Do you need some ideas on where to get family meal deals in Columbia, SC? Some days, we know, are busier than others, and it can feel impossible to fit everything in before bedtime. Unfortunately, meal prep and cooking may be pushed to the back burner . . . no pun intended.
So, if you’re wondering “Where are the family meals near me?” or you’ve ever felt like you’re left scrambling for meal ideas, here is a great list of places that offer family meal deals that are quick, convenient, and budget-friendly!
Are you looking for a delicious place to enjoy ice cream around Columbia, SC? Calling all ice cream enthusiasts, this one’s for you! We’ve found the best places in town to enjoy not only great ice cream, but milkshakes, frozen yogurt, snow cones, Italian ice, and more!
I Scream, You Scream, Let’s Go Get Ice Cream!
There are so many places in the Columbia area to enjoy a cold sweet treat on a hot summer day . . . or really, any day! We know it can be fun to load up the kiddos for a special treat, maybe after a long week or as a back-to-school, end-of-summer celebration. So, if you’re looking for somewhere to see those faces light up and get those hands a little sticky, we’ve got you covered! Enjoy!
Interested in finding out about other delicious restaurants? Be sure to check out our HUGE list of favorites. From pizza parlors to mouthwatering BBQ, we’ve got it all!
Best Ice Cream, Milkshakes, and Sundaes in Columbia
Baked Bear
Address: 631 Harden Street, Suite C, Columbia, SC 29205 Hours: Daily from 12 pm – 10 pm About: Do you love ice cream sandwiches? If so, you’ve got to try out Baked Bear! Here, you will pick your own cookie and/or brownie sandwich top and bottom and then choose an ice cream flavor and toppings of your liking. YUM! Baked Bear
Baskin-Robbins
Address: 9920 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29223 Hours: Two Notch Location – 11 am to 10 pm About: With several different ice cream flavors to choose from, sundaes, bakery treats, and more, this classic ice cream shop is sure to be a treat! Baskin-Robbins
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Address: 130-15 Forum Drive, Columbia, SC Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 10 pm Friday – Saturday from 11 am – 11 pm About: Sundaes, scoops, shakes, and cakes galore! Bruster’s is a classic ice cream shop with several different flavors. Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
Dragon’s Breath
Address: 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia, SC 29212 Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 7 pm Sunday from 12 pm – 7 pm About: If you’ve never tried dragon breath ice balls, now’s your chance! You know, the kind that you see videos of on Facebook where it looks like smoke is billowing out of your mouth after eating one of the ice balls?! Your kids will love it, and you’ll earn some major “cool mom/dad” points! Also served here are ice cream, smoothies, and milkshakes! Dragon’s Breath
Kremo Ice Cream
Address: 701B Santee Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205 Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11:30 am – 9 pm Sunday from 12 pm – 8 pm About: Kremo serves rolled ice cream made of natural and local cream and that is freshly rolled each day! Fresh fruit is a common topping here. Kremo Ice Cream
LICK Ice Cream
Address: 110 Clemson Road, Suite B, Columbia, SC 29229 Hours: Monday – Thursday from 2 pm – 8 pm Friday from 2 pm – 10 pm Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm Sunday from 1 pm – 8 pm About: You haven’t had a milkshake until you’ve ordered one from LICK! There are several different flavor choices and they all come with added desserts such as brownies, cookies, cheesecake and more. And I don’t just mean small added chunks – no! – whole baked goods. It is absolutely delicious!
Pro tip – the milkshakes are huge and perfect for sharing! LICK Ice Cream
360 Treats
Address: 2018 Taylor Street, Columbia, SC 29204 Hours: Monday – Friday from 7 am – 7 pm Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm About: Deliciousness all the way around! Here is where you can get great, freshly rolled ice cream! 360 Treats
Rosewood Dairy Bar
Address: 3003 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29205 Hours: Sunday – Closed Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 9 pm About: This is a classic, old-school ice cream shop with amazing milkshakes, ice cream sundaes and dipped cones! Rosewood Dairy Bar
Snow’s Ice Cream and Coffee
Address: 612 St. Andrews Road # 7, Columbia, SC 29210 Hours: Sunday – Closed Monday from 7 am – 10 am Tuesday from 7 am – 8 pm Wednesday from 7 am – 3 pm Thursday – Friday from 7 am – 8 pm Saturday from 11 am – 8 pm About: Need a pick-me-up while the kids are enjoying a few scoops of ice cream? Look no further than Snow’s! With scoop ice cream, ice cream dessert, and all the coffee you could ever need, this place is sure to be the perfect treat! Snow’s Ice Cream and Coffee
Sweet Cream Co.
