Front Cover
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CONTENTS
4 5–10 11–20
And the winners are...
21–26
Entertainment
On Campus
27–34
Services
Food & Drink
35–42
Shopping
And the winners are... Best of On-Campus
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Best of Services
Best Campus Bookstore
Barnes & Noble
Best Nail Salon
Best Professor
Daniel Freeman
Best Waxing Salon
Capital City Nails European Wax Center
Best Student Organization
Dance Marathon
Best Auto Repair
Best Eats on Campus
Colloquium Cafe
Best Tanning Salon
Ultratan
Patterson Hall
Best Spray Tan
Ultratan
SI Sessions
Best Car Wash
Frank’s Car Wash
Best On-Campus Living Best Study Service Best Sorority
Kappa Kappa Gamma
Best Fraternity Best Service Fraternity
Beta Theta Pi Epsilon Sigma Alpha
Best Professional Fraternity
Delta Sigma Pi
Village Idiot
Best Place to Watch Sports
Village Idiot
Best Trivia
Village Idiot
Best Music Venue
Columbiana Grande The Cotton Gin Music Farm
Best Bar
Jake’s
Best Five Points Bar
Jake’s
Best Happy Hour
Jake’s
Best Patio
Jake’s
Best Vista Bar Best Bartenders
Tin Roof The Horseshoe
Best of Shopping Best Men’s Clothing Best Women’s Clothing Best Jewlery Store Best Gamecock Apparel Best Comic Bookstore Best Grocery Store
Olympia Mills
Best Hotel
Marriott
Best Hair Salon Best Gym
Metropolis Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center
Best Brunch
Best Place for Good, Clean Fun
Best Dance Spot
Best Off-Campus Housing
Best of Food & Drink
Best of Entertainment Best Movie Theater
Firestone Complete Auto Repair
Brittons Entourage Handpicked Garnet and Black Traditions Silver City Comics Publix
DiPrato’s
Best to Take Your Parents To
California Dreaming
Best to Take a Date to
California Dreaming
Best Bagel
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Best Pizza
Village Idiot
Best Sandwich
Groucho’s
Best New Restaurant
Grill Marks
Best Sushi
Tsunami
Best Takeout
Hibachi House
Best Dessert
Kaminsky’s
Best Overall Restaurant
Cantina 76
Best Mexican
Cantina 76
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yoghut
Best Carolina Cash Deals
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Best Meal Special
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Best Wings Best Sweet Tea Best BBQ Best Late Night Best Burger Best Brewery Best Coffee Shop Best Delivery
Wild Wings Cafe Bojangles’ Southern Belly BBQ Cookout Pawleys Front Porch River Rat Brewery Cool Beans Coffee Company Jimmy John’s
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On Campus
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
Best Campus Bookstore
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Barnes & Noble Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
Everyone knows you can’t make it through college without the books, and there’s no better place to stock up on all your reading materials than the conveniently located Barnes & Noble campus bookstore. Operating in the heart of campus at their Russell House location, this Barnes & Noble serves as the official University of South Carolina bookstore. This affiliation with the university makes getting textbooks for all of your classes as easy as possible. All you have to do is log in to Self Service Carolina after registering for classes,
and you can quickly click over to a complete list of required books for your classes. You cut out any worry about incorrect edition numbers or versions and avoid giving private information away to sketchy middlemen. They also offer a variety of options for your books to fit all budgets, from renting used to buying new. And at semester’s end, just sell back your gently used textbooks to line your pockets with some extra cash as you head into break. But textbooks aren’t the only thing available at Carolina’s favorite bookstore. Barnes & Noble also has all the bestsellers you’re looking to devour in your spare time, plenty of school supplies to keep you stocked
up throughout the year and an abundance of licensed Gamecock apparel to keep you spirited and in style. To top it all off, the bookstore’s full-service Barnes & Noble Cafe complete with Starbucks coffee is the perfect way to cap off your next bookstore shopping spree.
1400 Greene St. Monday–Friday: 7:45 a.m.– 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.– 5 p.m.
Best Professor
Dan Freeman Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Taking a class with the best professor is essential to doing the best you can in that class. Depending on whose class students sign up for, they can either have a wonderful time learning interesting new things
from an understanding, helpful teacher or endure a miserable prison sentence under the cruel command of an evil classroom leader. H o w e v e r, P r o f e s s o r D a n Freeman, part of the chemistry department, falls under the f o r m e r c a t e g o r y. Wi t h a n
interest in both his subject and his students, Professor Freeman makes chemistry relatable to nonscience majors and offers students opportunities to succeed. Although the material might not be the easiest to learn, Professor Freeman makes it fascinating and stress-free with his quick humor.
He is easy to respect, great to learn from and his scores on Rate My Professors are through the roof. If chemistry is your major, or you just need a class to fill your schedule or satisfy general education requirements, Professor Freeman is the absolute best pick for a great learning experience.
Best Student Organization
Dance Marathon Sarah Nichols @SCNICHOLS97
Dance Marathon, USC’s largest student organization, puts on an annual day of fun “for the kids,” as their slogan states. USC’s chapter of Dance Marathon has partnered with Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital, part of the Children’s Miracle Network, to raise money for patients. Dance Marathon is a 14-hour event that will start on Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.
and end at midnight. You do not need to have any dancing skills to be a part of the event — you just need to remain standing and dancing all night. Participants are dancers — now known as heroes — volunteers, ravers or members of the morale team. Every participant is asked to raise a minimum of $119, a dollar for each child who is reached by the Child Life Specialists at the hospital daily. The funds will go directly to Palmetto
Health Children’s Hospital. The “Miracle Families,” or the families of the patients at the hospital, visit the dancers during the event to show them how appreciated and important the work they’re doing is. Dance Marathon allows students to have a funfilled day of musicians, comedians, performers and dancing among friends while working for a truly great cause, touching the hearts and health of children in need.
Courtesy of Brittany Wilt
Best Eats on Campus
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Colloquium Cafe Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
Eating on campus can quickly become bland and repetitive, but Colloquium Cafe offers many tasty alternatives. Conveniently located across the Pickens Street bridge near the Humanities buildings and complete with Starbucks coffee and drinks, this on-campus eatery has some of the best food USC has to
offer. Their menu includes a variety of fresh-baked pastries, flavorful sandwiches and seasonal soups. It’s one of the few places on campus that can provide that Starbucks frappuccino to get you through your 10-page paper. Colloquium’s heavier dishes are perfect for filling up between classes later in the day, and their comfortable
seating provides a great place to rest after a full day. When it comes to finding delicious food options on a meal plan budget, look no further than Colloquium Cafe. Monday–Thursday: 7:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. Friday: 7:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Best On-Campus Housing
Patterson Hall Rachel Minetti @TDG_ARTS
With a prime campus location on Bull Street and a recent renovation, Patterson Hall was voted the best place to live on campus. Patterson houses 544 students with suite-style rooms and a kitchen and common space on each floor. Originally called South Building when built in 1967, the all-female residence hall was renamed in honor the 24th president of USC, Dr. William Patterson. After its reopening in mid-2011,
Patterson earned the LEED Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council because of its high energy efficiency. Patterson is also home to a livein residence life coordinator, an assistant residence life coordinator, 16 residence mentors, and the Carolina Women’s Community. With these aspects plus the spacious rooms and beautiful outdoor patio, it’s clear why Patterson is the best place to live on campus.
