Bites & Sights Winter 2012 by Free Times

winter 2011-12

bites&

sights Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to Dining, Attractions and Nightlife

Inside:

Play&Stay What to Do and Where to Stay in Columbia Downtown USC South Main Street The Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo

S:7.5”

sunday come to ruth’s chris every

S:9.25”

best and enjoy the

steak frites.

Filet & Frites Every Sunday night enjoy a Petite Filet and shoestring fries.

$29.95

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

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Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

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CONTENTS ON THE COVER: @116 Espresso & Wine Bar. Photo by Thomas Hammond.

PLAY& Restaurants by Cuisine

8 American/ Southern

10 Asian 10 Bagel/

Bakery

freetimes | bites&sights

Attractions & Nightlife

30 German 30 Greek/

13 Downtown USC

30 Indian 32 Italian 32 Japanese/

Vista 21 The Riverfront

Mediterranean

11 Bar/Pub Food 17 BBQ/Wings/Ribs Korean 18 Bistro/ 32 Mexican New American 34 Middle Eastern 20 Brew Pub 36 Pizza 20 Café/ 36 Seafood Coffee House 38 Steakhouse 24 Cajun 38 Sushi 24 Caribbean/ 38 Tapas Latin 38 Thai 24 Chinese 24 Deli 38 Vegetarian 30 Dessert 38 Vietnamese

STAY South Main Street

State Street Vista West

Five Points 29 Devine Street Rosewood Olympia

Northeast 37 Forest Acres

Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

Murray 41 Lake Lexington

bites&sights free-times.com 1534 Main St. Columbia, SC 29201 | (803) 765.0707 Published by Portico Media SC. EDITORIAL EDITOR: Dan Cook | editor@free-times.com | x133 WRITER: Eva Moore | evam@free-times.com | x136 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER: Thomas Hammond PRODUCTION PROD. MGR.: Lisa Willis | lisaw@free-times.com | x121 DESIGNER: Wilbert Fields | wilbertf@free-times.com | x145 DESIGNER: Joey Ayer | joeya@free-times.com | x150 ADVERTISING ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER: Kerry Powers kpowers@free-times.com | x128 Adam Cross | adamc@free-times.com | x134 Ansley Hobi | ansleyh@free-times.com | x146 Ginny Kuhn | ginnyk@free-times.com | x13 R. Skipper | rskipper@free-times.com | x140 Liz Thompson | lizt@free-times.com | x127 DISTRIBUTION CIRCULATION MANAGER: Tammy Figurski circulation@free-times.com | x152 DOCK MANAGER: David Alexander DISTRIBUTORS: Nelson Baker, Travis Bland, Leverne Commander, Wesley Dabbs, Tom Ellis, Bob Folts, Andi Hearn, Chris Kammer, Donald McLane, Chess Moorer, Becky Pfeifer, Richard Shirah, Dave Shuler, Don Turner, James Williams BUSINESS INTERIM PUBLISHER: Frank Dubec | frank@c-ville.com OPERATIONS MANAGER: Jen Coody jenc@free-times.com | x124 PORTICO PUBLICATIONS CEO: Bill Chapman GROUP PUBLISHER: Frank Dubec 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. © 2011 Portico Publications, LTD. All rights reserved.

Harbison Irmo

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

Calendar of Events You’re in town, now where’s the action? For comprehensive events coverage on a week-to-week basis, pick up a copy of Free Times at one of hundreds of locations throughout the city. But to get you started, we’ve compiled some of the major concerts, exhibitions and other cultural highlights of what’s happening between now and March, when the next Bites & Sights hits the streets. Dates are subject to change. For more information, please contact the specific venue or organization.

Major Exhibitions

December 2011

701 Center for Contemporary Art South Carolina Biennial, Part Two

Big Band New Year’s Eve

South Carolina contemporary art exhibition. Through Dec. 21

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

701 Center for Contemporary Art: 701 Whaley St. 779-4571, 701cca.org.

Body Worlds Vital Celebrates the potential of the human body and the body in motion. Through Apr. 15 S.C. State Museum: 301 Gervais St., 898-4921. southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

Nature and the Grand Vision: Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters Masterworks from seminal American art movement. Through Apr. 1 Columbia Museum of Art: 1515 Main St. 799-2810, columbiamuseum.org.

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

Music by the Dick Goodwin Big Band. Sat Dec. 31

Famously Hot New Year’s Eve Celebration Featuring music by George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic. Fireworks, too. Sat Dec. 31 Main Street, between Taylor and Hampton. columbiacvb.com/ newyears.

The Great Russian Nutcracker Performed by the Moscow Ballet. Fri Dec. 23 Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

January 2012 Patty Austin & Ramsey Lewis

john & jen Performed by the Workshop Theatre. Jan. 13-28

Presented by the Auntie Karen Foundation. Fri Feb. 24

Workshop Theatre: 1136 Bull St. 7994786, workshoptheatre.com.

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. auntiekaren.org.

Monty Python’s Spamalot

Celtic Woman All-female Irish music ensemble. Sun Feb. 26 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 2512222, koger.sc.edu.

Columbia Classical Ballet LifeChance Gala Contemporary and classical ballet performances by awardwinning medalists from around the world. Silent auction precedes performance. Sat Jan 21 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 2529112, columbiaclassicalballet.org.

Gustafer Yellowgold Multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling. Sun Jan. 22 Richland County Public Library, Main Library: 1431 Assembly St. 799-9084, myrcpl.com.

Merle Haggard

Presented by Broadway in Columbia. Go, or we shall say “Ni!” at you. Jan. 25-26 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra Master series performance. Guest performers: Yosuke Kawasaki, violin; Edward Arron, cello. Sat Jan. 14 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 254-7445, scphilharmonic.com.

Red Hot Chili Peppers Grammy award-winning alt-rock band. Sat Jan. 28 Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

Rocketman A tribute to Elton John by Tokyo Joe. Sat Jan. 28 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

Ultimate badass country outlaw. Sun Jan. 15 Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

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Weaving the Fate plays the St. Patrick’s festival in Five Points. Photo by Graeme Fouste

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Fully Charged

February 2012

Daredevilry, stunts, clowns, animals. Man, it’s a circus. Jan. 19-23

Disney Live!: Phineas & Ferb

Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

Jake Shimabukuro Ukulele superstar. Sun Jan. 29 Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Spring Awakening Performed by Trustus Theatre. Jan. 5-21 Trustus Theatre: 520 Lady St. 254-9732, trustus.org.

Travis Tritt

James Gregory

The Mixed Music Tour

Purported funniest man in America. Sat Feb. 25

Featuring Keith Sweat, more R&B crooners. Fri Feb. 3

Disney characters create their biggest invention yet. Fri Feb. 24

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

Arlo Guthrie

Monster Jam

Son of Woody; father of Sarah Lee. Sun Feb. 19

Big trucks smashing smaller trucks! Feb. 10-11

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

Larry’s Big Fat Gay Redneck Wedding

Romeo & Juliet

Drake Drizzy in the hizzy. Tue Feb. 21 Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

Columbia Blues Festival Scheduled to appear: Shirley Brown, Klass Band, Floyd Taylor, Theodis Ealey, Sir Charles Jones, Mel Waiters. Fri Feb. 17

Country music superstar. Jan. 18-19

Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Gem of the Ocean

World Beer Festival

Performed by Trustus Theatre. Feb. 10-Mar. 3

Mmm … beer! Sat Jan. 28 Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center: 1101 Lincoln St. allaboutbeer.com.

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Trustus Theatre: 520 Lady St. 2549732, trustus.org.

Nickelodeon Theatre fundraiser; documentary screening and theatrical wedding. Hey, if Larry Hembree’s doing it, it’s awesome. Fri Feb. 3 Capitol Senior Center: 1650 Park Cir. 254-3433, nickelodeon.org.

Let It Shine! The NiA Company celebrates Black History through story and song. Sat Feb. 18 Richland County Public Library, Main Library: 1431 Assembly St. 799-9084, myrcpl.com.

Performed by the Columbia City Ballet. Feb. 3-4 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 799-7605, columbiacityballet.com.

Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Bluegrass master. Sun Feb. 12 Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

The Temptations “My Girl”! “Just My Imagination”! Wed Feb. 8 Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

TNA Impact! Wrestling World Tour

March 2012

Rasslin’! Thu Fri. 22

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

Tyler Perry’s The Haves & The Have Nots Wait, Madea’s not in this one? Feb. 9-11 Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

University of South Carolina Band Clinic Performances are free and open to the public. Visit website for schedule. Feb. 16-19 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. carolinaband.org/campsfestivals/ bandclinic/

University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra Valentine’s Day concert. Tue Feb. 14 Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

Royal Comedy Tour

Steep Canyon Rangers

Featuring Sommore, Earthquake, Mark Curry, Tony Rock. Fri Mar. 2

White-hot newgrass ensemble. Thu Mar. 22

Performed by the Workshop Theatre. Mar. 16-31

Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Workshop Theatre: 1136 Bull St. 799-4786, workshoptheatre.com.

Sleeping Beauty

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Performed by the Columbia City Ballet. Mar. 9-10

Classical music + lasers = AWESOME. Wed Mar. 14

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 799-7605, columbiacityballet.com.

Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra

University of South Carolina Symphony Orchestra

Master series performance. Guest performer: Martine Filijak, piano. Sat Mar. 24

Featuring winners from the USC Concerto/Aria competition. $9-$26 Tue Mar. 13

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 252-9112, columbiaclassicalballet.org.

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 254-7445, scphilharmonic.com.

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

Lord of the Dance

St. Pat’s in Five Points

Vienna Boys Choir

Presented by Broadway in Columbia. Mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. Wed Mar. 14

Annual Five Points music festival. Craft and food vendors, too. Oh, and beer. Sat Mar. 19

Austrian folk songs and waltzes, classical masterpieces, and beloved pop songs. Thu Mar. 15

Five Points. fivepointscolumbia.com.

Newberry Opera House: 1201 McKibben St.

Gabriel Iglesias: Stand-Up Revolution Tour Stand-up comedy. Thu Mar. 15 Township Auditorium: 1703 Taylor St. 576-2350, thetownship.org.

Le Corsaire the Pirate Performed by the Columbia Classical Ballet. Fri Mar. 2

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

Performed by Trustus Theatre. Mar. 23-Apr. 14

Hosted by the University of South Carolina Dance Company. Fri Mar. 23.

Trustus Theatre: 520 Lady St. 254-9732, trustus.org.

Koger Center: 1051 Greene St. 251-2222, koger.sc.edu.

Passing Strange

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

Stars of the New York Ballet Gala

Winter Jam 2012 Contemporary Christian music spectacular. Fri. Mar. 9 Colonial Life Arena: 801 Lincoln St. coloniallifearena.org.

bites&sights | freetimes

Houston’s Low Country Grill File photo

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

Vista: 828 Gervais St., 461-4677

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-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 blueplate special includes one meat, two veggies, dessert and a drink. shoppesatflightdeck.com. ¢.

Fuddruckers

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1801 Bush River Rd., 798-3775

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

Anthony’s Past Time Cafe Downtown: 1425 Sumter St., 255-6200 Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-7 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. ¢.

The Backyard Cafe

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 Cafe has food to suit a range of tastes and appetite sizes. Chicken wings, fried flounder and nachos, too. ¢-$.

blue.

Vista: 721-A Lady St., 251-4447

Tue-Sat 5 p.m.-2 a.m. (Kitchen closes at midnight.)

A tapas bar and cocktail lounge that features the city’s only ice bar to go with breads and spreads and tapas items, including wasabi encrusted ahi tuna and a filet with red wine reduction. Also serves salads, chips and dips and desserts. Enjoy sitting outside under the patio listening to the waterfall. ¢-$.

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. Vista location features Columbia’s most popular rooftop bar and 99-cent kids meals. carolinaalehouse.com. ¢-$.

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Breakfast: Mon-Fri 6:30-10:30 a.m., Sat-Sun 6:30 a.m.11 a.m.Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m.Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10 p.m.; Sun Brunch: 11-2 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. ¢-$$.

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

Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn Harbison/Irmo: 434 Columbiana Dr., 407-6640

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

Upscale apps, 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

City Center Grill

Five Points: 700 Harden St., 252-2222

Breakfast: Mon-Sun 6:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Mon-Sun 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

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. $.

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 beef, 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. $.

Compton’s Kitchen

Houston’s Low Country Grill

Downtown: 1200 Hampton St., 771-7000

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

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

Dam Bar & Grill

Lexington: 1605 North Lake Dr., 808-0882 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Sun noon-2 p.m.

From the Dam Burger to the Dam wings, there’s about something for everyone at Lexington’s Dam Bar & Grill. Great starters and sandwiches, plus nice finds such as catfish nugget baskets, quesadillas, bucket specials and even a lite menu. Also has pool tables. dambarandgrill.net. $-$$

Drake’s Duck In

Downtown: 1544 Main St., 799-9290

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 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. ¢.

Lexington: 109-A Old Chapin Rd., 957-5990

Downtown: 1615 Gervais St., 771-8711

Lexington: 309 S. Lake Dr., 356-1366

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. kovachisoflexington.com. ¢.

Flight Deck

American/ Southern

Kovachi’s

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

Carolina’s

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

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

North Columbia: 3800 N. Main St., 255-0100

Tue-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (brunch)

Longtime caterer Frank Houston’s North Main Plaza restaurant serves up Southern faves from collard greens to crab cakes. $.

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

Jillian’s is designed for eating, drinking and mingling, with plenty of visual stimulus from 15 TV monitors and 13 big-screen TVs. The menu includes appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pizza, soups, salads and desserts. jilliansonline.com. ¢-$.

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

Kingsman Restaurant

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

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 936 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Shopping Center), 796-8622 This longtime Cayce favorite offers an extensive menu featuring everything from fried appetizers, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and wings to salads,

Liberty Tap Room & Grill 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. Great location, covered outdoor seating area in back, great beer selection. 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., 7380006 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., 7910314 West Columbia/Cayce: 2234 Sunset Blvd., 794-0923 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-9 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 meat-and-veggies formula. This is what Southern cooking is all about. lizardsthicket.com. ¢.

Lucky’s Burger Shack

Harbison/Irmo: 7811 Broad River Rd., 749-0048 11 a.m.-midnight daily

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. ¢-$.