Sweet Cream Co.
Address: 1627 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 1 pm – 9 pm Friday – Saturday from 1 pm – 10 pm About: My family loves this ice cream shop! Not only are the staff and owners some of the nicest and most friendly people, but their ice cream is some of the best I’ve ever had! All of the ice cream here is handmade, very fresh, and made in small batches with local ingredients. There are new flavors to try all the time! Their cones are also freshly made daily with local ingredients. Sweet Cream Co.
Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream Shop
Sweet Izzy’s Ice Cream & Coffee Shop
Address: 504 Lexington Ave. Suite B, Chapin, SC Hours: Sunday from 12pm – 8:30 pm Monday – Thursday from 6:45am – 8:30 pm Friday – from 6:45 am – 9:30 pm Saturday from 12pm – 9:30 pm About: They offer a huge variety of delicious hard scooped ice cream, soft serve, plus coffee, lattes, smoothies, frappes, pastries, homemade cookies, chocolate dipped sweets and baked goods as well as gifts, outside catering and take-out is also available. Comfy, indoor seating, free WiFi and they now offer online ordering with curbside pick up. They host the cutest birthday parties, complete with Ice Cream Bar and themes that can be tailored to your needs.
Address: 412 McNulty Street, Suite B, Blythewood, SC 29016 Hours: Sunday from 1 pm – 7 pm Monday – Thursday from 1 pm – 9 pm Friday – Saturday from 1 pm – 10 pm About: This is such a cute and cozy small-town ice cream shop! They’ve got the perfect amount of ice cream flavors and toppings to take your family out for a quick sweet treat. While there is no indoor seating, there are a few outdoor covered benches that are the perfect place to sit and enjoy your ice cream. Sweet Pea Ice Cream Parlor
Sweet Pea’s Ice Crea Parlor
Zesto of West Columbia
Address: 504 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169 Hours: Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm Closed on Sunday About: Zesto has been a popular place in Columbia for several years. Along with delicious ice cram and milkshakes you can also enjoy burgers, chicken, fries, and more. You can’t miss the big chocolate covered ice cream cone leading you straight to Zesto! Zesto of West Columbia
And Now, Something Special
Morelia Gourmet Paletas
For something a little different, check out the Mexican ice cream treat, Paletas at Morelia Gourmet Paletas. They are totally delicious and offer dairy-free options, too!
This one has it all! Seriously, they have dairy-free soft-serve, regular ice cream, and frozen yogurt all self-serve with 50+ toppings, so, as they say “Choose Wildly!”
Ice cream is good; however, it may not be for everyone. Here are some of our favorite places to get cold sweet treats that aren’t ice cream! Some of these are great dairy-free options.
Shaved Ice and Snow Cones in Columbia
Manny’s Shaved Ice
Address: 1228 Augusta Road, West Columbia, SC 29169 Hours: Monday – Friday from 12 pm – 9 pm Saturday – Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm About: Manny’s takes shaved ice to a whole other level! With fresh fruits, bold flavors, and fun dessert colors, you won’t be disappointed when you stop here! Manny’s Shaved Ice
Pelican’s Snoballs
Address: 1912 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29205 202 Graces Way, Columbia, SC 29229 2404 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 2291 US-1, Elgin, SC 29045 6165 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212 517 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072 Hours: The majority of these locations are open Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 9 pm and Sunday from 1 pm – 9 pm Be sure to double-check hours before going! About: Pelican’s offers over 100 flavors of snow cones and several signature “snowballs” that include more than one flavor and even some with candy gummies! They have several locations all throughout and around the Columbia area. Be sure to double-check which one is closest to you! Pelican’s SnoBalls
Where to get Italian Ice in Columbia, SC
Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Address: 800 Lady Street, Columbia, SC 29201 Hours: Sunday – Saturday from 12 pm – 10 pm About: Italian Ice is such a refreshing and not too heavy cold treat! Rita’s now has “party pack” packages that can serve from 18 up to 67 people. The perfect pack for a birthday party, summer cookout, or any large gathering! Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice
Address: 6729 Two Notch Road, Suite 10A, Columbia, SC 29223 Hours: Sunday – Closed Monday – Saturday from 12 pm – 8 pm About: Stop by Z’s to get some refreshing Italian Ice and more! Z’s Cool Me Down Italian Ice
Columbia, SC Gelato Shops
Scoopy Doo
Address: 725 Saluda Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205 Hours: Monday – Saturday from 7 am – 8 pm Sunday – 8 am – 6 pm About: If you’ve never had gelato . . . you’re missing out! At Scoopy Doo there are several delicious flavors to choose from, and we’re sure you won’t be disappointed. Scoopy Doo
Frozen Yogurt around Columbia, SC
Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Address: 5580 Sunset Boulevard, Lexington, SC 29072 Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 12 pm – 10 pm Friday – Saturday from 12 pm – 11 pm About: Here you can get FROYO (frozen yogurt), acai bowls, and even FROYO cakes! Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt
Sweet Frog
Address: 5318 Sunset Boulevard, Suite H1b, Lexington, SC 29072 Hours: Daily from 11:30 am – 9 pm About: Sweet Frog has so many super yummy flavors of FROYO to choose from, and the toppings are endless. One of my personal favorites is to get tart FROYO with a sweet topping. Swing by during the hot, summer months for a refreshing treat! Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating! You won’t be disappointed! Sweet Frog
Where is your family’s favorite place to enjoy a cold sweet treat in Columbia?
Have you ever been to Cafe Strudel? Cafe Strudel is a locally-owned restaurant that is well-known to many throughout the Midlands! Most known for their outstanding breakfast and brunch menu, we promise this kid-friendly, welcoming restaurant won’t let you down.
Quick Growth and Popularity throughout the Midlands
Cafe Strudel began in 1997 as a tiny, 10-table restaurant in West Columbia that quickly outgrew its space and had to move to bigger locations . . . more than once. Cafe Strudel has become a staple in the Columbia area. They have several popular, award-winning dishes that we can’t wait to tell you more about!
Cafe Strudel Has an Inviting, Local Feel
Cafe Strudel offers a family-friendly, cozy, laid-back feel. The kind of local place you can wander into on a Sunday morning in your “comfy clothes” and feel right at home. They have indoor seating as well as a covered outdoor patio.
They also have an awesome, self-serve coffee bar with a variety of coffee flavors, creamers, and the cutest coffee mugs.
As we’ve mentioned, Cafe Strudel is a super popular place to be. Keep in mind that there might be a wait, especially on weekend mornings. They don’t offer reservations; however, you can call ahead to have your name added to the waitlist!
So Many Delicious Options at Cafe Strudel
Cafe Strudel has been one of my absolute favorite brunch restaurants for several years. You seriously cannot go wrong with anything you decide on, but the “Hangover Hashbrowns” and “Breakfast Bowl” are crowd favorites. My husband is more of an omelet guy and has never been disappointed with either of their omelets – Smoked Salmon or Smokehouse.
At our most recent visit, I strayed a bit from my normal order and gave the “Sunrise Burrito” a try, and WOW! It might just be my new go-to! My kids shared the Cinnamon Pancakes and, as always, gave them two thumbs up!
The lunch/dinner menu at Cafe Strudel will also not leave you disappointed. They offer soup, salad, tacos, burgers, wraps, sandwiches and more! Lunch and dinner options are available every day except Sunday!
Support Local Artists at Cafe Strudel
As if you needed any more reasons to give this cafe a try, let me leave you with another fun tidbit! Cafe Strudel displays modern artwork, mostly done by artists throughout the Midlands. All artwork displayed along the walls is available for purchase. Even if you aren’t interested in taking any pieces home, they are fun to look at and change quite often! What another GREAT way to support local businesses!
What better way to spend some time outdoors than by making a meal of it? One of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy dinner is al fresco at outdoor restaurants. Columbia, SC has some really great venues to accommodate. These restaurants not only offer an environment suitable for children, but they also have some fantastic menu options. Whether you want a place for your kids to run free and make all the noises without disrupting a quiet dining room or if you’re wondering “where are the outdoor restaurants near me” – we have just the list for you!
