Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

These Restaurants Will Be Open For Christmas: Columbia, SC

On the hunt for restaurants open on Christmas Day in Columbia, SC? The good news is we’ve got a large list of delicious places open on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Several of these restaurants have both dining-in and carry-out options available. Make Christmas with your family a little merrier and enjoy a bite to eat from one of the restaurants below!

It is important to note that the majority of these restaurants require reservations in order to serve you throughout Christmas. Be sure to call ahead or go online to book your reservation! We recommend doing this ASAP as these restaurants will become booked very quickly.

Columbia, SC Restaurants Open for Christmas

Locally-owned restaurants: Christmas Eve

Chain restaurants open Christmas Eve

Columbia, SC Restaurants: Christmas Day

Steakhouse Restaurants: Christmas Day

Dessert Restaurants Open for Christmas in Columbia

Christmas Brunch

These restaurants are open on Christmas in Columbia, SC

Local Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve in Columbia, SC

Blue Marlin

Address: 1200 Lincoln Street – 803.799.3838
Details: The popular Columbia restaurant, Blue Marlin, can be found in The Vista. They will be open for Christmas Eve and serve food such as soup & salad, Low country classics, and steaks.
Blue Marlin

Cola’s

Address: 1215 Assembly Street – 803.451.0051
Details: Cola’s will be open on Christmas Eve starting at 5 pm.
Cola’s

Kao Thai Cuisine

Address: 1307 Main Street – 803.569.6881
Details: This Pan-Asian restaurant will be offering fresh, modern Thai; cocktails; and outdoor seating options that are sure to be perfect for you and your family! One unique thing about this restaurant is that it now occupies the former Columbia Fire Dept. Headquarters, the first business to do so since 1994.
Kao Thai Cuisine

Wings and Ale of Lexington

Address: 154 Ellis Ave, Lexington – 803.399.8557
Details: Wings and Ale of Lexington will open for regular hours on Christmas – 11 am to 12 am.
Wings and Ale of Lexington

Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse

Address: 924 E Main Street, Suite C, Lexington – 803.490.0297
Details: They will be open on Christmas Eve for limited hours.
Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse

Reizod Vegan Experience

Address: 9300 Two Notch Road Suite L, Columbia – 803.862.0045
Details: Reizod Vegan Experience will be open on Christmas Eve; however, they plan to close one hour early. So make sure you plan accordingly.
Reizod Vegan Experience

Saluda’s

Address: 751 Saluda Avenue, Columbia – 803.799.9500
Details: Open for dinner hours on Christmas Eve, starting at 5 pm
Saluda’s

Columbia, SC: Chain Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

Address: 148 Harbison Blvd – 803.828.5850
Details: There is truly something for everyone at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. It’s the perfect place to take your family on Christmas Eve! They’ve got burgers, dessert, pasta, pizza, and so much more.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

California Dreaming

Address: 401 Main Street – 803.254.6767
Details: California Dreaming will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 6 pm. They will offer their regular menu as well as curbside pick-up.
California Dreaming

Cracker Barrel

Address: Several locations across Columbia to choose from
Details: Cracker Barrel will be open on Christmas Eve until 2 pm but closed on Christmas Day. Along with their regular menu, you can also order meals online that serve up to 10 people. Desserts are also available for pre-order.
Cracker Barrel

Halls Chophouse

Address: 1221 Main Street, Suite 150 – 803.563.5066
Details: Halls will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 am to 8:15 pm. From soups, salads, seafood, and steaks, this will be a dining experience you won’t soon forget.
Halls Chophouse

Lizard’s Thicket

Address: Several locations across Columbia to choose from
Details: Lizard’s Thicket will be open on Christmas Eve from 6 am until noon. They will be offering all of their normal menu items.
Lizard’s Thicket

The Melting Pot

Address: 1410 Colonial Life Boulevard W, Suite 130 – 803.731.8500
Details: Open on Christmas Eve from noon until 5:00 pm, the Melting Pot will be offering its full menu!
The Melting Pot

LongHorn Steakhouse

Address: 171 Harbison Boulevard, Columbia, SC – 803.732.2482
902 Gervais Street, Ste A, Columbia, SC (The Vista) – 803.254.5100
Details: LongHorn Steakhouse will be open on regular hours on Christmas Eve.
LongHorn Steakhouse

Gyromania Grill – Elgin

Address: 2558 Main Street, Elgin – 803.729.4995
Details: Open 10 am – 7 pm
Gyromania Grill – Elgin