LuLu’s Hot Dogs

Five Points: 2303 Devine St., 834-5144 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Simple and effective: grilled hot dogs with mustard, chili, slaw and onions; chips; beer; and soft drinks. What else could you possibly need, anyway? ¢.

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-can-eat 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-Sun 11 a.m.-midnight

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

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

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. $

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. ¢

New York Butcher Shoppe & Grille

Northeast: 5 Lake Carolina Way, 233-6838 Tue-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Tucked inside the planned community of Lake Carolina, this regional chain (it originated in Mt. Pleasant) serves up a stunning array of, well, meats. From Kobe beef filet to grilled meatloaf sandwiches, the menu covers the gamut of flesh. Also serves salads, appetizers, fish and more. Butcher shop is open daily. ¢-$.

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, 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. ¢.

The Southern Skillet

West Columbia-Cayce: 1213 Sunset Blvd , 834-6297 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Original Pancake House

Offers a lunch buffet and Southern favorite specials like pot roast, fried chicken, chicken & dumplings, fried pork chops and a slew of sides. ¢

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

Tony’s

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr. (Trenholm Plaza), 782-6742 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.-9:30 p.m.; Tue-Wed 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Fri 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Ever since its burgers were featured in February 2010 on the Food Network show Diners, Drive-Ins 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 all-beef 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/Rosewood: 2719 Rosewood Dr., 256-1075 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.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., 736-0101 St. 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. ¢.

Salty Nut Café

Five Points: 2000-A Greene St., 256-4611

Kitchen: Sun-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight. Bar: Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-until. (Limited late-night menu after 10 p.m.)

Known for its huge half-pound burgers — topped with chili, Cajun spices, jalapeños or other toppings — this relaxed Five Points staple also offers wraps, salads and sandwiches. Draws a diverse crowd at lunch, while the nighttime vibe is more college hangout. The wraparound deck is packed in warm weather. saltynut.com. ¢.

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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-Sat 11:30 a.m.-midnight

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 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.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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.

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. ¢-$

Vista Bar and Grill

Vista: 1301 Assembly St., 251-0255

Mon-Tue 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Wed-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Downtown lunch and dinner spot focusing on burgers, barbecue and chicken sandwiches, all-beef hot dogs, salads and wings. Also offers a bar and features live music, DJs and Latino dancing on occasion. ¢

What-A-Burger

West Columbia/Cayce: 804 Meeting St., 794-1929 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

Vista: 902 Gervais St., 929-0374 Lexington: 5474 Augusta Rd., 951-1916 Harbison/Irmo: 5122 Old Bush River Rd., 213-1000 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. wildharesportscafe.com. ¢.

bites&sights | freetimes

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

Five Points: 2030 Devine St., 799-0196

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

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. ¢.

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 Cafe locations, M Vista features upscale Chinese cuisine and sushi with a twist: M Vista focuses on healthy ingredients and portions and cooks with organic ingredients. Besides stir-fries, noodle soups and special sushi rolls, there’s a well-stocked bar. Yum! miyos.com. ¢-$.

Mayflower

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1420-10 Colonial Life Blvd., 798-4888 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 4-11 p.m.; Sun noon-10 p.m.

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.

A self-described Oriental grill, Mayflower specializes in a variety of foods prepared with a Chinese flair. The seafood is its strength, but it also offers an ambitious menu including steak, pork chops, chicken and sushi. The most popular item is the Queenstown Chicken, deep-fried with a sweet-and-sour sauce. $.

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. $.

Miyo’s

M Café

Northeast: 715 Fashion Dr., Ste. 1, Village at Sandhills, 788-8878

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. ¢-$$. price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

2010

able on request. redbowltegacay.com. $.

Thai Wasabi

Lexington: 5454 Sunset Blvd. Ste. E , 957-9849

Tue-Thurs 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-10:30 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Asian fusion cuisine features sushi, hibachi, Chinese stir frys, Thai curries and noodles (including pad thai and basil duck) and even Asian desserts like sweet sticky rice with mango, and red bean ice cream. $

Tsubaki

Northeast: 224 O’Neill Ct., 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. ¢.

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. ¢-$$.

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

Red Bowl Asian Bistro

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. ¢.

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.

Chocolate Nirvana

Northeast: 481-11 Town Center Place, 462-9991 Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. House specialities include Spicy Orange Peel Chicken, Seafood Double Pan and Spicy Thai Green Curry Chicken. Full sushi bar and gluten-free menu avail-

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. ¢.

Lillian’s Eatery & Bakery Forest Acres: 4711 Forest Dr., 790-0733

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

Panaderia Odalys

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Sat 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

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.

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 108 Sunset Ct., 791-1150

Atlanta Bread Company

Northeast: 3250 Forest Dr. Ste. B, 743-9996

West Columbia/Cayce: 1524 L Ave., 807-1428

Downtown: 1307 Main St., 779-0101

Bagel/Bakery

Harbison/Irmo: 1220 E-2 Bower Pkwy., 781-7788

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

Heather’s Artisan Bakery

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. ¢-$$.

Downtown: 922 S. Main St., 779-6496 Mon-Fri 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 5-10 p.m.

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. ¢-$$.

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

West Columbia-Cayce: 103 N. 12th St., 794-3323 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

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6080 Garners Ferry Rd., 647-9722 Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

2011

10 freetimes | bites&sights

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Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery

Bey’s Sports Bar

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

Mon-Sun 3 p.m.-until

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.

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. ¢.

Bar None

Five Points: 620 Harden St., 254-3354

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

Late-night bar serving food into the wee hours of the morning. 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 11 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. ¢.

Five Points: 711 Harden St., 255-2996

Hunter-Gatherer File photo

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

Blue Coyote

Harbison/Irmo: 10708 Broad River Rd., 781-4606 Mon-Thu 4 p.m.- 12 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Wings, steaks and comfort food. ¢-$.

Bogarts Restaurant and Bar

West Columbia/Cayce: 530 12th St., 791-4617

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sat 4-10 p.m. (bar open until)

Features wide variety of specialty sandwiches, big burgers, wings and entrées, including chicken and steak dishes, many named for Humphrey Bogart movies. Try the fried grouper finger basket. Also offers daily lunch and dinner specials. ¢.

British Bulldog Pub

Harbison/Irmo: 1220 Bower Pkwy., 227-8918 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m.-2 a.m. (late night menu after 10 p.m.)

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

Cock N’ Bull

Thursday, Friday and Saturday with acoustic tunes on Monday. myspace.com/cornerpocketsc. ¢-$.

The Caddy Shak

Shandon/Rosewood: 326 S. Edisto , 251-4474 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (bar all day); Sunday Brunch: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (bar open later)

Delaney’s

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

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

Caprioska

Now open in a new location at the corner of Rosewood and S. Edisto, the Cock N’ Bull is an Englishstyle pub with soccer (football) matches a-plenty on the tube. Pub food and daily specials include shepherd’s pie, fish-n-chips, pot roast and more, plus the always-amazing shrimp burger. ¢.

Tue-Sat 4 p.m.-until

Corner Pocket

Lexington: 381 Pilgrim Church Rd., 356-2239

It’s a golf course! It’s a restaurant! With pasta entrees, burgers, hot dogs and salads, plus seafood specials Thu-Sat. $.

Northeast: 7001 Parklane Rd., 699-8300 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 — plaintain chips and skirt steaks. Happy hour buffet, too. ¢-$

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 489 Piney Grove Rd., 731-0403 Mon-Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 7 p.m.-2 a.m.

Burgers, wings, steaks, sandwiches and more. Wednesdays are Service Industry Night with Kickin’ Karaoke, who also appears on Sundays. Local bands

Five Points: 741 Saluda Ave., 779-2345 Irish pub with 27 beers on tap and variety of food. Live acoustic and Celtic music Tuesday through Saturday and trivia on Sundays. delaneyspub.com. ¢.

Flying Saucer

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-is-better principle — unless, of course, you’re talking about the waitresses, who deliver the high-end pints and mammoth soft pretzels in knee socks and fig leaves. continues on page 16

2011

RUNNER-UP

2011

RUNNER-UP

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bites&sights | freetimes

Painting America the Beautiful “grand and glorious” - The Fort Worth Star-Telegram “a rapturous encounter” - The Boston Globe Thomas Cole (American, 1801-1848) Catskill Creek, N.Y., 1845, (detail) The Robert L. Stuart Collection, S-157

“remarkable” - The New York Times

Nature and the Grand American Vision: Masterpieces of the Hudson River School Painters Supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities Organized by the New-York Historical Society

Exhibition presented by the Blanchard Family

November 19, 2011 - April 1, 2012

In the heart of downtown Columbia • columbiamuseum.org 12 freetimes | bites&sights

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

t used to be that Main Street was overlooked as an entertainment district, given the abundance of options nearby in The Vista and Five Points. 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. Main Street’s monthly First Thursday art parties are energetic and ever-growing; Mast General Store has brought new foot traffic to the area; The White Mule brings in top-notch acoustic and Americana acts; 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, and an impending move by the Nickelodeon Theatre. Bottom line: One small step at a time, things are happening downtown. Just south of the Capitol 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.

What to Do Attractions Busted Plug Plaza 1400 Block of Taylor St. Love it or hate it, this giant metallic fire hydrant by Blue Sky is the face of public art in Columbia. As tempting as it is to climb into this thing on a July afternoon, imagine how your four-legged friend must feel walking by.

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.

Congaree National Park

nps.gov/cong, 776-4396 First, a disclaimer: Congaree National Park is not actually downtown; we’ve listed it here because there is no section called “20 miles out of town in Hopkins.” 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, 20 miles southeast of Columbia (S.C. 48 from Bluff Rd. or Exit 5 off I-77).

Finlay Park

midnet.sc.edu/parks/finlay.html 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, General 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 | Winter 2011-12 2011-12

PLAY& USC

Downtown

STAY

South Main St.

Hampton-Preston Mansion 1615 Blanding St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org Built in 1818, the Hampton-Preston Mansion opened for tours in 1970 and its rooms reflect the Federal period to the early postbellum years.

Koger Center

1051 Greene St., 777-7500 koger.sc.edu The Koger Center is operated by USC and has served as Columbia’s primary facility for the performing arts since 1989. Seats just over 2,000.

Mann-Simons Cottage

1403 Richland St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org One of only a few houses in South Carolina owned by free blacks in antebellum days and preserved as an historic house museum. Celia Mann and her descendants owned the house from the mid-19th century until 1970. The house serves as the focal point for the annual Jubilee Festival.

Mast General Store

1601 Main St., 771-2300 mastgeneralstore.com It’s hard to overemphasize just how excited Columbians are about the addition of Mast General Store to the Main Street corridor. It’s not just the store’s vast candy aisle, outdoor gear or footwear that has locals pumped up, though; it’s what the store represents — a giant leap forward for the longawaited revival of downtown.

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.

Nickelodeon Theatre 937 Main St., 254-3433 nickelodeon.org Specializing in foreign and independent films, the Nickelodeon has ongoing plans to move into the former Fox Theatre on Main

Riverbanks Zoo. Courtesy photo 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.

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 hosts popular annual events such as Boo at the Zoo, Brew at the Zoo and Lights Before Christmas.

Robert Mills House and Park

1616 Blanding St., 252-7742 historiccolumbia.org The Robert Mills House is best known for its designer, 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.” Visit “citizens’ interest”

section of scstatehouse.net and scroll down 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.

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.

Town Theatre

1012 Sumter St., 799-2510 towntheatre.com The oldest continuously operating community theater building in the country; presents family-friendly musicals and other productions.

Township Auditorium 1703 Taylor St. Ticket Info: 576-2350 Charge by phone: 1-800-745-3000 thetownship.org First opened in 1930, the 3,000-plus-seat Township Auditorium has hosted such art-

bites&sights | freetimes

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Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

ists as Elvis Presley, Duke Ellington, Pink Floyd and The Clash. Reopened in 2010 after a $12 million facelift.

Tunnelvision

Taylor and Marion streets Along with that huge fire hydrant, this 1975 realistic wall mural of a road running through a tunnel (also by Blue Sky) 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 historiccolumbia.org 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

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.

Nightlife Club 803 Hookah Bar & Lounge 919C Sumter St., 944-0283 A tight, close-to-campus spot with a hookah bar, oxygen bar and spirits bar. Disk jockeys spin most nights of the week; open late Fridays and Saturdays.

The Comedy Zone 1615 Gervais St., 744-7786 Need a laugh? This brand-new downtown comedy club in the Clarion Hotel books topname comedians.

Hunter-Gatherer 900 Main St., 748-0540 huntergathererbrewery.com More than the token local microbrew joint, H-G offers 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, and the occasional rock shows on Fridays.

Mac’s on Main

1710 Main St., 929-0037 macsjazznblues.com Yes, this Main Street institution is known for its scrumptious 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.

Sheraton Rooftop Lounge, Main Street & Vault Martini Bar

1400 Main St., 988-1400 Not for the acrophobic, the Sheraton’s hip Rooftop Lounge offers a classy clientele, fine libations and desserts. Also at the Sheraton: Main Street, located under the hotel, and the Vault Martini Bar. Nestled within the bank’s original safe, the Vault Martini Bar is a popular hotspot for those who insist upon their

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martinis shaken, not stirred, and with a twist of sophistication.

The Whig

1200 Main St., 931-8852 thewhig.org Inhabited by hipsters young and old, this dark, underground bohemia offers good, cheap beer and good, cheap liquor to go along with cheap eats (i.e. $1 pizza slices, 75-cent tacos). Has an awesome jukebox filled with classic punk, Motown, jazz and much more. Also offers occasional DJs and live bands.

PLAY&

STAY

Downtown USC South Main St.

The White Mule

1530 Main St., 661-8199 thewhitemule.com First and foremost a music venue — and the finest dedicated listening room in town — The White Mule has cozy quarters, a dark ambience and a bitchin’ patio. It also serves booze, from domestic beers to ultra-fine martinis.

Where to Stay

Accommodations The 1425 Inn 1425 Richland St., 252-7225 the1425inn.com Exquisite bed-and-breakfast near the heart of Columbia.

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; smokefree; meeting facilities.