Fresh Air and Quality Menus
It can be difficult to find a place that suits the whole family for a meal. Add in outdoor seating and the options become even more narrow. We wanted to give you some ideas to help navigate the already crazy lunch or dinner time scramble.
There are a few places to highlight that can give you and your family a great meal with a good view.
Pawley’s is a longtime favorite of locals. Located in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood, you’ll feel the history of the place as soon as you enter. This restaurant makes the top of the list because not only does it have a cozy porch to enjoy but it’s got a great kids menu that will satisfy most picky eaters!
The price point is family-friendly as well, and we couldn’t rave enough about their burgers if we tried! The porch is shaded and comfortable and even has fans for those extra steamy days.
About: Located on Lake Murray, this restaurant provides water views from every seat with a laid back vibe and is totally kid-friendly. They serve brunch to dinner Wednesday through Sunday and have a good kids menu and crayons. As for the adult menu, the grouper sandwich, ham and cheese panini, and fried chicken salad all all amazing. They also have a grocery that opens at 7 am Monday through Friday and offers breakfast sandwiches and coffee as well as adorable Snacklebox Charcuterie Boards, produce, eggs, bagged ice and more. If you are planning a boat ride on Lake Murray soon, you can dock your boat right up and check them out.
Location: 3106 US-378, Leesville, SC Hours: Restaurant: Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm Monday & Tuesday – Closed Wednesday – Saturday from 11 am – 9 pm Grocery opens at 7 am Monday through Friday South Shore Grill & Grocery
Another Five Points favorite, this restaurant is a little more unique, and maybe for the above toddler-age children. While they do have an awesome, contained back seating area, they don’t have a child-specific menu. The great thing they have to offer though is TACOS! All different kinds, priced individually, so you don’t have to worry about ordering meals to split or adult entrees that may go to waste if ordered for a kid.
During the winter months, Publico puts up igloos outside to keep you warm and sheltered. These are so fun for kids and adults and even have lights at night! We felt like we were in a private little winter wonderland! The igloos do require reservation and fill up quickly so check them out ahead of time if you’re planning a visit. During the warmer months the seating is picnic-style. They also do specials during the week. Check out their website for details!
There is a second location in the Bullstreet district that also includes outdoor dining. Their patio has fake grass on the ground, perfect for letting the kids play under the table! Sometimes they offer live music, as well. Plus, there is also a park nearby as well as Segra Stadium for a little after-dinner play time or entertainment.
Publico Kitchen Tap: 2013 Greene Street, Columbia Publico at Bull Street: 2180 Boyce Street, Columbia
This one-of-a-kind BBQ joint started in Charleston, SC, and we are so lucky to get added to the location list here in Columbia! Home Team has some of the best wings, BBQ, and southern sides you’ll find in the downtown area.
Although it’s not the largest patio area, they do have picnic-style dining outside, shaded and surrounded by fans. With a kid’s menu that is sure to satisfy, your whole family can dine here with no problem.
When in doubt, get the macaroni and cheese. There are also daily specials and from our experience, they’re always worth trying!
Situated right on Lake Murray, Liberty Tap Room & Grill Irmo offers stunning water views and even more magical sunsets for the adults; plus the kids will love watching the turtles swim all around while waiting for their meal! They have open air, outdoor, and indoor dining options. Not only is the view great, so is the food!
The Hush Puppies are a must try and will be a hit with the whole family. Other popular menu items include Nachos, Shrimp and Grits, Jambalaya Pasta, salads, and burgers, just to name a few!
One of our favorite restaurants just got even better and can now appear on this list too! They have a brand new patio complete with giant Connect Four game and overlooks a small lake. What’s better than water views while you dine?
A paved walking trail to burn off the calories after your meal or even to occupy kids while you wait! The path features a small waterfall which is close to the restaurant and benches along the trail to stop and enjoy the view. Old Mill Brewpub has an excellent menu for kids and adults but we recommend looking it over beforehand as you may need extra time to decide what to order!
This gem is a Chapin favorite and is known for their craft burgers. They have a large outdoor patio with umbrellas and shade sails and even a small slide for the kids to enjoy. They recently transitioned to new ownership and are now offering an updated menu and even earned an “A” Food Grade Rating. This is one restaurant sure to satisfy and send you off with a smile on your face. Their patio is dog-friendly too so even your furry family members can join in on the fun.
