jason’s Deli

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Serving breakfast and lunch to lobbyists, lawmakers and the rest of us, Roll Call Deli offers deli standards (soups, salads, sandwiches) as well as some fancier fare: shrimp and grits, fish and chips and a daily pasta special. $.

Roly Poly Sandwiches

Downtown: 1202 Sumter St., 252-1081

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

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

Jersey Mike’s

Sammi’s Deli

Vista: 823 Gervais St., 540-1973 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4717 Devine St., 787-0945 Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 7241 Broad River Rd., 749-3022

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 1720 Sunset Blvd., 796-1126

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

This sub shop sailed in from the Jersey Shore, where the chain started in 1956. It offers the usual cold sub choices plus hot options like the

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Five Points: 2015 Devine St., 806-8282

Five Points: 2009 Greene St., 256-7763 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-2 a.m.

Shandon/Rosewood: 506 Beltline Blvd., 782-4662 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Downtown: 1621-A Main St., 255-0001 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sammi’s has been a family tradition since 1925 and has been a staple of USC undergradates for decades thanks to its original Philly cheesesteaks, gyros, salads and cold subs. Vegetarian gyros and falafels available. Eat in, carry out or delivery. sammisdelionline.com. ¢.

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Steve’s #1 Sub Contractor

West Columbia/Cayce: 1471 Platt Springs Rd., 791-9222 West Columbia/Cayce: 748 Main St. (S. Congaree), 755-7470 Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Great local sub place — why go corporate when you can get local that’s even better? Serving Columbians since 1980. ¢.

Sub Station II

West Columbia/Cayce: 503 Knox Abbott Dr., 791-8693 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

Subs and salads prepared fresh before your eyes. Atkins-friendly. Twelve Midlands locations from which to choose. substationii.com. ¢.

Swanson’s Deli

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

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

Tropical Grille

Downtown: 601-D Main St., 799-0810 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Healthy deli fare with a Cuban twist. ¢.

Tropical Smoothie Café

Harbison/Irmo: 150-B Harbison Blvd., 217-3112 Mon-Thu 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

Also serves breakfast. ¢.

Which Wich?

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

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

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

Downtown: 928 S. Main St., 343-3317 Harbison/Irmo: 1230 1 Bower Pkwy , 407-4222 Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Northeast: 494-1 Town Center Place, 227-2782 Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Zoe’s Kitchen

Forest Acres: 4855 Forest Dr., 782-1212 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

Downtown: 1320 Main St., 771-0122. Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.Specializes in garden fresh, healthy sandwiches, salads, hot plates and soups. Also offers catering and delivery service. zoeskitchen.com. ¢.

dessert Baskin-Robbins

Forest Acres: 4711 Forest Dr., 782-0731 Northeast: 9920 Two Notch Rd., 788-7755 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

With more than 4,500 locations, Baskin-Robbins is the world’s largest ice cream chain. Though everyone knows about the 31 flavors, it actually rotates some 100 flavors each year and possess an arsenal of a whopping 1,000 flavors overall.

Oh yeah, and the ice cream cakes are second to none.baskinrobbins.com. ¢.

Blue Flour

Harbison/Irmo: 7703 St. Andrews Rd., 407-3603 Tues-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. ¢.

Northeast: 202 Grace’s Way, 419-8889

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

Bubble Tea Café

Harbison/Irmo: 1260-A6 Bower Parkway, 781-7508

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

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

Cold Stone Creamery

Lexington: 914-C N. Lake Dr., 951-2353

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

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

Cromer’s P-Nuts

Downtown: 1700 Huger Street , 779-2290 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

With the slogan “Guaranteed Worst in Town,” Cromer’s has a long history in Columbia — 75 years and counting — and a good sense of humor about it. While fulfilling all your boiled peanut, cotton candy, caramel corn and various candy needs, Cromer’s also sells concession equipment and other party supplies. cromers.com.

Cupcake

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

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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. freshcupcakes.com. ¢.

Insomnia Cookies

Five Points: 2013 Devine St., 877-632-6654 Mon-Sun noon-3 a.m.

Now in a permanent Five Points location, Insomnia 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 á Trois, a blend of three cookies all baked together. Delivery is available for a $6 minimum (plus tip, of course). insomniacookies.com. ¢.

Marble Slab Creamery

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

Harbison/Irmo: 1230 Bower Pkwy., 749-4233 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Northeast: 471-C Town Center Place, 419-8300

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

Vista: 1001 Gervais St., 765-9100

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

Founded in Houston, more than 250 Marble Slab Creamery locations dot North America. Ice cream is made on site daily, with flavors ranging from Vanilla Cinnamon to Dark Chocolate with Butterfinger. Servers mix ice cream with candy, nuts or other assorted toppings on a frozen marble slab. marbleslab.com. ¢.

Nonnah’s

Vista: 930 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.

Perhaps most popular for its offering of fine desserts, Nonnah’s also serves lunch and dinner.

Lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads and soups. Dinner menu includes such delicacies as stuffed portobello mushrooms and six-ounce filets. Try a cappuccino or cognac to round out the meal. Also check out The Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s right next door for some pastries or freshly baked bread. nonnahs.com. ¢-$.

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german

Greek Boys

Huller’s Black Forest

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

Started by New Jersey German-American transplants (and sausage-making experts), this authentic German restaurant features all the sausages, schnitzels and spaetzle you could ever wish for. Buffet features specialties plus salad and dessert. $.

This downtown lunch spot describes its fare as “Greek with a Southern twist,” though it’s hard to say what’s so Southern about the place besides the sweet tea and the availability of chicken salad. Really, though, it’s sort of irrelevant: people crowd in for the burgers and the gyros, mostly — and crowd in they do, every weekday around noon. Try the Beef Souvlaki Platter or Blackened Pork Chops, which arrive super fast and are easy on the wallet. greekboyssc.com. ¢.

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

Julia’s German Restaurant

Main Street Café, Bar & Grill

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

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

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

Orange Leaf

Tutti Frutti

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

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

Five Points: 701-B Santee Ave., 771-7222

Banana fro-yo! Wedding cake fro-yo! Pomegranate fro-yo! Cotton candy fro-yo! Gummi Bears!

Chocolate syrup! Hooray! ¢.

Vista: 1205 Lincoln St., 260-1917

Paradise Ice

Lexington: 5454-A Sunset Blvd, 358-0355, Mon 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tue-Sun noon-10 p.m.Flavors galore — from your basic chocolate to fun stuff like taro and pumpkin pie — rotate through this fro-yoemporium.¢.

Mon-Sat 2 p.m.-8 p.m.; Sun noon-6 p.m.

Yoghut

Downtown: 1627 Main St., 251-3311

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

Peanut Man

Northeast: 471-11 Town Center Pl., 419-0705 Vista: 1215 Lincoln St., 799-9988 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

If you love boiled peanuts, you’ll know that The Peanut Man’s groundnuts are the real deal.

Add to that an array of sweet treats — candy apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, popcorn — and you’ll see why this Sandhill sweet shop was successful enough for its owners to open a new Vista location. thepeanutman.com. ¢.

Sweet Cake House

Downtown: 601 Main St., 386-9786

Forest Acres: 5424 Forest Dr. #120, 250-2580 Harbison: 278 Harbison Blvd., 993-9434

Frozen yogurt with fresh toppings; coffee drinks, smoothies and parfaits. Rotating original flavors include maple bacon doughnut, thin mint cookies and pomegranate raspberry tart. ¢.

Yumilicious

Lexington: 5086 Sunset Blvd., 359-0003

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

Self-serve Texas yogurt chain with a variety of zany, tasty flavors and more than 30 toppings.

Free Wi-Fi and Wii! ¢.

St. Andrews-Dutch Square: 7001 St. Andrews Rd., 749-9668

french

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

Crepes and Croissants

Mon-Fri 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sweet, A Cupcake Company

Northeast: 480-6 Town Center Pl., 728-0657 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

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Downtown: 1465 Sumter St., 462-4779

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

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

Harbison/Irmo: 7713 St. Andrews Rd., 781-0026 Mon-Thu 4-9 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sat 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Northeast: 4341 Fort Jackson Blvd., 738-0630 Old-fashioned, home style German comfort cooking. From bratwurst to schnitzel, Julia’s has you covered. Bring a healthy appetite and love for all things Deutsch. ¢.

greek/ mediterranean Devine Foods

Shandon/Rosewood: 2702 Devine St., 252-0356 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

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

Grecian Gardens

West Columbia/Cayce: 2312 Sunset Blvd., 794-7552 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

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

Lexington: 131 E. Main St., 808-5886

Intimate casual dining specializing in Mediterranean European cuisine, including gyros and spanakopita. Their souvlaki uses pork tenderloin and a twist on a classic Greek marinade. Serves pork chops and ribeye steaks, too. ¢-$.

Mediterranean Café;

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

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

Opened by the brother of the Mediterranean Tea Room in Shandon, the Mediterranean Café brings the same authentic and reasonably priced cuisine to Lexington. Menu includes Greek salads, tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghannouj, falafel and the usual gyros, pita wraps and kabobs. On some Saturday nights, restaurant offers live music. Private dining room available. ¢-$.

Mediterranean Tea Room

Shandon/Rosewood: 2601 Devine St., 799-3118 Mon-Tue 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:45 p.m.; Wed-Fri-11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Wed-Sat 5:30-9:45 p.m.

Menu includes a wide selection of traditional Middle Eastern food such as hummus, baba ghannouj, falafel and tabbouleh. Specialty dish is a kofta kebob, which is a combination of lamb and beef mixed with parsley, celery and spices.

Entrees include chicken, lamb, beef, vegetarian

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

dishes and a variety of nightly specials. ¢-$.

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café

Shandon/Rosewood: 702 Cross Hill Rd., 3860302 11 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

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

Zorba’s Family Greek Restaurant

Harbison/Irmo: 6169 St. Andrews Rd., 772-4617

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

Harbison/Irmo: 7320 Broad River Rd., 749-7000 (Express location) Sun-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Longtime Columbia institution serving some of the city’s best Greek salads and pizzas (try the ‘Zorba’s Special’ version of each and you’ll be hooked for life). Generous portions, family friendly atmosphere. Live Greek music on Thursdays. greekband.com/zorbas.htm. ¢.

indian Bombay Grill

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 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.

Closed Tuesdays.

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

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Delhi Palace

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 542 St. Andrew’s Rd., 750-7760

Sun 11 a.m.-3 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.; Sun 5 p.m.-10 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. delhipalace.ms11.net. ¢-$.

Panjabi Dhaba

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1201 Bush River Rd., 798-8011 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m.

Best way to get a sampling of its traditional Indian menu is to try the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, one of the best in town. Offers plenty of vegetarian dishes, too, and specializes in Northern and Southern Indian cuisine. Available for private parties. $.

Spice Junction

West Columbia/Cayce: 2335 Augusta Rd., 708-9158

Tues-Sun 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.

Delicious and well-stocked Indian buffet has everything from tandoori to raita to naan, plus occasional Hyderabadi specials you won’t find at other Midlands Indian restaurants, like the goat haleem, a sort of goat-lentil porridge. If you like seriosuly spicy food, ask for some house-made hot sauce. $.

italian Al’s Upstairs

West Columbia/Cayce: 304 Meeting St., 7947404 Mon-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Italian fine dining since 1979. Executive chef employs an Old World style influenced by his grandmother’s cooking. Lobster bisque is served with a popular puff pastry dome that locks in flavors and aromas. Offers fresh fish,

veal, pasta and steaks with impeccable service and a beautiful view of Columbia’s skyline. alsupstairsitalian.com. $$.

Delucca’s

Alodia’s Cucina Italiana

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

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

Harbison/Irmo: 2736 North Lake Dr., 781-9814 Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

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

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders

Harbison/Irmo: 1085 Lake Murray Blvd., 4074884 Lexington: 5339 Sunset Blvd., Hwy. 378, 957-6767 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Generous portions of hearty Italian pizza and grinders. Affordable prices, friendly staff and consistent quality keep this popular restaurant full. ¢.

Carrabba’s

Harbison/Irmo: 370 Columbiana Dr., 407-1811

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

Northeast: 200 Grace’s Way, 865-5688

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

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

Columbo’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 2100 Bush River Rd. (inside the Radisson Hotel), 744-2200 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-midnight

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 2275 Sunset Blvd., 926-5255

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

Fazoli’s

Harbison/Irmo: 139 Columbiana Cir., 781-3149 Northeast: 7621 Two Notch Road; 865-8322 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Fast, casual Italian food in a family-friendly setting. $.

Garibaldi Café

Five Points: 2013 Greene St., 771-8888

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

Fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Large Italian menu specializes in fresh seafood and typically boasts eight to nine specials a night. Mediterranean influence means plenty of herbs and olive oils. Terrific fried flounder. $$.

Kovachi’s

Lexington: 309 S. Lake Dr., 356-1366 Mon-Fri 3-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

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

Moe’s Grapevine Italian Restaurant

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4478 Rosewood Dr., 776-8463 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Thu-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

City Councilman Moe Baddourah is a chef,

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too, and his restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cooking as well as daily specials and special pizza selections alongside an impressive array of soups, salads and desserts. moesgrapevine.com. $.

Pasta Fresca

Forest Acres: 4722 Forest Dr., 787-1838

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

Family-owned restaurant that features pasta dishes with fresh, made-from-scratch sauces and pastas. Innovative nightly seafood specials, a good selection of vegetarian dishes and welcoming atmosphere make this a local favorite.

Now in a slick new location near the old one. pasta-fresca.net. ¢-$.

Ristorante Divino

The Vista: 803 Gervais St., 799-4550 Mon-Sat 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

Some of the best fine dining in Columbia or anywhere else, you’ll find Northern Italian dishes here, including the signature Rack of Lamb dish. Wine list consistently wins Wine Spectator awards. ristorantedivino.com. $$.

Rosso Trattoria Italia

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 787-3949 Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5-11 p.m.

(Bar opens at 4:30 every day)

Part sexy, part Old World rustic, this Forest Acres restaurant is a Columbia gem. Out-of-thisworld seafood highlights the excellent ItalianMediterranean menu, but don’t miss out on the wood-fired traditional pizzas. Entrées include Rosso Bucco (tee hee), wood-grilled meats and seafood, rich pastas and sea scallops with lemon-saffron risotto. A winner all the way around. rossocolumbia.com. $-$$.

Stephano’s

Lexington: 420 Columbia Ave., 359-5436 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Reliable Italian-American fare: chicken parmesan, spaghetti, raviolis, manicottis and pizzas, to name a few. Lunch menu includes personal midget pizzas and a variety of hot and cold subs.

Salads and homemade pimento cheese also are available. ¢-$.

Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery

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

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

Travinia Italian Kitchen

Lexington: 5074 Sunset Dr., 957-2422 Northeast: 101-A Sparkleberry Crossing, 419-9313

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

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

The Villa

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1704 Bush River Rd., 798-6360

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

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

Villa Tronco

Downtown: 1213 Blanding St., 256-7677

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

A Columbia institution for more than 60 years, Villa Tronco serves consistently generous portions of traditional Italian fare such as Veal Parmagiana, Chicken Piccata and Linguine with Clams. Make sure to leave room for Carmella’s Famous Cheesecake. villatronco.com. $.

japanese/ korean Arirang

Northeast: 1943 Decker Blvd , 790-5506 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

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Korean classics and banchan — and cold beer, of course.