Best Study Service
Supplemental Instruction Sessions Regan Freeman @THEGAMECOCK
Supplemental Instruction sessions are almost essential for early academic success at USC. Study sessions with peer leaders who have actually attended the classes you need help in are a great
way for students to continue to practice and analyze content that was explored in the classroom. Attendance at SI sessions is optional, but frequent use is proven to improve course grades and study skills, and you
get tips from student leaders who have taken the class before. Sessions occur primarily between 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, although some start as early as noon while others go until almost midnight.
Best Sorority
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Kappa Kappa Gamma Rachel Minetti @TDG_ARTS
Founded at USC in 1967, Kappa Kappa Gamma has been voted the best sorority on campus for the past four years. KKG’s mission statement is to provide a sisterhood with “opportunities for self-growth, respect for intellectual development, and an understanding of and an
allegiance to positive ethical principles.” Kappa’s motto, “tradition of leadership,” is felt throughout campus with their widereaching philanthropy efforts and positive impact on the Greek community as a whole. Their national philanthropy, Reading Is Fundamental, is an organization dedicated to encouraging and motivating
children to read. Kappa Kappa Gamma hosts an annual “Backwoods” function where sisters and their dates dress up in camouflage and neon orange. KKG remains involved all around campus — they won second place in Greek Week, participated in Delta Zeta’s Turtle Tug and help out with a variety of other events around USC.
Anna Walker | The Daily Gamecock
Best Fraternity
Best Service Fraternity
Beta Theta Pi Regan Freeman @THEGAMECOCK
When Zach Driver, Beta Theta Pi’s Alumni Relations Chairman, was asked what separates his fraternity from others, he paused. “ To m e , i t ’s g e n u i n e brotherhood. There’s a real focus on that [above] other things. Our chapter’s kind of been through a lot in the past eight or nine years,” he said. “We were recolonized ... so the ups and downs have really made us focus on the brotherhood part of it, and we’re not necessarily
worried about other things.” Beta Theta Pi is the largest fraternity on campus with over 161 members. The USC chapter was founded in 1858. Focusing on philanthropy and brotherhood has had a lasting effect on this group of men. With over 300,000 alumni, including vice presidents, members of the House, members of the Senate and eight Supreme Court justices, Beta has an impressive track record of members going on to do larger things.
Epsilon Sigma Alpha Regan Freeman @THEGAMECOCK
Epsilon Sigma Alpha is an international nonprofit service fraternity with a chapter here at the University of South Carolina. Internationally known, they’re dedicated to service and community throughout the world. Unique to Epsilon Sigma Alpha is the fact that they’ve built a common bond around the idea that service is social. By working together to complete community
service projects, they strive to help people and communities while building strong friendships. Wi t h m o r e t h a n 1 0 , 0 0 0 members internationally, Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s main recipient is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Founded on campus in 1991, the Sigma Phi chapter is known to participate in Dance Marathon, Homecoming and Relay For Life. With a focus on leadership and community service, members learn qualities that help them become better people.
Best Professional Fraternity
Delta Sigma Pi Regan Freeman @THEGAMECOCK
Members of Delta Sigma Pi stressed the uniqueness of their drive and passion for success when asked what made them the best of Carolina. The Beta Gamma chapter was established in 1929, and they hold the dual distinctions of being the oldest professional business fraternity on campus and being the only one to include just business students. With a huge network of alumni and a growing membership of about 100 students, Delta Sigma Pi provides opportunities for driven, business-minded people to grow professionally. Their three pillars — professionalism, service and
brotherhood — are demonstrated through their involvement in LEAD events, their participation in Relay for Life and their community atmosphere, to name a few examples. Nationally, with over 260,000 initiates, Delta Sigma Pi has a professional edge. Members have access to events, conferences and resources to build professional skills, leadership abilities and personal character. Working with its members to develop business skills, Delta Sigma Pi helps shape it’s members into well-rounded business leaders. It’s these characteristics that show why Delta Sigma Pi was voted to be the best professional fraternity here.
Regan Freeman | The Daily Gamecock
Best of Carolina 9
DRINKING ISN’T CONSENT. Consent is only a clear and uncoerced “Yes.”
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Food & Drink
Sarah Stone | The Daily Gamecock
Best to Take Your Parents To
Best Brunch
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DiPrato’s setting. The atmosphere takes you away for a bit as you scan the diverse brunch menu with hints of New York and Southern dishes coming together. DiPrato’s prides itself on quality. Everything on the menu is guaranteed fresh, and the first bite of your meal confirms it. The prices don’t break the bank, and there are often leftovers to take home to enjoy later.
Kamila Melko @KAMILAMELKO
I t ’s t h e w e e k e n d , a n d you’ve got a little extra money in your budget to indulge in brunch with your friends. DiPrato’s offers a comfortable and quaint way to start off your Saturday or Sunday with its brunch menu filled with carefully prepared dishes to satisfy your taste buds. DiPrato’s is located away from the bustle of Columbia and blends in with the surrounding neighborhood of Southern brick-styled homes. After walking under the white-and-green-striped awnings and through the huge wood doors, you enter the bustle of a typical brunch
342 Pickens St. (803) 779-0606 Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.– 4 p.m.
California Dreaming Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
Two of the hardest times to pick a restaurant: Parents Weekend and first dates. What’s the best way to get the most actually good food out of Mom and Dad? What place is not corny but still romantic? California Dreaming has you covered on both fronts. With a wide variety of classic American dishes to choose from, the well-known local landmark has something for everyone with a classy atmosphere to boot. You’ll still be on speaking terms with your parents after the check comes and won’t have to settle for a salad — though even the salads are delicious — in order to avoid embarrassment in front of your date. Oh, and did we mention the building is a renovated old train station? Yes, your dad will have super
Best Bagel
Sarah Nichols Einstein Bros. Bagels has a bagel for any and all of your cravings. With flavors ranging from asiago to chocolate chip and spreads from hummus to Nutella, you are guaranteed to find a bagel to suit your tastes in this cozy eatery. Their breakfast and lunch sandwiches are also delicious, combining our favorite bagels with traditional sandwiches for a unique eating experience. When the Columbia heat kicks in during spring and summer, Einstein’s smoothies are the perfect way to refresh with a healthy and filling drink. During the winter, as you walk to class on a blustery day,
stop by Einstein’s for a steaming coffee in one of their unique holiday cups. With two on-campus locations — a half-sized one on the second floor of Russell House and a fullsized one in the Humanities Office Building — Einstein bagels are always within reach. With much gratitude from deal-hunting college students, Einstein Bros. Bagels accepts meal swipes, meal plan dollars and Carolina Cash.
1400 Greene St. (803) 568-8000 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Saturday–Sunday: 8:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.