J.R. Cash’s has multiple locations, four in South Carolina and one in North Carolina. The Chapin location has a completely covered outdoor patio that we absolutely love, perfect for outdoor dining in the summer months. This is yet another gem hidden deep in Chapin but totally worth it. Their honey-butter croissants are a must try and you can’t go wrong with any entree on the menu. We have tried, and love, the ribs and Cash’s Burger and for dessert the Cinnamon Apple Crumb Cobbler and Strawberry Croissant “Bliss” are delicious.
502 Old Lexington Hwy #2, Chapin, SC 29036
Breweries With Outdoor Seating: Family-friendly
Although a brewery might not be your GO-TO when looking for family dining, Columbia has some really awesome family-friendly breweries that happen to have outstanding menus! While they may not include a kid-specific menu, what they do have to offer might be a good compromise. Space to run free!
Each of the breweries listed below offers some truly delicious menu options and ample open space for the little ones to burn off some energy. Every time my family visits one of these places, there are so many other families there as well, so if you’ve got a little social butterfly, this is a great place to relax and watch them make some friends.
Check out the list and peek their menus on their websites : Steel Hands: 2350 Foreman Street, Cayce Savage Craft: 430 Center Street, West Columbia Hunter-Gatherer Brewery: 1402 Jim Hamilton Boulevard, Columbia & 900 Main Street, Columbia Boho Pizza and Brew: 2514 Augusta Highway, Lexington
Date Night Outdoor Restaurants: Columbia, SC
I feel like I wouldn’t be doing our city justice if I didn’t mention some of these other amazing restaurants! While they are not necessarily kid-friendly, they are some of the true highlights of our downtown and should be added to a date night list for parents. So if you’re looking for a Kid FREE night in the town, check out this list of amazing outdoor options :
Are you wondering if Chubby’s Burgers & Brewhouse in Blythewood, SC should be on your to-do list? Chubby’s is a local, kid-friendly restaurant that is well known for its delicious burgers and Sunday brunch. They even offer some fantastic weekly specials that we can’t wait to tell you all about!
I have heard so many great things about Chubby’s Burgers & Brewhouse for quite some time now. When my family and I finally got the chance to check it out, we were so excited and quickly decided it’d be one of our new go-to places. Chubby’s offers a very laid-back, local, and welcoming atmosphere, and what’s even better is that it’s the PERFECT place to take kiddos of all ages.
Bring the Kids to Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse
Did you know that every Wednesday is “kids eat free night” at Chubby’s Burgers? Yep, FREE! But, that’s not the only reason we consider Chubby’s a kid-friendly restaurant. Chubby’s also has an arcade room and pool room just off the main eating area. While the pool room can often be a popular place for adults hanging out at the bar area, the arcade is the perfect place to keep those hungry kiddos occupied until the food comes.
We took full advantage of the arcade during our recent trip, and my 4-year-old had a blast playing pinball and racing. From the arcade room, you can see the majority of the seating within the restaurant, so we knew exactly when our food was ready. We all know taking hungry kids out to dinner can turn sour quickly, but at Chubby’s it’s a win-win for everyone.
Tuesday – Half-priced appetizers Wednesday – Kids eat FREE Thursday – Half-priced appetizers Friday – Live music
The Chubby’s weekly specials change often, be sure to follow along on the Chubby’s Facebook page for updates!
Photo Credit: Chubby’s Burgers & Brewhouse
Food Review: Chubby’s Burgers are Amazing
At our recent visit, my husband ordered the “Southern Charm” burger complete with fried green tomatoes and the house pimento cheese. I couldn’t help but steal a few bites for myself because it was SO. GOOD. 10/10 recommend! We also shared the onion rings which were equally delish, and another must-try item would be the sweet potato fries! Truth be told, I really don’t think you could go wrong ordering any of their burgers. However, if burgers aren’t your thing, they also serve salads, club sandwiches, BLT’s, chicken sandwiches, and more! Oh, and I can’t forget to mention that they’ve also got more than 20 beers on tap!
Inside: Local parents share their favorite restaurants for brunch in Columbia, SC.
Are you looking for a great brunch spot in Columbia, SC? Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Columbia has a variety of options to satisfy your brunch cravings. From classic breakfast fare to unique twists on traditional dishes, this guide is organized by location, making it easy for you to find the perfect brunch spot in your area.