Chestnut Cottage

1718 Hampton St., 256-1718 chestnutcottage.com The wartime home of author Mary Boykin Chestnut; once visitied 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 Carolina’s Restaurant, which offers a delicious Southern-food lunch buffet and a bomb-ass 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 highclass Vista and the fun-loving Five Points. It’s also close to Williams-Brice Stadium

The White Mule. File photo 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.

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 Wi-Fi; indoor pool.

The Inn at USC

1619 Pendleton St., 779-7779 innatusc.com An elegant boutique hotel located on the campus of the University of South Carolina in the heart of downtown, The Inn at USC boasts 117 first-class guestrooms and suites, each outfitted with deluxe amenities (including wireless Internet and premium cable — score!). The Inn is conveniently 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 travelers 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 cattycorner 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 Wi-Fi (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.

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Kelly’s

Vista: 1001 Washington St., 254-4464 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. ¢.

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

Group Therapy

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. facebook.com/kellyspubcolumbiasc. ¢

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.

Lucky’s

Five Points: 2107 Greene St., 256-1203

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. ¢.

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 t-shirt and suits alike. Daily lunch specials. myspace.com/hemingways_sc. ¢.

Henry’s Grill & Bar

Shandon/Rosewood: 2865 Devine St., 708-4705

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5 pm.-until; Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 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. ¢-$.

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? ¢.

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. ¢.

One More Grill & Pub

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 3636 Bush River Rd., 772-7711 Mon-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight.

With a name like this, what more do you need? They serve everything you’d expect and a little more. ¢.

Polliwog’s

Northeast: 10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775

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

Five Points: 800 Harden St., 931-3033 Tue-Sat 8 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. myspace.com/pourhousebar. ¢.

The Puddlin’ Duck

Northeast: 108 Columbia Northeast Dr., 865-2859 Tue-Fri 4 p.m.-until.; Sat noon-until

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. facebook.com/people/Puddlin-Duck/1679155479. ¢.

Rusty Anchor

Harbison/Irmo: 1925 Johnson Marina Rd., 749-1555 Thu 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Quarterdeck: Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat noon-10 p.m.; Sun noon-9 p.m.

Lakeside destination features all-you-can-eat 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. $.

Tin Roof

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

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 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

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

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. chapin-explorer.com/ad-tipsy-toad-tavern.htm. ¢-$.

State Street Pub

TLC Sports Bar and Grill

Kitchen: Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Mon-Tue 3 p.m.-until; Wed-Fri 11 a.m.-until; Sat 3 p.m.-until Fri 11 a.m.-4 a.m.; Sat 3 p.m.-2 a.m.

Sporting News Bar and Grill

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 136 State St., 796-2006 Plenty of munchies, including fried mushrooms, a variety of chicken strips, wings and sandwiches, as well as veggie burgers. Drink specials abound. ¢.

Tap’s Pub

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

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

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. Serves lunch weekdays. facebook.com/theloosecockaboose. ¢.

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. ¢.

Wet Willie’s

Thirsty Fellow

Of course you know that Wet Willie’s is all about the daiquiris. But this self-described classic rock venue also is serious about the food, from oven-baked seafood to appetizers, sandwiches and pizza. Also check out the rotating specials such as sausagestuffed mushrooms and a half-pound pulled-pork sandwich. ¢.

Vista: 621 Gadsden St , 799-1311

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

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

Vista: 800 Gervais St., 779-5650

Mon-Thu 4 p.m.-12 a.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Sun 12:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

The Whig

Downtown: 1200 Main St., 931-8852

Mon-Fri 4-11 p.m.; Sat-Sun 6-11 p.m. (Bar open later)

Hip underground bar across from the State House

From sizzling steaks

to fresh fish paired with the best local ingredients. 803.791.3443 100 State St.| West Columbia, SC | terrasc.com

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Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

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 50 cents apiece and the crowds are massive. ¢

portions. Top it all off with some homemade chocolate cake. ¢.

The White Mule Music Pub & Eatery

Blythewood: 10324 Wilson Blvd., 333-9424

Downtown: 1530 D Main St., 661-8199

Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Mon-Sat 6 p.m.-until

What do you get when you combine a great location on Main Street with good food, beer and wine and regular live music? Awesomeness, that’s what. Offers pizzas, soup, salads and sandwiches. thewhitemule.com. ¢

The Woody

Vista: 808 Lady St., 779-9663 Thu-Sun 6 p.m.-until

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

BBQ/Wings/Ribs 2 Fat 2 Fly Stuffed Chicken Wings

Mobile food 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. ¢.

Big-T Bar-B-Que

Gadsden: 2520 Congaree Rd., 353-0488 Wed-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

Big T’s turns out some of the best barbecue in town. Pit-cooked pulled pork is the standout, served with hot or mild, slightly sweet mustard-based sauce. The sides are first-rate. Friendly people, generous

Blythewood Smoked Barbecue Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Bar Thu-Sat 4 p.m.-until

Southern barbecue classics like hash, ribs, ribs and more ribs, but sometimes with a twist, as in the pulled pork nachos or the barbecue salad. Banana pudding gives the joint some barbecue street cred; beer and wine mean it’s more fun than your average rib shack. $

Bone-In Artisan Barbecue on Wheels

Mobile food truck, 957-1818 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 (twitter.com/artisanbbqtruck) or visit artisanbbqtruck.com. ¢-$.

Carolina Wings & Rib House Vista: 600 Gervais St., 256-8844

Alfresco Mobilista

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

File photo

Blythewood: 240 Blythewood Rd., 714-0181 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Lexington: 105 Northpoint Dr., 356-6244

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

Northeast: 2000 Clemson Rd., 419-0022

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

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 7587 St. Andrews Rd., 781-0084

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m. (bar open later); Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

West Columbia/Cayce: 2347-C Augusta Rd., 791-0260 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

The restaurant delivers what its name promises — succulent baby back ribs and great wings, served with a wide variety of sauce options. Portions are generous and can be washed down with one of the many different beers offered. The Northeast location has a nice deck out back. carolinawings.com. ¢-$.

D’s on Beltline

Forest Acres: 2005 Beltline Blvd., 787-2595 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat-Sun 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Classic American steaks, ribs, wings and seafood are sure to please those seeking comfort foods. Walls are covered in interesting American memorabilia. Large open bar, daily specials, occasional live acoustic music and an extensive kids’ menu create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Serves 16 different wing sauces, as well as Cajun Creole pasta, Rocky Top Chicken, steamed seafood treats and certified Angus Sirloin. ¢.

D’s Wings

West Columbia/Cayce: 920 Axtell Dr. (Parkland Plaza), 791-4486 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Serves ribs, burgers, sandwiches and chicken fin-

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

Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 1601 Shop Rd., 799-1532 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

First-rate barbecue buffet with stellar fried chicken. Also features delicious catfish bites. Order off the menu for tailgating or simply to take home some quality BBQ. docsbarbeque.com. ¢.

price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

2010

RUNNER-UP

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RUNNER-UP

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bites&sights | freetimes

Bone-In Artisan BBQ on Wheels File photo

and desserts. Choose between Pretty Lady and Sexy Lady sauce. ¢.

WG’s Chicken Wings

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 736 St. Andrews Rd., 772-1489 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Wild Wing Café

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

Harbison/Irmo: 100150 Bower Pkwy., 749-9464 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight, Thu-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Northeast: 480 Town Center Place, 865-3365 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-midnight, Thu-Sun 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

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

Wing Zone

Downtown: 132 Assembly St., 933-9464

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.

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. ¢-$.

Hudson’s Smokehouse

Lexington: 4952 Sunset Blvd., 356-1070

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

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

John D. Hite’s

West Columbia/Cayce: 240 Dreher Rd., 794-4120 Fri 8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

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

Little Pigs

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

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. ¢.

Palmetto Pig

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

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

Downtown: 530 Devine St., 733-2556

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. ¢.

Publick House

Bistro/ New American

Shandon/Rosewood: 2307 Devine St., 256-2207 Mon-Sun 4 p.m.-until (kitchen until midnight Sun-Thu, 1 a.m. Fri-Sat)

This restaurant and bar is a Devine Street icon, and rightfully so. Offers billiards and wide range of beers on tap, as well as several 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. Irish music on Sundays a plus. myspace.com/publickhouse. ¢.

RB’s Bodacious Bistro

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

Surprisingly smoky, down-home pulled pork wonderfulness tucked away inside a straight-laced 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. ¢-$

Rease’s Southern Swine BBQ

Shandon/Rosewood: 2910 Rosewood Dr., Ste. 1, 255-0201 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Lexington: 1010 S. Lake Drive, 356-1909

Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House

Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9:00 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

Northeast: 252 O’Neil Ct., 865-0608

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.

Northeast: 9563 Two Notch Rd., 462-0882

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. ¢.

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

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 1600 Charleston Hwy., 796-0220, Sun-Thu 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

True BBQ

West Columbia/Cayce: 2450 Augusta Rd., 796-4777

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

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

Maurice Bessinger finally pulled the Confederate flag down from some of his locations — citing the

18 freetimes | bites&sights

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

Fabulous all-you-can-eat buffet featuring pulled pork barbecue, hash, green beans, slaw and crispy fried chicken. A great downtown option if you’re craving Shealy’s but don’t want to drive so far. Be sure to arrive early or late to beat the rush. Discount available for USC students. palmettopig.com. ¢.

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

Harbison/Irmo: 1141 Lake Murray Blvd., 732-5555

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. ¢.

Wings & Ale

One of the few barbecue joints where you can sip beer and wine instead of just sweet tea, Rease’s serves not just pulled pork and sides, but chicken, quail, burgers and fish, too. ¢-$

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

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

West Columbia-Cayce: 1237 D Ave., 791-9950 Serves pork ribs and classic chopped pork barbecue, smoked on site; hash and rice; barbecue chicken; barbecue sandwiches; and the usual slew of sides

@116 Espresso & Wine Bar

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

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 empañadas. A Sunday brunch features omelets, sweet potato pancakes and more. Also has Spanish wines, great sangria, martinis and a White Russian drinks menu. ¢-$.

Alfresco Mobilista

Mobile food truck, 979-4263 The AlfMob truck, as it’s known, serves up fresh food — shrimp burgers, housemade potato chips, salads galore and more. The Redneck Cuban, with hickory smoked pulled pork, blue cheese aioli, homemade pickles and grilled ham, is a specialty. Check alfmob.com or call for locations. ¢-$

Cellar on Greene

Five Points: 2001D Greene Street , 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 half- and 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 truffle-parmesan raw fries are exceptional. ¢-$.

Copper River Grill

Harbison/Irmo: 1230 Bower Pkwy., 749-4647 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Bar open 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 enough, the 32oz. Big Sky Porterhouse. More beer specials than anyone in town mean Copper River always has a lively evening crowd almost any day of the week. copperrivergrill.com. $.

Courtyard Cafe by Marriott at USC Downtown: 630 Assembly St., 799-7800 Breakfast only: Mon-Sun 6:30 a.m.-10 a.m.

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

Goatfeathers

Five Points: 2017 Devine St., 256-3325

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

With a focus on select wine and spirits, a sophisticated menu and a casual elegance at odds with nearby Five Points meet-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.$$.

Mint Julep Bistro & Lounge

Northeast: 120 Sparkleberry Crossing, 419-7200 Mon-Thu 4-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-11 p.m.

Advertising itself as “comfort food for the soul” Mint Julep’s menu takes the Mediterranean tapas concept and applies it to Southern specialties. The result is items such as Lobster Mac & Cheese, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Crab Cake Napoleon and Pepper Jack Collards, to name a few. You can order them individually or combine two or three to make a meal. Nightly and weekly specials also show up as well as, of course, mint juleps if you’re thirsty. mintjuleprestaurant.com. ¢-$.

Mo Mo’s Bistro

Shandon/Rosewood: 2930 Devine St., 252-2700

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

Mo Mo’s redefines casual fine dinging with an articulate and creative upscale menu and an imaginative wine list, with dishes ranging from rabbit mac-andcheese to braised pork belly with a spiced honey glaze. $-$$.

Motor Supply Co.

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. $-$$.

P.O.S.H.

Downtown: 1400 Main St., 988-1400

Mon-Fri 6:30-10:30 a.m.; Sat-Sun 6:30-11 a.m.

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

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bites&sights | freetimes

Mr. Friendly’s File photo

Saluda’s

Five Points: 751 Saluda Ave., 799-9500 Mon-Sun 5:30-10 p.m.

This casual fine-dining establishment offers cuttingedge 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. $-$$.

$3.00

EVERY MONDAY Most everything on the tap wall.

beerknurd.com 20 10

931 SENATE ST. in the VISTA . 933-9712 20 freetimes | bites&sights

Artsy Fartsy

West Columbia-Cayce: 906 Knox Abott Dr., 7084731 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Art and coffee: two great tastes that taste (and look) great together. Hosts regular poetry readings and arts shows. ¢.

Café Strudel

West Columbia/Cayce: 118 State St., 794-6634

Mon-Wed 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Thu-Sat 8:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Stonefire American Grill

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. Also hosts a legendary Sunday brunch. cafestrudel.com. ¢.

Mon-Sat 4-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (Brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Cafe Chartier

Northeast: 566 Spears Creek Church Rd., 419-2332

PINT NITE

Café/ Coffee House

Upscale American classics — steakhousestyle 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 $-$$

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

Terra

Carolina Café & Catering

Mon-Thurs 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

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

Tue-Sat 5 p.m.-until

Downtown: 945 Sumter St. (corner of Sumter & Pendleton), 799-6676

Winner of a 2007 Wine Spectator Award for Excellence, this upscale Vista West spot offers quality pours to match its tasty victuals. Featuring dishes like Pan Seared Triggerfish, Trout Meuniere Amandine and Braised Lamb Shoulder, the menu is artful and impressive. And if you can’t afford to put high culinary art on your plate, the brick oven pizzas, at $10 apiece, are a true and delicious bargain. terrasc.com. $$.

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

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

Tombo Grille

Cool Beans Coffee Company

Mon-Thu 5:30-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 5:30-10:30 p.m. (Bar opens at 4:30 p.m.)

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 100 State St., 791-3443

Forest Acres: 4517 Forest Dr., 782-9665

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. $.