Blue Cactus Café

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. bluecactuscafé.com. ¢.

Fujiya Japanese Restaurant

Shandon: 4430 Rosewood Dr., 776-1600

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

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

Friendly, attentive service. $.

Fusion Bowl Asian Cuisine & Sushi

Lexington: 5166 Sunset Blvd., 996-1333

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

Part of the Red Bowl Asian Bistro chain, Fusion Bowl serves sushi, hibachi-style cooking and, if that weren’t enough, Thai and Chinese cuisine.

The sushi menu is massive. fusionbowlsc.com. ¢-$.

Ganbei

Lexington: 5580-F Sunset Blvd., 808-1618

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

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

Grilled Teriyaki

Five Points: 748 Harden St., 933-9950

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.-4 a.m.; Sat 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

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

Hero Korean Steak House and Sushi

Northeast: 6634 Two Notch Rd., 699-9922

Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.; Sun 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.

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. ¢-$$.

Hibachi Grill

West Columbia: 2343 Augusta Rd., 791-5333

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

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

Hibachi Restaurant Tama

Northeast: 2318 Decker Blvd., 699-5041 Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

Restaurant Tama offers inexpensive and fast Hibachi-style entrees. The menu includes sushi, tempura and American appetizers with a children’s menu, too. Also features ribeye steak, chicken teriyaki, shrimp, lobster and filet mignon cooked while you watch. ¢.

Menkoi Ramen House

Vista: 1004 Gervais St., 708-1569

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

Surprised to find legitimate Japanese ramen in the heart of the Vista? You shouldn’t be: The proprietor of beloved sushi joint Inakaya is now slinging noodles ‘til the wee hours, and those

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

noodles are downright delicious. We’re told the beef and vegetable curry — a mild, brown-gravy concoction served over rice — is highly authentic as well, at least if you’re trying to recreate the late-night world of a Japanese businessman on a bender. ¢.

mexican

Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar

That’s mar-es, as in Spanish for oceans, not English for girl horses. And this Lexington marisqueria (seafood restaurant) serves up the oceans’ bounty, featuring Mexican favorites like red snapper Veracruz-style, lobster soup, ceviche, spicy shrimp, octopus salad and much more.

Also serves Mexican-American classics like fajitas and carnitas. $.

Harbison/Irmo: 442 Columbiana Dr., 407-1264 Mon-Thu 5-10 p.m.; Fri 5-10 p.m.; Sat 4-10 p.m.; Sun 3-9 p.m.

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

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

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. For nonnatives, the friendly staff is eager to explain the menu, and 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. ¢.

Sato Japanese

Forest Acres: 1999 Beltline Blvd., 782-1064

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 4:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat 5-10:30 p.m.; Sun 4:30-9:30 p.m.

Following the popular Hibachi grill model, entrees are prepared at your table and include all manner of fun and tasty sides. Try the Shogun Dinner, featuring filet mignon, jumbo shrimp and teriyaki chicken, or the Sato dinner that includes filet mignon, lobster and a choice of scallops or shrimp. Early bird specials and a sushi bar also are available. satosteak.com. $-$$.

Sumo

Lexington: 205-B Columbia Ave., 356-5597 Northeast: 151 Clemson Rd., 788-2300

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

All the classic Japanese steakhouse trappings: big grills, chefs with big knives and a sense of showmanship, and a range of lunch and dinner stir-fry combinations that include steak, seafood and more. Kids’ menu, too. $$.

Tokyo Grill

Forest Acres: 3151 Forest Dr., 738-7008 Harbison/Irmo: 378-2 Columbiana Dr., 749-9818 Lexington: 109 Old Chapin Rd., 356-2448 Northeast: 111 Sparkleberry Crossing Dr., 788-7288 St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1316 Bush River Rd., 772-0988 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Hibachi grill serving up quick entrees in varieties of shrimp, steak and chicken combinations. Also serves sushi, wraps, salads and soups. tokyogrillcolumbia.com ¢-$.

free-times.com | Spring 2013

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.

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 vegetarianfriendly. Live bluegrass on Thursdays (seasonal).

One of the best salads in town. ¢.

Cantina 76

Shandon: 2901 Devine St., 708-6004

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9:30 p.m.; WedFri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

A Tex-Mex, Southern-inspired taco and margarita bar with lots of atmosphere. Upscale margarita menu draws well-dressed young Shandonites and young professionals; food features fish and barbecue brisket tacos, among other entrées. $.

Casa Linda

Forest Acres: 2009 Beltline Blvd., 738-0420 Garner’s Ferry/Southeast: 7546 Garner’s Ferry Rd., 783-3990 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Full menu of Mexican combinations and specials ranging from salads and fajitas to burritos and chimichangas served in a family friendly environment. Offers a lunch menu and specials for the kids. casalindasc.com. ¢.

Cecilia’s

Harbison/Irmo: 6169 St. Andrews Rd., 772-7154

Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Discreetly located in Seven Oaks Shopping Center, Cecilia’s dishes up traditional Mexican favorites including burritos, enchiladas, tacos, etc.

What sets the place apart is the atmosphere, which belies the strip mall setting with intimate seating and flowers galore. An old-school family favorite. $.

Chipotle Mexican Grill

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 738-8272 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

From Moe’s, Casa Linda and Monterrey to El Burrito, Yo Burrito and Qdoba, you can’t say Columbia is lacking in Mexican options these days — and that’s not even counting all the authentic joints dotting the landscape in West Columbia.

Nonetheless, Chipotle should do just fine, as its monster burritos, fresh tacos and delectable, chipotle-honey vinaigrette salads will be hard to

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pass up. Coming soon to Devine Street, also.

El Chico

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1728 Bush River Rd., 772-0770

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

Hola Mexico

Northeast: 9009 Two Notch Rd., 834-3014 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

Classic Mexican-American restaurant combination plates and favorites, from flautas to chilaquiles to enchiladas and more. $.

This Dallas-based Tex-Mex chain has been at it since 1940, and the capacity crowds at its sole South Carolina outlet are an indication why. Pitting the standard taco and fajita against signature “top shelf tastes” like the Cascabel Chicken & spinach quesadillas and the brisket enchiladas, which arrive topped with either a chipotle wine sauce or chili con carne, the game plan is simple: mix up the expectations and pile everything high. elchico.com. ¢-$.

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Eric’s San Jose

Northeast: 470-1 Town Center Pl., 788-6639

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6118 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-6650 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

One of many Combo-Mexicano eateries in town, San Jose offers an extensive menu of specialties and combination platters along with Mexican beers and margaritas. Everybody’s got their favorite Mexican place, and for many folks, this is it. ¢.

La Estrella

West Columbia-Cayce: 1921 Airport Blvd., 739-6520 Sun-Sat 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Downtown: 625 South Main St., 256-9663 Mon-Sun: 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Forest Acres: 2130 N. Beltline Blvd., 743-9663 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 945 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-6638 Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lexington: 914 N Lake Dr., 996-9200 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 2217 Augusta Rd., 477-5818 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

With customizable menu options, eccentric style and unbeatable food, Moe’s adds some zest to the Tex-Mex cuisine. Cool menu names, fun atmosphere, kid friendly. moes.com. ¢.

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant Harbison/Irmo: 114 Afton Court, 749-5928 Lexington: 5570 Sunset Blvd., 356-8314 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Northeast: 7260 Parklane Rd., 699-6248.

Assorted tacos with all the classic fixins: cilantro, lime, corn tortillas and more. Tortas, too. Other items include short ribs served with queso fresco, beans and rice. Also includes a butcher and a deli counter. ¢-$.

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; SatSun noon-10 p.m.

La Fiesta

Vista: 931 Senate St., 765-1465

West Columbia/Cayce: 1220 Charleston Hwy., 796-7004 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat 11-10 p.m.; Sun 11-9 p.m.

A full menu of Mexican dishes. Daily specials, happy hour Mon-Thu from 4 to 7 p.m. Senior citizen discounts. ¢.

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St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 2219 Broad River Rd., 798-9055 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-10:30 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 199 Knox Abbott Dr., 794-3974 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Serves lunch specials, combination platters and more, with vegetarian options available. Fresh produce and meat delivered daily. ¢.

Pancho’s

Forest Acres: 5400 Forest Dr., 738-9511

Rd., 750-3611

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

11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Come for the $1.99 margaritas, stay for the classic Mexican cuisine. $.

Offers a vast array of combination and specialty platters. Happy Hour and lunch specials also available. ¢.

Qdoba Mexican Grill

Tacos Los Poblanitos

Mon-Wed 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Thurs 8 a.m.-Sun 4 a.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun-Thu 5-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Five Points: 2006 Devine St.; 799-1950

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6070 Garner’s Ferry Rd., 783-8766 Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Fast, casual and fresh Mexican dining in a friendly environment. Serving tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salads, burritos, etc. Also make their own salsas, chips and guacamole. Not just big burritos but big flavors as well. qdoba.com. ¢.

Real Mexico

St. Andrews-Dutch Square: 2421 Bush River Rd., 750-8990 West Columbia-Cayce: 517 W. 12th St., 739-0821

Mon-Thurs 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.

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina

West Columbia/Cayce: Hook Ave. between Hwy. 1 and Jarvis Klapman Blvd., 414-9150 This taco truck offers up Puebla-style food, including huaraches — thick ovals of griddle-fried dough — topped with fresh meats, cheeses and regular taco fixins like cilantro and onions.

Takosushi

Vista: 1115 Assembly St., 771-7131

Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-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-Fri 7:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m.; Sat 7:30 a.m.-9:45 p.m.

Think of Taqueria Jalisco as a slightly more gourmet Monterrey’s — one without the mad rush and where the food itself is well worth the extra time taken in preparation. ¢-$.

Lexington: 5135-H Sunset Blvd., 957 7482

Tio’s Mexican Café

Vista: 916 Gervais St., 832-7586

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

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

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

Quesadillas, tacos, burritos, taco salads and other Mexican-American favorites freshened up for a broader audience.¢-$.

San Jose Mexican Restaurant Five Points: 819 Harden St., 251-3185 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 1000 Marina Rd., 749-9484

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

Tio’s is a family owned Tex-Mex café distinguished by its extensive and eclectic salsa offerings. Shelves along the walls display the variety of hot sauces available, with names such as King of Fire and Spontaneous Combustion. Purveyors of perhaps the town’s best milkshake, perfect to quench your burning tongue. Also check out the award-winning No. 4 Salsa. tiossc.com. ¢.

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

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 498 Piney Grove

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

middle eastern Al-Amir

over the years, this humble pizzeria continues in its tradition of offering extraordinary pizzas at prices that haven’t seemed to change much since the ‘60s. ¢.

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

Libby’s of Lexington

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

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

Downtown: 629 Main St., 771-0515

Lexington: 2361-A Augusta Highway, 808-7059

Lexington: 116 West Main St., 520-4689

Northeast: 471-1 Market Place (Village at Sandhill), 865-5865 Al-Amir has a reputation for authentic and wellprepared Middle Eastern cuisine. Signature dishes include hummus, falafel, lamb kabob, mujadara and shawarma. Salads, subs and daily dessert specials round out the menu. ¢-$.

Family-owned Lexington eatery features gourmet pizzas and calzones, plus an array of sandwiches, wraps and apps, all using local meat and seafood whenever possible. ¢.

Arabesque

Liberty’s NY Pizza

Five Points: 707 Harden St., 256-0776

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

Shandon/Rosewood: 2930 Devine St., 7796299 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. $.

When you need pizza late at night, head down to Liberty’s, where the slices are always tasty.

Philly cheesesteaks, grinders, pastas and other Italian-American favorites, too. Offers late-night delivery. ¢-$.

Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

Northeast: 4561 Hardscrabble Rd., 419-3700

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1058 St. Andrews Rd., 798-9664 Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.

Elie’s features fine dining in a friendly atmosphere. Cuisine ranges from falafel and baba ghanouj to kibbeh balls, kabobs and shawarma.

Also offers Lebanese imported wine, belly dancers and Argileh pipes with flavored tobacco. ¢.

Pitas

Downtown: 1800 Taylor St., 343-3454

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

From the owner of the Mediterranean Tea Room comes this lunch locale featuring Mediterranean/Middle Eastern fare that also includes a Middle Eastern grocery store inside. Sure, pitas are on the menu, but so are some delicious salads, wraps and more. ¢.

pizza Bobby’s House of Pizza & Subs Northeast: 2112 Clemson Rd., 699-3311

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

Bobby’s attracts a loyal following with a more extensive menu than most neighborhood pizza joints, including pizzas with gourmet toppings and several Greek offerings. The bruschetta and garlic-and-oil glazed calzones are standouts. All menu items can be ordered for takeout. ¢-$.

CiCi’s Pizza

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 141 Pelham Dr., 776-8900 Harbison/Irmo: 6120 St. Andrews Rd., 750-5900 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Family oriented restaurant with inexpensive pizza buffet. Great for students, church groups, athletic groups, etc. Fun, clean and friendly environment. cicispizza.com. ¢.

Dano’s Pizza

Shandon/Rosewood: 2800-C 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. Also offers a dinner menu with traditional Italian dishes like veal parmesan, manicotti and stuffed shells. Not a bad place to drink a beer and watch the game, either. danosdelivers.com. ¢.

Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar Shandon/Rosewood: 2406 Devine St., 521-5063

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

Authentic pizzas and pastas, plus nice touches like an Italian cheese plate and lovely arugula salads. Good selection of affordable Italian wines. $

LaBrasca’s Pizza

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4365 Fort Jackson Blvd., 782-1098

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

Raw | Vegan | Organic

Marco’s Pizza

Mon-Thurs 10:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-midnight

Shandon/Rosewood: 3801 Rosewood Dr., 255-0990

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

Chain pizza joint serves up, well, pizza — but also wings, salads and meatballs, as well as CinnaSquares and CheezyBread. ¢-$.

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Mellow Mushroom

Lexington: 5364 Sunset Blvd., 359-0778

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

Vista: 1009 Gervais St., 933-9201

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 1-9 p.m.

A popular lunch and dinner spot, Mellow Mushroom serves gourmet hand-tossed pies, along with huge calzones, hoagies and salads, all with fresh ingredients. Pizza toppings range from jerk chicken and pineapple to plain-old pepperoni. Large beer selection, with more taps upstairs at the Vista location. mellowmushroomcolumbia.com. $.

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Nick’s House of Pizza

West Columbia-Cayce: 1082A Sunset Blvd., 794-9240

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

In the classic Greek-food-and-pizza mold, Nick’s serves up baked pasta dishes, Greek sandwiches and subs, and assorted stormbolis and pizzas. Try the Greek pizza with feta, tomatoes, onions and gyro meat. $.

Noah’s Antica Pizzeria

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 7719 St. Andrews Rd., 445-1376 Mon-Sun 4-9 p.m.

Fresh, authentic Neapolitan pizza — seriously.

Takeout only. $.