Explore the brunch offerings in Downtown Columbia, Five Points, and West Columbia, and discover new favorites along the way.
Brunch in Downtown Columbia & The Vista
Market on Main
A sophisticated brunch destination featuring truffle frites, alongside an array of salads, gourmet burgers, and breakfast-style sandwiches
Market on Main 1320 Main Street #150 Columbia, SC, 29201 803.722.4222
My family loves going to Market on Main for brunch! It’s so fun to sit outside and listen to music while we dine. Some of my favorite dishes are their Truffle Frites, Griddled Banana Bread, Brunch Bowl, and the Wagyu Burger! And I never leave without having one of their famous Bloody Mary’s!
Kelly J.
The Toasty Hot Spot
A family-owned brunch spot offering a variety of sandwiches and breakfast-style items
The Toasty Hot Spot 2002 Greene Street, Unit A Columbia, SC, 29201 803.401.5501
smallSUGAR
A delightful brunch restaurant, offering a diverse menu including granola and yogurt bowls, tartines, bowls, and sandwiches
smallSUGAR 709 Gervais Street Columbia, SC, 29201 803.722.7506
Crepes & Croissants
A French-style brunch restaurant with a selection of sweet and savory crepes, along with croissant sandwiches, pastries, and coffee.
Motor Supply Company Bistro offers a sustainable farm-to-table dining experience with house-butchered meats, locally sourced produce, and South Carolina seafood. Reservations are recommended.
This Italian-style deli would fit right in up in NYC. They offer signature sandwiches and a special brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 2 pm. It includes all the traditional brunch favorites like pancakes and French Toast, plus eggs and dishes with a unique flare like the Monte Cristo French Toast Sandwich.
DiPrato’s 342 Pickens Street Columbia, SC 29205 803.779.0606
I like Di Prato’s because of all the classic southern staples they have on the menu. My favorite thing to order is the pimento cheese!
Patrick S.
Brunch in Five Points & Shandon
The Gourmet Shop
A classic Columbia brunch spot with outdoor seating and a variety of sandwiches, bakery items, lunch, and breakfast options
The Gourmet Shop 724 Saluda Avenue Columbia, SC 29205 803.799.3705
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
A charming spot with a wide variety of breakfast and lunch menu items, including an assortment of unique cinnamon roll flavors
A food market with a deli featuring a diverse menu with daily specials, and a variety of brunch items, catering to all appetites and dietary preferences
A dog-friendly restaurant in Five Points offering fresh and local food made from scratch
Publico 2013 Greene Street Columbia, SC 29205 803.661.9043
Henry’s Restaurant
Henry’s Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating with brunch options. They also have a location in West Columbia! Their website is currently down for maintenance. Check out their Facebook page here for more information.
Cafe Strudel 300 State Street West Columbia, SC 29169 803.794.6634
I love going to Cafe Strudel for brunch! I almost always order the “Hangover Hashbrowns.” And you can’t beat the self-service coffee bar or freshly squeezed orange juice! Along with the delicious menu, I also love the location. After brunch my family and I like to head over to the WeCo Riverwalk or to some of the antique shops and boutiques just around the corner.
Kayla S.
The Hideout in WeCo
A local café offering counter service, indoor and outdoor seating, serving cafe-style breakfast and lunch options
When it comes to satisfying your brunch cravings in Columbia, you’ll have an abundance of choices to indulge in. But don’t just take our word for it! Check out each restaurant’s website for menus and hours, and then embark on your own culinary exploration.
Tell us! Have you tried any of these fantastic brunch spots? We’d love to hear about your experiences! Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.
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 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!
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.
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 cappuccino 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.
O’hara’s Bakery Cafe
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!
Have you visited any farmers’ markets in Columbia, SC? Are you looking for opportunities to support local farmers, artists, crafters, and musicians? Whether you’re in need of great places to purchase fresh, locally-grown produce, unique artwork, baked goods, or even fresh flowers, we’ve got several places for you! Below, we’ve got a list of the best farmers’ markets in and around Columbia!
Be sure to also check out our restaurant guide for ideas on where to enjoy fresh produce, kid-friendly meals, and more!
Why Try a Columbia, SC Farmers Market?