Downtown: 1217 College St., 779-4277

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

Drip Coffee

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

An independent coffee shop in Five Points? Yes please. Specializing in the pour-over — a method that’s said to produce the clearest-tasting, most perfect coffee around — this coffee shop also sells creative breakfast and lunch foods. Free Wi-Fi, too. ¢.

Brew Pub

The Gourmet Shop

Hunter-Gatherer

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.

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

Downtown: 900 Main St., 748-0540

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 half-gallon growlers so you can take the good stuff home. ¢-$.

Five Points: 724 Saluda Ave., 799-3705

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f 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 Viva La Vista (an outdoor food festival), Vista Lights (a holiday season kick-off party) and Artista Vista (a twoday gallery crawl), 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 — including quite a few authentic Mexican spots. 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.

What to Do Attractions Art + Cayce 1329 State St., 765-0838 compass5partners.com Located in the offices of Compass 5 Partners in Cayce, Art + Cayce hosts occasional shows, often of works by USC faculty and students.

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 New York City 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.

301 Gervais St., 737-8095 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

Three Rivers Greenway

Columbia Marionette Theater

Trustus Theatre

EdVenture Children’s Museum

520 Lady St., 254-9732 trustus.org Columbia’s leading progressively oriented theatre company.

Nightlife @116 Espresso & Wine Bar

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.

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.

Riverfront Park

Art Bar

Laurel at Huger Street columbiasc.net, 545-3100 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.

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

The S.C. State Museum as seen from Three Rivers Greenway. File photo

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.

801 Lincoln St. Charge by phone: 1-877-489-2849 General Info: 576-9200 coloniallifearena.com The 18,000-seat Colonial Life Arena 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.

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.

STAY

South Carolina State Confederate Relic Room & Museum

riveralliance.org, 765-2200 Columbia has come a long way on its riverfront development in the past few years, and the recent 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.

Colonial Life Arena

PLAY&

The Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West

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 Art Bar is good for people-watching, conversation and music (both bands and DJs), not to mention

@116 Espresso & Wine Bar. Photo by Thomas Hammond open-mic poetry nights and improv comedy. Don’t miss Mr. B’s karaoke on Wednesdays.

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: wing specials; dangerously cheap drink specials; and live music on the weekends.

Blue. 721A Lady St., 251-4447 Blue, a tapas bar and cocktail lounge, features Columbia’s only ice bar and draws in big crowds for its popular ’80s night on Wednesdays. Cozy late-night spot as well.

Carolina Ale House 708 Lady St., 227-7150 carolinaalehouse.com Southeastern chain grille-and-groggery 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.

bites&sights | freetimes

DANCE LIVE BANDS KARAOKE IMPROV POETRY 803.929.0198 » 1211 PARK ST ARTBARSC.COM Artbar Bites+Sites 2011-03-21.indd 1

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2011

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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 a nice front porch, some live music and the occasional commemorative pint glass.

Gervais & Vine 620A Gervais St., 799-8463 gervine.com Gervais & Vine offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere for its exquisite Southern fusion tapas. Its extensive wine selection separates it from most of Columbia’s metropolitan haunts, and the diversity and daring of the menu make it hard to dislike. Columbia needs more places like this.

Jillian’s 800 Gervais St., 779-7789 columbia.jilliansbillards.com The closest you’ll get to a Chuck E. Cheese for grown-ups, Jillian’s offers billiard tables, an arcade, a beach volleyball court, pingpong tables, walls of huge flat-screen televisions and more in addition to its extensive list of imports, domestics and other assorted cocktails and libations.

Kelly’s Deli & Pub 1001 Washington St., 254-4464 If this converted fire station reminds you of Five Points, it’s probably because its owners cut their teeth working for places like Group Therapy and Jungle Jim’s. These Gamecock fans host regular acoustic performances in addition to karaoke and open mic contests.

Liberty Tap Room 828 Gervais St., 461-4677 libertytaproom.com 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.

Moda Lounge 920 Lady St., 463-0144 modacolumbia.com Silver medalist in the 2010 Free Times Best of Columbia poll for Best New Bar or Club, this dancetorium entices attendees to get their respective grooves on by offering a little taste of South Beach dance-club nightlife.

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. Friendly staff, too, as well as kitschy ‘90s arcade consoles.

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.

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

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

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.

PLAY&

STAY

The Vista Riverfront State Street Vista West

Rust 918B Gervais St., 251-2405 Rust, with its upscale distinctions, is a taste of big-city style and sophistication right in the heart of our casual college town.

SakiTumi 807 Gervais St., 931-0700 flyingnapkin.com Sushi, sake and salacious servers ... what else could you want out of an über-hip Vista sushi bar?

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.

Tsunami. Photo by Jonathan Sharpe

Tin Roof

Wild Wing Café 729 Lady St., 252-9464 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is their 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

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; on-site notary public; lounge; exercise room; outdoor pool; parking garage with valet parking; full-service bar.

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.

The Woody

Holiday Inn Express

Uncle Fester’s

XS Nightlife

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

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. With a lot of bang for your buck and a kick-ass music room upstairs, Wet Willie’s is a late-night Vista favorite. Order a giant White Russian and commence flirting.

The Wild Hare 902-B Gervais St., 929-0374 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.

808 Lady St., 779-9663 Named after a popular Columbia oldies-radio disc jockey — who DJs every night of the week here — The Woody is a new addition to The Vista. You have to duck through an alley, but don’t let that ward you off. Offers nightly drink specials.

700 Gervais St., 553-3990 xscolumbia.com It’s big, all right; the newly renovated Gervais Street complex boasts 20,000 square feet of entertainment. Split into two distinct sections, XS Nightlife offers upscale, big cityflavored drinking and dancing; next door, XS Live offers live music and DJs.

where to stay Accommodations 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, Wet Willie’s), dance clubs (XS Nightlife, Moda Lounge), swanky bars (Rust) and chic shops, not to mention walking distance to the Congaree River. Double points for its catty-corner location to Liberty Taproom. 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 222room Hilton Columbia Center, is literally in the

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 highfalutin (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 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.

bites&sights | freetimes

Mo Mo’s Bistro File photo

fresh veggies like zucchini and squash. Oh yeah, the Village Gourmet also has sandwiches like a roasted red pepper pimento cheese or a smoked applewood BLT, as well as a selection made with Armenian cracker bread. Catering available. thevillagegourmet.net. ¢.

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. ¢.

J. Gumbo’s

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

Serving up lunchtime Cajun fare downtown, this chain eatery boasts anarray of classic Louisiana dishes: jambalaya, etouffée, 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. ¢

Mudbone’s Swamp Shack

Harbison/Irmo: 7949 Broad River Rd., 749-3004 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Mudbone’s offers Cajun and Creole food and a bunch of seafood favorites, from fried catfish nuggets to gator tail to chicken-sausage gumbo. We hear the jambalaya pasta is quite special. ¢-$

Immaculate Consumption

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

Downtown: 933 Main St., 799-9053

Breakfast: Mon-Fri 7:30-10:30 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (coffee until 6 p.m.)

Northeast: 163-8 Forum Dr. (Village at Sandhills), 736-3412

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. ¢.

Vista: 831 Gervais St., 779-3484

Peace, Love and Rocky Roast Vista: 923 Gervais St., 255-2277

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-midnight, Sun 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

The scrumptious gelato is the real draw of this funky coffee house, which offers a full coffee menu and house-roasted coffee beans, plus some simple salads and breakfast fare. ¢-$

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 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 super-strong Seattle lattes and bizarro cup-sizing, or you think Starbucks is the Evil Empire. Moving on … . starbucks.com. ¢.

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

In addition to real-fruit smoothies, Tropical Smoothie Cafe serves a variety of wraps, sandwiches and salads. tropicalsmoothiecafe.com. ¢

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.

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

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. ¢-$.

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-until; Sun 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Starbucks

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 743-4350

Mojitos Tropical Café

Forest Acres: 3123 N Beltline Blvd., 256-9050

Harbison/Irmo: 1150 Bower Pkwy., Ste. F2, 781-6535 Mon-Thu 6 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 6 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Five Points: 747 Saluda Ave., 779-1082

Caribbean/ Latin

Taste of Jamaica Café & Lounge

Tropical Smoothie Cafe

Village Gourmet

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

Chinese

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1410 Colonial Life Blvd., 798-6300

China Buffet Sushi and Bar

This humble lunch spot emphasizes the little things with great results: fresh herbs in the windows, a peppermill on every table, pasta salad loaded with

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

Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jin’s Hibachi & Chinese

Northeast: 4435 Hardscrabble Rd., 788-3339 Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Main Moon

Shandon/Rosewood: 2800 Rosewood Dr. Ste. D, 251-8990 Sun-Thurs 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

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., 732-4488

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 beefand-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 ¢.

Top China Buffet

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: Corner of Broad River and St. Andrews Roads, 750-2299 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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

Yummy Yummy Chinese Restaurant

Forest Acres: 4600 Forest Dr., 790-9979

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

Northeast: 3902 Two Notch Rd., 714-9922

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

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

Deli

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

What can you say other than it’s a loaded Chinese buffet with all the fixins in the Columbiana Mall area, convenient to both the mall and theater if you find yourself there and craving some good lo mein, teriyaki chicken or moo goo gai pan. ¢.

Egg Roll Chen

Shandon/Rosewood: 715 Crowson Rd., 787-6820 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

24 freetimes | bites&sights

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

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

Harbison/Irmo: 285 Columbiana Dr., 781-8841

2011

Downtown: 1211 Taylor St., 779-6689

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

Columbiana Super Buffet

2011

Inexpensive, fresh Chinese-American standards prepared to order. ¢.

The Big Ugly

The newest addition to the Vista’s thriving bar scene serves up a solid array of 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. ¢-$.

Northeast: 480-6 Forum Dr. (Village at Sandhills), 462-3352

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

Hong Kong

Mon-Wed 5 p.m.-1 a.m., Thurs-Fri 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

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

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

Cajun Vista: 931 Senate St., 834-5496

Dining continued from page 20

Egg Roll Station

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. ¢.

Andy’s Deli

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

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

Beezer’s

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

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

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

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

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bites&sights | freetimes

Mojitos Tropical Café

Groucho’s

der. Lunch menu heavy on sandwiches and salads, though a meat-and-three option is available. ¢.

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

No Name Deli

File photo

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

Five Points: 611 Harden St., 799-5708

Blythewood: 730 University Village Dr., 754-4509 Forest Acres: 4717 Forest Dr., 790-0801 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 800 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-4515 Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.

Lexington: 117 1/2 East Main St., 356-8800 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2:30 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. ¢.

Hampton Place Café

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

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

DL McLaughlin’s

Mon-Sat 6 a.m.-7 p.m

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

Lexington: 815 N. Lake Dr., 808-9710

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 422-B Bush River Rd., 772-3735

Mon-Tue 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.; Wed-Thu 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Offering hot and cold selections like the Steak & Onion Melt, the Tuna Melt, the Ultimate Club, and the VegiMax. Its signature sandwich is the Blimpie Best with ham, salami, cappacola, prosciuttini and provolone. Also offers wraps and carb-friendly items. ¢. blimpie.com.

College Grounds Cafe

Harbison/Irmo: 10400 Broad River Rd., 732-4109 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. Also serves subs, wings, pizza and French fries cooked in peanut oil. ¢-$.

Doza Rizen Cafe

West Columbia-Cayce: 1202 Sunset Blvd., 708-6020 Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Downtown: 1217 College St., 708-9476

Chapin: 107 Virginia St.; 345-2980

Established coffeehouse Cool Beans is still upstairs, but College Grounds Cafe is serving sandwiches downstairs, plus healthy breakfast and brunch foods — bagels, fruit, grits and more. Lots of vegetarianfriendly options. ¢

Pitas, wraps and deli sandwiches meet soups, salads and other lunchtime fare — and tasty cakes, cookies and brownies, too. ¢.

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

Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop

Lexington: 108-D S. Church St., 808-6004 Mon-Fri 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Crossings Deli

Northeast: 8604 Farrow Rd. Ste. F, 736-4446 Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

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

The Deli

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. ¢-$.

26 freetimes | bites&sights

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

European Mini Market

West Columbia-Cayce: 515 Meeting St., 939-7088 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun noon-3 p.m.

Carries specialty prepared foods from Eastern Europe, Germany, Russia and more. ¢-$.

Fifth Avenue Deli

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

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

Firehouse Subs

Downtown: 633 Main St., 733-9836 Northeast: 10136 Two Notch Rd., 419-8161 Lexington: 109 Old Chapin Rd., 957-1100 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jason’s Deli

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

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

Jersey Mike’s

Cayce/West Columbia: 1720 Sunset Blvd., 796-1126 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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.

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

Jimmy Johns

Five Points: 2015 Devine St., 806-8282 Mon-Sun 10:30 a.m.-midnight

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

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

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

McAlister’s Deli

Forest Acres: 4710-A Forest Dr., 790-5995

Northeast: 119 Sparkleberry Ln., 788-7600

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.

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

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

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

Roly Poly Sandwiches

Downtown: 1258 Lady St., 252-1081

Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

With an inventive menu of hot and cold hand-rolled 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. ¢.

Downtown: 1621-A Main St., 255-0001 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.-10 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. ¢.

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. ¢.

Which Wich?

Downtown: 928 S. Main St., 343-3317 Mon-Sun 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Harbison/Irmo: 1230 1 Bower Pkwy., 407-4222 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. ¢.

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

Zoe’s Kitchen

Nathan’s Restaurant

Forest Acres: 4855 Forest Dr., 782-1212

Downtown: 1840 Hampton St., 254-0484 Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

Downtown: 2002 A Greene St., 799-4557

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

Honey Baked Ham serves hardwood-smoked, honey-spiced spiral-cut ham and turkey. Takeout box lunch includes a sandwich, cookie, drink and chips. heavenlyham.com. ¢.

Garden Bistro

Garden Bistro is a healthy and delicious downtown lunch option, offering an eclectic menu of soups, salads, wraps and specialty sandwiches. gardenbistrosc.com. ¢.