Pizza Joint

Forest Acres: 3246 Forest Dr., 454-1743

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

This popular Forest Acres spot has pizza, obviously, but it also serves up calzones, strombolis and sandwiches, along with a wide selection of beer with which to wash down that yummy Italian goodness.

Pizza Man Pizzeria

Shandon: 341 S. Woodrow St., 252-6931

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 7 a.m.-midnight Sun 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Pizza Man is a comfortable, low-key restaurant offering good pizza at a steal. Serves a wide variety of toppings, as well as appetizers, subs, hamburgers, salads and chicken wings. ¢.

Pizza Palace

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 1314 Leesburg Rd., 695-9800 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

A classic menu of pizza, calzones and stromboli is peppered with club sandwiches, burgers and Greek fare. ¢-$.

With roots in a chain of Charleston pizzerias, LaBrasca’s has been serving great pies in Columbia since 1966. While its owners have changed

free-times.com | Spring 2013

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Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill

Bonefish Grill

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

Harbison/Irmo: 1260 Bower Pkwy., 407-1599 Mon-Thu 4-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4-11:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Lexington: 5304 Sunset Blvd., 359-3888

Based in Boston and patterned after the famous Pizzeria Uno in Chicago, the Uno Chicago Grill chain is famous for its deep-dish pizzas. You also can get thin crust as well as seafood, chicken, steak and salad platters. unos.com. $.

Ray’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream Shoppe

Based out of St. Petersburg, Fla., 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. bonefishgrill.com. ¢-$.

Lexington: 5140-E Sunset Blvd., 951-0051

Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar

Like the name says, Ray’s serves up pizza — both a Neapolitan thin-crust version and a Sicilian thick-crust version — and ice cream. It also serves up Italian favorites like eggplant parmigiana and cannoli. ¢-$.

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

Mon-Thurs 4:30-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30-9 p.m.

Schiano’s

Northeast: 10120 Two Notch Rd., 788-7808

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

Serving specialty pizzas for meat, veggie, pepperoni and sausage lovers and more. Calzones and stromboli round out the menu alongside sandwich selections and traditional Italian dishes like mussels marinara and eggplant parmigiana. ¢-$.

Tony’s Pizzalicious

West Columbia/Cayce: 975 Knox Abbott Dr., 794-5469 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Opened in 1967 and formerly called simply Tony’s Pizza, this joint has served generations of Lexington County residents. Offers pastas, calzones, pizza, salads and sandwiches, plus Italian-American faves like eggplant parmigiana and baked spaghetti.

Valentina’s Greek and Italian Cuisine

Blythewood: 135 Blythewood Rd., 754-0444

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

Located next to the IGA in Blythewood, this family joint offers the usual subs, stromboli and pizza, but also serves up a wide variety of Italian and Greek fare, as well as prime rib and good burgers. Beer and wine are available. ¢-$.

Village Idiot

Five Points: 2009 Devine St., 252-8646

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

Sunday brunch 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. 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. villageidiotpizza.com. ¢.

Za’s Brick Oven Pizza

Shandon: 2930 Devine St., 771-7334

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

Locally owned and operated, Za’s open-faced kitchen and energetic staff delivers more than a dozen signature pizzas as well as soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and nightly specials. Specialty pies include the Shrimp Pesto Za, Chicken Teriyaki Za, Zeus Za and Smoked Salmon Za. zasbrickovenpizza.com. ¢-$.

seafood Blue Marlin

Vista: 1200 Lincoln St., 799-3838

Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-10 p.m.; Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-11 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 jalapeño salsa. Private dining facilities now available. bluemarlincolumbia.com. $.

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Forest Acres: 4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200

Lexington: 938 N. Lake Dr., 808-2244

If you want great seafood in a laid-back, casual atmosphere reminiscent of the beach, go to Gilligan’s. Just across from the dam at Lake Murray, Gilligan’s outdoor deck attracts a fun and festive crowd. Known for their oysters and popcorn shrimp, Gilligan’s also offers a wide selection of seafood combos, salads, starters, raw bar options and dinner specials. gilligans.net. $.

Harbor Inn Seafood

Lexington: 411 W. Main St., 359-2979 Northeast: 7375 Two Notch Rd., 462-3498 Sun, Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Your favorite seafood platters come fried or broiled, with familiar sides like hush puppies and slaw. The Land and Sea special pairs a crab legs with a ribeye, and the Specialty of the House mixes fried flounder, deviled crab, shrimp, oysters and stuffed clams. Lunch and express menus available. harborinnseafood.com. ¢.

Ocean View Seafood Restaurant St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1904 Broad River Rd., 772-7811 West Columbia-Cayce: 1000 Knox Aboott Dr., 791-5700 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Expansive menu features expansive portions of all manner of fried and broiled seafood. Daily specials, platters, steaks and sandwiches round out the menu with an emphasis on freshness.

Hearty, affordable lunch specials on weekdays. $.

Oyster Bar

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. ¢-$.

Pearlz Oyster Bar

Vista: 936 Gervais St., 661-7741 Daily 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

A Charleston-based chain, Pearlz offers raw and cooked oysters and an array of other Lowcountry and American seafood favorites, from oyster po’boys to New England lobster rolls. Burgers and salads are available for the non-seafoodloving.

steakhouse Arizona Steakhouse

Northeast: 150 Forum Dr., 865-1001

Mon 11:30-9 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; FriSat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Offers a variety of salads, steaks, burgers, chicken and fish, ranging from prime rib to ahi tuna encrusted in pepper and sesame seeds. Moderately priced dishes and wine list heavy on California wines. The babyback ribs are a generous portion slathered in a rich tomato-based barbecue sauce.traviniaitaliankitchen.com. $.

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

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

It’s a simple proposition, really: You slap down some money, visit the enormous salad bar, and then partake in the neverending parade of sizzling grilled meats being carried around the dining room. With cuts as diverse as filet mignon, chicken wing, pork sausage, lamb shoulder and beef picanha — a special Brazilian cut — there’s something to please everyone among the 30 cuts available. $$.

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Longhorn Steakhouse

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 Hoedown 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?longhornsteakhouse.com. $-$$.

Outback Steakhouse

Harbison/Irmo: 252 Harbison Blvd., 732-3771 Mon-Thu 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri 4:30-11 p.m.; Sat 3:30-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Northeast: 7611 Two Notch Rd., 788-9800

Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat 3-11 p.m.; Sun 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Popular Australian-themed steakhouse chain featuring Blooming Onion appetizers and all manner of salads, steak and chicken dishes. outback.com. $.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

Downtown: 924-A Senate St. (Hilton Hotel), 212-6666 2010

2011

Sun-Thu 3-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 3-11 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. ruthschris.com. $$.

Texas Roadhouse 2010

2011

Harbison/Irmo: 400 Columbiana Dr., 407-6670 Northeast: 8304 Two Notch Rd., 788-5384 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

High-energy, casual Southwest-themed restaurant featuring hand-cut steaks, award-winning ribs and several made-from-scratch items such as salad dressings, bread, croutons, mashed potatoes and gravy. $.

sushi Camon Japanese Restaurant

Downtown: 1332 Assembly St., 254-5400 Tue-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Inakaya Watanabe

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

Excellent sushi, sashimi and traditional Japanese dishes. $ .

SakiTumi Grill & Sushi Bar Vista: 807 Gervais St., 931-0700

Mon-Wed 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 5-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 east 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 sushi-making classes. sakitumigrill.com. $.

Sakurabana Japanese Restaurant Forest Acres: 4827 Forest Dr., 738-9330

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

Open since 1984, Sakura’s quality food and

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cozy atmosphere have given it a loyal following despite its elusive location for its sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura. $.

Saky

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4963 Jackson Blvd., 787-5307

Mon-Thu 5-9:30 p.m.; Fri 5-10 p.m.; Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

Since 1974, the restaurant at this location went by the name of “Saki.” A change in management led to a name change, but Saky under any name serves fantastic sushi as well as soups, Asian noodles and more. $.

Sushi & Hibachi To Go

Downtown: 1100-B Elmwood Ave., 400-0988

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

Sushi, it turns out, doesn’t have to be upscale.

Yes, this place shares a building with a fast food sandwich joint, but it makes tasty sushi and a few Thai favorites at rock-bottom prices.

Sushi Yoshi

Five Points: 2019 Devine St., 931-0555

Mon 5-10 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

Offering Japanese specialty dishes, lunch specials, vegetarian dishes, teriyaki combos and, of course, sushi. ¢.

Tsunami

Vista: 700-C Gervais St., 312-9911

Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-midnight (bar open later)

Harbison/Irmo: 1290 Bower Pkwy., 4073873 Trendy, chic sushi bar and restaurant with elegant, contemporary atmosphere and ample seating areas to complement extensive sake, wine and beer selection. $. tsunamicompany.com.

tapas blue.

Vista: 721-A Lady St., 251-4447 Mon-Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

A tapas bar and cocktail lounge that features the city’s only ice bar to go with breads and spreads and tapas items. Also serves salads, chips and dips and desserts. Enjoy sitting outside under the patio listening to the waterfall. And seriously, that ice bar is sweet. ¢-$.

Gervais & Vine

The Vista: 620-A Gervais St., 799-8463

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

True Mediterranean wine and tapas bar with more than 40 wines by the glass and a wide selection of appetizers. Dishes prepared in open kitchen and are a fusion of Greek, Italian and Spanish cuisine with Southern influences. A Vista gem. gervine.com. ¢-$.

thai 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. baansawan.blogspot.com. $-$$.

Bangkok Restaurant

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 7509-H Garners Ferry Rd., 776-2993 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

You might easily overlook a strip mall when looking for Thai food, but Bangkok was one of the first Thai restaurants in Columbia and remains worth the search. The phad thai and kaou phad bai kapow remain favorites. Offers a wide range of Thai cuisine, as well as soups and Thai Iced Tea. Also serves Chinese. ¢-$.

Mai Thai

West Columbia-Cayce: 2249 Sunset Blvd., 939-4795

Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 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

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

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essexhomes.net/ebuilt free-times.com | Spring 2013

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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. maithais.com $.

Thailand Restaurant

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 6024 St. Andrews Rd., 731-7715 Mon-Sun Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Authentic and delicious Thai food. Serves numerous entrées, soups and salads, with choices of mild, medium or hot. $.

vegetarian Earth Fare

Shandon: 3312-B Devine St., 799-0048 Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Earth Fare is a health-food supermarket with a full-service deli, café and scratch bakery. Options include a salad and hot bar, fresh deli sandwiches or wraps, sushi and other wholesome snacks. Deli serves no products with hydrogenated oil, cotton seed oil, bleached flour or artificial preservatives and sweeteners. earthfare.com. ¢.

Good Life Café

West Columbia: 3681-D Leaphart Rd., 454-3516 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

A full-on vegan raw food bar 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 a case of scrumptious desserts. A worthwhile trip even for those who maintain a cooked, meat-based diet. goodlifecafé.net.

Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café

Downtown: 2338 Main St., 253-7889 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

One of Columbia’s only restaurants catering to vegans and vegetarians alike. 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. ¢.

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Rosewood Market & Deli

Shandon: 2803 Rosewood Dr., 765-1083

Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Hot meals served Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday breakfast: 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Sunday brunch: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

A natural-foods grocery featuring fresh organic produce, herbs and spices, as well as natural beauty aids and popular supplements. The deli serves a diverse selection of hot gourmet meals, salads, breads, pastries and desserts. Eat in or take out. rosewoodmarket.com. ¢.

vietnamese Golden Chopstix

West Columbia/Cayce: 1505 Charleston Hwy., 791-0206

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.; Sat noon-2 p.m., 5-9:30 p.m.

Serves Thai and Vietnamese dishes, with a greater emphasis on Thai. 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

Five Points: 2011 Devine St., 779-4077

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

Northeast: 2300 Decker Blvd., 699-5959

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

Though it specializes in pho — the fragrant Vietnamese beef soup served with assorted beef cuts, fresh herbs, bean sprouts and other accompaniments — Pho Viet also serves spring rolls, chicken and seafood soups, rice bowls and noodle bowls topped with such Vietnamese favorites as grilled pork and shrimp. Jelly pearl drinks, soft drinks, tea and Vietnamese coffee comprise the beverage menu. pho-viet.com. ¢.

Saigon Moon

Lexington: 5454-E Sunset Blvd., 358-0132

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun noon-8 p.m.

Tasty marinated meats, fresh herbs and other Vietnamese flavors make this little restaurant a worthy destination for everyone, not just Lexington habitués. $ .

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Index

restaurants by region Blythewood

Carolina Wings.........................................13 Groucho’s..................................................18 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Valentina’s Greek and Italian .................26

Chapin

Ava’s Copper Pot Bistro...........................14

DOWNTOWN

Al-Amir.......................................................25 Anthony’s Past Time Café ........................6 Atlanta Bread Company...........................10 Beezer’s....................................................17 California Dreaming...................................6 Camon Japanese Restaurant.................28 Carolina Café & Catering.........................16 Carolina’s....................................................6 Chocolate Nirvana....................................10 City Center Grill..........................................6 Cola’s American Cooking........................14 College Grounds Café.............................16 Cool Beans Coffee Co.............................16 Courtyard Café.........................................14 Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse................26 Crepes & Croissants................................20 Cromer’s....................................................19 Drake’s Duck In...........................................6 Drip Coffee................................................16 Firehouse Subs........................................18 Greek Boys...............................................20 Hampton Place Café................................18 Hampton Street Vineyard........................15 Hong Kong................................................17 Hunter-Gatherer.......................................15 Immaculate Consumption ......................16 J. Gumbo’s................................................16 Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café.......................30 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 TLC Sports Bar and Grill..........................12 M Café.......................................................10 M Fresh......................................................10 Mac’s on Main.............................................8 Mack’s.........................................................8 Main Street at the Sheraton.......................8 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 Millwood Coffee Company......................16 Miyo’s.........................................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Nathan’s Restaurant................................18 No Name Deli............................................18 Oak Table..................................................15 Paradise Ice..............................................20 Pitas...........................................................25 Pita Pit.......................................................18 P.O.S.H. . ..................................................15 RB’s Bodacious Bistro.............................14 Roll Call Deli..............................................18 Roly Poly Sandwiches.............................18 Rue 77.......................................................15 Ruth’s Chris...............................................28 Sammi’s Deli.............................................18 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs........................9 Sushi & Hibachi To Go.............................28 Swanson’s Deli.........................................19 Tio’s Mexican Café...................................24 Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery...............22 Tropical Grille............................................19 Villa Tronco...............................................22 Whig, The..................................................13 Which Wich?.............................................19 Wing Zone.................................................14 Yoghut........................................................20 Zoe’s Kitchen............................................19

Five Points

Andy’s Deli................................................17 Baan Sawan..............................................28 Bar None...................................................11 Bey’s..........................................................11 Blue Cactus Café......................................22 Calypso Caribbean Grill...........................16 Cellar on Greene......................................14 Delaney’s...................................................11 DiPrato’s Delicatessen.............................17 Drip Coffee................................................16 El Burrito....................................................23 Garibaldi’s Café........................................21 Goatfeathers.............................................15 Gourmet Shop..........................................16 Grilled Teriyaki..........................................22 Groucho’s..................................................18 Group Therapy..........................................11 Harper’s Restaurant...................................8 Insomnia Cookies.....................................19 Jake’s.........................................................12 Jimmy Johns.............................................18

