Are you looking for your new favorite bakery? Columbia, SC has a diverse and vibrant bakery scene. There is no shortage in Columbia when it comes to tackling that sweet tooth craving!
There’s something so special about walking into a local sweet shop and picking out the perfect baked good. In this article, we’ll highlight a few of our favorite bakeries around town and provide an extended list that are all worth the visit.
Whether you’re looking for the best petit four in the state (maybe I’m biased, but it is REALLY good), a delicious gluten-free or vegan cupcake that requires two hands to eat, or a heavenly slice of cake we’ve got you covered.
From the famous Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats and Meeting place in Northeast Columbia, to the adorable Love a Cup Bakery staking its claim in West Cola, to the O’Haras bakery nestled in downtown Lexington, we’ll introduce you to these bakeries and what makes them special to our city. We’ll also include an extended list of bakeries that you don’t want to sleep on! So get ready to indulge in your senses and explore the world of bakeries in Columbia!
Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets and Meeting Place – NE Columbia
If you haven’t visited this local gem you should stop what you’re doing now and head on over. Make sure to check their hours though as they are selective. Tiffany’s really holds such a special place in our Northeast Columbia hearts. Since 1977 this establishment has been serving up some delicious bistro-style meals in addition to its outstanding confectioneries. This bakery is worth a lunch trip if you have time because you don’t want to miss out on their freshly made soups or sandwiches (made from their own freshly baked bread!) or salads.
The real prize of this place though, without a doubt, the Petit Four. These tiny, melt-in-your-mouth cakes steal the show at any baby, bridal, or wedding shower. Don’t wait for a special occasion to indulge though, pop in any time and grab one (or a dozen) and just sit back and go to your happy place.
Love A Cup Bakery – West Columbia
True to its name, these desserts really feel like they’re made with love. The owner, Mrs Curry, can usually be found baking away or behind the counter, but she’s as sweet as the treats she’s putting out. Not only is there an abundance of cupcakes, cookies and desserts to try in store, but speciality items are available for order as well. The one thing you don’t want to miss out on, the cupcakes. So big, and so many amazing flavors to choose from, the only thing you won’t enjoy is having to pick just one! Good thing you can buy as many as you like.
Not only are these cupcakes perfect for any occasion, but also for almost any dietary need. Love A Cup offers vegan and gluten-free options for several of their desserts! These are not lacking in flavor a bit, so if you’ve got a craving and require a special diet option, look no further!
O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe – Lexington
This bakery, and brand, have created quite the stir in downtown Lexington. O’Hara’s has expanded their bakery to now include brunch and lunch options and they look just as tempting as their desserts! Whether you’re in the mood for a coffee and breakfast pastry on the go, or a cappacino and slice of amazing cake to dine in with, this place has you covered!
We enjoyed the red velvet cheesecake (a specialty item at the time) and a slice of their Butterfinger cake (definitely something to write home about). The bakery features some rotating specialty baked goods as well as a defined menu of muffins, pastries, cakes, and cookies! What more could you ask for? A little-known secret around town too, is the owners bought out the recipes from the beloved Nonnah’s that used to reside downtown. So if you’re missing any of your favorite treats, it’s worth the drive to stop by and see what they have!
Don’t hesitate to step next door to the original O’hara’s for lunch or dinner as well. Irish pub vibes with some amazing dishes you don’t want to miss out on.
Extended List: Find a great bakery in Columbia, SC
Here are some more bakeries around the Columbia area that you absolutely don’t want to skip!
Ally & Eloise — Main Street / Forest Drive
Silver Spoon Bake Shop — Devine Street
Sweet GG’s Bake Shop — Harden Street
The Strudel Shop — Washington Street
Meesha’s Sinful Cakes — Two Notch Road
Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli — Devine Street
Blue Flour Bakery — St Andrews Road