Pita Pit

Sammi’s Deli

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

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

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

Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

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

Vista: 923 Gervais St., 933-9085

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

Honey Baked Ham

Forest Acres: 7451 Two Notch Rd., 782-4267

Blimpie Subs & Salads

Downtown: 2042 Marion St., 252-0480

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 Floun-

Downtown: 1320 Main St., 771-0122 Mon-Fri 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

Specializes in garden fresh, healthy sandwiches, salads, hot plates and soups. Also offers catering and delivery service. zoeskitchen.com. ¢. continues on page 30

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

2009

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

bites&sights | freetimes

2011

RUNNER-UP

2011 2011

RUNNER-UP

28 freetimes | bites&sights

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

ive Points is a college student’s playground, but it’s also much more. Home to the annual St. Pat’s in Five Points 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 CDs 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 or hear some music, such as the Cock ‘n’ Bull Pub and Rockaways. Rosewood has its own signature event, too: the Rosewood Crawfish Festival. Over in the historic mill village of Olympia, you’ll find a dynamic art space at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art, the All-Local Farmers Market and Carolina Stadium, home of the Gamecock baseball team.

What to Do

most unique and eclectic offerings in the city.

Attractions

Visanska-Starks House

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 cutting-edge music and dance performances and other events.

All-Local Farmers Market 711 Whaley St., stateplate.org Held every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and Wednesdays from 4 to 8 p.m. What will you find? Sustainably produced meat, produce and crafts of all kinds: pork, seafood, beef; organic coffee; locally grown fruits and vegetables; locally made baked goods; and much more.

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.

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.

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.

Nightlife Bar None 620 Harden St., 254-3354 Since 1994, Bar None has been known as last refuge of the late-night lush. Filled with shuffleboard tables, rock music and sloshed 20-somethings, what more could you ask for?

Bey’s

711 Harden St., 255-2996 Hipsters and frat dudes alike have flocked to this dive-y Five Points drinkery, which offers an eclectic selection of live music, from cutting-edge indie rock bands to singersongwriters to dance-crazy DJs, in addition to its dangerously cheap drink specials.

Cantina 76

2901 Devine St., 708-6004 cantina76.com This Devine Street joint is abuzz with young women in cocktail dresses and 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.

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 ultracool furniture at Bohemian Home, Devine Street merchants specialize in some of the

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.

Shops on Devine

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

STAY

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 (1849-1932) — 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.

Five Points is for strolling, dining and shopping. Retail options are wide, encompassing everything from hip vinyl at Papa Jazz and hip clothing at Loose Lucy’s to thoughtful toys at Creative Kids. When night falls, there are plenty of places to get your groove on, too (see Nightlife).

Five Points Retail

PLAY&

Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia

CJ’s

Five Points Fountain. File photo Delaney’s

Goatfeathers

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. Personable staff, live music and a vibrant atmosphere round out the package — but get there early, as it fills up fast, especially on pint nights.

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.

Dr. Rocco’s 801 Harden St., 771-7363 With an outdoor patio that rests at the corner of Harden and Greene streets, Dr. Rocco’s affords an ideal spot for people-watching in Five Points. Tropical, baby. Always.

Five Points Pub

2020 Devine St., 253-7888 A happening Five Points pub and music venue its first time around, the Five Points Pub returned this year — seemingly due to popular demand — after a few years of steady turnover at 2020 Devine. Why mess with what worked: The Pub built its reputation on being a cool, comfortable place to watch live music and imbibe a few drinks, and it’s gotten back to those basics in its second iteration.

Foxfield Bar and Grille 406 Howard St., 728-0420 This small neighborhood bar — really, it’s right in a neighborhood — has a swanky backyard and more fancy liquors than you can shake a stick at. Weekend oyster roasts and the occasional itinerant acoustic musician just add to the family vibe.

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.

The Library

805 Harden St., 929-6955 A classic Five Points college bar: Cheap drinks, cheap wings, good music. Stays open late.

Lucky’s 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.

Mucho Margaritas 819 Harden St., 251-3185 Yes, the margaritas, voted best in the Free Times Best of Columbia poll, are, in fact, spectacular, but the family-owned restaurant and bar also offers fine Tex-Mex food and cheap beer.

bites&sights | freetimes

Sun Ming File photo

Sweet Cake House

Mediterranean Café

Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m. -6 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

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

Yoghut

Downtown: 601 Main St., 386-9786

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

Forest Acres: 5424 Forest Dr. #120, 250-2580 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Forest Acres: 4710 Forest Dr., 782-0077 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.

Dining continued from page 26

Dessert Baskin-Robbins

Forest Acres: 4711 Forest Dr., 782-0731 Sun-Thu noon-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat noon-10 p.m.

Northeast: 9920 Two Notch Rd., 788-7755 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 10 p.m.-3 p.m.

Want a huge, delicious cookie? Of course you do. Blue Flour bakes up new versions each day. Also on the menu: quiches, muffins, cupcakes, coffeecakes, crumbles, plus fresh cold milk and fresh brewed coffee. ¢

Bruster’s Real Ice Cream

Harbison/Irmo: 378 Columbiana Dr., 407-5904 Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Northeast: 202 Grace’s Way, 419-8889

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

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. ¢.

Cold Stone Creamery

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

Sun-Thu noon-12 p.m.-10 a.m.; Fri-Sat noon-11 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 them supremely well. From red velvet to mandarin orange chocolate to salted caramel chocolate chip to about anything sweet you can think of, Cupcake

30 freetimes | bites&sights

has your sweet tooth covered and then some. freshcupcakes.com. ¢.

Desserts & More

Northeast: 4611 Hardscrabble Rd., Ste. 101, 6998800 Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Specializes in desserts, including cookies, cakes (try the Red Velvet Cake) and pies, but also features large breakfast and lunch menu, including sandwiches, soups and salads. Gourmet coffee selection to boot. desserts-n-more.com. ¢.

FruitiCup

Five Points: 631-B Harden St., 771-0061 Noon-9:30 p.m. daily

First, choose your frozen yogurt flavor from the everchanging assortment; then, top it with everything from brownie chunks to fresh fruit to every kind of candy imaginable. Pay by weight. Feel like a kid again. Also serves boba milk tea.

Insomnia Cookies

Five Points: 2013 Devine St., 877-632-6654 Mon-Sun 7 p.m.-3 a.m.

Now in a permanent Five Points location, Insomnia bakes fresh cookies and other goodies for the latenight partying crowd. What’s better after a night of drinking than a freshly made chocolate chip cookie? Try the Menage a Trois, a blend of three cookies all baked together. Delivery is available for a $6 minimum (plus tip, of course). insomniacookies.com. ¢.

Marble Slab Creamery

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 6000 Garners Ferry Rd., 783-6243

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

Harbison/Irmo: 1230 Bower Pkwy., 749-4233

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

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

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

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

price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

Self-serve Texas yogurt chain with a variety of flavors and more than 30 toppings. Free Wi-Fi and Wii! ¢.

German Huller’s Black Forest

Harbison/Irmo: 380 Columbiana Dr., 781-0026 Mon-Thurs 11 a.m.-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.

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 a drink, salad and dessert. $

Julia’s German Restaurant

Northeast: 4341 Fort Jackson Blvd., 738-0630 Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5-9 p.m.; Sat 5-9 p.m.

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

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

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

Zorba’s Family Greek Restaurant

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

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

Devine Foods

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. $.

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

Delhi Palace

Greek/ Mediterranean Shandon/Rosewood: 2702 Devine St., 252-0356 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-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

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

Greek Boys

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

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. ¢.

Main Street Café, Bar & Grill Lexington: 131 E. Main St., 808-5886

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. ¢-$.

Dreams of Bombay

Five Points: 817 Harden St., 661-8405

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

Features a classic Indian buffet, with all the chutneys, pickles and raitas your heart could desire, plus a modest assortment of vegetable curries, pakora, naan, chicken curries and more. Menu features tandoor oven breads, kebabs, shrimp vindaloo and more. $

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. $.

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

Spice Junction

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. ¢-$.

Tues-Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

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

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

PLAY&

STAY

Five Points Devine Street Rosewood Olympia

Publick House. File photo Nightcaps

Rum Runners

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.

724 Harden St., 256-1390 Offers exactly what you’d want from a Five Points bar: Cheap drinks, good vibe, good music. Stays open late.

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.

Pawleys Front Porch

827 Harden St., 771-8001 pawleys5pts.com Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Pawleys is primarily known for its behemoth 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.

The Pour House

800 Harden St., 932-3033 Next to the always overflowing Group Therapy, The Pour House has a good drink selection at prices that won’t send you to the poor house.

Publick House

2307 Devine St. Exceptional beer selection, challenging trivia, hip music selection, über-friendly staff, good burgers and the best raw fries around.

Red Hot Tomatoes

636 Harden St., 466-5566 From barroom bingo to karaoke, dance music to red-hot bartenders and customers, Red Hot Tomatoes has everything it needs to keep the parade of partygoers coming. A Five Points institution since 1988.

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.

The Rolling Stone

1332 Rosewood Drive, 799-5212 Despite its cinder block exterior and location right next to a railroad trestle, The Rolling Stone is no rough roadhouse. It’s a cozy tavern with a few TVs, a big digital jukebox and even some outdoor tables. Live music and cheap beer guarantee you a good time.

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

The Saloon 812 Harden St., 779-4445 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.

Salty Nut Café

2000-A Greene St., 256-4611 saltynut.com A quick hop from USC, the Salty Nut sees its fair share of coeds at night, though its relaxed atmosphere and huge half-pound burgers attract a more diverse crowd for lunch. As far as the nighttime appeal goes, what more could a modern college student ask for than peanuts, beer, burgers and sports?

Sharky’s

636 Harden St., 799-8337 What you might already know about Sharky’s: It’s been a favorite Five Points hangout since 1985, been repeatedly voted Best College Bar in Free Times, been listed in Playboy’s Top 100 College Bars issue and it was once the No. 1 Jim Beam sales account in the world. What you might not know: Sharky’s also works hard to keep the partying safe by offering free cab rides and contributing to MADD.

Speakeasy

711 Saluda Ave., 255-0869 Delaney’s classy, hip younger sibling boasts a fine liquor selection, great beers and a top-notch staff, as well as fine cigars, comfy couches and weekly jazz.

The Tavern on Greene

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.

The Thirsty Parrot

734 Harden St., 708-4768 Like Jimmy Buffett? You’ll most likely dig this place, which offers fine burger and spirits in an easygoing atmosphere.

Yesterdays. File photo. TLC Sports Bar and Grill 936 S. Stadium Rd., 251-3087 Built to withstand even the toughest of game days, this ultimate Gamecock bar, located within a stone’s throw of Williams-Brice, offers enough food, drink and fun to satisfy even the most orange-blooded Clemson fan.

Utopia 3830A Rosewood Dr., 782-8522 Cozy is the name of the game here — this recently relocated Rosewood neighborhood bar offers plush indoor and outdoor seating, both of which are perfect for catching its frequent singer-songwriter guests.

Village Idiot

2009 Devine St., 252-8646 villageidiotpizza.com Columbia’s quintessential college-town pizza joint in a pub atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to enjoy delicious fare, cold beer, wallet-friendly weekly specials and a heaping helping of revelry. Serving New York-style pizza since 1990. Dine in, pick up or delivery, and menu also features salads, sandwiches and wings.

Yesterday’s 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.

Where to Stay Accommodations 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, Luna, 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.

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.

bites&sights | freetimes

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 4:30 p.m.-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. $.

Delhi Palace File photo

Italian Al’s Upstairs

West Columbia/Cayce: 304 Meeting St., 794-7404 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. $$.

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders

Harbison/Irmo: 1085 Lake Murray Blvd., 407-4884 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Lexington: 5339 Sunset Blvd., Hwy. 378, 957-6767 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

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

Moe’s Grapevine Italian Restaurant

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4478 Rosewood , 7768463 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Dinner: Mon-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Accomplished local Italian chef, popular at noted previous stops around town, has his own restaurant specializing 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: 3405 Forest Dr., 787-1838 Sun-Thu 4:30-9 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4:30-10 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. pasta-fresca.net. ¢-$.

Ristorante Divino

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)

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. $-$$.

From the owner of Gervais & Vine comes this welcome addition to the Forest Acres dining landscape. Out-of-this-world seafood highlights the Italian-Mediterranean menu, but don’t miss out on the woodfired traditional pizzas. Entrées include Rosso Bucco (tee hee), Wood-Grilled Swordfish, Lobster Spaghetti and Lemon-Saffron Risotto. A winner all the way around. rossocolumbia.com. $-$$.

Delucca’s

Stephano’s

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 2100 Bush River Rd. (inside the Radisson Hotel), 744-2200 Mon-Sun 6 a.m.-midnight

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.

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. $.

Dianne’s on Devine

Shandon/Rosewood: 2400 Devine St., 254-3535 Mon 5-9 p.m.; Tue-Sat 5-10 p.m.

Dim lighting, sultry jazz and exquisite service make Dianne’s an excellent choice for special occasions. Delicious fare features heavy Italian influence on chicken, steak and pasta dishes. You won’t go wrong anywhere on the upscale menu. diannesondevine.com. $-$$.

Garibaldi Café

Five Points: 2013 Greene St., 771-8888

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

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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

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.

Lexington: 5074 Sunset Dr., 957-2422A 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. $-$$.

Japanese/ Korean Blue Cactus Café

Hibachi Restaurant Tama Northeast: 2318 Decker Blvd., 699-5041 Mon-Sat 11a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8 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. ¢.

Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar 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

Five Points: 2002 Greene St., 929-0782

Tue-Thu 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 1-9 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 vegetarianfriendly. Quality takes time, however, so don’t go if you’re in a hurry. bluecactuscafe.com. ¢.

O Bok is popular with Korean folks for good reason — the authenticity of the food. For non-natives, 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 an assortment of unusual relishes, including kimchee. ¢.

DJ House

Sato Japanese

Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.; Sat noon-9 p.m.

Northeast: 1807 Decker Blvd. Ste. 5 , 790-7778 Mon, Wed and Thurs 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

All the things you expect from a classic Korean restaurant — cold beer; an army of banchan, or small side dishes — along with some super-authentic touches, like the big savory pancakes or the hot, spice-filled stews that cook right at your table. $

Fujiya Japanese Restaurant

Shandon/Rosewood: 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 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 5-9 p.m.