Liberty’s NY Pizza....................................25 Lucky’s.......................................................12 Mr. Friendly’s.............................................15 San Jose...................................................24 Orange Leaf..............................................20 Pawleys Front Porch..................................9 Pho Viet.....................................................30 Pour House...............................................12 Salty Nut Café...........................................12 Saluda’s.....................................................15 Sammi’s Deli.............................................18 Starbucks..................................................16 Sushi Yoshi...............................................28 Tutti Frutti..................................................20 Village Idiot................................................26 Waffle House..............................................9 Yesterdays Restaurant & Tavern ...........10

Food Trucks

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue.......................13 2 Fat 2 Fly..................................................13

Forest Acres

Ally and Eloise Bakeshop........................10 Baskin-Robbins........................................19 Bonefish Grill............................................26 Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery.........................10 Café Caturra.............................................14 Casa Linda................................................23 Chipotle.....................................................23 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.........................6 Groucho’s..................................................18 Lillian’s Eatery & Bakery..........................11 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 McAlister’s Deli.........................................18 Miyo’s on Forest........................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Mousetrap...................................................8 Original Pancake House............................9 Pancho’s....................................................24 Pasta Fresca.............................................22 Pizza Joint.................................................25 Rosso.........................................................22 Sakurabana Japanese Restaurant.........28 Sato Japanese Steak & Seafood............23 Starbucks..................................................16 Taste of Jamaica.......................................17 Tombo Grille..............................................15 Village Idiot................................................26 Yoghut........................................................20 Yummy Yummy.........................................17 Zoe’s Kitchen............................................19

Gadsden

Big-T Bar-B-Que .....................................13

Garners Ferry/ Southeast

Bangkok Restaurant.................................30 Big-T Bar-B-Que.......................................13 Buffalo Wild Wings...................................13 Casa Linda................................................23 China Buffet Sushi & Bar.........................17 CiCi’s Pizza...............................................25 The Diner.....................................................6 Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet.........13 Eric’s San Jose.........................................24 Jersey Mike’s............................................18 Jimmy Johns.............................................18 Julia’s German Restaurant . ...................20 LaBrasca’s Pizza......................................25 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Marble Slab Creamery.............................19 Moe’s Grapevine Italian...........................21 Panera Bread............................................11 Pizza Palace.............................................26 Qdoba........................................................24 Rush’s..........................................................9 Saky...........................................................28 Smashburger..............................................9 Starbucks..................................................16 Taziki’s Mediterranean Café....................21 Tony’s...........................................................9

Harbison/Irmo

Alodia’s Cucina Italia................................21 Bailey’s Sports Grill..................................11 Beef O’Brady’s..........................................11 Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders...................21 Blue Coyote...............................................11 Blue Flour..................................................19 Bonefish Grill............................................26 British Bulldog Pub...................................11 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.........................19 Bubble Tea Café.......................................19 Buffalo Wild Wings...................................13 Carolina Ale House....................................6 Carrabba’s.................................................21 Cecilia’s.....................................................23 CiCi’s Pizza...............................................25 Copper River Grill.....................................14 DL McLaughlin’s.......................................17 Fazoli’s.......................................................21

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Firehouse Subs........................................18 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.........................6 Great American Grill..................................8 Groucho’s..................................................18 Hemingway’s.............................................12 Hooters......................................................13 Huller’s Black Forest................................20 Interstate Hoagies and Steaks..................8 Jersey Mike’s............................................18 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Little Pigs...................................................13 Longhorn Steakhouse..............................28 Lucky’s Burger Shack................................8 Marble Slab Creamery.............................19 Mathias Sandwich Shop............................8 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 McAlister’s Deli.........................................18 Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse.................23 Miyo’s.........................................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 Outback Steakhouse................................28 Panera Bread............................................11 Rush’s..........................................................9 Rusty Anchor............................................12 San Jose Mexican Restaurant................24 Schiano’s...................................................26 Starbucks..................................................16 Sun Ming...................................................17 Texas Roadhouse.....................................28 Tipsy Toad Tavern....................................12 Tokyo Grill.................................................23 Tropical Smoothie Café...........................19 Tsunami.....................................................28 Vella’s Restaurant and Tavern..................9 Which Wich?.............................................19 Wild Hare Sports Café...............................9 Wild Wing Café.........................................14 Yoghut........................................................20 Zorba’s Family Greek Restaurant...........21

Leesville

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House.....................14

Lexington

7 Mares......................................................23 Al-Amir.......................................................25 Antai Asian Dining....................................10 Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders...................21 Bentley’s Beach House............................11 Buffalo Wild Wings...................................13 Café Chartier............................................16 Carolina Wings.........................................13 Carrabba’s.................................................21 Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop.............17 Cold Stone Creamery..............................19 Compton’s Kitchen.....................................6 Deli, The....................................................17 Firehouse Subs........................................18 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.........................6 Flight Deck..................................................6 Fusion Bowl...............................................22 Ganbei.......................................................22 Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar.................26 Groucho’s..................................................18 Harbor Inn Seafood..................................26 Hudson’s Smokehouse............................13 Judy’s Café and Bakery.............................8 Kovachi’s...................................................21 Libby’s of Lexington..................................25 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Main Street Café Bar & Grill....................20 Marble Slab Creamery.............................19 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 McAlister’s Deli.........................................18 Mediterranean Café.................................20 Mellow Mushroom....................................25 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 Old Mill Brewpub......................................15 Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill......................26 Ray’s Pizzeria & Ice Cream Shoppe......26 Rush’s..........................................................9 Saigon Moon.............................................30 Salsarita’s..................................................24 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs........................9 Stephano’s................................................22 Sumo.........................................................23 Tokyo Grill.................................................23 Travinia Italian Kitchen.............................22 Tutti Frutti..................................................20 Wild Hare Sports Café...............................9 Yumilicious................................................20

North Columbia

Edna’s Drive In............................................6

Northeast

Al-Amir.......................................................25 Arirang.......................................................22 Arizona Steakhouse.................................27 Baskin-Robbins........................................19 Beef O’Brady’s..........................................11

Big-T Bar-B-Que.......................................13 Bobby’s House of Pizza...........................25 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream .......................19 Buffalo Wild Wings...................................13 Caprioska..................................................11 Carolina Wings.........................................13 Carrabba’s.................................................21 Crossings Deli...........................................17 Fazoli’s.......................................................21 Five Guys Burgers & Fries .......................6 Harbor Inn.................................................26 Hero Korean Steak House & Sushi........22 Hibachi Restaurant Tama........................22 Hola Mexico..............................................24 Hooters......................................................13 Inakaya Japanese Restaurant................28 Jin’s Hibachi & Chinese...........................17 Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles........................8 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Marco’s Pizza............................................25 Marble Slab Creamery.............................19 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 McAlister’s Deli.........................................18 Miyo’s.........................................................10 MoBay.......................................................17 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 O Bok Korean Restaurant........................23 Outback Steakhouse................................28 Peanut Man...............................................20 Pho Viet.....................................................30 Polliwog’s..................................................12 The Puddlin’ Duck....................................12 Qdoba........................................................24 Quaker Steak and Lube...........................14 Red Bowl Asian Bistro.............................10 Rush’s..........................................................9 San Jose Mexican Restaurant................24 Schiano’s...................................................26 Serenity Restaurant & Lounge..................9 Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar....................15 Starbucks..................................................16 Stonefire American Grill .........................15 Sweet, A Cupcake Company..................20 Tap’s Pub...................................................12 Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery........................11 Travinia Italian Kitchen.............................22 Tsubaki......................................................10 Very’s...........................................................9 Vivid...........................................................12 Which Wich?.............................................19 Wild Wing Café.........................................14 Yummy Yummy.........................................17

Shandon/Rosewood

American Roadside Burgers.....................6 Arabesque.................................................25 Burger Tavern 77........................................6 Cantina 76.................................................23 Cock N’ Bull...............................................11 Crust Bakehouse......................................10 Dano’s Pizza.............................................25 Devine Foods............................................20 Earth Fare.................................................30 Egg Roll Chen...........................................17 Fifth Avenue Deli......................................18 Fujiya.........................................................22 Il Giorgione................................................25 Henry’s......................................................12 Kraken Gastropub....................................12 Main Moon................................................17 Marco’s Pizza............................................25 Mediterranean Tea Room........................20 MoMo’s Bistro...........................................15 Pizza Man.................................................25 Publick House...........................................14 Rockaway Athletic Club.............................9 Rosewood Market & Deli.........................30 Sammi’s Deli.............................................18 Utopia..........................................................9 Za’s Brick Oven Pizza..............................26

St. Andrews/Dutch Sq.

Bombay Grill.............................................21 Columbo’s.................................................21 Corner Pocket...........................................11 Delhi Palace..............................................21 El Chico.....................................................24 Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine.........25 Fuddruckers................................................6 Inakaya Watanabe...................................28 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 Melting Pot................................................15 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 Noah’s Antica Pizzeria.............................25 Ocean View Seafood Restaurant...........26 Panjabi Dhaba..........................................21 Real Mexico..............................................24 Rush’s..........................................................9 San Jose Mexican Restaurant................24 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs........................9

Sweet Cake House...................................20 Taqueria Jalisco........................................24 Thailand Restaurant.................................30 Tokyo Grill.................................................23 Top China Buffet.......................................17 Villa, The...................................................22 WG’s Chicken Wings................................14 Wings & Ale...............................................14

The Vista

Big Ugly, The.............................................16 blue. ..........................................................28 Blue Marlin................................................26 Carolina Ale House....................................6 Cupcake....................................................19 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.........................6 Flying Saucer............................................11 Gervais & Vine..........................................28 Green Fork................................................18 Jason’s Deli...............................................18 Jillian’s.........................................................8 Jimmy Johns.............................................18 Kelly’s........................................................12 Lady Antoinette’s French Bakery............10 Liberty Taproom & Grill..............................8 Longhorn Steakhouse..............................28 Marble Slab Creamery.............................19 M Vista.......................................................10 Mellow Mushroom....................................25 Menkoi Ramen House.............................22 Mojitos.......................................................16 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 Motor Supply Co.......................................15 Nonnah’s...................................................19 Oyster Bar.................................................26 Palmetto Pig..............................................14 Pastry Shop at Nonnah’s.........................11 Peanut Man...............................................20 Pearlz Oyster Bar.....................................26 Ristorante Divino......................................22 SakiTumi....................................................28 Salsarita’s..................................................24 Starbucks..................................................16 TakoSushi..................................................24 Thirsty Fellow............................................12 Tin Roof.....................................................12 Wet Willie’s................................................12 Woody, The...............................................13 Wild Hare Sports Café...............................9 Wild Wing Café.........................................14

West Columbia/Cayce

@116 Espresso & Wine Bar....................14 2108 State...................................................6 Al’s Upstairs..............................................21 Atlanta Bread Company .........................10 Backyard Café............................................6 Café Strudel..............................................16 Compton’s Kitchen.....................................6 D’s Wings..................................................13 Delucca’s...................................................21 Egg Roll Station........................................17 European Mini Market..............................18 Golden Chopstix.......................................30 Good Life Café..........................................30 Grecian Gardens......................................20 Groucho’s..................................................18 Heather’s Artisan Bakery.........................10 Hibachi Grill...............................................22 Jersey Mike’s............................................18 John D. Hite’s............................................13 Judy’s at the Market...................................8 Just Us Café................................................8 Karl’s Korner.............................................12 Kingsman Restaurant................................8 La Estrella.................................................24 La Fiesta....................................................24 Lizard’s Thicket...........................................8 Maurice’s Barbecue.................................13 Mai Thai.....................................................30 Moe’s Southwest Grill..............................24 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant...............24 Ms. B’s Southern Kitchen..........................9 Nick’s House of Pizza..............................25 Ocean View Seafood...............................26 Panaderia Odalys.....................................11 Real Mexico..............................................24 Rush’s..........................................................9 Spice Junction..........................................21 Steve’s 1 Sub Contractor.........................19 Sub Station II............................................19 Sporting News Bar and Grill . .................12 Tacos Los Poblanitos...............................24 Tea Pot Chinese Restaurant...................17 Terra..........................................................15 Tony’s Pizzalicious...................................26 True BBQ...................................................14 Vella’s Restaurant and Tavern..................9 What-A-Burger...........................................9

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PLAY&

STAY

What to do:

Attractions

C

olumbia is full of history — and historical attractions. Even the Publix in the Vista carries a whiff of Civil War history, occupying a building that once printed Confederate currency. But it’s not just war sites that you need to see: Statewide, South Carolina has 1,300 sites on the National Register of Historic Places. Our attractions aren’t all ancient, either — see, for example, the monument to Hootie & the Blowfish in Five Points (p. 37).

Columbia’s biggest attraction of all is the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden (p. 33), 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, including elephants, gorillas, lions and an Aquarium Reptile Complex.

Seventy of those 170 acres are devoted to Riverbanks Botanical Garden, which opened in 1995 and features woodlands, gardens, historic ruins, plant collections and a visitor facility. The zoo also has a safari-themed ropes course and a 3-D theater. Upcoming events include the Wine Tasting at Riverbanks on April 19; Rhythm & Blooms, which features music in the gardens, each Thursday in May; and Brew at the Zoo on Aug. 2.

Other top destinations in the city include EdVenture Children’s Museum (p. 35), Congaree National Park (p. 37), the Columbia Museum of Art (p. 33), the South Carolina State Museum (p. 35), Three Rivers Greenway (p. 33), the Colonial Life Arena (p. 35), several historic properties managed by Historic Columbia (p. 33) and more.

EdVenture is featuring an Adventures With Clifford the Big Red Dog exhibit through May 5. Congaree National Park offers guided canoe tours, talks and events throughout the year. The Columbia Museum of Art is showing Impressionism from Monet to Matisse through April 21, followed by Found in Translation: The Art of Steven Naifeh beginning May 18. The South Carolina State Museum hosts the exhibition Secrets of the Maya through June 9. The West Columbia Amphitheatre, which sits along the Three Rivers Greenway, presents a concert series in May. The Colonial Life Arena has a lot of big shows coming: Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream April 11 through April 14, Carrie Underwood on April 17 and Cirque du Soleil: Quidam April 24 through April 28, followed by Kenny Chesney on May 4 and Justin Bieber on Aug. 5. And Historic Columbia presents numerous walking tours, cemetery tours and garden tours in the coming months, as well as the exhibition Reconstructing Religion: The Presbyterian Experience at the Robert Mills House through May 13.

For a full calendar of events, please see page 48.