401 Main St. (803) 254-6767 Monday–Sunday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m.
Best Pizza
Einstein Bros. Bagels @SCNICHOLS97
cool architecture to fawn over all night, aka his favorite thing. While the atmosphere and topnotch service add a lot to the evening no matter the circumstances, the food is key. And California Dreaming does not disappoint. It’s famous for the pre-dinner croissants, and it only goes up from there. No matter what you chose for your entree — whether it be pasta, steak or seafood — you won’t be disappointed. And for dessert? How about a warm brownie with a full-size chocolate bar melted on top and a side of rich vanilla ice cream? Or those over 21 can treat themselves to a dessert cocktail. With this popular restaurant, be sure to make a reservation.
Village Idiot Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
Pizza is nothing if not the quintessential college food. And if you are looking for the best pizza around, look no further than Village Idiot Pizza. The Columbia hot spot is famous for its trivia nights and great atmosphere, but delicious pizza is at the restaurant’s core. They have every topping you could ever want — even hard to fi nd toppings such as sauerkraut — and delicious sides, such as mozzerella sticks, fried ravioli and garlic bread, to accent the great pizza. With three locations around the city, it’s easy to quickly get
your hands on a great slice. And with online ordering and delivery, it has never been easier to chow down on their top-tier pizza. They even provide catering to take your party or event to the next level and leave all your guests happy and full. Whether everyone’s favorite comfort food is the only thing to get you through that late-night study session, or you’re hosting friends for a Gamecock game, Village Idiot is the place to go.
2009 Devine St. (803) 252-8646 Monday–Sunday: 11:30 a.m.– close
Best Sandwich
Best New Restaurant
Groucho’s Bobby Balboni @ROB_BALBONI1
Perhaps it’s the simplicity. Groucho’s is packed every weekend with the hungry and the hungover, looking for whatever will cure the growling in their stomachs and the pounding in their heads. The building isn’t flashy, and the booths aren’t brand new, but that doesn’t stop the parking lot off Harden Street from filling to the brim every lunchtime. Groucho’s is no stranger to the Best of Carolina — the sandwich joint has won the Best Sandwich title before. And when it comes to what makes them the best, Groucho’s manager Matt Dempsey thinks it’s the joint’s tie with the community. “We have been right here since 1941. We feel like we have been
Grill Marks a big part of the community, allowing students to come here and earn part of their wages,� he said. The soft bread overflows with meat on every sandwich; the cheese cascades down whatever combination of turkey, ham or roast beef you order; and the crunch of the chips ties it all together. The drinks are always flowing — it’s rare that you’ll be running low for long after you polish off your sweet tea. And you can always count on a bag of signature Groucho’s chips and a pickle on the side.
611 Harden St. (803) 799-5708 Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.– 3 p.m.
Kamila Melko @KAMILAMELKO
Grill Marks boasts an extensive menu of one of America’s favorite meals: quality burgers and fries. For drinks there is a full bar as well as a long list of freshly made shakes to order. In August 2015, Grill Marks opened their doors to Columbia by opening the second restaurant on Gervais Street in the Vista. It’s an open air restaurant with a retractable garage-like door to let in the southern breeze. The rough brick of the building is complemented by the bright wood tables and accent lights hung on the wall. The staff is energetic and ready to serve you a certified angus beef burgers and gluten-free fries. If you’re not a fan of beef, there are
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vegetarian options available. There are many unique burger options, such as the Cafe Au Poivre, a coffee and peppercorn encrusted beef patty. If you like simple, Grill Marks has options for you as well — the burgers are customizable. Don’t forget to order a side of fries; Grill Marks offers skinny, fat, bleu and pimento, white truffle parmesan or sweet potato fries. If you’re in the mood for deep-fried foods, they have onion rings and fried pickles.
711 Gervais St. (803) 661-8932 Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 11 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.– 9 p.m.
Thank You For Voting Us The Best New Restaurant in Cola!
TRIVIA NIGHT Mondays, 6pm
STUDENT NIGHT Tuesday Nights
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Grill Marks burger, fries and tea $8.99
LIVE MUSIC WEDNESDAY NIGHTS starting at 6pm
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Best Sushi
Tsunami
Holly Heaton @THEGAMECOCK
In the heart of the Vista — C o l u m b i a ’s h u b f o r u n i q u e restaurants, local shops and buzzing nightlife — lies Tsunami. When you hear students say, “Let’s go for sushi,” Tsunami is most likely where they will end up, and for good reason. With an extensive list of unique and sure-to-satisfy sushi rolls, delicious hibachi options for the sushi skeptics, eye-catching, modern decor and a team of talented chefs, Tsunami is sure to leave its customers full, happy and thinking of when they can come back next. Craving sushi or a cocktail but low on cash? No worries. Tsunami has daily happy hour specials from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can get
three rolls for only $9.99 and pair them with discounted house wine and hot sake or domestic beers and house liquor for under $4. Tsunami has several must-order rolls, including the Heartbreaker roll. It remains true to its name by breaking your heart when you look down at a clean plate and just want more. This specialty roll starts off with a crowd favorite, spicy tuna, and is topped with fresh cucumber, decadent avocado, scallions and even more tuna. It’s finished off with a sweet ponzu sauce, which is sure to make you want to lick your plate clean. One thing is for sure about this game-changing restaurant: Tsunami can make a regular out of anyone.
Why deprive yourself... ...Enjoy the enhanced DiPrato’s Experience. Eggs Benedict and Eggs Charleston bring a deluxe flavor to the dining room and patio. 803-779-0606 | 342 Pickens Street Mon-Sat 10-6 & Sun 10-4 | Brunch Sat-Sun 10-2
Adam Collins | The Daily Gamecock
700 Gervais St. (803) 312-9911 Monday–Sunday: 4 p.m.– 12 a.m.
Best Takeout
Hibachi House Kamila Melko @KAMILAMELKO
Right behind the Statehouse on Main and Pendleton streets, Hibachi House’s glowing “open” sign doubles as a welcoming beacon to hungry students with small budgets. The location is close enough to grab a bite between classes or before catching your shuttle home. The restaurant is clean and simple, with bright tiles to frame the kitchen and ordering stand. The staff is friendly and willing to accommodate your needs to make your meal perfect. Pickup takes 15 minutes, and when you arrive, your meal is nicely packaged in a Styrofoam box with extra soy sauce and forks. Don’t expect anything fancy with the silverware and plates, but the
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Best Dessert
Kaminsky’s food makes up for it. The menu has a wide variety of sushi, hibachi combinations and other similar foods to fill one’s stomach without breaking the bank. The meals are generously portioned and often under $10. You can often split the meal in two, and the leftovers are just as good after popping them in the microwave. So if you are craving a meal that is cheap, balanced and filling, call ahead to Hibachi House and you’ll get all three within 15 minutes. 937 Main St. (803) 728-0616 Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
Sarah Nichols @SCNICHOLS97
Kaminsky’s Baking Co. is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. Located on Gervais Street, Kaminsky’s is the perfect sophisticated and urban setting to eat the best meal of the day — dessert. In addition to their stellar desserts, this local South Carolina café offers a wide range of coffees, teas and alcoholic beverages such as dessert martinis and “steamers” — steamed milk mixed with flavored syrups. Pastry chefs prepare desserts daily, so your experience at Kaminsky’s could be different every time. Some of their awardwinning desserts include Mountain of Chocolate cake, New York cheesecake and the Tollhouse
pie, a deliciously rich mixture of chocolate chips and pecans baked in a pie shell. Diners have the option to top this decadent dessert, as well as any of the other cakes and pies, with vanilla bean ice cream. Kaminsky’s is the perfect place to dine lavishly with your friends or a loved one without breaking your budget. This sweet spot is open from 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, noon to 2 a.m. Saturday and noon to midnight Sunday. 930 Gervais St. (803) 550-9979 Monday-Thursday: 5 p.m.– 12 a.m. Friday: 5 p.m.– 2 a.m. Saturday: 2 p.m.– 2 a.m. Sunday: 2 p.m.– 12 a.m.