Forest Acres: 1999 Beltline Blvd., 782-1064 Tue-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. $-$$.

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. $.

Sumo

Fusion Bowl Asian Cuisine & Sushi

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. $$

Lexington: 5166 Sunset Blvd., 996-1333

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

Fusion Bowl serves sushi, hibachi-style cooking and, if that weren’t enough, Thai and Chinese cuisine. Offers daily lunch specials for $5 as well as half-price sushi after 8 p.m. with the purchase of two alcoholic beverages. fusionbowlsc.com. ¢-$.

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.-3 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 Japanese House

Northeast: 6634 Two Notch Rd., 699-9922

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

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. ¢-$$.

Northeast: 151 Clemson Rd., 788-2300 Lexington: 205-B Columbia Ave., 356-5597 Mon-Thurs 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10:30 p.m; Sun 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

Tokyo Grill

Harbison/Irmo: 378-2 Columbiana Dr., 749-9818 Forest Acres: 3151 Forest Dr., 738-7008 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. ¢-$.

Mexican Baja Broiler

Lexington: 1345 Old Chapin Rd., 356-0040 Tue-Sun 5 p.m.-2 a.m.

Hibachi Grill

Baja Broiler offers Tex-Mex cuisine, with all meat cooked over an open wood fire, and bar favorites like chicken wings, quesadillas and more. Hearthealthy and low-carb options are available, and the kitchen can accomodate special needs. Features live entertainment several nights a week. bajabroiler.net. ¢-$.

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

El Burrito

West Columbia: 2343 Augusta Rd., 791-5333

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. ¢.

Five Points: 934 Harden St., 765-2188 Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

El Burrito serves healthy, super-fresh, authentic taqueria-style food. Beans and rice, chicken, beef, soup, salads and more. Attention to healthy food and local produce. Vegan- and vegetarian-friendly. Live bluegrass on Thursdays (seasonal). One of the best salads in town. myspace.com/elburritosc. ¢.

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

free-times.com | Winter Spring 2011 2011-12

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33 3

Tacos Los Poblanitos

West Columbia/Cayce: Hook Ave. between Hwy. 1 and Jarvis Klapman Blvd., 414-9150 Sun-Thu 5-9 p.m., Fri-Sat 5-10 p.m.

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

Tacos! Sushi! Takosushi! A sushi joint and casual Mexican restaurant rolled into one, Takosushi offers burritos, enchiladas, tacos (“takos,” actually), sashimi, bento boxes and more. ¢-$.

Taqueria Jalisco

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 612 St. Andrews Rd., 731-5546 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat noon-10 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Hero Japanese House File photo

Cantina 76

Shandon/Rosewood: 2901 Devine St., 708-6004

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

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.

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. ¢-$.

La Estrella

Northeast: 2630 Decker Blvd., 788-8998 West Columbia-Cayce: 1921 Airport Blvd., 739-6520

Vista: 931 Senate St., 765-1465

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

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 199 Knox Abbott Dr., 794-3974

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

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

La Fiesta

Mucho Margaritas

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

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

West Columbia/Cayce: 1220 Charleston Hwy., 796-7004

Five Points: 819 Harden St., 251-3185

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

Family owned and operated, Mucho Margaritas offers a wide variety of Mexican restaurant classics and bar specialties, a la carte items, vegetarian combos and more. Great wings, too. ¢

Fever

Downtown: 1202 Main St., 799-1250 Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

While serving up affordable Cali-style tacos — pulled pork, seafood and more — plus a full list of burgers, hot dogs, salads and fancier fare like lamb chop frites (bone-in lamb chops with spiced figs and lamb demiglace served with a grilled eggplant-squash medley), Fever also has a swanky bar. Try the sangria. ¢-$.

Hola Mexico

Northeast: 9009 Two Notch Rd., 834-3014

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

Moe’s Southwest Grill

Downtown: 625 South Main St., 256-9663

Pancho’s

Forest Acres: 5400 Forest Dr., 738-9511 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

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

Qdoba Mexican Grill

Five Points: 2006 Devine St.; 799-1950

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

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

Forest Acres: 2130 N Beltline Blvd., 743-9663

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

Harbison/Irmo: 945 Lake Murray Blvd., 749-6638

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

Lexington: 914 N Lake Dr., 996-9200

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

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.

Forest Acres: 4840 Forest Dr., 738-8272

Northeast: 470-1 Town Center Place, 788-6639

Plenty of 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. ¢.

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 pass up. Coming soon to Devine Street, also. ¢.

West Columbia/Cayce: 2217 Augusta Rd., 477-5818

San Jose Mexican Restaurant

Chipotle Mexican Grill Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Eric’s San Jose

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. ¢.

34 freetimes | bites&sights

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

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

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

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

Monterrey Mexican Restaurant

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 498 Piney Grove Rd., 750-3611

Harbison/Irmo: 114 Afton Court, 749-5928 Lexington: 5570 Sunset Blvd., 356-8314

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

Northeast: 7260 Parklane Rd., 699-6248 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat-Sun noon-10 p.m.

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.

Northeast: 801 Sparkleberry Ln., 419-8862 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Sat noon-10:30 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

Tio’s Mexican Cafe

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

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

Tio’s is a family owned Tex-Mex café distinguished by its extensive and eclectic salsa offerings. Shelves along the walls display the variety of hot sauces available, with names such as King of Fire and Spontaneous Combustion. 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. ¢.

Middle Eastern Al-Amir

Downtown: 629 Main St., 771-0515

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

Shandon/Rosewood: 2930 Devine St., 779-6299 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Northeast: 471-1 Market Place (Sandhills), 865-5865 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

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. ¢-$.

Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 1058 St. Andrews Rd., 798-9664 Lunch: Tue-Fri 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Tue-Sat 5-until

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. ¢.

Jasmine Deli and Cafe Downtown: 601 Main St., 771-1530 Mon-Sun 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sandwiches, salads and soups with a Mediterranean flair. Includes plenty of vegetarian options — and plenty of dessert options, too, like the ultra-rich chocolate cheesecake. ¢.

Mezza Lebanese Bistro & Hookah Lounge Vista: 701 Gervais St., 708-0236

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

Rent a hookah, check out the extensive wine list or simply revel in the Lebanese men, which features classics like kebabs, falafel and hummus, plus some twists on originals, such as the grilled haloumi cheese or the fresh-cut Phoenician fries tossed with lemon, garlic, sumac and feta. $.

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

Pitas

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

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

price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

Downtown: 1800 Taylor St., 343-3454 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. ¢.

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

bites&sights | freetimes

Pearlz Oyster Bar Fhoto by Sean Rayford

Pizza Pro & Sub City

Northeast: 8604 Farrow Rd., 462-1776 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Just as the name implies, these guys are all about doing subs and pizza the right way. Huge meatball sandwiches and homemade pizza sauces are just two of the many reasons to give them a try. Daily lunch specials, express pick-up and personal and corporate catering available. ¢.

Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill Lexington: 5304 Sunset Blvd., 359-3888

Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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

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

Pizza

Marco’s Pizza

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

Bobby’s House of Pizza & Subs

Mon-Thurs 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. ¢-$

Schiano’s

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza

Northeast: 486-11 Town Center Place (Village at Sandhill), 708-4874 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Charlotte-based franchise specializing in, as the name suggests, wood-fired pizzas. But wait, there’s more! Sandwiches, apps and pasta accompany the pizzas, as does an extensive beer and wine list. Try the Spicy Shrimp or the Quattro Fromaggio pizza, which includes mozzarella, parmesan, gouda and goat cheese with sun-dried tomatoes. Kids’ specials, too. brixxpizza.com. ¢-$.

CiCi’s Pizza

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

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. danosdelivers.com. ¢.

LaBrasca’s Pizza

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4365 Fort Jackson Blvd., 782-1098 Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

With roots in a chain of Charleston pizzerias, LaBrasca’s has been serving great pies in Columbia since 1966. While its owners have changed over the years, this humble pizzeria continues in its tradition of offering extraordinary pizzas at prices that haven’t seemed to change much since the ‘60s. ¢.

Mellow Mushroom

Lexington: 5364 Sunset Blvd., 359-0778

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

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. ¢-$.

Vista: 1009 Gervais St., 933-9201

Tony’s Original Pizza

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. $.

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

Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight; Sun 1-9 p.m.

Nick’s House of Pizza

West Columbia-Cayce: 1082A Sunset Blvd., 7949240 Mon-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. $

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/Rosewood: 341 S. Woodrow St., 252-6931 Sun-Thu 7 a.m.-11 p.m.; Fri-Sat 7 a.m.-midnight

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. ¢-$.

zpizza

Vista: 1004 Gervais St., 708-4703

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

Formed in 1986 in California, zpizza focuses its efforts on healthy, light and organic pizzas. Also offers gourmet sandwiches and salads. zpizza.com. ¢-$.

Blue Marlin

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

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. ¢-$.

Formerly one of several independent Tony’s Pizzas in the area, this Cayce eatery is now Zeus Pizza, which boasts homemade pizza crusts, Italian and Greek favorites, burgers, wings, plus delivery and a catering menu. ¢.

Seafood

Ray’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream Shoppe

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

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

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

Authentic, gourmet New York-style pizzas in thin and Sicilian varieties sold by the slice or pie. Also serves calzones, Philly cheesesteaks, hoagies, Italian sandwiches, wings, salads and more. Every Tuesday is Movie Night, where Pop’s screens new releases at 7 and 9 p.m. on its plasma-screen TVs. ¢-$.

Northeast: 2112 Clemson Rd., 699-3311

West Columbia/Cayce: 224 Knox Abbott Dr., 9360033

Pop’s NY Pizza

Five Points: 707 Harden St., 540-7677

Northeast: 4561 Hard Scrabble Rd., 419-3700

Zeus Pizza

West Columbia/Cayce: 975 Knox Abbott Dr., 7945469 Of the two unaffiliated Tony’s Pizzas in Cayce, this one is older, having opened in 1967. Offers pastas, pizza and other Italian favorites. ¢.

Valentina’s Greek and Italian Cuisine

Blythewood: 135 Blythewood Rd., 754-0444 Mon-Thu 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 10 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. Sun 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 strombolis, pasta (Baked Ziti), salads and wings. ¢. villageidiotpizza.com

Za’s Brick Oven Pizza

Shandon/Rosewood: 2930 Devine St., 771-7334 Mon-Wed 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Thu-Sat 11 a.m.-11 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. The Cali salad comes with mandarin oranges, bell peppers, red onions, mushrooms, pine nuts, grape tomatoes, goat cheese, blackened sushi-grade tuna and a balsamic vinaigrette. zasbrickovenpizza.com. ¢-$.

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 handcut 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. $.

Bonefish Grill

Forest Acres: 4708 Forest Dr., 787-6200 Harbison/Irmo: 1260 Bower Pkwy., 407-1599

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

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. Although reservations aren’t required, they are recommended, especially on weekends. bonefishgrill.com. ¢-$.

Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar Lexington: 938 N. Lake Dr., 808-2244

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

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 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 Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Fri-Sun 10 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. Serves fresh Gulf oysters, steamed or raw, steamed shrimp and scallops. ¢-$.

price key ¢ = average entrée less than $10 $ = average entrée $10-15 $$ = average entrée more than $15

t 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 is Richland County’s fastest-growing area, sporting 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.

What to Do Attractions

meeting facilities and trails. Trails include a 6.1-mile mountain bike trail, a 1.9-mile nature trail and a 3.5-mile walking and jogging trail. Located 13 miles northeast of Columbia on Two Notch Road.

Cobblestone Park Golf Club

Village at Sandhill

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.

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.

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.

Kershaw Fine Arts Center 810 Lyttleton St., Camden, 803-425-7676 fineartscenter.org Presents community-oriented theater, music, dance and exhibits, as well as the annual Carolina Downhome Blues Festival.

S.C. Archives and History Center 8301 Parklane Rd., 896-6100 scdah.sc.gov Sorry, folks: The S.C. Archives and History Center’s online auction of old Confederate money has ended. But there are still plenty of reasons to check out the Archives and History Center, the most popular of which is to research your family history in the research room. 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, public programs and has a gift shop.

Sesquicentennial State Park 9564 Two Notch Road, 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,

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Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

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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, BooksA-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 concerts at Rice Music House.

The Windermere Club 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.

Nightlife Brixx 486 11 Town Center Place, 708-4874 brixxpizza.com Another open-late eatery-cum-drinkery in the Village at Sandhill, this one offering live music and drink specials among wood-fired pizzas.

Caprioska 7001 Parklane Road, 699-8300 caprioska.com 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 2768 Decker Blvd., 798-9898 comedyhouse.us Regional and national comedy acts stopping by regularly. Offers a full menu with steak, shrimp, chicken, burgers, sandwiches and appetizers.

Hooters 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 were one, Hooters is famous for its wings and women — both of which can get pretty hot.

Polliwog’s 10005 Two Notch Rd., 736-5775 This state-of-the-art sports bar offers an attractive selection of viewing and dining

Village at Sandhill. Photo by Laurie Moot possibilities. And if you hate sports, there’s always karaoke.

bangers), Irish beer and occasional live music in a friendly environment.

The Mouse Trap

Salsa Cabana

2711 Middleburg Drive, 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 food.

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.

The Puddlin’ Duck 108 Columbia Northeast Dr., 865-2859 thepuddlinduck.com A welcome addition to nightlife and dining offerings in the Northeast, The Puddlin’ Duck offers Irish delicious grub (mmm …

Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar 841-4 Sparkleberry Lane, 788-6966 More than one of Ricky Mollohan’s highly esteemed restaurants, Solstice offers an extensive wine and specialty drink list.

Taps Pub & Restaurant 104-B Columbia NE Dr., 699-4657 Patriotically themed pub.

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Saky

Thai Lotus

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

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

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 4963 Jackson Blvd., 787-5307 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 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 4:30 p.m.-midnight (bar open later)

Harbison/Irmo: 1290 Bower Pkwy., 407-3873 Mon 4 p.m.-midnight; Tue-Thu 4 p.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 4 p.m.-midnight; Sun 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Golden Chopstix File photo

Pearlz Oyster Bar

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

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-seafood-loving. ¢-$.