Braza Do Sul Brazillian Steakhouse

Address: 410 Columbiana Drive, Columbia – 803.708.3151
Details: Open from 5 pm to 8 pm on Christmas Eve
Braza Do Sul Brazilian Steakhouse

Carolina Wings

Address: 1000 Marina Road, Irmo – 803.851.4500
240 Blythewood Road, Blythewood SC – 803.714.0181
Details: All locations open until 4 pm for dining room and pick-up orders on Christmas Eve; bar will remain open until 5 pm.
Carolina Wings

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Address: 945 Sabal Street, Columbia
Details: Open from 11 am to 11 pm Christmas Eve
Iron Hill Brewery

Tipsy Toad Tavern

Address: 103 Beaufort Street, Chapin – 803.932.4470
Details: Opening at 4 pm on Christmas Eve
Tipsy Toad Tavern

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day & Christmas Eve in Columbia, SC

Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi

Address: 1624 Main Street, Suite 100 – 803.766.0128
Details: This restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. Here you will find not only delicious food but also a wonderful experience for everyone!
Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi

The Grand on Main

Address: 1621 Main Street – 803.766.0151
Details: At this super cool restaurant you can not only eat but also go bowling with your family! They will be offering their regular menu for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Christmas Day hours will be 2 pm – 10 pm. The bowling lanes can be found in the back of the restaurant. Such a great way to spend quality time with your family throughout the holidays!
The Grand on Main

Smoked

Address: 1643 Main Street – 803.567.5599
Details: Smoked will be open on Christmas Eve during regular hours and on Christmas Day from 2 pm until 8 pm. This restaurant will give you a fine dining, yet casual experience. They’ve got a large outdoor seating area, a delicious oyster bar, meat & cheese boards, and steak flights, just to name a few.
Smoked

Blossom Buffet

Address: 2515 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia – 803.796.7477
Details: Open regular hours for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Blossom Buffet

Shoney’s

Address: 2208 B Airport Blvd West, West Columbia – 803.936.1118
7335 Garner’s Ferry Road, Columbia – 803.776.3700
Details: Shoney’s is open Christmas Eve 7 am to 4 pm and Christmas Day from 8 am to 4 pm.
Shoney’s

Bang Back Pinball Lounge

Address: 741 Saluda Ave, Columbia – 803.834.4462
Details: Bang Back Pinball Lounge an arcade/restaurant and is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family! They will be open 12 pm to 5 pm Christmas Eve and 5 pm to 1 am on Christmas Day.
Bang Back Pinball Lounge

Big Tuna’s Kitchen and Krafts

Address: 1345 Old Chapin Road, Lexington – 803.520.4172
Details: Big Tuna’s will be open for lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve; however, they will only open for dinner on Christmas Day starting at 5 pm.
Big Tuna’s Kitchen and Krafts

Steakhouses Open For Christmas: Columbia, SC

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Address: 924-A Senate Street – 803.212.6666
Details: Open for Christmas Eve from 12 pm – 10 pm and Christmas Day from 11:30 am – 10 pm.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

Address: 1508 Main Street – 803.728.0887
Details: This steakhouse will be open on Christmas Eve only.
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

Christmas Dessert Restaurants

The Robinson Room

Address: 1614-A Main Street – 803.714.3375
Details: TBA
The Robinson Room

Want Pie?

Yes, holidays and pie go together. Here are some great local bakeries and restaurants where you can pick up some pies for your holiday table! Get your pies in Columbia, SC!

Christmas (& Christmas Eve) Breakfast and Brunch

Antique Mall Cafe

Address: 1528 Main Street, Little Mountain, SC – 803.941.7189
Details: Located on the lower level of the Little Mountain Unlimited Antique Mall, they will be closed Christmas Day but will be open some on Christmas Eve.
Antique Mall Cafe

IHOP

Address: 813 St. Andrews Road, Columbia – 803.731.2136
7719 Two Notch Road, Columbia – 803.788.5101
Details: Open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for limited hours. Please contact individual location to confirm hours.
IHOP

Waffle House

Address: Various Locations – 803.798.0591
Details: Open both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and operating normal business hours. Please contact individual location to confirm hours.
Waffle House

Denny’s

Address: Various locations
Details: Always open 24 hours!
Denny’s

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Address: 4600 Devine Street – 803.708.1205
101 State Street, West Columbia – 803.829.0223
931 North Lake Drive, Lexington – 839.205.3291
Details: Open on Christmas Eve but closed on Christmas Day
Another Broken Egg Cafe

Curiosity Coffee Bar

Address: 2327 Main Street, Columbia – 803.357.2889
Details: Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day for limited hours
Curiosity Coffee Bar

Shoney’s

The Windermere Club – The Lakeside Grille

Address: 1101 Longtown Road E, Blythewood 803.786.6088
Details: Open for Christmas Eve with limited hours and limited menu (no seafood).
The Windermere Club

Market on Main

Address: 1320 Main Street #150, Columbia – 803.722.4222
Details: Open for Christmas Eve, but closed Christmas Day
Market on Main

Know of any restaurants open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day that we missed? Please let us know in the comments!