Farmers’ markets are not only a fantastic way to support local farmers and other small businesses but also a great way to pick out flavorful food that is oftentimes a lot better for our health! Get fresh veggies and fruit at peak season. Several vendors at the farmers’ markets listed below provide organic, local produce; allergy-free products such as sauces, spices, and baked goods; as well as cage and chemical-free eggs and meat.
Aside from delicious foods, these local markets also have one-of-a-kind hand-crafted items and focus on all forms of art – painting, photography, sewing, music, woodwork, etc. The atmosphere at farmers’ markets is always so laid-back, making for a wonderful social event with your family and friends!
You can find a local farmers’ market happening almost every day of the week. Most of these run from spring – late fall; however, there are a few markets that continue year-round! Pro tip: before heading out, be sure to grab a decent-sized bag to carry around and hold all of your fresh produce, specialty items, and unique finds – we promise you’ll need it!
Soda City Market
Address: 1300 – 1600 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 When: Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, year-round
Looking for a fantastic way to start your Saturday morning? The Soda City Market in downtown Columbia will not disappoint. Seriously, you haven’t been to a farmers’ market until you’ve been to Soda City! Several blocks of Main Street are closed off for this event, allowing people to walk in the road and on the sidewalks. The best part is, you can shop year-round!
Each weekend you can expect to find around 150 vendors. Soda City is a producer-only market which means that everything you find will be handmade or grown by the vendors. Some things you can expect to find here are small, local farmers selling delicious fruits and veggies, flowers, food vendors, coffee trucks, clothing, homemade bread, paintings, musicians, sweet treats, and SO MUCH more.
All walkways are wide enough for strollers and wagons; however, they can be a bit tricky to maneuver through the crowds during peak times. This is one of the many reasons why we suggest getting there as early as possible, especially if you’ve got smaller kiddos! Furry friends are welcome to join you at the market as well.
If you decide to check out Soda City, there are several options for parking. Keep in mind that metered spots are free on Saturdays. But, if you can’t find a metered space, there are three nearby parking garages to try on Lady Street, Taylor Street, and Washington Street. My family and I usually head straight to the garage on Taylor Street as it is only half a block away from the action!
Address: WeCo Interactive Art Park – 425 Meeting Street, West Columbia, SC
Under the pavilion at the WeCo Interactive Art Park you will find this awesome farmers market! The Artisan Market has several vendors such as local artists, baked goods, seasonal produce, and crafts. After finishing up your shopping, take a stroll through the Art Park or try out a new restaurant as there are several to choose from within just a few blocks of the market. Check out their calendar on their website for market and special event dates!
Address: Doko Meadows Park – 171 Langford Road, Blythewood, SC 29016 When: Wednesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm beginning in spring and ending in fall
The Blythewood Farmers Market is set up in the large field all around the amphitheater at Doko Meadows Park. Here, you will find over 30 vendors ranging from fresh produce to a table for the local library and everything in between.
By visiting their website you can see a detailed list of vendors each week and where they will be set up around the park. The 12th season of the Blythewood Farmers’ Market begins April 23, 2025!
There is so much for kids to do at the Blythewood Farmers Market. Most weeks, you can find the “Amazing Train Ride” setup. This is a 4-minute long “train ride” that your kiddos will love!
Also, with the Doko playground and walking trails close by, you can allow them to get some energy out before heading back home and cooking up your fresh veggies!
Address: 300 Long Pointe Lane, Columbia, SC 29229 When: Thursdays from 3 pm to 7 pm beginning in April and ending in October
The Lake Carolina Farmers Market is a smaller-scale market found within the popular Lake Carolina neighborhood in northeast Columbia. Although it is located within a neighborhood, the farmers market is open to the public.
This can be a great place to go for a quick stop if you’re in need of fresh vegetables, fruits, sweets, or handcrafted items such as wreaths, soaps, jewelry and more! Along with the vendors, each week you will also be able to listen to live music.
There are almost always fun activities for children to engage in as well – sprinklers to run in, dressed-up characters, a petting zoo, animal balloon makers, etc.
Address: 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC 29172 When: Open 7 days a week, but vendor hours will vary
The SC State Farmers Market is massive and has several different buildings and amenities within it. There are specific areas for wholesale vendors, agricultural goods, and a farmer’s shed for farmers to rent spaces in order to sell their goods. Also found at the market is a retail building with a restaurant, bakery, and general store within.