Steakhouse Arizona Steakhouse

Northeast: 150 Forum Dr., 865-1001

Mon 11:30-9 p.m.; Tue-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri-Sat 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 a 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-Sun 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4-10 p.m.; Sunday brunch 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. cowboybraziliansteakhouse.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 noon-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 noon-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

Mon-Sun Breakfast: 7-10 a.m. Lunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner Mon-Thu, Sun 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

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. $.

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

Virtu Restaurant & Bar

Shandon/Rosewood: 2406 Devine St., 376-8888 Mon-Thu 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat 4 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Diverse tapas menu features small dishes from cuisines worldwide. Bar carries craft beers, wines and fancy drinks. ¢.

Five Points: 2135 Devine St., 252-8992

Tue-Thu 5:30-9 p.m.; Fri 5:30-10 p.m.; Sat 5:30-9 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. $.

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. $-$$.

Inakaya Japanese Restaurant

Garners Ferry/Southeast: 7509-H Garners Ferry Rd., 776-2993

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. $.

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 cozy atmosphere have given it a loyal following despite its elusive location for its sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura. $.

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/Rosewood: 3312-B Devine St., 799-0048 Store hours: Mon-Sat 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Good Life Café

True Mediterranean wine and tapas bar with more than 40 wines by the glass and a wide selection of appetizers. Dishes prepared in view and are a fusion of Greek, Italian and Spanish cuisine. The seared sea scallops are served over grilled ciabatta with fresh olive tappenade and topped with fresh oven-dried tomatoes. A Vista gem. gervine.com. ¢-$.

Baan Sawan

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

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 6024 St. Andrews Rd., 731-7715

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

Vista: 620-A Gervais St., 799-8463

Camon Japanese Restaurant

Northeast: 224 O’Neil Ct., 699-2626 St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 655-C St. Andrews Rd., 731-2538

Thailand Restaurant

Gervais & Vine

Tapas

Thai

Tue-Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

The buffet at this elegant but casual Asian restaurant is enormously popular, especially on weekends, but menu items like Mussaman Curry and Thai Style Shrimp Scampi make choosing difficult. Factor in some of the best sushi in town — try the multifaceted Celebration Roll, for example — and you’ll never decide. ¢-$.

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. ¢.

Sushi Downtown: 1332 Assembly St., 254-5400

St. Andrews/Dutch Square: 612 St. Andrews Rd., 561-0006

Bangkok Restaurant 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 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 5-9 p.m.; Sat 5-9:30 p.m.

Everything you’d expect from a good Thai place and more — spring rolls, fried calamari, stuffed chicken wing appetizers, and a host of noodle and rice dishes and entrees such as rainbow duck, whole red snapper and a host of curries, Also offers reasonably priced lunch special entrees. maithais.com. $.

West Columbia: 3681-D Leaphart Rd., 454-3516 Mon-Sat 7 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

A full-on vegan raw food bar with a tasty and everrotating 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. goodlifecafe.net . ¢.

Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café Downtown: 2338 Main St., 253-7889 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-7 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. ¢.

Rosewood Market & Deli

Shandon/Rosewood: 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 p.m.; Sat noon-2 p.m., 5-9 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. ¢.

The Orchid Restaurant and Bar Southeast: 905 Bluff Rd., 708-5164 Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-midnight

Sharing a building with a gas station, this charming bar has cozy booths and a small but tasty menu of Thai, Vietnamese and American favorites, from burgers to pho to chicken satay to pad thai. Also has a full bar and super-cheap beer. Why would you hole up anywhere else? ¢.

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.

Tsubaki

Camden House Bed & Breakfast

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.

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.

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.

Wild Wing Café 480 Town Center Place, Ste. 2; 865-3365 wildwingcafe.com Sure, Wild Wing Café has sandwiches, salads and soup, but the obvious draw is its 33 flavors of wings. If you can’t decide on one, get the sampler platter. Also boasts a ton of TVs, a party atmosphere and a steady stream of regional rock bands.

Where to Stay Accommodations 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.

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Northeast Forest Acres Fort Jackson Blythewood Camden

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.

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbia-Northeast 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.

Sesquicentennial Park. Courtesy photo

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or visitors to the area, the key draw in this part of town is Lake Murray, where you’ll find more than 500 miles of shoreline along South Carolina’s largest 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.

What to Do Attractions Bicycle City

Harbison State Forest state.sc.us/forest/refharb.htm, 896-8890 If you didn’t know it was there, you’d never expect to find 2,177 acres of forest along the sprawling mess that is Broad River Road. But there it is — one of the largest public green spaces inside the city limits of a metropolitan area in the eastern United States. Features more than 16 miles of roads and trails (popular for biking) and a canoe landing.

The Caddy Shak

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.

Crooked Creek Park 1098 Old Lexington Highway (Chapin) 345-6181, icrc.net “Crooked Creek” makes this park sound like it’s a dirt path next to a trickle of water. Actually, it’s got a 53,000-square-foot community center with a full gym and racquetball courts, along with tennis courts, athletics fields, picnic areas and, oh yeah, walking trails.

Dreher Island State Recreation Area 3677 State Park Road 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.

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

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designed by golf architect Ron Garl. Considered challenging yet playable for all levels, the course is among the highest-rated in the Midlands.

bicyclecity.com It’s not finished yet, but this bold project in Gaston aims to be just what its name suggests — a car-free community. Planned highlights include eco-friendly homes, trails, lake recreation, an organic market and more. Parking will be available on the edge of the community.

381 Pilgrim Church Rd., 356-2239 mycaddyshak.com Restaurant and driving range and a Par 3 course at the StoneBridge Golf Club. On 381 Pilgrim Church Road, off Highway 6 near Lake Murray.

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Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo

Dreher Island. Courtesy photo

lakemurraycountry.com, lakemurray.com Located a few miles northwest of downtown Columbia, Lake Murray is a 50,000-acre lake offering boating, camping and other recreational activities. Lakemurraycountry.com lists public access points, as well as marinas and landing spots.

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: an upside-down sandstone formation that has stood for millions of years and is a testament to the ancient marine environment that was once here. Located off S.C. 6 in southern Lexington County near Swansea.

Saluda Shoals Park icrc.net, 731-5208, 213-2050 (weekend) Situated on 270 acres downstream from the Lake Murray Dam, Saluda Shoals features a popular water park, an environmental education center, canoe trips, nature hikes, biking trails, fishing spots, picnic shelters, art exhibits, summer camps, health and wellness programs, meeting facilities and more.

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, athlet-

Lake Murray. Photo by Daniel Coston ics and cultural arts programs. Features a dance studio, art gallery, picnic areas, tennis courts, walking trails and more.

State Farmers Market Exit 115 off I-26 scstatefarmersmarket.com Relocated to Lexington County from Richland in 2010, the South Carolina State Farmers Market has a lot more space than it used to — space for vendors, shoppers and parking. Major wholesale vendors include Senn Brothers, Severt & Sons Produce Co., V.B. Hook & Co., L&N Produce, Ayer & Price Fruit

Co. and Raybon Tomato. Also features an exhibition kitchen, restaurant and a bakery. Open Mon-Sat 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sun noon to 6 p.m.

Village Square Theatre 105 Caughman Road, Lexington villagesquaretheatre.com, 359-1436 Community theater from the Lexington County Arts Association.

bites&sights | freetimes

Cajun, Creole, & Southern Grubbin’

OPEN FOR LUNCH & DINNER Fresh Local Seafood • Chicken Steak • Red Beans & Rice • Savory Gumbo

Come in & check out our NEW Lunch Specials! Available 11am-4pm daily

asta Jambalaya P NIGHTLY DINE-IN SPECIALS 4-9PM

Fried S hrimp Baske t

MONDAY: STEAMED OYSTER BUCKETS $12.95 ABITA AMBER & PURPLE HAZE $11 BUCKETS $2 BOTTLE TUESDAY: ALL YOU CAN EAT CRABLEGS $32.95 BUD LIGHT BUD LIGHT LIME $8 BUCKET / $1.50 BOTTLE WEDNESDAY: SAVE $1 ON ALL HOUSE SPECIALTIES LARGE

STEAMED SHRIMP DINNER $9.95

THURSDAY: KIDS EAT FREE with Reg. Meal Purchase from Gator Bait Menu FRIDAY: FISH FRY $1.00 OFF ALL FRIED FISH DINNERS

Chicken Tenders

Catering for Special Events & Family Gatherings, WE GOTCHA!

carry-out menu available

749.3004

LIKE US ON

7949 Broad River Rd • Friarsgate/Bi-Lo Plaza

1260 A6 Bower Parkway • Columbia, SC (803) 781-7508 • www.BubbleTeaCafe.com

MON-WED: 11AM-10PM • THURS - SAT: 11AM-11PM

TUE-THUR: 11AM-8PM • FRI & SAT: 11AM-10PM SUNDAY: 12PM-8PM

www.mudbonesswampshack.com

42 freetimes | bites&sights

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

Nightlife Alter Ego 109-U Old Chapin Rd., 808-0832 Twisted tapas bar by day, swank lounge bar by night. Nightly drink specials, occasional live music.

Bailey’s Sports Grille 115 Afton Court, 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.

Baja Broiler 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.

British Bulldog Pub 1220 E10 Bowers Pkwy., 227-8918 thebritishbulldogpub.com A British pub in the middle of Irmo’s urban sprawl? Rad. A dinner menu of traditional U.K. cuisine is augmented with specials on Guinness and Irish whiskeys, but the Bulldog doesn’t forget us Yanks, offering basketball (and soccer, too) on big-screen televisions and multiple, cold domestics.

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

Carolina Wings & Rib House 7587 St. Andrews Rd., 781-0084 105 Northpoint Dr., 356-6244 carolinawings.com What can we say about this Columbia institution? There’s one in almost every neighborhood, they carry a good selection of bottled beers, and the assortment of buffalo wing flavors is enticing, too.

Copper River Grill 1230 B8 Bower Parkway, 749-4647 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.

Corner Pocket 489 Piney Grove Rd., 731-0403 Karaoke, cover bands and lots of pool (hence the name “Corner Pocket,” get it?). Wannabe pool sharks are welcome — but be ready to meet your match.

The Dam Bar & Grill 1605 N. Lake Dr., 808-0882 A popular stop for Lexington locals located near the Lake Murray Dam — duh — this bar and grill caters heavily to the biker and country crowds, but its numerous pool tables, large-screen TVs, fine finger foods and bucket specials are sure to please any bargoer.

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.

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

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.

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Lake Murray Lexington Harbison Irmo

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 were 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 in the middle of the recently streetscaped section of Main Street in downtown Lexington. The addition of live local music several nights a week makes it a great way for Lexington residents to enjoy dinner and some entertainment without having to travel into Columbia.

Platinum Plus 362 Jacob Rd., 731-0555 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.

Pure Ultra Lounge 14 Berryhill Rd., 451-7873 In the old Comedy House building, Pure bills itself as an upscale “Gullah Bistro” and dance club with live jazz weekly. Has not one but two bars and VIP areas stocked with premium and potent potables. It’s ultra, all right, and super-swanky.

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 tipsytoadtavern.com A godsend to the culturally deprived lake area, the Tipsy Toad features a good beer selection (Anchor Steam on tap!) and Vistastyle atmosphere.

The Watershed

711 E. Main St., 808-5886 Christian bookstore offering live music and fellowship. Coffee, desserts and wireless Internet access next door at the Wired Bean.

The Wild Hare 5122 Bush River Rd., 213-1300 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.

Harbison State Forest. Photo courtesy S.C. Forestry Commission 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.

Where to Stay Accommodations Comfort Suites Lexington 325 W. Main St. (Lexington), 996-2000 A 100 percent non-smoking hotel, Comfort Suites Lexington also offers 32-inch flatscreen TVs with premium channels and a DVD player; free wired and wireless highspeed Internet access; cordless speakerphone with voice mail; a hair dryer; microwave and more.

cable TV. Also offers fitness room, pool and laundry facilities.

Holidy Inn & Suites Columbia Airport 500 Chris Dr. (West Columbia), 391-4000 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.

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; highspeed, wireless Internet access; high-quality mattresses and pillows; in-room safe; 24-hour business center; fitness room; and whirlpool.