32 freetimes | PLAY&STAY

Columbia Museum of Art. Courtesy photo

Downtown USC South Main It used to be that Main Street was overlooked as an entertainment district, but things are changing downtown: In addition to all the history you can soak up at the State House, there’s a burgeoning cultural life, too. The Soda City farmers market is bustling on Saturday mornings; Columbia’s home of independent film, the Nickelodeon Theatre, has moved to the 1600 block of Main Street; monthly First Thursdays art parties bring lots of energy to the area; Mast General Store has brought new foot traffic; Mac’s

on Main offers blues and jazz; The Whig is one of the hippest bars in town; and, as always, the Columbia Museum of Art has a steady stream of exhibitions and events to help keep culture alive downtown both day and night. There’s also a Brazilian steakhouse, Cowboy.

Bottom line: One small step at a time, things are happening downtown.

Just south of the State House is a string of establishments catering largely to university students and faculty, as well as state employees. Among the options within a few-block radius: coffee, sandwiches, frozen yogurt, hot dogs, ice cream, bagels and locally brewed beers at Hunter-Gatherer.

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

PLAY&STAY What to Do: 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 still on Taylor Street now, but it won’t be for long. Artist Blue Sky’s giant metallic fire hydrant needs a new home, as its host, AgFirst, is moving from Taylor to Main Street. Among the many locations that have been tossed out as ideas is Finlay Park.

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’s also a ton of other events happening here: an acclaimed chamber music series, lectures, films, the Arts & Draughts series 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, if that’s your kind of thing.

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, as it’s become the city’s unofficial haven for the homeless.

Nonetheless, it can still be a good place for a walk amid the hustle of downtown, and kids love its two play areas. 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.

free-times.com | Spring 2013

Attractions

Hampton-Preston Mansion

Randolph Cemetery

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.

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. The men formed an association and named it in honor of Senator Benjamin Franklin Randolph.

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 mid19th century until 1970. The house serves as the focal point for the annual Jubilee Festival.

McMaster Gallery (USC)

1615 Senate St., 777-7480 www.cas.sc.edu/art A small, unassuming gallery tucked away inside USC’s Department of Art, McMaster is nonetheless a gem of the city’s visual arts scene. Features student and faculty exhibitions along with contemporary traveling shows.

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 onestory 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 recently moved into the spot of the former Fox Theatre on Main Street. Also presents the popular annual Indie Grits Film Festival.

Ponder Art Gallery (Benedict College) 1600 Harden St., 705-4605 www.benedict.edu Features works by African-American artists.

Renaissance Cultural Arts Center renaissancefoundationsc.org To be located on the corner of Sumter and Taylor streets in the building once occupied by the Bethel AME Church, the Renaissance Cultural Arts Center aims to be a focal point for arts and history downtown.

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.

S.C. State House Main St. at Gervais St. 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 803-734-2430 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.

Grizzly bear at Riverbanks Zoo. Courtesy photo Soda City Market 1500 Block of Main Street stateplate.org Held every Saturday morning, the Soda City market was launched by pig farmer and former state Agriculture Commissioner candidate Emile DeFelice. 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 A recent addition to Main Street’s cultural renaissance, Tapp’s presents visual arts exhibitions and offers artist studios. Also hosts a range of arts-related events and is available for rentals.

Town Theatre 1012 Sumter St., 799-2510 towntheatre.com Built in 1924, Town Theatre is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continuously operating community theater building in the country; presents family-friendly musicals and other productions.

Three Rivers Greenway

riveralliance.org, 765-2200 Columbia has come a long way on its riverfront development in the past few years, and the designation of the Congaree River Blue Trail as a National Recreation Trail in 2008 underlines the point.

The Three Rivers Greenway provides 9.5

PLAY&STAY | freetimes 33

Wow Factor

Dale Chihuly, Chandelier, 2010, hotworked and handblown glass Museum purchase with funds provided by The Contemporaries

Find Botticelli, Monet, and Chihuly all under one roof in the heart of downtown Columbia.

1515 Main Street | Columbia, SC 803.799.2810 | columbiamuseum.org

PLAY&STAY What to Do: miles of linked river access and will eventually cover 12 miles 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.

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 and The Clash. Reopened in 2010 after a $12 million facelift, the Township brings everything from R&B, country and rock acts to wrestling, comedy and dance.

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral & Cemetery 1100 Sumter St. Originally dedicated in 1814, Trinity Episcopal grew into a new building in 1847, one designed by Edward Brickell White and modeled after York Cathedral in England. Today, it’s one of the nation’s 20 largest Episcopal churches in the country and recently completed a major renovation. Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice James F. Byrnes and six governors are buried in its cemetery.

Tunnelvision Taylor and Marion streets Artist Blue Sky’s Busted Plug is moving from this location because its host, AgFirst, is moving its offices. But will they paint over the mural? We doubt it. Tunnelvision, a 1975 wall mural of a road running through a tunnel, is an iconic piece of local public art. Don’t drive by this thing when you’re stoned unless you feel like totaling your car.

USC Horseshoe 900 Block of Sumter St., 777-8161 Little do most of the frolicking young college students on the gorgeous USC Horseshoe know — or care, probably — that Robert Mills, 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.

Woodrow Wilson Family Home 1705 Hampton St., 252-7742 woodrowwilsonhome.com Woodrow Wilson’s family didn’t spend much time in Columbia, but we have to take what we can get. The family moved to town 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. Currently closed for renovations.

Workshop Theatre of S.C. 1136 Bull St., 799-6551 (box office) workshoptheatre.com A popular community theater that has been branching out in recent years with increasingly ambitious works.

free-times.com | Spring 2013

Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West If Five Points is Columbia’s primary haven for college students, then the Vista offers the same for post-college professionals. This 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 theatre and a grocery store (converted from a former Confederate printing plant). Home to such popular annual events as Music Crawl (a Free Timesproduced festival of local and regional bands), Vista Lights (a holiday season kick-off party), Artista Vista (a three-day gallery crawl in the spring) and Viva La Vista (a food festival), the Vista also has an increasing number of residential options.

Just across the Gervais Street bridge sits an eclectic mix of nightspots, galleries, gift shops and restaurants. With its cheap rent, businesses and patrons are realizing that West Columbia has many of the amenities of its sister city across the river, with fewer hassles.

The Big Apple 1000 Hampton St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org A debate still rages as to whether the phrase “The Big Apple” came to New York City from jazz or from horse racing (a 1930s N.Y.C. sports column was called “Around the Big Apple”). For Columbia’s sake, let’s go with the jazz theory: Once a local synagogue, The Big Apple later was turned into a juke joint where, in 1936, blacks invented a new dance, the Big Apple. Now popular for events and receptions.

Colonial Life Arena 801 Lincoln St. Charge by phone: 1-877-489-2849 General Info: 576-9200 coloniallifearena.com The 18,000-seat Colonial Center is the largest arena in South Carolina, hosting major concert and entertainment acts and serving as the home for USC men’s and women’s basketball.

Attractions

Columbia Marionette Theater 401 Laurel St., 252-7366 cmtpuppet.org Located near Riverfront Park, the Columbia Marionette Theater was founded in 1988 and presents children’s productions ranging from traditional fairy tales to educational shows. In 2009, founder Allie Scollon received a top national puppetry award.

EdVenture Children’s Museum 211 Gervais St., 779-3100 edventure.org The South’s largest children’s museum, with more than 70,000 square feet of cool stuff to keep the kids occupied.

Riverfront Park Laurel at Huger Street, 545-3100 columbiasc.net Separating the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, Riverfront Park is a popular jogging and walking trail encompassing 167 acres just west of Huger Street.

South Carolina State Confederate Relic Room & Museum 301 Gervais St., 737-8095 www.crr.sc.gov Believe it or not, 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 S.C. State Museum.

South Carolina State Museum 301 Gervais St., 898-4921 southcarolinastatemuseum.org Housed in the historic Columbia Mill building (built in 1893), the S.C. 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-S.C.related blockbuster exhibitions.

Five Points Rosewood Olympia Southeast Five 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 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 retail spots and some higher-end 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 Cock ‘N’ Bull Pub and Rockaways. Rosewood has its own signature events, too: the Rosewood Crawfish Festival and the Krewe de Columbia Ya-Ya Mardi Gras Parade.

Over in the historic mill village of Olympia, you’ll find a dynamic art space at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, the Marketplace at Whaley and Carolina Stadium, home of the Gamecock baseball team.

Three Rivers Greenway riveralliance.org, 765-2200 Columbia has come a long way on its riverfront development in the past few years, and the designation of the Congaree River Blue Trail as a National Recreation Trail underlines the point. The Three Rivers Greenway will eventually provide 12 miles of linked river access to citizens of Columbia, Cayce and West Columbia.

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

Trustus Theatre 520 Lady St., 254-9732 trustus.org Columbia’s leading progressively oriented theater company.

701 Center for Contemporary Art 701 Whaley St., 779-4571 701cca.org Opened in the fall of 2008, the 701 Center for Contemporary Art has become an integral part of the local arts scene, hosting visual arts exhibitions as well as cuttingedge music and dance performances and other events.

Carolina Stadium 431 Williams St. University spokespeople will tell you that USC’s shining new baseball stadium (which opened in 2009) is located in the Innovista district, but locals know the area as Olympia. Regardless of what you call it, the 9,000-seat baseball stadium is indeed a bang-up place to watch USC’s national champions. And while your inner accountant might moan and grown as you’re shelling out all that cash on concessions, your inner environmentalist can take pride in the stadium’s hydrogenpowered scoreboard — yes, really.

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PLAY&STAY What to Do: Congaree National Park

Vista Marketplace at Whaley

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).

711 Whaley St. vista.locallygrown.net Held every Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Offers locally grown food, locally made wares and brunch.

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 the Five Points After Five concert series, which presents local and regional bands on an outdoor stage.

Five Points Retail Five Points is for strolling, dining and shopping. Retail options are wide, encompassing everything from unique gifts at Portfolio Art Gallery to hip clothing and accessories at Sid Nancy. 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 high-quality, locally owned boutiques. From eco-friendly children’s clothes at K.D.’s Treehouse to ultra-cool 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.

Visanska-Starks House 2214 Hampton St. Featured on HGTV’s If Walls Could Talk, this historic home was built around 1900 and is located on Hampton Street in Historic Waverly. Barrett Visanska (18491932) — a Polish jeweler and founder of the Tree of Life Congregation — bought the house in 1913. John J. Starks, president of Benedict College, bought the house in 1938.

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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 by the Works Progress Administration — you know, that leftist agency started by FDR — Williams-Brice has served as the site of lots of drunken football revelry, a U2 concert and an appearance by Obama and Oprah during the 2008 campaign.

Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden It used to be that heading northeast from downtown Columbia was just a long, lonely drive down Two Notch Road with a handful of restaurants and strip malls along the way to the area’s wonderful Sesquicentennial State Park. Now the Northeast sports several farmers markets, the enormous Village at Sandhill retail complex, the expansive Lake Carolina residential development and top-notch schools that keep residents coming. Home to plenty of national retailers and restaurants, too, as well as several popular golf courses.

Cobblestone Park Golf Club 280 University Club Parkway (Blythewood), 714-2620 cobblestoneparkgolfclub.com A 27-hole golf course formerly known as the University Club. Features panoramic views with rolling hills and beautiful oaks and pines.

Columbia Children’s Theatre 3400 Forest Drive, 691-4548 columbiachildrenstheatre.com A nonprofit, professional theater offering educational and entertainment opportunities to children and families.

Attractions

Fine Arts Center of Kershaw County 810 Lyttleton St., Camden, 803-4257676 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 www.jackson.army.mil/Museum Acquires and exhibits Fort Jackson-related artifacts dating to the fort’s founding in 1917.

Golf Blythewood 1084 Langford Rd. (Blythewood), 754-8600, golfclubsc.com With its winding streams, towering hardwoods and picturesque lake, this course has been consistently ranked by Golf Digest as one of the best places to play in South Carolina. Designed by Ken Killian, the course is challenging but also playable for golfers at all levels.

Golf Club at Crickentree 1084 Langford Rd. (Blythewood), 754-8600, golfclubsc.com Operated by the Golf Club of South Carolina, Crickentree is a meticulously maintained course along Lake Carolina. Has hosted the U.S. Open qualifying round, the USGA Junior Tournament, Columbia’s City Amateur tournament and numerous tour events.

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.

Hawk at Sesquicentennial Park.

Photo by SC Forestry Commission

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 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

8301 Parklane Rd., 896-6100 scdah.sc.gov Popular for researching family history.

With a wealth of local, state and federal documents, the center encourages the general public as well as scholars, students, lawyers and others to make use of its resources, and staffers are on hand to help speed your search. The center also presents exhibitions and public programs, and has a gift shop.

481 Town Center Place, 419-0235 villageatsandhillonline.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 — with major stores including Aeropostale, American Eagle, Bath and Body Works, Belk, Books-A-Million, Gamestop, Victoria’s Secret and many more — the Village at Sandhill also boasts residential living, a popular movie theater, numerous dining options and community events, including outdoor concerts.

Sesquicentennial State Park

The Windermere Club

S.C. Archives and History Center

9564 Two Notch Rd., 788-2706 www.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 3.5mile walking and jogging trail. Located 13 miles northeast of Columbia on Two Notch Road.

1101 Longtown Road East, 786-7888 windermereclubsc.com Designed by Pete Dye, the Windermere course prides itself on having as many truly unique, memorable holes as possible. On this course, that’s 13 out of 18 — and no two holes are remotely alike. A driving range and practice green offer opportunities to sharpen your game before you hit the course.

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PLAY&STAY What to Do: Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo For 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 man-made lake. Lake Murray offers a wide range of seasonal recreation options — including sailing, fishing (especially striped bass), camping and hiking — and a huge July 4 fireworks display. 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 Community Theatre, which has been serving the area for more than 25 years.For Columbians from all areas of town, the sprawling Columbiana Centre Mall and its surrounding big-name retailers make it a necessary stop. Good schools and neighborhoods round out the package for residents.

The Caddy Shak 381 Pilgrim Church Rd., 356-2239 mycaddyshak.com Driving range and a par-three course at the StoneBridge Golf Club. On 381 Pilgrim Church Road, off Highway 6 near Lake Murray.

Chapin Community Theatre 107 Columbia Ave., 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. Currently raising funds for a new building.

The Club at Rawls Creek 2121 Lake Murray Blvd., 781-0114 golfrawlscreek.com Built in the 1970s and renovated in 2006 with an ultra-dwarf Bermuda grass called MiniVerde, which makes the greens fast.

In addition to the course, there’s the

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Creekside Bar and Grille and facilities for weddings, parties and events.

Congaree Riverwalk riveralliance.org, 765-2200 We’re still waiting for Columbia to finish its portion of the Three Rivers Greenway, but 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-squarefoot community center with a full gym and racquetball courts, along with tennis courts, athletics fields, picnic areas and walking trails.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area 3677 State Park Rd. Exit 91 off I-26, 803-364-4152 southcarolinaparks.com Located 30 miles northwest of Columbia in Prosperity, the Dreher Island recreation area consists of three islands encompassing 12 miles of shoreline on Lake Murray. Especially popular for fishing and boating (Lake Murray is a top destination for striped and largemouth bass), Dreher Island also offers lakefront camping, cabin and villa rentals, water skiing and picnicking.

First Responders Wall of Remembrance lexingtonsc.org Dedicated in 2008, this memorial to 9/11 was made from steel from Ground Zero in New York City.