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Best Mexican Food
Cantina 76
Drew Mueller @THEGAMECOCK
Locally owned Cantina 76 has a knack for flair when it comes to tacos. On a daily basis, it serves over 10 different styles of tacos, including a buffalo chicken and a chicken teriyaki taco. Manager David Keller can vouch for it. “You’re going to
have taste and flavors that you would never expect on a taco, but they turn out to be the best thing you ever tasted,” Keller said. “The flavors and the way our chef puts it together is incredible.” And Cantina 76 isn’t just another Taco Bell-Americanized joint — it strives for authenticity with its
tacos by putting them together with real food, not processed meats. “ We u s e t h e freshest ingredients and we use locally grown and ordered food,” Keller said. But tacos aren’t its only specialty. Cantina 76 boasts a wide variety of different margaritas. “We have the best
margaritas in town. You can ask anybody,” Keller said. 1301 Main St. (803) 764-1769 Monday: 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. Tuesday– Wednesday: 11 a.m.– 9:30 p.m. Thursday– Saturday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Madison MacDonald | The Daily Gamecock
Best Frozen Yogurt
Yoghut
Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
If you’re looking for a sweet treat without the consequences and guilt, you need look no further than the corner of Blossom and Main streets. Yoghut is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop that offers a plethora of exciting flavors to take care of any cravings. The decor is both welcoming and modern, providing a sense of comfortable style as you enjoy your yogurt with friends. Their yogurt offers a health-conscious option to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are “made with fresh ingredients and packed with nutrients,” according to their website. “Even our dessert yogurts naturally improve
immune and digestive functions without surplus fats and sugars slowing you down.” At any given time, the more than 20 different available flavors cover a variety of tastes. They range from traditional favorites to exotic new tastes to bring out your adventurous side. Yoghut’s toppings bar provides some 87 different extras to add to your frozen treat, from fresh fruit to granola, nuts, cereal, candies, brownie, cheesecake and syrups. The menu also includes smoothies, fresh coconut water and acai bowls. “Over the years, a lot of yogurt shops have come and gone,” their website says. “We’re delighted Cola keeps us swirling.”
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
601 Main St. (803) 386-9786 Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 11 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.– 11 p.m.
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
1929 BLUFF ROAD 803.733.5800 RETREATCOLUMBIA.COM ®
Best of Carolina 17
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Best Meal Special
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Kelsey Clayton | The Daily Gamecock
Adam Orfinger @AORFINGER
It’s Monday: The worst day of the week. But what better way to cure your case of the Mondays than with a burrito, a drink and unlimited chips for just $5? And you can pay for it with Carolina Cash? It’s not quite heaven, but the Moe’s Monday deal combines your love for burritos and paying with Carolina Cash into one big, filling meal. The restaurant’s Main Street location is prime for students. It’s located across the street from the Honors Residence Hall and around
the corner from Horizon Street Garage, so you don’t have to venture far to pile Moe’s fresh ingredients into your burrito. This deal is perfect for the average college student — it’s good food, it’s cheap and you can pay for it with Carolina Cash. On top of that, Moe’s is a great hangout spot. Simply put, when it comes to a meal deal and using Carolina Cash, Moe’s is in a class of its own. 625 Main St. (803) 256-9663 Monday: 10:30 a.m.– 10 p.m. Tuesday–Sunday: 10:30 a.m.– 9 p.m.
Best Wings
Wild Wings Cafe Adam Orfinger @AORFINGER
For the second year, Wild Wing Cafe has been selected for the best wings in Columbia. With 33 made-from-scratch sauces and the options of traditional bone-in or boneless wings, the title isn’t up for much debate. With plenty of live entertainment and TVs, it’s tough to beat Wild Wing Cafe’s atmosphere. Between live music and plenty of drink specials, the
sports bar fits in perfectly in the Vista. Open until 2 a.m., Wild Wing Cafe is ideal for a college town. After a long night in the Vista or Five Points, who doesn’t want a big plate of wings or a rack of ribs? Wild Wing Cafe is there for you starting at 11 a.m. for lunch, dinner and late into the night. 729 Lady St. (803) 252-9464 Monday–Sunday: 11 a.m.– 2 a.m.
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Best Burger
Pawleys Front Porch Bobby Balboni @ROB_BALBONI1
Between the burgers, the bar and that tasty chipotle mayo, it’s easy to understand why Pawleys Front Porch takes home best overall burger joint this year. General Manager Kayla Patanian wears the title with pride. Patanian described her specials as “in-house ground burgers made just the way you want.” Their menu is all-encompassing and yet distinctly local, evoking images of Beaufort and Sullivan’s Island in the Lowcountry with pimento cheese, pineapple and fried pickle chips. All of their beef is ground inhouse daily, and their sauces are never from a jar.
Their specials are a huge draw during lunch and dinner hours. The main ticket is the Lowcountry Burger Challenge. Those brave enough to try the challenge must eat three 8-ounce patties covered in jalapeno pimento cheese, regular pimento cheese and bacon. They have 30 minutes to scarf down all three patties and a side.
827 Harden St. (803) 771-8001 Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.– 9 p.m. Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.– 9 p.m.
Kelsey Clayton | The Daily Gamecock
Best Sweet Tea
Best Barbeque
Bojangles’ Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
For the Gamecock faithful, a traditional gameday meal isn’t complete without the signature beverage of the South at your tailgate: sweet tea. And in a state with “south” in the name, we’ve got some pretty high sweet tea standards to meet. There’s no better place to fi ll up on the wine of the South than your Columbia-area Bojangles. Their Bluff Road location is conveniently close to WilliamsBrice Stadium, making it the perfect place to stock up for all your tailgate bashes on the state fairgrounds. You can expect to see gallons and gallons flying out the door as fans from here, there
Southern Belly BBQ and everywhere come together to cheer the Gamecocks to victory while sipping their favorite beverage. This southern comfort is sure to put your mind at ease and energize you for a fun-filled day with friends and family. Let Bojangles’ sweet tea help set the scene to make great memories here at Carolina.