You can find just about anything at the state farmers market. They’ve got fresh seafood at the “Seafood Cottage,” beautiful flowers and plants, local produce, and even artists and crafters. The recommended time to go in order to get the best produce is between April and October.
A well-known and popular event held here is the “Midlands Plant and Flower Festival.” This is usually a weekend-long event where you can find HUNDREDS of different flowers and plants for the coming season.
Even if you don’t have an interest in taking any plants home, it is still a neat event to go to!
Are you looking for kid-friendly restaurants in Columbia, SC? Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly place to grab breakfast or even enjoy a sit-down dinner, we’ve got you covered! The Kidding Around Team has lots of experience with kids in restaurants. We’ve been there and seen just about all there is to see. On this list we included the truly kid-friendly spots. These are family restaurants that include built-in ice cream or dessert shops, arcade games, and endless kid-friendly meals, and we’re thinking this list will have the perfect spot for you!
Need more restaurant ideas? Discover some of the best date night, BBQ, pizza, and dessert restaurants – we’ve got it all!
Messy Hands, Hungry Bellies, Let’s Eat!
Taking the whole family out to eat can sometimes be a bit stressful. Will there be high chairs? Outside areas to sit or walk antsy legs? Or how about every parent’s with young children worst nightmare . . . white tablecloths? Have no fear! We’ve got a great list of family and kid-friendly restaurants all around Columbia. And good news for you, no, there won’t be any white tablecloths!
Are you searching for custom cookies, cakes, or other sweet treats in Columbia, SC? We know how important it can be to have baked goods that aren’t only delicious, but are also unique, detailed, and well-made to match any upcoming event or special occasion. So whether you have a birthday party, wedding, business meeting, family reunion, or any other event, give one of these locally-owned, small businesses a try! This list has unique sweets plus custom cookies and custom cakes, Columbia, SC!
The Best Custom Sweets in The Midlands
No matter the event, custom sweet treats are sure to add the extra bit of “pizzazz” that your special occasion is missing! Give one of these great places a try for your next party or special gathering!
1. Sammies Sugary Sweets
Sammies Sugar Sweets offers beautiful and detailed cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, and more! Location: Based in Lexington, SC
2. Baked Joyfully
Baked Joyfully is a woman-owned business that offers custom cookie cakes and sugar cookies. In addition to their custom orders, they can also be found selling baked goods at farmers’ markets and festivals all throughout Columbia. Location: Serving Lexington, Richland County, and Blythewood, SC
3. Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets & Meeting Place
Tiffany’s Eats, Sweets & Meeting Place offers delicious sweet treats of all kinds! In addition to their baked goods, they also serve dine-in breakfast and lunch. You can’t go wrong by giving this place a try! Location: 9704 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC
4. TLC Sweets, LLC
TLC Sweets, LLC specializes in gourmet chocolate-dipped strawberries. Gourmet strawberries can be great for any occasion and can even be tailored to fit your specific color scheme, theme, or style. Location: Based in Lexington, SC
5. Soda City Sweets
Looking for decorated sugar cookies? Soda City Sweets has you covered! Not only are these cookies wonderful to look at, but they also have great flavor. Location: Pick-up only in Columbia, SC
6. The Cake Obsession
The Cake Obsession offers an assortment of fantastic baked goods. They are most known for the beautiful, detailed cakes that will be a great addition to any occasion! Location: Based in Blythewood, SC
7. Dazzling Sweets
Dazzling Sweets is a one-stop shop for all your baked good needs – From cupcakes to sugar cookies and everything in between. Location: Based in Blythewood, SC
8. Christine’s Petite Sweets, LLC
You’ll love all the sweets that Christine’s Petite Sweets, LLC offers! Pineapple upside down cake, flavored cheesecake, and chocolates, just to name a few! Location: Available at multiple locations around Columbia, SC.
9. Christi’s Cookies
Christi’s Cookies is where you can find uniquely decorated cookies for weddings, birthday parties, bridal showers, corporate events, family reunions, and more! Location: Irmo, SC
10. Heaven Sent Cakes and Cupcakes
Heaven Sent Cakes and Cupcakes is your place to go for beautiful and delicious cakes and cupcakes for all themes and events. Location: Columbia, SC
Where do you get your custom cookies, Columbia, SC? If you know of a custom cake or cookie decorator that we missed, be sure to let us know!