Frankie’s Fun Park 140 Parkridge Dr. 781-2342, frankiesfunpark.com.

Kids’ stuff? Hardly. This Harbison-area entertainment center packs three go-kart tracks, three 18-hole mini-golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, an arcade, a 5,000-square foot multi-tiered laser tag arena and an super-tall drop zone that says “In your face, gravity!” into 14 acres filled with fun for all ages. What, do you hate fun or something?

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.

Golden Hills Golf & Country Club 100 Scotland Dr., 957-3355 goldenhillsgolf.com Located in the Town of Lexington, Golden Hills is an 18-hole championship course designed by golf architect Ron Garl. Considered challenging yet playable for all levels, the course is among the highestrated in the Midlands.

Attractions

Harbison State Forest www.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.

Lake Murray lakemurraycountry.com, lakemurray.com Located a few miles northwest of downtown Columbia, Lake Murray is a 50,000acre lake offering boating, camping and other recreational activities. Lakemurraycountry.com lists public access points, as well as marinas and landing spots. Good striped bass fishing during the season.

Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra lmso.org Think there’s no culture when you get outside downtown? Think again. Led by artistic director Einar Anderson, the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra was conceived in 2001 and held its first concert in 2004.

Lexington County Museum US Highway 378 and Fox St. Lexington, 359-8369 www.lex-co.com/museum Founded in 1970, the museum complex encompasses seven acres and features 36 historic structures focusing on the early history of Lexington County, from 1770 until the Civil War.

Peachtree Rock Nature Preserve scgreatoutdoors.com /park-peachtree.html, 254-9046 Peachtree Rock is a geological wonder: a top-heavy sandstone formation that has stood for millions of years and is a testament to the ancient marine environment that was once here. The rock is part of a 460-acre preserve with numerous sandstone outcrops and 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 (Hwy 378) in West Columbia. This entrance will take you right to the zoo’s beautiful, 70-acre botanical garden.

Saluda Shoals Park icrc.net, 731-5208, 213-2050 (weekend) Situated on 270 acres downstream from the Lake Murray Dam, Saluda Shoals features a popular water park, an environmental education center, canoe trips, nature hikes, biking trails, fishing spots,

Harbison State Forest.

Photo by SC Forestry Commission 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.

S.C. National Heritage Corridor sc-heritagecorridor.org If you’re interested in checking out historic sites in the rural areas of the state, visit sc-heritagecorridor.org. The corridor extends 240 miles across the state and its sites explore many facets of the state’s history.

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, 359-1436 villagesquaretheatre.com Community theater from the Lexington County Arts Association.

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PLAY&

Where to drink:

Nightlife

STAY Downtown USC South Main St. Back Porch on Gervais 1616 Gervais St., 960-2585 Elegant bistro with a swanky bar. Sometimes hosts bands; porch has heaters.

The Comedy Zone 1615 Gervais St., 744-7786 Need a laugh? This downtown comedy club in the Clarion Hotel books touring comedians.

Grapes and Gallery 1113 Taylor St., 728-1278 Show up with your own wine or other beverage, grab a paintbrush and dive in. Now there’s a concept. No experience needed.

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 beer and liquor selection. Looking to impress your local-hipster date? You can’t go wrong here.

Live jazz on Thursdays; infrequent rock shows, too.

Mac’s on Main

1710 Main St., 929-0037 macsjazznblues.com Yes, this Main Street institution is known for its scrumptious Southern-style buffet during the day, but at night, the only thing hotter than the waitresses is the live music, which caters to blues and jazz aficionados.

Main Street

1400 Main St., 988-1400 A sports bar inside the Sheraton, Main Street offers a place to catch the game and a quick bite in addition to a stiff drink.

The Oak Table 1221 Main St., 563-5066 theoaktablesc.com Come for the modern American cuisine, or just come for the deep bar and fantastic cocktails, including the rye-based Mac-hattan and the gin-based French Shogun.

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 Whig

1200 Main St., 931-8852 thewhig.org The Whig used to be Columbia’s cool-kidsonly bar, but its dollar-slice Mondays and cheap-taco Tuesdays have broadened its clientele to Greeks to Main Street urban professionals. Now, it’s a place you can run into almost anyone — South Carolina Philharmonic conductor Morihiko Nakahara’s known to frequent The Whig, and it occasionally hosts the popular Pub Politics podcast. Still has that rad jukebox, too.

Wine Down on Main

1520 Main St. Suite 1B, 673-4810 This small, cozy wine bar is charming and unassuming, offering select beers and complimentary hors d’oeuvres in addition to a large selection of traditional and offbeat wines.

The Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West @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.

Art Bar 1211 Park St., 929-0198 artbarsc.com If you’re looking for a non-corporate nightspot where you can ditch the lawyers and get to know the artists and musicians, you need look no further than this eclectic Vista bar. Cool but never pretentious.

The Big Ugly 931A Senate St., 834-5496 thebiguglysc.com The Big Ugly’s tagline invites you to unleash your inner Cajun, but aside from the food, The Big Ugly’s as American as bars come, with DJs, live music, wing specials and dangerously cheap drink specials.

Blue.

721A Lady St., 251-4447 Blue, a tapas bar and cocktail lounge, features Columbia’s only ice bar and draws

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D

o you love the nightlife? Love to boogie on the disco ‘round? Or maybe you love rock ‘n’ roll, and putting dimes in the jukebox?

Or maybe you’re just looking for a place to watch the big game, or to take your special friend for a quiet (or not-soquiet) night on the town.

No matter your preference, Columbia’s diverse nightlife scene has you covered. Whether it’s the beer list at Flying Saucer, the cozy bar at the Kraken, the people at Art Bar, rock ‘n’ roll at New Brookland Tavern or near-nightly night jazz at Speakeasy, there’s plenty of entertainment in these parts for all tastes and ages (well, all ages over 21, anyway).

And even if you think you know the local scene, keep in mind that things are always changing — clubs open, close, change formats or managers, etc. So it’s a good idea to take a fresh look around every now and then — or just pick up your weekly issue of Free Times — and make sure you haven’t missed out on a new place you might love.

in big crowds for its popular ’80s night on Wednesdays. Cozy late-night spot as well.

a nice front porch, some live music and the occasional commemorative pint glass.

Callaway’s Bar & Grill

Gervais & Vine

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

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.

Carolina Ale House 708 Lady St., 227-7150 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern grille-and-groggery 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.

Conundrum Music Hall 626 Meeting St., 399-0397 conundrum.us Conundrum’s mission statement: Bringing you the music you know you need, as well as the music you don’t yet even know you need.

What that means: Run by local impresario of the odd Tom Law, Conundrum is 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.

Deeanne’s Sports Bar 1306 Charleston Hwy., 739-2303 A private sports bar in West Columbia.

Flying Saucer 931 Senate St., 933-9997 beerknurd.com Beer nerds (or knurds) rejoiced when this renowned purveyor of draughts landed in Columbia; dudes rejoiced when they saw the waitresses in schoolgirl uniforms. Offering more selections than most commoners could imagine, this is a beer drinker’s paradise with

Jet Nightlife 700B Gervais St., 708-8208 jetnightlife.com Formerly XS Nightlife, Jet still offers the same big-city nightclub experience.

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 Columbia 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.

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PLAY&STAY Liberty Tap Room 828 Gervais St., 461-4677 libertytaproom.com Attention hipsters: If you’re looking for that hot roller derby girl, you might have taken a wrong turn. (She’s at Art Bar.) Young professionals, however, should find much to enjoy here between the clientele, much-acclaimed menu and massive beer list, which offers 75 tap and bottle varieties to choose from.

Mojitos Tropical Café 1004 Gervais St., 779-1717 Last year, 400,000 Americans visited the communist island of Cuba thanks to an easing of travel restrictions. If you want to visit a tropical nightlife paradise serving up delicious Cuban food, however, it’s a lot easier to just head to this enticing Vista locale.

New Brookland Tavern 122 State St., 791-4413 newbrooklandtavern.com New Brookland Tavern is best known for being Columbia’s go-to spot for live local, regional and national live music, 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.

Nonnah’s 930 Gervais St., 779-9599 nonnahs.com Best known for its desserts, Nonnah’s is a good place to stop for coffee and drinks after dinner or a show.

The Oyster Bar 1123 Park St., 799-4484 oysterbarcolumbia.com Serves up Gulf oysters, steamed and raw.

The dressed-down atmosphere, excellent service and better-than-average beer selection will keep you coming back. Best of all?

They shuck, you eat.

Pearlz 936 Gervais St., 661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com As an oyster bar, Pearlz specializes in all things bivalve mollusk. But its hip, trendy ambience and signature martinis make it a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd.

Pearlz Upstairs 936 Gervais St., 661-7741 pearlzoysterbar.com Pearlz’ new upstairs lounge is a hotbed for hot local jazz, and, like its downstairs big brother, a hotspot for Columbia’s young, urban professional crowd.

PT’s 1109 1109 Assembly St., 253-8900 pts1109.com 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.

Red Door 134 1/2 State St., 708-6066 Housed in the renovated space formerly occupied by the Red Tub, Red Door is a deli

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Where to Drink: Nightlife and late-night spot on State Street, offering cheap drinks and pub food. Hosts local art and local acoustic musicians, too. Plus: Pinball!

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. socialcolumbiasc.com Per its website, Social aims to be a blend of worldwide hotspots: Panama’s Zona Viva; New York City’s Meat-Packing District; Havana’s El Diablo; Los Angeles; and the Mediterranean island Ibiza.

State Street Pub 136 State St., 796-2006 An across-the-bridge institution, State Street Pub wins its crowd with pool, cheap beer, sports and plenty of charm. Loads of beers on tap.

Thirsty Fellow 621 Gadsden St., 799-1311 thirstyfellow.com Launched by Willie Durkin — formerly of Shannon’s, Sneakers and Durkin’s — Thirsty Fellow serves up eclectic, delicious pizzas and offers a full bar.

Tin Roof 1022 Senate St., 771-1558 tinroof.com Started in Atlanta in 1996, Tin Roof now has five locations in the Southeast. 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

Cantina 76

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-toearth crowd.

2901 Devine St., 708-6004 cantina76.com This Devine Street joint is abuzz with young women in cocktail dresses, couples on dates who come for the Tex-Mex cuisine and stay for the excellent margaritas, made in all shapes, flavors and sizes with top-shelf tequilas. Family friendly, too.

Wild Wing Café

CJ’s

729 Lady St., 252-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is their 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

The Woody 808 Lady St., 779-9663 Named after popular Columbia oldies disc jockey Woody Windham, The Woody is a popular Vista spot for shag and salsa dancing, as well as a welcoming spot for partiers who aren’t in their 20s. You have to duck through an alley, but don’t let that ward you off. Offers nightly drink specials.

World of Beer 902F Gervais St., 509-6020 thevista.wobusa.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 livingroom atmosphere keeps ‘em coming back.

Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia

Cock N Bull Pub

326 S. Edisto Ave., 251-4474 cnbpub.net 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.

Concocktions 724 Harden St., 256-8860 Offers exactly what you’d want from a Five Points sports bar: Cheap drinks, good vibes, sports. Stays open late. Live DJs, too.

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.

Five Points Pub 2020 Devine St., 253-7888 the5pointspub.com The home of touring national and regional musicians in Five Points, the Pub also caters to the neighborhood crowd, with bountiful domestics and pool tables.

Foxfield

Bar None 620 Harden St., 254-3354 Open from happy hour until sunrise, Bar None is the last refuge of the late-night lush.

Filled with shuffleboard tables, rock music and sloshed 20-somethings; what more could you ask for?

Breakers

801 Harden St., 771-6360 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.

Buffalo Wild Wings 4500 Devine St., 738-8090 buffalowildwings.com What do they take seriously at Buffalo Wild Wings? Wings, beer and sports. As in 16 wing sauces, 30-plus flat-screen TVs and their own special beer glasses, designed to make your beer bubblier.

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.

406 Howard St., 728-0420 Even the spirits are organic at this local green bar; offers organic wines, beers, sake and liquors. Creative cocktails, too.

Goatfeathers

2017 Devine St., 256-3325 Goatfeathers is the ideal habitat if you’re looking for that dark and mysterious, filmnoir kind of ambience. The delicious food and gourmet desserts, perennially attractive staff, romance-conducive lighting and convenient Five Points locale make Goatfeathers one of Columbia’s all-time favorite hangouts.

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.

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Where to Drink: Nightlife

PLAY&STAY Hair of the Dog

Pawleys Front Porch

2303 Devine St., 834-5144 Like the Publick House, Hair of the Dog is just far enough up Devine Street to be removed from the collegiate chicanery of Five Points.

Also like the Publick House, it’s a friendly neighborhood tavern with premium craft brews on tap and top-shelf booze. Plus: Hot dogs!

827 Harden St., 771-8001 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.

leather couches. Also hosts the Science Café series.

The Tavern on Greene

Pinch

2002C Greene St., 252-7265 Perhaps unfairly labeled as a hippie bar — though it is especially welcome to Dead, Spread and Phish heads — the Tavern on Greene is a late night hangout for local musicians and party people alike. An underrated and often overlooked Five Points institution.

Jake’s

640 Harden St., 708-6838 Like Lucky’s next door, Pinch offers Vista atmosphere at Five Points prices. On-tap beers are rotated frequently, and frequently feature high-class offerings.

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.

2112 Devine St., 252-5253 jakesofcolumbia.com Meet the new Jake’s — same as the old Jake’s. But that’s a good thing: The renewed Five Points institution is as friendly as ever, and offers the same variety of televised sports and multiple bar stations.

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.

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.

Kildare’s Irish Pub 724 Harden St., 256-1390 Not, as far as we can tell, affiliated with the mid-Atlantic Irish pub chain of the same name. Nor, as far as we can tell, as frat-tastic as Jungle Jim’s, which used to occupy the space, was.

The Kraken Gastropub 2910 Rosewood Dr., 955-7408 Rosewood’s hip new bar, The Kraken has a great draft beer selection and signature beer-based cocktails along with a swanky menu and cozy-cool vibe.

The Pour House

Publick House

2307 Devine St., 256-2207 Exceptional beer selection, challenging trivia, hip music selection, über-friendly staff, good burgers and the best raw fries around.

Rockaway Athletic Club

2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075 Exquisite burgers, low-key atmosphere and a nice, amply stocked bar. Plus, lots of sports on TV and a corner nook with arcade games.

The Rolling Stone

805 Harden St., 929-6955 A classic Five Points college bar: Cheap drinks, cheap wings, good music. Stays open late.

1332 Rosewood Dr., 799-5212 Still-pretty-new Rosewood hangout offers live music, drink specials and signature cocktails — in other words, it’s already acquired the hallmarks of Columbia’s favorite drinkeries.

Lucky’s

The Saloon

The Library

2100B 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.

Nightcaps 2722 Devine St., 771-6575 An out-of-the-way place with respect to Five Points, Nightcaps has a pool table, a bigscreen television, comfy lounge chairs and a good late-night atmosphere. A popular haven for those not ready to let the night end.