1130 Bluff Road (803) 256-6002 Monday–Saturday: 5:30 a.m.– 10 p.m. Sunday: 6 a.m.– 10 p.m.
Kamila Melko @KAMILAMELKO
Southern Belly BBQ takes their mission, to make t h e w o r l d ’s b e s t b a r b e c u e sandwiches, seriously. The kitchen fills the restaurant with savory smells that instantly make your tastebuds tingle with anticipation. The simple menu is packed with a variety of flavor combinations to highlight the sauces and pork used in the sandwiches. Southern Belly features barbecue sauces from different regions to encourage customers to try new flavors. They make their signature sauces from scratch and aim to pair them with each sandwich to create a mouthwatering experience every time.
The barbecue is closed-pit roasted to perfection in their signature smoker, with the meat seasoned appropriately for each batch. Go in to enjoy their food and live bands from around Columbia, or order takeout if you have somewhere to run. Southern Belly BBQ posts discounts and promotions on their Facebook page and Twitter, so it’s important to follow them if you want the best deal on their delicious food.
1332 Rosewood Drive (803) 667-9533 Monday–Saturday: 11 a.m.– 10 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.
20 Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
Sometimes, it’s just one of those days. The workload is crazy, parents and professors just don’t understand and after a night of blowing off steam downtown, you’re ready to top it all off with a late-night snack. Survey says, you’re going to Cook Out. And why not spend the waning hours of the day with your fellow Gamecocks at your shared late night watering hole? With prices like these, there’s little to no guilt in the wallet department. Nothing on the menu is over $5. That’s right; the most expensive item is the tray, which is actually made up of several different Cook Out delicacies. That tray is one of the best deals in town. It’s just $4.69 for an entree, two sides and a drink — add $1 if you’re going for a Fancy Milkshake (and who isn’t?). And the combinations are seemingly endless. The entree alone lets you choose among backyard style hamburgers and
Best Late Night Eats
Best Coffee Shop
Cookout
Cool Beans
hot dogs or juicy chicken strips and barbecue. And the sides! The sides! Where else can you easily take home a quesadilla or chicken nuggets as your sides? The more traditional fast foods sides like french fries, onion rings and hushpuppies are there, too, and oh so satisfying. The Fancy Milkshake is where the real decision-making comes in. Cook Out offers a wide variety of milkshake flavors, from rich chocolate to strawberry cheesecake and peach cobbler. So go ahead, follow the unspoken rule that there’s no shame in late night eats at Cook Out.
1101 Harden St. (803) 758-1091 Sunday–Thursday: 10:30 a.m.– 4 a.m. Friday–Saturday: 10:30 a.m.– 5 a.m.
Tori Richman | The Daily Gamecock
Sarah Nichols @SCNICHOLS97
Whether you are meeting a few friends or doing homework by yourself, Cool Beans! Coffee Company is the go-to café. Located on 1217 College St., right across from the Horseshoe or a short walk from most campus buildings, Cool Beans offers hand-crafted beverages and delicious breakfast and lunch items in an intimate setting. Their menu includes a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads, along with a soup of the day. Pastries such as homemade cookies, croissants and brownies are also offered. Their drinks range from lattes to hand-
crafted Italian sodas. Prices are reasonable for college students, and don’t bankrupt you after your regular coffee shop visits. Although the café is generally bustling with customers, seating is offered in many different rooms both upstairs and downstairs, lending plenty of corners for the quiet reader to tuck him- or herself into.
1217 College St. (803) 779-4277 Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.– 12 a.m. Saturday–Sunday: 9 a.m.– 12 a.m.
Best Delivery
Jimmy John’s Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
There’s a reason Jimmy John’s boasts the slogan of “freaky fast delivery.” If you want food fast to satisfy any craving, Jimmy John’s the place to get it
and get it soon. The chain claims an average delivery time of between 12 and 15 minutes on their Twitter. But don’t let their speed cause you to doubt their sandwich quality. Jimmy John’s takes pride in providing fresh,
high-quality food. The bread is baked fresh every day, and if you order meat on your sandwich, it’s going to be good. Their menu offers a wide variety of options, from gourmet sandwiches to slim sandwiches to the
J.J. Gargantuan. You can stuff your sandwich with meats ranging from tuna salad, roast beef, salami, applewood smoked ham to many more options. So for high-quality freshness fast, look no further than Jimmy John’s.
2015 Devine St. (803) 806-8282 Monday– Sunday: 11 a.m.– 3 a.m.
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Entertainment
Josh Warner | The Daily Gamecock
Best Place for Good, Clean Fun
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Village Idiot Rachel Minetti @TDG_ARTS
There’s not much you can’t find at Village Idiot Pizza in Five Points. A staple on the Columbia food scene since opening in 1990, Village Idiot has more to offer than just the massive slice of New York style pizza. Voted the best place to watch sports, play trivia and have good clean fun, Village Idiot truly has something for everyone. Watching sports: A typical
pub-styled interior with a seemingly endless supply of beer, wine and, perhaps the most enticing, sangria, is the perfect environment to watch a Saturday football game in the fall or a women’s basketball win in February. Situated in the heart of Five Points, Village Idiot is a great place to cheer on the Gamecocks over a pint and pizza, and then head over to the bars afterward to celebrate. Trivia: If you think drinking with friends and playing trivia is
fun, then “Think while you drink Wednesdays” at Village Idiot is bound to be a great time for you. Starting at 8:30 p.m. every Wednesday, trivia is the perfect way to get you through the midweek slump. Good clean fun: Unlike most bars in Five Points, you do not need to be over 21 to have a good time in Village Idiot. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, you can get two slices of pizza and a drink for only $5.99, or bump that up for a dollar to
get one slice, a salad and a drink. Their Five Points location opens seven days a week at 11:30 a.m. No matter what your intentions are, Village Idiot has food, fun and a fantastic environment for everyone. 2009 Devine St. (803) 252-8646 Monday–Sunday: 11:30 a.m.– until close
Best Movie Theater
Columbiana Grande collect points each time they buy tickets or concessions. These points will eventually add up to a reward such as a free popcorn, drink or even movie ticket. Always up to date on the new releases, Columbiana has 14 different big screens, so there’s plenty of space to host all the latest and greatest flicks. The theater even offers advance tickets for movies that may sell out or will have long lines for admission. And don’t forget the popcorn! Columbiana has a wide selection of delicious movies snacks, too, from soda to popcorn to candy and beyond. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Regal Columbiana offers various movie times and the perfect viewing experience with RealD Digital 3D and IMAX. An easy drive away, Columbiana is located at 1250 Bower Parkway. Josh Warner | The Daily Gamecock
Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
When an interesting movie comes out and you’re dying to go see it,
where do you go? Maybe where you see it is the last thing on your mind. However, once you visit Regal Columbiana Grande Stadium 14, you won’t even think about choosing
anywhere else. Some of the things that set this theater apart from others is it offers the Regal Crown Club reward system, which allows customers to
1250 Bower Parkway 1 (844) 462-7342 ext. 4035 Sunday– Saturday: 11 a.m.– 11:30 p.m.
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Best Dance Spot
The Cotton Gin
Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Adam Collins | The Daily Gamecock
Instead of the usual night out for dinner or drinks, sometimes it’s more fun to find a place to express your inner dance star. When in the mood to get down, there’s only one place to go that delivers the essential atmosphere and perfect music that will keep you on your feet all night long: The Cotton Gin. The front of the venue is an old theater
with a classic design and a marquee that is still kept up to date with the night’s events, performances, deals and live music. With a huge dance floor upstairs, The Cotton Gin delivers all you could ever want for a fun night out. The low, ambient lighting of the dance spot matches the modern, moving music, making it almost irresistible not to dance. As one of the few places with such an
ideal place to dance and party, The Cotton Gin is a nightlife favorite. Placed just in downtown in Five Points at 632 Harden St., The Cotton Gin is open Thursday through Saturday from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Kamila Melko
Farm expands into a giant room to hold a packed house with standing room only. There is a full service bar on along the wall where bartenders keep everyone stocked throughout the concert. The friendly and fun atmosphere attracts crowds as well as bands. Music Farm has brought local artists and big names to Columbia to perform. To check out what events are coming up in the months you are in town, check out their website.