Sweeten Your Holiday With Pie: Bakeries in Columbia, SC

Are you looking for holiday pies in Columbia, SC? Whether you need a delicious dessert for your holiday gathering or just want a scrumptious slice as a special treat for yourself, you can find the perfect pie at these local bakeries.

Where to get holiday pies in Columbia, SC

Many of the bakeries below sell pies throughout the year but take special preorders for holidays and special events. Reach out to them through their contact information before heading to their shop to ensure they have the pie you need!

Bakeries That Sell Pie Near Columbia, SC

Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe

930 Gervais Street, Columbia | 803.550.9979
If you are looking to purchase a whole pie or by the slice, then the pie selection at Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe is just what you need. Whole pies start at $32 each, and there are currently several options on the menu. You can order classic pies like apple and coconut cream in addition to more decadent options like key lime and tollhouse pie. If you are in need of a holiday pie, bourbon pecan may be the perfect fit. You can preorder for pick up, or head into the shop for a slice of your favorite pie for $7. Preorders require a 48-hour notice.

Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, & Meeting Place

9704 Two Notch Road, Columbia | 803.736.2253
If you have a preference for the pie you want, Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, and Meeting Place can make it! They pride themselves on creating their pies with original recipes. A few of the options that Tiffany’s has are apple, key lime, and pecan.

Always Original Bakery

501 Meeting Street, Columbia | 803.977.0034
The menu at Always Original Bakery is constantly changing, but they consistently offer pies! They can create anything that you need, including gluten-free, eggless, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and sugar-free options upon request. It is best to contact them ahead of time if you are looking for a specific type of pie or need it for a special occasion.

Main Street Bakery & Gift Shop

3307 North Main Street, Columbia | 803.563.5009
This small, family-owned bakery sells lots of delicious treats, including pie! Main Street Bakery currently has three pie choices listed on its website – coconut pie, pecan pie, and sweet potato pie. These pies can be ordered here at their online ordering system.

Silver Spoon Bake Shop

2507 Devine Street, Columbia | 803.673.6374
Silver Spoon offers tons of baked goods that are sure to make your holidays extra sweet. They post weekly pre-order menus on Wednesdays at 8 pm. Pickup is on Friday from 3 pm-6 pm. Be sure to check their Facebook or Instagram about special Thanksgiving orders and hours.

McCutchen House Dining

902 Sumter Street, Columbia | Purchase a pie
Every November, The University of South Carolina’s School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management Department annually hosts Pie Day. Students perfectly bake hundreds of McCutchen House Chocolate Walnut Pies or Tomato Pie Kits to sell to the public for their holiday feasts. For 2025, pies can be picked up on Friday, November 21st, Monday, November 24th, or Tuesday, November 25th in the parking lot of McCutchen House. The pies have to be preordered through a form, and you must bring your receipt to pick them up. All pies are handmade, and can even be frozen if you want to buy multiple ones to enjoy later. Prices are $13 to $15 per pie

Bonus: Thanksgiving Cakes from Kalleigh’s Kakery

Columbia, SC
Kalleigh’s Kakery is a locally-owned bakery that offers pies for the holidays. Be sure to get your orders in quickly to reserve your sweet treats. There are several pie flavors and other desserts to choose from!

Here’s where you can find Thanksgiving Restaurants in Columbia, plus places to pick up some sides or dishes to add to your holiday table.

What else do you need to celebrate the holidays in Columbia?

Check out our Ultimate Holiday Guide to Columbia, SC to find everything you need for a wonder-filled holiday season with your family!

Do you know of an excellent pie baker in Columbia? Let us know in the comments!

$8.03 Specials on 803 Day in Columbia, SC

Are you looking for some 803 deals around the Midlands? We’ve got the list for you! Take advantage of a number of $8.03 specials in celebration of 803 Day in Columbia! Also, be sure to download the Soda City Certified app to receive 803 specials in real-time!