Overtime Sports Bar

634 Harden St. twitter.com/overtimecola A sports bar? In Five Points? In the old Red Hot Tomatoes space? Yes, please.

Pavlov’s 2000B Greene St. 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.

812 Harden St., 779-4445 delaneyssaloon.com From the people that brought you Delaney’s and Speakeasy comes The Saloon — where beer comes in Mason jars and a city slicker can buy a cowboy hat to look the part. County music here means everything from Hank Williams to Toby Keith.

Sharky’s

The Thirsty Parrot

TLC Sports Bar and Grill

Caprioska 7001 Parklane Rd., 699-8300 caprioska.com Fly guys and sophisticated ladies, please: No T-shirts allowed. Karaoke on Tuesdays sponsored by the Big DM, Columbia’s leading R&B radio station. Upscale atmosphere with plush couches in its lounge area; plenty of TVs in its sports bar.

Comedy House

Utopia

Hooters

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.

3830A Rosewood Dr., 733-2222 Cozy is the name of the game here — this Rosewood neighborhood bar offers an offthe-beaten-path haven for eating, drinking, catching up with friends and taking in some tunes from its frequent guest singer-songwriters.

7711 Two Notch Rd., 419-3456 hooters.com The same people who justify buying Playboy for the articles probably justify going to Hooters for its food. A guy’s hangout if there ever was one, Hooters is famous for its wings and women — both of which can get pretty hot.

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.

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.

Village Idiot

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern 2030 Devine St., 799-0196 yesterdayssc.com A great place for an undergrad to take his or her squeeze out for dinner without maxing out the credit card. Good food, aboveaverage beer and liquor selection. Bar in the back has its own entrance on Devine Street.

A veritable Columbia landmark since 1978.

Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

711 Saluda Ave., 255-0869 delaneysspeakeasy.com Now home to live jazz more nights of the week than not, 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

Ale House Lounge

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10056 Two Notch Rd., 865-5222 buffalowildwings.com What do they take seriously at Buffalo Wild Wings? Wings, beer and sports. As in 16 wing sauces, 30-plus flat-screen TVs and their own special beer glasses, designed to make your beer bubblier.

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.

636 Harden St., 799-8337 A favorite Five Points hangout since 1985, Sharky’s has repeatedly nabbed the Best College Bar award in Free Times’ Best of Columbia issue. House favorites: Bud Light, Jack Daniels and kamikaze shots with Southern Comfort. After the partying, Sharky’s keeps things safe by offering free cab rides.

Speakeasy

Buffalo Wild Wings

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

The Mouse Trap

Off the Rail 10327 Two Notch Rd., 708-4817 Nightly shot specials.

The Pizza Joint 3246 Forest Dr., 454-1743 thepizzajoint.net Come for the pizza, stay for the surprisingly highfalutin beer selection. Hey, your bar options are limited in Forest Acres.

Polliwog’s 10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775 polliwogsc.com This state-of-the-art sports bar offers an attractive selection of viewing and dining possibilities. And if you hate sports, there’s always karaoke.

The Puddlin’ Duck 108 Columbia Northeast Dr., 865-2859 thepuddlinduck.com A mainstay of the nightlife and dining offerings in the Northeast, The Puddlin’ Duck offers delicious Irish grub (mmm … bangers), Irish beer and occasional live music in a friendly environment.

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PLAY&STAY 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. (Camden), 425-4850 Taqueria and tequila lounge is the place to catch live jazz in Camden.

Serenity 301 Rice Meadow Way, 736-8228 Serenity now! A country-ish restaurant by day and lounge by night.

Where to Drink: Nightlife Corner Pocket

Platinum Plus

1345 Old Chapin Rd., 356-0040 bajabroiler.net Freshly made Southwestern food and wings, weekly karaoke and occasional live music on the weekends make this a Lexington County hotspot.

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.

362 Jacob Rd., 731-0555 Let’s be frank here: You’re not going to Platinum for the cigar bar, drink specials and food, but the fact that it offers them — and the fact that the girls here take their clothes off — certainly aren’t driving you away.

Bentley’s Beach House

Exclusive Reggae Bar & Grill

Baja Broiler

1605 N. Lake Dr., 808-7263 A popular stop for Lexington locals located near the Lake Murray Dam. Family-friendly; cheap eats, cheaper drinks.

1004 Zimalcrest Dr., 798-2119 exclusivereggaegrill.com If I and I been away from the island too long, this bar provides a taste of Jamaica, mon.

British Bulldog Pub

Goodfellas Grill & Bar

841-4 Sparkleberry Lane, 788-6966 solsticekitchen.com One of Ricky Mollohan’s highly esteemed restaurants, Solstice also offers an extensive wine and specialty drink list.

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.

Taps Pub & Restaurant

Buckets II

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar

104-B Columbia NE Dr., 699-4657 Patriotically themed pub.

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

The Venue 1020 Broad St. (Camden), 713-8333 venueonbroad.net 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.

Vivid Lounge 110-I Columbia Northeast Dr., 708-8500 vividsc.com Upscale restaurant and lounge.

Wild Wing Café 480 Town Center Place, Suite 2; 865-3365, wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

Harbison/Irmo Lake Murray Lexington St. Andrews Bailey’s Sports Grille 115 Afton Ct., 407-3004 If you’re a serious billiards enthusiast, you’ll be challenged to find a better place. Bailey’s has well-maintained regulation tables and pretty good bar food, too. And if your pool game is suffering, they have plenty of other sports on television throughout the bar.

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114 Glassmaster Rd., 520-8375 Hot grill, cold brews. Need we say more?

Buffalo Wild Wings 1000 Bower Parkway, 407-3431 5570 Sunset Blvd., 957-2999 buffalowildwings.com What do they take seriously at Buffalo Wild Wings? Wings, beer and sports. As in 16 wing sauces, 30-plus flat-screen TVs and their own special beer glasses, designed to make your beer bubblier.

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

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.

Catch 22 Seafood & Rawbar 1085-D Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4700 catch22irmo.com Upscale bar inside upscale seafood restaurant.

What this has to do with Joseph Heller, we have no idea. Happy hour specials from 4 to 7 p.m.

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. Extensive menu along with beer, wine and specialty cocktails like the Copper River Caramel Apple Martini and the Killer Whale Chocolate Martini.

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.

Heartbreakers 800 Bush River Rd., 798-2610 Let’s be frank here: You’re not going to Heartbreakers for the drink specials and food, but the fact that it offers them — and the fact that the girls here take their clothes off — certainly isn’t driving you away.

Hemingway’s 7467 St. Andrews Rd., 749-6020 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.

Hooters 5195 Fernandina Rd., 407-9464 hooters.com The same people who justify buying Playboy for the articles probably justify going to Hooters for its food. A guy’s hangout if there ever was one, Hooters is famous for its wings and women — both of which can get pretty hot.

Main Street Café 131 E. Main St., 808-5886 mainstreetcafelexington.com This little Greek restaurant is tucked into a storefront space on Main Street in downtown Lexington. With happy hour specials and live local music several nights a week, it’s a great way for Lexington residents to enjoy dinner and some entertainment without having to travel into Columbia.

McCary’s Sports Bar 851 Bush River Rd., 551-5680 Typically places high in the annual Best of Columbia poll, and for good reason: Good selection, good atmosphere.

Outt Saloon 1573 S. Lake Dr., 359-0458 Private sports bar in Red Bank. Hosts live music.

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.

The Palace II 6920 N. Main St., 834-4673 Upscale R&B club for the “prestigious and elite.”

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PLAY&

Where to stay:

STAY Accommodations Embassy Suites Columbia Greystone 200 Stoneridge Dr., 252-8700 columbiagreystone.embassysuites.com Just outside downtown Columbia, off I-126. Offers courtesy shuttle service to USC, the Vista, Five Points, Main Street.

Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; meeting facilities; business center; smoke-free rooms; indoor pool.

Extended Stay America Columbia West

450 Gracern Rd., 251-7878 extendedstayhotels.com Just outside downtown Columbia, off I-126. Ideal for extended stays. Amenities: Fully equipped kitchens; business center; fitness room; pets allowed.

Homewood Suites by Hilton

250 Greystone Blvd., 239-4663 Just outside downtown Columbia, off I-126. Amenities: Business center; fitness room; complimentary breakfast; free WiFi; indoor pool.

The Inn at USC

The Whitney Hotel. Photo by Austin Price

Downtown USC South Main St. The 1425 Inn 1425 Richland St., 252-7225 the1425inn.com Exquisite bed-and-breakfast near the heart of Columbia. Amenities: smokefree, Southern-style porch, full breakfast.

Affordable Suites Deluxe 150 Stoneridge Dr., 779-7000 Just off I-126; extended-stay friendly.

Amenities: Business center; fitness room; free breakfast; free Wi-Fi; pets allowed; smoke-free; meeting facilities.

Chesnut Cottage

1718 Hampton St., 256-1718 chestnutcottage.com The wartime home of author Mary Boykin Chesnut; once visited by Jefferson Davis.

Amenities: Complimentary breakfast; free Wi-Fi; pets allowed; smoke-free.

Clarion Hotel Downtown

1615 Gervais St., 771-8711 clariontownhouse.com On the Five Points end of Gervais Street, the 160-room Clarion is still only three blocks from the State House, a half-mile walk from Finlay Park and a quick taxi ride to the Vista. Built on the grounds that housed Sherman’s Columbia headquarters, the Clarion is also home to Caro-

lina’s Restaurant, which offers a delicious Southern-food lunch buffet and a bombass Sunday brunch. Amenities: Family rooms; room service; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool; free ground-level parking; free airport shuttle; exercise room.

Country Hearth Inn

621 S. Assembly St., 252-2000 countryhearth.com Good luck getting a room in October: This 45-room hotel is one block from the State Fairgrounds and a quarter-mile from Williams-Brice Stadium. Equidistant from both Five Points and The Vista, though you’ll probably need to cab it to both.

Amenities: Smoke-free rooms; free Wi-Fi; on-site parking; complementary breakfast.

Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC 630 Assembly St., 799-7800 marriott.com Located at the tail end of Assembly Street, the 189-room Courtyard Columbia Downtown is a stone’s throw away from all sorts of action, equidistant from both the high-class Vista and the fun-loving Five Points. It’s also close to Williams-Brice Stadium and several arts venues (the Colonial Life Arena, Koger Center, Columbia Museum of Art), fine restaurants (California Dreaming, Moe’s) and more. Should you feel like throwing your own party, the hotel’s only a block away from Green’s.

Amenities: Smoke-free rooms; room service; free Wi-Fi; mini-fridge; fitness center; outdoor swimming pool; restaurant; on-site parking; free airport shuttle.

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1619 Pendleton St., 779-7779 innatusc.com An elegant boutique hotel located on the campus of the University of South Carolina in the heart of downtown, The Inn at USC boasts 117 first-class guestrooms and suites, each outfitted with deluxe amenities (including wireless Internet and premium cable — score!). The Inn is conveniently surrounded by Columbia’s academic, government, business, cultural and historic districts. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; free Wi-Fi; banquet facilities; parking garage; smoke-free rooms; on-site dry cleaning services; library.

Marriott Columbia

1200 Hampton St., 771-7000 marriottcolumbia.com.

The 300-room Marriott is not only one of the largest but also one of the best rated in the Capital City. And with good reason — the 14-floor behemoth is located at the corner of Main and Hampton in the heart of downtown, providing easy access to just about everything, from local government offices to local art havens to fine dining. Dig those delicious buffets, too! Also offers a cultural concierge service assisting visitors with tickets to arts and cultural events. Amenities: Exercise room; room service; indoor restaurant, lounge and sports bar; indoor pool; free airport shuttle; valet covered parking; free Wi-Fi.

Sheraton Columbia 1400 Main St., 988-1400 sheratoncolumbiadowntown.com Housed in the historic Palmetto Building, built in 1913, the 135-room Sheraton is chock full of Gothic revival-style details.

That’ll please the locals, sure, but travel-

ers will appreciate the ground-floor Starbucks kiosk and lounge area; plus, there’s a bar on the roof, a bar in the old bank vault, and a restaurant in the basement with a pretty good bar. The high-class hotel is near some high-class entertainment, too; it’s also just a block from the Columbia Museum of Art and within striking distance of the Vista, Five Points, USC and just about everything else. Amenities: Airport shuttle; lounge; exercise room; business center; valet parking; public WiFi (not free).

Studio Plus 180 Stoneridge Dr., 771-0303 Just outside downtown Columbia, off I-126. Specially designed for extended stays. Amenities: Fully equipped kitchens; pets allowed.

The Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West Hampton Inn Historic District 822 Gervais St., 231-2000 hamptoninncolumbia.com The 122-room Hampton is located right in the heart of the Vista, giving walking access to rock clubs (Art Bar), dance clubs (Jet Nightlife), swanky bars and chic shops, not to mention walking distance to the Congaree River. Double points for its location near Liberty Tap Room. Rated as one the top three hotels in Columbia

by Yahoo! Travel. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; exercise room; business center; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool; non-smoking floors.

Hilton Columbia Center 924 Senate St., 744-7800 hiltoncolumbia.com Columbia’s newest high-rise hotel, the 222-room Hilton Columbia Center, is literally in the center of the Capital City — right in the Vista and just a brisk walk to campus and a quick taxi/bus ride to Five Points and Main Street. Also close by: Riverfront Park and the South Carolina State Museum. The Hilton building is also home to Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. Amenities: Non-smoking rooms; business center; onsite notary public; lounge; exercise room; outdoor pool; parking garage with valet parking; full-service bar.

Holiday Inn Express 501 Taylor St., 744-4000 hicolumbiasc.com Just outside the Vista and down the street from Finlay Park, the Holiday Inn Express offers 86 all-suite rooms. It’s right on top of a bevy of entertainment options — from dance clubs to rock clubs to high-flown social clubs — and eateries, from low-brow (McDonald’s) to highfalu-

Spring 2013 | free-times.com

Where to stay: tin (Blue Marlin) and everywhere in between. Also close to West Columbia and the trendy Vista West area. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; business center; exercise room; free Wi-Fi; outdoor pool; smoke-free rooms.

SpringHill Suites Columbia 511 Lady St., 978-2333 marriott.com/caesh Located near the corner of Pulaski and Lady, the brand-spanking-new, 132-room SpringHill Suites is within walking distance of everything the Vista has to offer, from fine dining (Gervais and Vine, Motor Supply) to chic nightlife (Art Bar, Blue, Rust) to fine arts (Trustus Theatre, Koger Center) and ways to appease the crap out of your kids (EdVenture Children’s Museum). Amenities: Free continental breakfast; free Wi-Fi; indoor pool; fitness center; non-smoking rooms.

Staybridge Suites Columbia 1913 Huger St., 451-5900 staycolumbiasc.com.

The newly built, 93-room Staybridge Suites is close to everything — but a quick ride away from Riverbanks Zoo, The Vista, Five Points and the University area — while removed enough from the associated clamor. Located on Huger Street, it’s also close to Interstates 26 and 277, offering quick access to Columbia’s suburban shopping centers. Bonus: It’s a quick walk to scenic Riverfront Park. Amenities: Free deluxe breakfast; free wi-fi; business center; indoor convenience store; fitness center; swimming pool.

Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia The Inn at Claussen’s 2003 Greene St., 765-0440 theinnatclaussens.com You won’t find a swimming pool here, but you will find a charming brick hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places with 28 rooms, many recently renovated and each individually decorated in contemporary or traditional design. Located in the heart of Five Points, Claussen’s is a brief walk to a fantastic record store (Papa Jazz), an amazing burrito establishment (El Burrito) and a host of fine restaurants (Garibaldi’s, Saluda’s), cool clothiers (Sid and Nancy, Salty’s) and other hipster hangouts (Goatfeathers, The Gourmet Shop). Don’t bet on booking a post-St. Pat’s Festival room, though.

Double-plus points for the complimentary wine served in the lobby every evening.

Amenities: Free continental breakfast; free guest parking; non-smoking rooms; free Wi-Fi; lounge.

free-times.com | Spring 2013

Accommodations

The Whitney Hotel 700 Woodrow St., 252-0845 whitneyhotel.com This tastefully furnished, 74-room hotel is perfect for those who love the nightlife but still want some peace and quiet at night. Less than a mile from Five Points and roughly a 20-minute walk from campus, it also provides primo access to some of Devine Street’s fineries. Rated among the top 10 hotels in Columbia

by Yahoo! Travel. Amenities: Full buffet breakfast; free Wi-Fi; full kitchen, washer/dryer and balconies in rooms; laundry valet service; outdoor pool; non-smoking rooms; free airport shuttle.

Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden Bloomsbury Inn 1707 Lyttleton St. (Camden) 803-432-5858 bloomsburyinn.com You want to be pampered? This is the place. The focus is on elegance, history and uncompromising detail in this 1849 home where South Carolina author Mary Boykin Chesnut penned her famed Diary From Dixie. Gourmet breakfast, luxury accommodations. Three miles from I-20.

Camden House Bed & Breakfast 1502 Broad St., 803-713-1013 www.camdenhouse.us Completed in 1832, this four-room bedand-breakfast is in the heart of downtown Camden. You’ll get classic comforts such as a Southern breakfast, afternoon tea, and a wine and cheese happy hour along with such modern amenities as wireless Internet and a swimming pool.

Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia North 8105 Two Notch Rd., 736-5600 Centrally located at the intersection of I-77 and Two Notch Rd, one mile from I-20 and 10 minutes from I-26. Business center, fitness room, free Wi-Fi, smoke-free.

Holiday Inn Express Suite Blythewood 120 Creech Rd., I-77 Exit 27, 803-333-0315 Located off I-77, Blythewood Road Exit 27, the Holiday Inn Express is roughly equidistant from Lake Murray to the northwest and Fort Jackson to the southeast.

Hilton Columbia Center. File photo Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia-Northeast

Holiday Inn & Suites Columbia Airport

2320 Legrand Rd., 788-8850 Located off I-77 near the intersection of Farrow and Rabon roads, the Residence Inn is just around the corner from Providence Hospital Northeast and minutes away from Fort Jackson. Spacious suites come fully equipped with refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, as well as wireless Internet access.

500 Chris Dr. (West Columbia), 3914000 Columbia’s first eco-friendly non-smoking hotel designed for LEED certification, the eco-friendly rooms boast flat-panel TVs and ample work space; the hotel also offers meeting spaces, business and fitness centers, and high-energy sports bar on the ground level.

Harbison/Irmo Lake Murray Lexington St. Andrews Comfort Suites Lexington 325 W. Main St. (Lexington), 996-2000 A 100 percent non-smoking hotel, Comfort Suites Lexington also offers 32-inch flat-screen TVs with premium channels and a DVD player; free wired and wireless high-speed Internet access; cordless speakerphone with voice mail; a hair dryer; microwave and more.

Hilton Garden Inn 434 Columbiana Dr. (Harbison), 407-6640 Business-friendly rooms equipped wireless, high-speed Internet. Guestrooms have refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and cable TV. Also offers fitness room, pool and laundry facilities.

Hyatt Place Columbia Harbison 1130 Kinley Rd. (Harbison), 407-1560 Spacious and upscale, minutes from downtown, state offices, USC, Columbia Conference Center, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, sporting venues, Lake Murray, Columbia Metropolitan Airport and some of the best dining and shopping in the Columbia area. Free continental breakfast, complimentary fitness center, free Wi-Fi.

Wingate By Wyndham Columbia 108 Saluda Pointe Court (Lexington), 957-5000, lexingtonwingate.com Situated at the intersection of I-20 and Hwy 378. Offers free Continental breakfast; high-speed, wireless Internet access; high-quality mattresses and pillows; in-room safe; 24-hour business center; fitness room; and whirlpool.

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Calendar of Events

O

K, you’re in town, now where’s the action?

For comprehensive events coverage on a weekto-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 late June, when the next Bites & Sights hits the streets. Dates are subject to change. For more information, please contact the specific venue or organization.

Museum Exhibitions Between the Springmaid Sheets South Carolina State Museum scmuseum.org Opens Apr. 26. Examines the daring and controversial ad campaigns that rescued a struggling textile business and made Springs Cotton Mills one of the giants of the industry.

Found in Translation: The Art of Steven Naifeh Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Opens May 18. The first retrospective museum exhibition of abstract artist Naifeh’s paintings and sculptures.

Impressionism from Monet to Matisse Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Through Apr. 21. Features paintings by the well-known leaders of French Impressionism: Claude Monet, PierreAuguste Renoir, Camille Pissarro and Alfred Sisley as well as paintings by

Bark to the Park is April 20 at Finlay Park.

Photo by Thomas Hammond

America’s most noted Impressionist painters, Mary Cassatt and John Singer Sargent. Major modern paintings by Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin and Georges Braque are also on view.

Picasso: Master Prints Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Opens Apr. 16. This small but luxurious exhibition is a rare opportunity for South Carolinians to marvel at the graphic work of one of the 20th century’s greatest artists up close.

Secrets of the Maya

Carrie Underwood Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Apr. 17. Popular country singer’s Blown Away Tour.

Cirque Du Soleil: Quidam Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Apr. 24-28. A thrilling combination of acrobatic artistry, technical expertise, extravagant design and exceptional musical inspiration.

Columbia International Festival

Ongoing

South Carolina State Fairgrounds Apr. 13-14. 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.

Soda City Market

Columbia QuadSquad

South Carolina State Museum scmuseum.org Through June 9. Unearths the mysteries of the Maya from 2000 B.C. to the present through magnificent artifacts.

Main Street, downtown Columbia Weekly local farmers market features produce, meat, dairy, baked goods, artisans and more.

April Artista Vista The Vista, artistavista.com Apr. 25-27. Columbia’s oldest and most celebrated gallery crawl. Gallery crawl is 5 to 9 p.m. April 25, followed by additional events April 26-27.

(A)ugusta Baker’s Dozen Richland County Public Library richlandlibrary.com April 11-14. Annual storytelling festival, co-sponsored by the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science and the Friends of RCPL. Brings to life the world of storytelling and children’s literature.

Ballet Stars of New York Koger Center, koger.sc.edu Apr. 19. Students from the University of South Carolina Dance Program dance with, well, ballet stars from New York City dance companies.

Bark to the Park Finlay Park, barktothepark.com Apr. 20. One-mile dog walk and activities for canines. Oh, and people, too: food, entertainment, vendors, more.

Bill Maher Koger Center, koger.sc.edu Apr. 6. Host of HBO’s Real Time, controversial political commentator Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and biting humor has earned him 26 Emmy nominations.

Jamil Temple columbiaquadsquad.com Apr. 20. Roller derby bout against the Jacksonville Roller Girls.

David Sedaris Koger Center, koger.sc.edu Apr. 21. Noted author and humorist reads selections of his works.

Disney on Ice: Dare to Dream Colonial Life Arena coloniallifearena.com Apr. 11-14. Your favorite Disney characters — on ice!

Dreamgirls Koger Center broadwayincolumbia.com Apr. 12-13. The musical that spawned the hit movie. Presented by Broadway in Columbia.

First Thursday on Main Main Street, downtown Columbia firstthursdaysonmain.wordpress.com Apr. 4. Eclectic monthly arts series on Main Street. Spearheaded primarily by Frame of Mind, Anastasia & Friends, S&S Art Supply and Tapp’s Art Center.

Kickoff event for One Month, a citysponsored celebration of the arts.

Greater Columbia Record Fair Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org Apr. 28. Record enthusiasts from across the East Coast sell common to ultra rare LPs, 45s, CDs, and DVDs.

Indie Grits Film Festival indiegrits.com Apr. 12-21. Make a scene: Homegrown juried film festival presenting an array of cultural events that showcase

Events at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Riverbanks Zoo is by far the largest tourist attraction in the Columbia area and was ranked by TripAdvisor in May 2012 as one of the top 10 zoos in the United States. The zoo also nabbed the No. 4 spot for providing guests with close-up animal exhibits and interactive attractions. Its most recent major addition is the SkyHigh Safari, a four-story vertical ropes challenge course.

Below is a calendar of upcoming educational programs and major annual events at the zoo. Visit riverbanks.org for details.

May 9 Rhythm and Blooms May 12 Mother’s Day Brunch May 16 Rhythm and Blooms May 23 Rhythm and Blooms May 30 Rhythm and Blooms June 8 World Oceans Day Aug. 2 Brew at the Zoo Aug. 31 International Vulture Awareness Day

Apr. 27. Think you’re tough? Test your mettle against this challenging 6.2-mile obstacle course, an all-terrain course including mud holes, walls, trenches, and other obstacles that require swimming, crawling, climbing, jumping and determination.

University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra Koger Center, koger.sc.edu Apr. 25. Featuring the Brasil Guitar Duo.

Widespread Panic Township Auditorium thetownship.org Apr. 23-24. Popular jam-rock band celebrates 30th anniversary.

Wine Tasting at Riverbanks Zoo

Sept. 27 Riverbanks ZOOfari

Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden Apr. 19. Live jazz, light hors d’oeuvres and wine in the zoo’s beautiful public gardens. Proceeds support conservation and education efforts.

April 20 Party for the Planet

Oct. 18-30 Boo at the Zoo

Zeola Gaye Presents: My Brother Marvin

April 27 Plant Sale

Oct. 19 Reptile Awareness Day

May 2 Rhythm and Blooms

Nov. 29 – Dec. 30 Lights Before Christmas

Township Auditorium thetownship.org Apr. 4. A tribute to the musical genius of Marvin Gaye.

April 19 Wine Tasting at Botanical Gardens

progressive cultural life unmatched in the Southeast. Films, music, food events, more.

King Lear Drayton Hall Theatre artsandsciences.sc.edu Apr. 19-27. Shakespeare’s tragedy about a family torn by greed and an unquenchable lust for power.

Music for 18 Musicians University of South Carolina School of Music Recital Hall music.sc.edu Apr. 12-13. Part of the Southern Exposure New Music Series. A performance of Steve Reich’s minimalist masterpiece led by Phillip Bush.

My First Time Trustus Side Door Theatre trustus.org Apr. 12-27. Tales of virginities lost.

One Month onecolumbiasc.com A city-sponsored effort to highlight hundreds of arts and historic preservation activities. Covers dance, film, history, literature, music, theater and the visual arts.

Party for the Planet Riverbanks Zoo riverbanks.org Apr. 20. Fun-filled celebration will give guests a closer look at ways they can make a positive impact on the environment.

free-times.com | Spring 2013

May Arts and Draughts

River Rocks Festival Riverfront Park riverrocksfestival.com Apr. 13. Yes, River Rocks is a music festival, boasting easygoing rock bands, but it also supports the Congaree Riverkeeper’s efforts to keep our rivers clean.

Runaway Runway Township Auditorium columbiadesignleague.org Apr. 6. Design competition that brings together talented designers to turn trash into sustainable fashion treasures.

Slow Food at Indie Grits 711 Whaley, indiegrits.com Apr. 14. Columbia’s top chefs prepare dishes using at least one local, sustainable ingredient.

South Carolina Philharmonic

Columbia Museum of Art columbiamuseum.org May 3. Semi-monthly art party series.

Drink beer. See art. Hear music. Be happy.

By the Way, Meet Vera Stark Trustus Theatre trustus.org May 3-18. Drama Desk Awardnominated comedy.

Eau Claire Fest Eau Claire Town Center facebook.com/EauClaireFest May 11. We all Claire for Eau Claire: Formerly the poorly named Ribs and Renaissance Festival, the Eau Claire festival celebrates the North Columbia neighborhood with a marketplace, music and food.

First Thursday on Main

Koger Center, scphilharmonic.com Apr. 20. Masterworks concert.

Featuring works by Ravel, Stravinsky.

Main Street, downtown Columbia firstthursdaysonmain.wordpress.com May 2. Eclectic monthly arts series on Main Street.

Tartan Day South

Forest Acres Festival

Historic Columbia Speedway tartandaysouth.com Apr. 4-7. A celebration of all things Celtic, including music, dance and athletic competitions.

AC Flora High School facebook.com/fafestival May. 18. Family fun festival sponsored by the City of Forest Acres and the Rotary Club of Forest Acres.

United States Marine Corps Mud Run

Kenny Chesney

The Leatherneck usmcmudrun.org

Williams-Brice Stadium coloniallifearena.com May 4. No shoes? No problem for this country crooner’s No Shoes

Nation Tour. Well, actually, we highly recommend wearing shoes at WilliamsBrice Stadium.

Richland County Regulators National Guard Armory richlandcountytregulators.com May 11. Roller derby bout against the Palmetto State Rollergirls.

Rosewood Crawfish Festival Rosewood Drive rosewoodcrawfishfest.com May 4. Key stat: The Crawfish Festival cooks up more than 7,000 pounds of Louisiana crawfish. This annual festival occupies Rosewood Drive for a day, offering Cajun and Creole cuisine (try the alligator sausage) in addition to samples from Rosewood restaurants.

Oh, yeah, there’s lots of music, too, with two stages filled with classic alt-rock acts and local up-and-comers. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

South Carolina Book Festival Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center scbookfestival.org May 17-19. South Carolina’s premier literary festival. Workshops, readings and literary discussions.

June Craft. Bar. Happy. Weekend.

Columbia Museum of Art June 7-8. Unstructured crafting and shopping atmosphere, scrumptious food, soothing drinks and musical performances.

First Thursday on Main.

Main Street, downtown Columbia June 6. Eclectic art party on Main Street from 6 to 9 p.m.

Le Jazz Café Fridays and Saturdays through June, in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. Call 400-1879 for details. Held at Le Jazz Café in Finlay Park.

RX Muscle Classic Koger Center, koger.sc.edu June 8. Bodybuilding competition.

Southeastern Piano Festival USC School of Music June 9-15. Performances and clinics featuring some of the world’s top young pianists.

Southern Guitar Festival and Competition Columbia College June 21-23. Brings top-notch classical guitarists for concerts, masterclasses, lectures and a competition.

When Art Is An Animal Tapp’s Arts Center tappsartscenter.com June 8. All windows and gallery space will be filled with animal art in this fundraiser for Pawmetto Lifeline.

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Spring 2013 | free-times.com