632 Harden St. (803) 569-6966 Thursday– Saturday: 10 p.m.– 2 a.m.
Best Music Venue
Music Farm
@KAMILAMELKO
Located on Senate Street and on the r i m o f t h e Vi s t a area, Music Farm provides a wide variety of musical entertainment on a weekly basis. Each weekend has multiple events to cater to the different tastes of the people of Columbia. Tucked away from the bustle o f t h e Vi s t a , t h e venue is able to foster a more intimate feel for concertgoers. A porch is set up for gatherings before shows or a break area for patrons to get some fresh air. Inside, Music Josh Warner | The Daily Gamecock
1022 Senate St. musicfarm.com
24 Best of Carolina
Best Bar
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Jake’s Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
If you know anything about downtown bars, you’ve probably heard about Jake’s. If you haven’t been before, don’t let the modest outside fool you. Although at first glance it might seem like a hole in the wall, inside, Jake’s is anything but. With a relaxing,
chill atmosphere and reasonable prices, Jake’s is second to none. Despite being at 2112 Devine St., just down the street from other bars in the Five Points area, J a k e ’s e a s y - g o i n g vibe is so different it seems worlds away. The distinctive bar provides a refuge for enjoying great conversation with friends and
excellently crafted beers, whether you choose to sit inside or lounge on the gigantic patio. Jake’s offers great music, a menu with fresh farm-to-table foods and delicious draft beer. Jake’s has specials happening most days of the week, including Pint Night, which features live music and beer specials
o n We d n e s d a y s , and Sunday Funday music sessions on the deck. Also stop by to enjoy Yappy Hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with your pooch and watch the fur fly as dogs are free to roam around the patio. No matter what night you go, on your next night out, choose Jake’s for a great time and a hassle-free feel.
Josh Warner | The Daily Gamecock
2112 Devine St. (803) 708-4788 Tuesday- Friday: 4 p.m.– 4 a.m. Saturday: 2 p.m.– 2 a.m.
Best Vista Bar
Tin Roof Kamila Melko @KAMILAMELKO
Since 2010, Tin Roof has been serving the nightlife of Columbia with drinks, food and live shows every evening. It’s brightly decorated with signs revolving around music and the local scene. It boasts
a solid menu of food items to accompany your drinks for that night. The goal is to provide a fun atmosphere where musicians can perform and mingle with customers. The interior is a mix of booths and tables for those who want to sit and eat. The stage is front and center with a clearing
in front for customers to gather around the performances. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday with daily specials such as Taco Tuesdays with $2 to $3 tacos. The website is constantly updated with new events and deals being offered daily.
1022 Senate St. (803) 771-1558 tinroofcolumbia.com Monday–Friday: 4 p.m.– 3 a.m. Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m.– 2 a.m.
Best Bartenders
The Horseshoe Rachel Minetti @TDG_ARTS
The Horseshoe bar, while still relatively new, has already become a staple in Five Points. With a perfect location and eye-catching logo, The Horseshoe is a tried and true bar with friendly bartenders to hang out at any night of the week. Just as Sundays are associated with football, Wednesdays are associated with the $5 fishbowls — a sugary concoction with too much alcohol and some sort of blue liquid,
served in a large bowl to replicate a fishbowl. The Horseshoe regularly updates their Twitter account with nightly deals and humorous photos. Even though any other bar in Five Points has rivaling deals throughout the week, the friendly bartenders at the Horseshoe keep the reputation up. Known for hosting fun games and great conversation, it’s no wonder the Horseshoe was voted as the best bartenders. The Horseshoe is becoming the USC student’s go-to choice for a
night out. With photos of smiling faces lining the front entrance and fun, friendly bartenders, the Horseshoe’s charm will be around for a while. 724 Harden St. Monday–Wednesday: 9 p.m.– 4 a.m. Thursday and Friday: 8 p.m.– 4 a.m. Saturday: 8 p.m.– 2 a.m. Luke Yengo | The Daily Gamecock
26 Best of Carolina
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Services Tori Richman | The Daily Gamecock
Best Nail Salon
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Capital Nails & Spa Sarah Nichols @SCNICHOLS97
As USC students struggle with managing classes, jobs and other commitments, nail care and relaxation are often luxuries that fall on the back b u r n e r. H o w e v e r, Capital Nails & Spa offers the perfect getaway from the stresses of everyday life with a flexible
schedule and affordable prices. Capital Nails & Spa provides multiple spa packages, with services ranging from manicures to waxing to massage therapy, with manicures starting at just $12. Located at 128 Assembly St., Capital Nails & Spa is a short walk from campus, students have plenty of opportunity to squeeze a manicure
into their busy schedules. Every technician and aesthetician there is licensed by the state, which ensures that the care they provide will be of the highest quality. Next time you feel like treating yourself, take the short walk with your friends to Capital Nails & Spa. You’re sure to leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.