Looking for more meal deals? Kids Eat Free on certain days that these Columbia area restaurants!

803 Day Specials & Meal Deals: Columbia, SC

Find what you’re craving and head to one of these local restaurants and businesses that are participating in “803 Day” in Columbia with special pricing and meal deals for only $8.03!

A Little Happy
707 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen
2338 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

All Good Books
734 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205

Banh Mi Boys
625 Whaley St Suite C, Columbia, SC 29201

East Bay Deli – Cayce
917 State St, Cayce, SC 29033

East Bay Deli – Clemson Road
2708 Clemson Rd C, Columbia, SC 29229

East Bay Deli – Downtown
1426 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

East Bay Deli – Irmo
7688 Broad River Rd A, Irmo, SC 29063

East Bay Deli – West Columbia
108 Sunset Ct, West Columbia, SC 29169

Kao Thai Cuisine
1307 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

La Isla Bonita
1701 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29223

Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits
2430 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

Trini Lime Caribbean Café
2008 State St, Cayce, SC 29033

YMCA – Ballentine
1079 Dutch Fork Rd, Irmo, SC 29063

YMCA – Downtown
1447 Hampton St, Columbia, SC 29201

YMCA – Jeep Rogers
900 Lake Carolina Dr, Columbia, SC 29229

YMCA – Northwest
1501 Kennerly Rd, Irmo, SC 29063

YMCA – Orangeburg
2550 St Matthews Rd NE, Orangeburg, SC 29118

Guess What? Chickenbutt Donuts Are Amazing

What’s a Chickenbutt Donut? If you are looking for a quick breakfast treat in the Columbia area, whether that’s a place to sit and enjoy the atmosphere or grab and go, we have the perfect place for you! Chickenbutt Donuts is the local donut destination that attracts both local residents and travelers alike, guaranteeing a fresh and fun experience with each visit!

Donuts from Chickenbutt Donuts in Chapin, SC

Welcome to Chickenbutt Donuts

Located in Chapin, South Carolina, Chickenbutt Donuts is truly a gem of the area. You know you’re in for a good time even before opening the front door when you see the sign posted Grumpy People Not Allowed, This Is A Happy Place Where Donuts Are Made. Upon entry, you will be joyfully greeted by owners Tre and Sue and their team who make the donut shopping experience unlike any other.

Video Review: Chickenbutt Donuts

The Chickenbutt Story

Tre and Sue worked for 25 years in the service industry before moving on to work at Amazon in West Columbia. After 6 years of working “real jobs” they realized that wasn’t the life for them and they began brainstorming what business venture to begin that wasn’t already saturated.

They eventually landed on making donuts, purchased a donut machine on eBay and taught themselves how to make them in their garage! They conducted about 6 months of “market research” taking 50 dozen donuts to employees at the very same Amazon Facility for free in exchange for their opinions and feedback.

They eventually opened a storefront and thus Chickenbutt Donuts was born. “How did they come up with that name though,” you may ask. Well, we were curious too, so we asked! Originally, the theme was set to be centered around Tiki Décor like palm trees and tiki masks.

One afternoon, while literally in the middle of designing some of the décor, their children came running in announcing they had an idea and yelling “Guess what!? Guess what!?” What was their idea?

Yes, that’s right, you guessed it!

Chickenbutt!

Their kindergartener and first grader named their donut shop and it has been growing ever since.

Chickenbutt is all about fun

The same humor with which it was created is the same humor that greets you at the door with each and every visit. Tre, Sue and their team are a happy group of people who love what they do and you truly feel it while you’re there. The only thing that may be more fun than your visit is witnessing the smiles and laughter of those who receive the fun assortment of donuts.

Our Favorite Chickenbutt Donuts

Chickenbutt Donuts is a great stop before heading out for a day on Lake Murray, a quick breakfast on the run, or a fun stop for the kids. It is also a great place to take friends or family from out of town or sit and relax while enjoying some coffee.

Their donuts are uniquely all cake donuts and the vanilla base flavor is always available. The cake consistency is very light and airy, not what you may traditionally think a cake donut to be, a taste you truly have to experience to understand!

There are a variety of specialty flavors that rotate daily including Blueberry, Chocolate, Carrot Cake, Pumpkin Spice, and the locally legendary Apple Cider Cake Donut!

Every donut is made to order and you can quite literally create any combination imaginable from simple to fancy or beyond.

Some of the existing donuts you’ll already find on the menu are the Banana Cream, Blueberry Pancake with Walnuts, Cannoli, Dirt and Worms, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Reese’s, S’mores, or my personal favorite, The Maple Bacon Donut!