Hilton Garden Inn 434 Columbiana Dr. (Harbison), 407-6640 Business-friendly rooms equipped wireless, high-speed Internet. Guestrooms have refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers and

bites&sights | freetimes

44 freetimes | bites&sights

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

Index Blythewood Blythewood Smoked BBQ...................17 Carolina Wings....................................17 Groucho’s............................................26 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Valentina’s Greek and Italian..............36

Downtown Al-Amir................................................34 Atlanta Bread Company......................10 Anthony’s Past Time Café.....................8 Beezer’s...............................................24 California Dreaming..............................8 Camon Japanese Restaurant..............38 Carolina Café & Catering.....................20 Carolina’s...............................................8 Chocolate Nirvana...............................10 City Center Grill.....................................8 College Grounds Café.........................26 Cool Beans Coffee Co.........................20 Courtyard Café....................................18 Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse............38 Cromer’s..............................................30 Drake’s Duck In.....................................8 Fever...................................................34 Firehouse Subs....................................26 Greek Boys..........................................30 Hampton Place Café...........................26 Hampton Street Vineyard....................18 Hong Kong...........................................24 Hunter-Gatherer..................................20 Immaculate Consumption .................24 J. Gumbo’s...........................................24 Jasmine Deli and Café ........................34 Lamb’s Bread Vegan Café...................38 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 TLC Sports Bar and Grill......................16 M Café.................................................10 Mac’s on Main.......................................8 Mack’s...................................................8 Main Street at the Sheraton.................8 Maurice’s Barbecue............................20 Miyo’s..................................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Nathan’s Restaurant...........................26 No Name Deli......................................26 Palmetto Pig........................................18 Pitas.....................................................34 Pita Pit.................................................26 P.O.S.H. ...............................................18 RB’s Bodacious Bistro.........................18 Roly Poly Sandwiches.........................26 Ruth’s Chris.........................................38 Sammi’s Delli.......................................26 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs....................9 Swanson’s Deli....................................26 Tio’s Mexican Café..............................34 Tony’s Pizza and Italian Eatery............32 Villa Tronco..........................................32 Whig, The.............................................16 White Mule, The..................................15 Which Wich?........................................26 Wing Zone...........................................18 Yoghut.................................................30 Zoe’s Kitchen.......................................26

restaurants grouped by neighborhood Dreams of Bombay.............................30 Drip Coffee..........................................20 El Burrito..............................................32 FruitiCup..............................................30 Garibaldi’s Café...................................32 Goatfeathers.......................................18 Gourmet Shop, The.............................20 Grilled Teriyaki.....................................32 Groucho’s............................................26 Group Therapy.....................................16 Harper’s Restaurant..............................8 Insomnia Cookies................................30 Jimmy Johns........................................26 Lucky’s.................................................16 LuLu’s Hot Dogs....................................8 Mr. Friendly’s.......................................18 Mucho Margaritas...............................34 Pawley’s Front Porch............................9 Pho Viet...............................................38 Pop’s NY Pizza.....................................36 Pour House..........................................16 Salty Nut Café.......................................9 Saluda’s...............................................20 Sammi’s Delli.......................................26 Starbucks............................................24 Sushi Yoshi..........................................38 Village Idiot..........................................36 Yesterday’s Restaurant & Tavern........10

Food Trucks Alfresco Mobilista...............................17 Bone-In Artisan Barbecue...................17 2 Fat 2 Fly............................................17

Forest Acres Baskin-Robbins....................................30 Bonefish Grill.......................................36 Bruegger’s Bagel Bakery.....................10 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.....................32 Casa Linda...........................................34 Chipotle...............................................34 D’s on Beltline.....................................17 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.....................8 Groucho’s............................................26 Honey Baked Ham...............................26 Lillian’s Eatery & Bakery......................10 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 McAlister’s Deli...................................26 Miyo’s on Forest....................................9 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Mousetrap.............................................9 Original Pancake House........................9 Pancho’s..............................................34 Pasta Fresca........................................32 Pizza Joint............................................36 Rosso...................................................32 Sakurabana Japanese Restaurant.......38 Sato Japanese Steak & Seafood.........32 Starbucks............................................24 Taste of Jamaica..................................24 Tombo Grille........................................20 Village Idiot..........................................36 Yoghut.................................................30 Yumilicious..........................................30 Yummy Yummy Chinese II..................24 Zoe’s Kitchen.......................................26

Five Points

Gadsden

Andy’s Deli..........................................24 Baan Sawan.........................................38 Bar None.............................................11 Bey’s....................................................11 Blue Cactus Café.................................32 Cellar on Greene.................................17 Delaney’s.............................................11 DiPrato’s Delicatessen........................26

Big-T Bar-B-Que ..................................17

free-times.com | Winter 2011-12

Garner’s Ferry/Southeast Bangkok Restaurant............................38 Big-T Bar-B-Que...................................17 Casa Linda...........................................34 China Buffet Sushi & Bar.....................24 CiCi’s Pizza..........................................36

Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet.....17 Eric’s San Jose.....................................34 Jersey Mike’s.......................................26 Jimmy Johns........................................26 Julia’s German Restaurant..................30 LaBrasca’s Pizza..................................36 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Marble Slab Creamery........................30 Moe’s Grapevine Italian......................32 Orchid, The..........................................38 Panera Bread.......................................10 Pizza Palace........................................36 Qdoba..................................................34 Rush’s....................................................9 Saky.....................................................38 Starbucks............................................24 Tony’s....................................................9

Harbison/Irmo Bailey’s Sports Grill.............................11 Beef O’Brady’s.....................................11 Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders................32 Blue Coyote.........................................11 Blue Flour............................................30 Bonefish Grill.......................................41 British Bulldog Pub..............................11 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream.....................30 Carolina Ale House................................8 Carrabba’s...........................................32 Cecilia’s...............................................34 CiCi’s Pizza..........................................36 Columbiana Super Buffet....................24 Copper River Grill................................18 DL McLaughlin’s..................................26 Firehouse Subs....................................26 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.................... 8 Great American Grill at the Hilton.........8 Groucho’s............................................26 Hemingway’s.......................................16 Hooters................................................18 Huller’s Black Forest...........................30 Interstate Hoagies and Steaks..............8 Jersey Mike’s.......................................26 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Little Pigs.............................................18 Longhorn Steakhouse.........................38 Lucky’s Burger Shack............................8 Marble Slab Creamery........................30 Maurice’s Barbecue............................18 McAlister’s Deli...................................26 Miyabi Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse....32 Miyo’s..................................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 Mudbone’s Swamp Shack .................24 Outback Steakhouse...........................38 Panera Bread.......................................10 Rush’s....................................................9 Rusty Anchor.......................................16 San Jose Mexican Restaurant.............34 Schiano’s.............................................40 Starbucks............................................24 Sun Ming.............................................24 Texas Roadhouse................................38 Tipsy Toad Tavern................................16 Tokyo Grill............................................32 Tropical Smoothie Café.......................24 Tsunami...............................................38 Vella’s Restaurant and Tavern...............9 Wild Hare Sports Café...........................9 Wild Wing Café....................................18 Zorba’s Family Greek Restaurant........30

Leesville Shealy’s Bar-B-Que House...................18

Lexington Antai Asian Dining...............................10 Baja Broiler..........................................32 Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders................32 Blimpie Subs & Salads.........................26 Caddy Shak.........................................11 Cafe Chartier.......................................20

Carolina Wings....................................17 Carrabba’s...........................................32 Cribb’s Sandwich & Sweet Shop .......26 Cold Stone Creamery..........................30 The Dam Bar & Grill...............................8 Deli, The...............................................26 Firehouse Subs....................................26 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.....................8 Flight Deck............................................8 Fusion Bowl.........................................32 Gilligan’s Steamer & Raw Bar.............36 Groucho’s............................................26 Harbor Inn Seafood.............................36 Hudson’s Smokehouse.......................18 Kovachi’s...............................................8 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Main Street Café Bar & Grill................30 Marble Slab Creamery........................30 Maurice’s Barbecue............................18 McAlister’s Deli...................................26 Mediterranean Café............................30 Mellow Mushroom..............................36 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 Pizzeria Uno Chicago Grill...................36 Ray’s Pizzeria and Ice Cream Shoppe 36 Rush’s....................................................9 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs....................9 Stephano’s..........................................32 Sumo...................................................32 Thai Wasabi.........................................10 Tokyo Grill............................................32 Travinia Italian Kitchen........................32 Wild Hare Sports Café...........................9 Yumilicious..........................................30

North Columbia Edna’s Drive In.......................................8 Houston’s..............................................8

Northeast Al-Amir................................................34 Arizona Steakhouse............................38 Baskin-Robbins....................................30 Beef O’Brady’s.....................................11 Big-T Bar-B-Que...................................17 Bobby’s House of Pizza.......................36 Brixx Wood Fired Pizza........................36 Bruster’s Real Ice Cream ...................30 Caprioska............................................11 Carolina Wings....................................17 Carrabba’s...........................................34 Crossings Deli......................................26 Desserts & More.................................30 DJ House..............................................32 Five Guys Burgers & Fries ....................8 Hero Japanese House.........................32 Hibachi Restaurant Tama....................32 Hola Mexico........................................34 Inakaya Japanese Restaurant.............38 Jin’s Hibachi & Chinese.......................24 La Estrella............................................34 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Marco’s Pizza......................................36 Marble Slab Creamery........................30 Maurice’s Barbecue............................18 McAlister’s Deli...................................26 Mint Julep Bistro & Lounge.................18 Miyo’s..................................................10 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 New York Butcher Shoppe and Grille....9 O Bok Korean Restaurant . .................32 Pho Viet...............................................38 Pizza Pro & Sub City............................36 Polliwog’s............................................16 The Puddlin’ Duck...............................16 Qdoba..................................................34 Red Bowl Asian Bistro.........................10 Rush’s....................................................9 San Jose Mexican Restaurant ............34 Schiano’s.............................................36 Solstice Kitchen & Wine Bar................20

bites&sights | freetimes

BREAKFAST • LUNCH • SUPPER ———————————————

Starbucks............................................24 Stonefire American Grill......................20 Sumo...................................................32 Tap’s Pub.............................................16 Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery....................11 Tsubaki................................................10 Very’s.....................................................9 Wild Wing Café....................................18 Yummy Yummy Chinese.....................24

Shandon/Rosewood

Good home cooking for breakfast, lunch and supper that’s a great value!

Al-Amir................................................34 Cantina 76...........................................34 Cock N’ Bull.........................................11 Dano’s Pizza........................................36 Devine Foods.......................................30 Dianne’s on Devine.............................32 Earth Fare............................................38 Egg Roll Chen......................................24 Fifth Avenue Deli.................................26 Fujiya...................................................32 Henry’s................................................16 Main Moon..........................................24 Mediterranean Tea Room....................30 MoMo’s Bistro.....................................17 Pizza Man Pizzeria..............................36 Publick House......................................18 Rockaway Athletic Club........................9 Rease’s Southern Swine BBQ.............18 Rosewood Market & Deli....................38 Sammi’s Delli.......................................26 Utopia....................................................9 Virtu.....................................................38 Za’s Brick Oven Pizza..........................36

St. Andrews/Dutch Sq.

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

7942 Garners Ferry Rd. (803) 647-0095

2234 Sunset Blvd. (803) 794-0923

7620 Two Notch Rd. (803) 788-3088

402 Beltline Blvd. (803) 738-0006

1824 Broad River Rd. (803) 798-6427

3147 Forest Dr. (803) 787-8781

2240 Airport Blvd. (803) 796-7820

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

818 Elmwood Ave. (803) 779-6407

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

621 West Main St. (803) 951-3555

501 Knox Abbott Dr. (803) 791-0314

4616 Augusta Rd. (803) 785-5560

lizardsthicket.com

—————————————— OPEN 6AM • 7 DAYS A WEEK CATERING AND DROP-OFF SERVICES AVAILABLE

46 freetimes | bites&sights

Blimpie Subs & Salads.........................26 Bombay Grill........................................30 Carolina Wings....................................17 Columbo’s...........................................32 Corner Pocket.....................................11 Delhi Palace.........................................30 El Chico...............................................34 Elie’s Authentic Lebanese Cuisine......34 Fuddruckers..........................................8 Inakaya Japanese Restaurant.............38 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Maurice’s Barbecue............................18 Mayflower...........................................10 Melting Pot..........................................18 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 Ocean View Seafood Restaurant........36 One More Grill & Pub..........................16 Panjabi Dhaba.....................................30 Real Mexico.........................................34 Rush’s....................................................9 San Jose Mexican Restaurant.............34 Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs....................9 Sweet Cake House..............................30 Taqueria Jalisco...................................34 Thai Lotus............................................38 Thailand Restaurant............................38 Tokyo Grill............................................32 Top China Buffet..................................24 Villa, The..............................................32 Village Gourmet...................................24 WG’s Chicken Wings............................18 Wings & Ale.........................................18

Vista @116 Espresso & Wine Bar.................18 Big Ugly, The........................................24 blue. . ....................................................8 Blue Marlin..........................................36 Carolina Ale House................................8 Carolina Wings....................................17 Cupcake..............................................30 Five Guys Burgers & Fries.....................8 Flying Saucer.......................................11 Garden Bistro......................................26 Gervais & Vine.....................................38 Jason’s Deli..........................................26 Jillian’s...................................................8

Jimmy Johns........................................26 Kelly’s..................................................16 Liberty Taproom & Grill.........................8 Longhorn Steakhouse.........................38 Marble Slab Creamery........................30 M Vista.................................................10 Mellow Mushroom..............................36 Mezza Lebanese Bistro ......................34 Mojitos.................................................24 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 Motor Supply Co..................................18 Nonnah’s.............................................30 Oyster Bar...........................................36 Pearlz Oyster Bar................................36 Peace, Love and Rocky Roast ............24 Ristorante Divino.................................32 SakiTumi..............................................38 Starbucks............................................24 TakoSushi............................................34 Thirsty Fellow......................................16 Tin Roof...............................................16 Vista Grill...............................................9 Wet Willie’s..........................................16 Woody, The..........................................15 Wild Hare Sports Café...........................9 Wild Wing Café....................................18 Z Pizza.................................................36

West Columbia/Cayce Al’s Upstairs........................................32 Artsy Fartsy.........................................20 Atlanta Bread Company . ...................10 Backyard Café.......................................8 Bogart’s Restaurant & Bar...................11 Café Strudel.........................................20 Carolina Wings....................................17 Compton’s Kitchen................................8 D’s Wings.............................................17 Delucca’s.............................................32 Doza Rizen Café..................................26 Egg Roll Station...................................24 European Mini Market.........................26 Golden Chopstix..................................38 Good Life Café.....................................38 Grecian Gardens..................................30 Groucho’s............................................26 Heather’s Artisan Bakery....................10 Hibachi Grill.........................................32 Jersey Mike’s.......................................26 John D. Hite’s.......................................18 Karl’s Korner........................................16 Kingsman Restaurant............................8 La Estrella............................................34 La Fiesta..............................................34 Lizard’s Thicket......................................8 Maurice’s Barbecue............................18 Mai Thai...............................................38 Moe’s Southwest Grill.........................34 Monterrey Mexican Restaurant..........34 Nick’s House of Pizza..........................36 Panaderia Odalys................................10 Real Mexico.........................................34 Rush’s....................................................9 Spice Junction.....................................30 State Street Pub..................................16 Steve’s 1 Sub Contractor....................26 Sub Station II.......................................26 Southern Skillet.....................................9 Sporting News Bar and Grill................16 Tacos Los Poblanitos...........................34 Tea Pot Chinese Restaurant................24 Terra....................................................20 Tony’s Original Pizza............................36 True BBQ..............................................18 Vella’s Restaurant and Tavern...............9 What-A-Burger......................................9 Zeus Pizza ..........................................36

Winter 2011-12 | free-times.com

SHOP ROAD

WILLIAMS-BRICE STADIUM CAROLINA WALK CONDOS

STATE FAIRGROUNDS

S. STADIUM ROAD BLUFF ROAD

ASSEMBLY STREET

GEORGE ROGERS BLVD

2011

USC