128 Assembly St. Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.– 6 p.m. Avadh Rana | The Daily Gamecock
Best Waxing Salon
European Wax Center Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Nothing makes you feel quite as fancy and sophisticated as a professional waxing to get rid of undesired body hair. Perfect for surprising a loved one or just enjoying yourself, the gift of getting smooth, freshly waxed skin is hard to resist. So why not make it the best experience possible while you’re at it? At the European Wax Center, waxing is not just a service but a relaxing luxury. With different options for men and women, you will find that waxing is a wonderful way to reveal the best your skin
can be no matter who you are. Located at 6090 Garners Ferry Road in The Shoppes at Woodhill, The European Wax Center offers a free first-time wax so customers can see for themselves the benefits of the salon’s services. For the free wax, the salon offers a choice of underarm, brow or bikini line waxing for women and nose, ear or brow waxing for men. Customers must have a valid local resident ID to claim their free wax. Book your waxing today at the European Wax Center, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
6090 Garners Ferry Road Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.– 8:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:30 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m.– 7 p.m. Avadh Rana | The Daily Gamecock
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Best Auto Repair
Firestone Complete Auto Care Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
When it comes to your car, where you go to get your vehicle’s maintenance is key, whether it’s for a repair, an oil change, a tire rotation or just a checkup. If you don’t take your ride to a quality car service place, chances are something could go wrong after you’ve had maintenance done. Even something as simple as putting a new oil filter on too tight can be damaging to a car. Firestone Complete Auto Care has been chosen for the award for best auto repair place
because of its reliable, quality service and knowledgeable mechanics. Trustable, friendly and dependable, employees of Firestone have the expertise to diagnose and fix vehicles with problems big and small. The store even offers deals on tires such as buy three, get one free and oil changes for only $19.99. The next time you take your car to be serviced, go to Firestone, located at 1738 Gervais St. and open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1738 Gervais St. Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.– 7 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Tori Richman | The Daily Gamecock
Best Tanning Salon
Ultratan Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
The winter can be harsh for skin that needs sunlight to get that golden, sunkissed glow. Where do you go when you need that naturally tanned look but want to avoid appearing like you just got a cheap tan? The best solution for those with paleness problems or those just looking to warm up their skin tones for bathing suit season is a quick, easy, affordable tan at Ultratan. This salon is a quality tanning boutique that offers the best
in tanning treatments to keep you looking beach-babe brown. Instead of going somewhere that isn’t reputable and could leave you looking orange, head down to Ultratan, located at 1001 Harden St. in Five Points. Voted the best tanning salon as well as the best place for a spray tan, Ultratan offers different ways for you
to look just the shade you want, just the way you want it. The shop is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing you to stop by whenever you’re free. Create a membership to keep you tan year-round.
1001 Harden St. Monday–Thursday: 9 a.m.– 9 p.m. Friday: 9 a.m.– 8 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY! Form a Team & Get to the Green
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The Start Line for St. Paddy’s Day Fun gettothegreen.com
30 Best of Carolina
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701 Santee Avenue | Suite A | 803-386-2278
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Best Car Wash
Frank’s Car Wash Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Abby Webb | The Daily Gamecock
As a student in college, odds are that you’re more preoccupied with school, work, social events or extracurricular activities than you are with maintaining the look of your car. When is the last time you gave your whip a quick wash? Now that your dad isn’t here to make sure your vehicle is in top shape, it’s time to take the responsibility on yourself. Fortunately, keeping your car looking fresh is easier than it may seem. Just take a short drive over to Frank’s Car Wash at 4741 Forest Drive. Frank’s is as classy as it is classic; just look for the gray building
with red trim. With excellent customer service and attention to detail, Frank’s will have your ride looking brand new in a jiffy. According to the business’ website, the shop uses a “cloth system and touchless blowers” to give cars a thorough yet gentle wash. Open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Frank’s is always willing to make rides clean again with a quick drive-through.
4741 Forest Drive Monday–Saturday: 8 a.m.– 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
Best Off-Campus Living
Olympia & Granby Mills Rachel Minetti @TDG_ARTS
Located a couple of blocks south of Greek Village, Olympia Mill is not too long of a commute from campus. Olympia is one of three apartment complexes in The Mills, along with Granby Mill and 612 Whaley. The three complexes sit on 20 acres of land with features such as The Mills Cafe, a fitness center and a USC shuttle stop. Completely gutted and renovated from an old textile mill, Olympia feels new and clean, yet still cozy and cool. The outside of the building still stands strong, but
once you step inside, the interior walls are white, the floors a smooth hardwood. In attempts to rival the residence hall sense o f c o m m u n i t y, T h e Mills has an extensive social calendar of parties and special events. The community pool is usually pretty crowded, but who’s to blame when the weather is above 70 degrees for most of the year? Overall, with the historical charm, variety of room options and favorable distance to campus, Olympia Mill is student favorite for offcampus housing.
Luke Yengo | The Daily Gamecock
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Best Hotel
Columbia Marriott Thomson Student Health Center Pharmacy Student Health Services
Skip the wait for your prescriptions Receive notifications from the pharmacy by text, email or voicemail when they’re ready. Sign up now: www.sa.sc.edu/shs/rxupdate or fill out the slip in the pharmacy.
Comparable pricing Most prescriptions cost the same or less at our pharmacy as other retail pharmacies. Most prescription insurance co-pays are the same.
Easy refills Visit www.sc.edu/myrxspace, use the PocketRx app (Look for University of South Carolina PocketRx in the app store) or call 803-777-4890 for refills.
Update your info The pharmacy automatically sends a voicemail when your prescription is ready. Make sure we have the correct number on file by updating your information at www.sa.sc.edu/shs/rxupdate or fill out the slip in the pharmacy. Park in the Bull Street Garage for free while you pick up your prescriptions. Park free for up to 30 minutes; show the attendant your receipt.
Bring your USC ID and prescription insurance card with you as well as any discount cards you want to use. You will need a valid Governmentissued photo ID (state driver’s license or ID, military ID or passport) for all controlled-substance prescriptions and pseudoephedrine products.
Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun. 2-8 p.m., fall & spring; M-F 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., summer & breaks
Like us: facebook.com/UofSCshs Follow us: @UofSCshs Supporting the vision of a Healthy Carolina community
Kelsey Clayton | The Daily Gamecock
Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
When it comes to finding a place to stay for one day or a few during travels, one usually looks for convenience, location, cleanliness, a friendly staff, a comfortable room and appropriate amenities. If you’re helping a friend or family member find a place to stay while visiting you, you also need a hotel that’s nearby and easy to find. The Columbia Marriott offers all these advantages and more, including perks such as modern rooms, a fancy bar, a fitness center, a pool and a formal space for meetings or
events. It even provides two magnificent ballrooms for special events such as weddings or reunions and dining at the hotel’s very own contemporary southern restaurant, which features all-natural ingredients and fresh, seasonal dishes. The Marriott is the ideal location for your parents to stay when they come up to visit for a weekend. If you want to take them for a tour of campus, this hotel is a short distance away, located at 1200 Hampton St. The Columbia Marriott is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for complete convenience no matter how late guests arrive to check in.
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Best Hair Salon
Metropolis Salon & Dry Bar Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
No matter the outfit, everyone knows without a great hairstyle, your look will fall short of its full potential. To keep your hair game on point, proper hair care is key, and for this you need a salon with expertise and a sense of style. With a store just as modern as its name, Metropolis Salon & Dry Bar was voted the best hair salon in Columbia because it delivers everything one needs to have the perfect hairstyle. The professional staff at Metropolis knows just the trick to make hairstyles
unique to each customer by using products and treatments that keep hair healthy, strong and stylish. The salon offers services including cuts, color, foil highlights, retexturing, extensions and blowouts. For a discount of 10 percent from your next service bill, customers are encouraged to book appointments in advance. Customers can also book with the stylist of the week for a percent discount. Metropolis is conveniently located downtown at 1218 Taylor St. and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best Gym
Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center Adam Orfinger @AORFINGER
One of the biggest gyms in South Carolina, the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center has everything you could want in an on-campus facility. From weight racks to volleyball courts to the 52-foot rock wall, Strom is the best place for USC students to get fit. At the corner of Assembly and Blossom streets, Strom is relatively accessible for on-campus students. Also, the gym is
located near multiple surface parking lots, making it easy for offcampus students to take advantage of all of the amenities. Strom also features an indoor track that overlooks its five basketball / volleyball courts and numerous weight training stations. The facility offers an indoor and outdoor pool in addition to a sauna, three multipurpose fields and five racquetball courts. For all of your recreational needs, Strom is there. Tori Richman | The Daily Gamecock
34 Best of Carolina
Women of all ages can find comprehensive gynecologic care at Vista Women’s Healthcare. Our experienced staff provides complete medical and surgical GYN services, and they respect your privacy by keeping all medical records confidential. Conveniently located in the heart of Columbia’s Vista, same-day appointments are always available in our comfortable, stateof-the-art office. Find convenient, confidential, comfortable care at Vista Women’s Healthcare.