The one you really need to see to believe is the signature Chickenbutt Donut which, oddly enough, perfectly resembles its name!

Picking your donuts

Building your dream donut can be a bit overwhelming your first time, especially with the endless variety of toppings and combinations so we recommend visiting the website ahead of time to peruse your options, especially if the kids are already hungry. Donut boxes are also available for pre-order on their user-friendly website.

The Chicken’s Choice Boxes provide a good variety if you’re in a hurry or indecisive and The Kids Party Box is sure to impress the littles!

You’ll love Chickenbutt, too!

Chickenbutt Donuts will be your kids’ most requested breakfast spot once they experience the endless options and fun creations like the Chickenbutt Donut and the Lake Murray Monster Donut.

They also serve both hot and iced coffee and have a wide variety of coffee flavorings. Their available blends are Loveland’s Chickenbutt Blend and Bart’s Crazy Good O.M.G. Blend, both are local and are available bagged to take home as well.

They offer seasonal donut boxes and kits for major holidays which include donuts, icing, and decorations. These make a great family activity or gift!

Be sure to follow them on Facebook as their page is always entertaining.

Chickenbutt Donuts
2130B Dutch Fork Road, Chapin

Looking for breakfast places with a few more options? Brunch Restaurants in Columbia, SC

Columbia, SC Restaurants: where to eat out

Find more great places to eat out in Columbia, SC.

Here’s the Kidding Around Guide to Restaurants in Columbia, SC

Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

Columbia, SC Restaurants Open for Christmas

Local Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve in Columbia, SC

Blue Marlin

Cola’s

Kao Thai Cuisine

Wings and Ale of Lexington

Cork and Cleaver Steakhouse

Reizod Vegan Experience

Saluda’s

Columbia, SC: Chain Restaurants Open on Christmas Eve

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse

California Dreaming

Cracker Barrel

Halls Chophouse

Lizard’s Thicket

The Melting Pot

LongHorn Steakhouse

Gyromania Grill – Elgin

Braza Do Sul Brazillian Steakhouse

Carolina Wings

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

Tipsy Toad Tavern

Restaurants Open on Christmas Day & Christmas Eve in Columbia, SC

Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi

The Grand on Main

Smoked

Blossom Buffet

Shoney’s

Bang Back Pinball Lounge

Big Tuna’s Kitchen and Krafts

Steakhouses Open For Christmas: Columbia, SC

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse

Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse

Christmas Dessert Restaurants

The Robinson Room

Want Pie?

Christmas (& Christmas Eve) Breakfast and Brunch

Antique Mall Cafe

IHOP

Waffle House

Denny’s

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Curiosity Coffee Bar

Shoney’s

The Windermere Club – The Lakeside Grille

Market on Main

More Holiday Fun in Columbia, SC

19+ Places to See Santa: Columbia, SC (2025)

20+ Jolly Places for Christmas Lights In Columbia, SC (2025)

Capture the Holiday Spirit With The Perfect Christmas Tree: Columbia, SC

Shop Local: The (2025) Premier Guide to Shopping Local in Columbia, SC

10+ Things to do During Thanksgiving Break Around Columbia, SC

The Christmas Season: How early is too early?

Bakeries That Sell Pie Near Columbia, SC

Bonus: Thanksgiving Cakes from Kalleigh’s Kakery

What else do you need to celebrate the holidays in Columbia?

Celebrate the Season

19+ Places to See Santa: Columbia, SC (2025)

Capture the Holiday Spirit With The Perfect Christmas Tree: Columbia, SC

Shop Local: The (2025) Premier Guide to Shopping Local in Columbia, SC

The Christmas Season: How early is too early?

Don’t Miss Christmas in Columbia, SC: Find Your (2025) Fa La La!

(2025) Holiday Markets and Christmas Shopping Events Around Columbia, SC

Other Dining Options in Columbia, SC

15 Restaurants With Thanksgiving Dinner: Columbia, SC

22+ Standout Coffee Shops: Columbia, SC in 2025

25+ Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free (or Cheap): Columbia, SC

803 Day Specials & Meal Deals: Columbia, SC

Welcome to Chickenbutt Donuts

Video Review: Chickenbutt Donuts

The Chickenbutt Story

Chickenbutt is all about fun

Our Favorite Chickenbutt Donuts

Picking your donuts

You’ll love Chickenbutt, too!

Columbia Guides

Family Fun in Columbia, SC