Columbia has several great, local places to eat that have been around a long time, including Groucho’s Deli, where kids eat free on Saturdays!

The kids eat free offer is for dine-in on Saturdays after 4:00 pm (until 8:30 pm), one kids’ meal for every adult meal purchased.

Maybe that love of kids and family time is because its owner, who founded the deli in Columbia in 1941, was an orphan. Continuing in generosity, Groucho’s offers community giveback programs and loyal customer rewards as well.

That free kids’ meal comes with a sandwich, drink, and a side. Kids’ meal options include PB&J, grilled cheese, or all-beef hotdogs, so if you have a picky eater, this place is great. For a healthier option, you can go with pretzels over chips and drinks include 100% juice, milk, and water options as well.

If you’re looking for more places to grab a free kids meal, check out our huge list of Kids Eat Free and Cheap Deals in Columbia, SC!

So, why Groucho’s?

Groucho’s flavor is quality deli. They do not use frozen or precut meats. No restructured meat products, soy byproducts, or fillers. This is fresh food, and you can tell.

What are they most well-known for?

• STP Dipper
• Giant Salads like “My Wife’s Salad Bowl”
• House sauces, dressings, and dips such as Formula 45, my favorite (available by pints as well)
• Their soups, especially potato
• Signature pasta salad

They also have veggie options, heart-healthy options, and smaller portion options. Just check out their massive menu with great photos. You can order online for pick up or delivery. Also, they offer catering.

Groucho’s Deli Columbia, SC Locations

They have locations in:

• Five Points (the original)
• Sparkleberry (northeast Cola near Spring Valley)
• West Columbia
• Irmo
• Lexington
• Forest Acres (currently closed, re-opening soon).

There are other locations in Chapin, Blythewood, Camden and even more now reaching throughout the state and into North Carolina and Georgia as people discover this tasty family business.

Sparkleberry has the roomiest seating, in our experience.

So, it’s a great place to have a family dinner on the weekend, where kids eat free and parents can order whatever they want.

Don’t miss any of Columbia’s delicious restaurants. Here’s our Columbia, SC Restaurant Guide.

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, or make all the noises without disrupting a quiet dining room, 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.

Columbia Restaurants with Outdoor Dining Space

Pawleys Front Porch

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.

827 Harden Steet, Columbia

Publico (Five Points)

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 so check out their website for details!

There is now a second location in the Bullstreet district that also includes outdoor dining. Their patio has fake grass on the ground, so go ahead and let 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

Home Team BBQ

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!

700 Harden Street, Columbia

Liberty Tap Room & Grill – Irmo

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, Jamabalaya Pasta, salads and burgers, just to name a few!

1602 Marina Road, Irmo, SC 29063

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 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 peak their menus on their websites :
Steel Hands:  2350 Foreman Street, Cayce
Savage Craft: 430 Center Street, West Columbia
River Rat: 1231 Shop Road, Columbia
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery: 1402 Jim Hamilton Boulevard, Columbia & 900 Main Street, Columbia

Date Night Outdoor Retaurants: Columbia, C

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 definitely 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 :

• Hendrix Rooftop: 1649 Main Street, Columbia
• Market on Main Street: 1320 Main Street, Columbia
• Saluda’s: 751 Saluda Avenue, Columbia
• The War Mouth: 1209 Franklin Street, Columbia
• Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe: 2001 Greene Street A, Columbia
• Tazzas Kitchen: 4840 Forest Drive #20, Columbia
• Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria:  621 Gadsden Street, Columbia