Convenient, Confidential, Comfortable
COMPREHENSIVE CARE 700 Gervais Street, Suite 300 • Columbia, SC • (803) 254-3230
VistaWomens.com
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Shopping Casey Sweeney | The Daily Gamecock
Best Men’s Clothing Store
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Brittons Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Again voted best in men’s clothing, Brittons’ fine clothing, accessories and furnishings continue to please Columbians with its gentlemanly and tasteful apparel. Great for finding the perfect suit for a wedding ceremony or just to catch t h a t s p e c i a l s o m e o n e ’s eye, Brittons offers a wide selection of coats, polo shirts, dress shirts, bow ties and the like. They also offer a selection of women’s clothing and accessories. With the motto “First Impressions are Lasting Impressions,” the store is dedicated to helping men
and women create the perfect impressions through their wardrobe selections. Whether you’re dressing up for work or play, Brittons takes great care to make sure you know the quality of the clothing you dress in and that you are proud of it. Brittons delivers clothing with lasting quality, creating a look for gentlemen and ladies that shows you know how to dress and dress well.
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
2818 Devine St. (803) 771- 2700 Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
Thomas Stroud | The Daily Gamecock
Best Women’s Clothing Store
Entourage Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Searching for a new look to add to your closet? Trying to find clothes that look designer-made but still fit your distinct style? Look no farther than Entourage Clothing & Gifts, a picturesque clothing boutique located in the heart of the Vista on 701 Lady St. With the perfect combination of classic and chic fashions, Entourage captures the freshest trends while keeping your wardrobe original. This lovely boutique has been voted number one in woman’s retail clothing for Casey Sweeney | The Daily Gamecock
its unique clothing options, scene vibe, friendly staff and quality fabrics. With modern music, fashionable blouses, party dresses, accessories and more, a store like Encourage is hard to beat. Stop into Entourage after a dinner out with friends or for a fun afternoon of shopping. Entourage is just a short walk away from most restaurants in the Vista and right across from Carolina Ale House. 701 Lady St. (803) 764-6427 Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 8 p.m. Sunday: 12 p.m.– 6 p.m.
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Best Jewelry Store
Handpicked Grace Batton @TDG_ARTS
Whether you’re jewelry shopping for an anniversary, a b i r t h d a y, a holiday or just a treat for yourself, there’s one place that’s the ideal stop to fulfill all your gift-giving (or receiving) needs. Specializing in personalized monograms, Handpicked offers a variety of adorable n e c k l a c e s , earrings, bracelets, rings, accessories,
gifts and apparel. Express your style in more ways than you thought possible with the wide arrangement of stylish goods available at this up-to-the-minute trendy store. Handpicked offers customers a look at what the newest, hottest trends are on their website,
behandpicked. com. The company’s core values are “dedicated relationship, passionate spirit and innovative vision,” illustrated by the creative, unique and original theme of the store’s jewelry, clothing and accessories.
2822 Devine St. (803) 251-2946 Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m.– 6 p.m. Joe McElveen | The Daily Gamecock
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Best Gamecock Apparel
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Garnet and Black Traditions Mary Ramsey @MCOLLEEN1996
You don’t have to spend much time on campus for it to become clear that the way to look cool and stylish on Carolina’s campus is to deck yourself out in garnet and black. But you’ve still got to find a place to stock up on all your Gamecock gear. Look no further than Garnet and Black Traditions. Under the umbrella of well-known local store
J e w e l r y Wa r e h o u s e , Garnet and Black Tr a d i t i o n s h a s t h r e e locations in the Cayce, Harbison and Lexington communities in and around Columbia. Their motto, “Where Gamecocks rule the roost,” lives up to the hype as they provide an abundance of memorabilia and spirit ware to get you pumped up and ready for your next Carolina gameday. They stock the latest in Gamecock apparel for
all ages and sizes. Their merchandise is sure to show off your Carolina spirit or make a great gift for your favorite USC fan. So head on over to Garnet and Black Traditions for all your Gamecock apparel needs, and be prepared to walk out feeling cocky. 228 Knox Abbott Drive (803) 457-7400 Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m.– 7 p.m. Luke Yengo | The Daily Gamecock
Best Comic Book Store
Silver City Drew Mueller @TDG_SPORTS
Silver City Comics, located across the Blossom Street bridge in Cayce, has been providing Columbia with its superhero literature for 60 years. Sure, it’s got its usual customers, but the business provides to a variety of people.
“We also have people that come in from all over the c o u n t r y, ” m a n a g e r A n g e l a Augustine, daughter of owner Ann Hart, said. “They Google us, they go to our Facebook page (and hear about us through) word of mouth ... We’ve got the university right up the street … We’ve got the military that come here. We have senators that come
here. We have congressmen that come here. We have lawyers that come here.” As for the shift of all media — comics included — to digital, Augustine isn’t too worried about business. “There are a group of people that are hardcore,” she said. “They want to physically feel the paper and smell the paper
in their hand. So there is always going to be a market for the comic books because people want to feel the book in their hand.” 538 Knox Abbott Drive (803) 791-4021 Tuesday: 3 p.m.– 6 p.m. Wednesday–Saturday 10:30 a.m.– 6 p.m
Casey Sweeney | The Daily Gamecock
Best Grocery
39
Publix Sarah Nichols @SCNICHOLS97
Whether you’re craving a classic Publix rotisserie chicken or you need to restock your pantry for the next Columbia flood, Publix is the perfect place to go for affordable and high-quality groceries. The Publix Super Market on Gervais Street is a short drive from campus, and is trademarked by its unique brick building, originally used as a printing plant during the Civil War. Publix offers a wide variety of fresh produce, packaged foods, toiletries and other grocery items. Their freshly made chicken fingers, subs
and soups are the perfect options for a last-minute dinner to grab on the go or bring home with you for the nights you don’t want to cook. Sales such as buy one, get one free are frequent and the perfect option for college students on tight budgets. Although our bank accounts might be low on funds, our pantries can be stocked high with food after shopping at Publix.
501 Gervais St. (803) 255-4351 Sunday–Saturday: 7 a.m.– 10 p.m. Madison MacDonald | The Daily Gamecock
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K N A TH YOU
for voting the Student Success Center the best study service! Make an appointment online www.sc.edu/success Locations at TCL Mezzanine Level, Bates House, Columbia Hall, & Sims at Women’s Quad
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