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!
Great Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Columbia, SC:
Burgers, Wings, and Sandwiches
Pizza
Breakfast
Mexican Food
BBQ
Family Friendly Breweries
Family-Friendly Restaurants, Columbia, SC: The Burgers, Wings, and Sandwiches
Burger Tavern 77
About: Burger Tavern 77 is known for their delicious hamburgers . . . and everyone loves hamburgers! They also have a decent-sized kids‘ menu with things such as chicken tenders, grilled cheese, and sliders.
Location: 2631 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Daily from 11 am – 9 pm
Burger Tavern 77
Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse
About: Chubby’s burgers and Brewhouse offers amazing burgers and a large brew selection, all in a family-friendly atmosphere, complete with an arcade. They offer kids eat free on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Location: 420 McNulty Street, Blythewood, SC
Check out our review of Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
About: I think it’s so convenient to eat at a restaurant that also has delicious and well-known dessert, not only for the kiddos, but the adults as well! Freddy’s has a variety of signature custard as well as burgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs.
Location: 457 Killian Road, Columbia, SC 29203
311 Swartz Road, Lexington, SC 29072
1309 Charleston Highway, West Columbia, SC 29619
2879 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169
10611 Broad River Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Hours: Sunday – Thursday from 10:30 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday from 10:30 am – 11 pm
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers
Groucho’s Deli
About: At Groucho’s there will be a deli sandwich for everyone! If you go, be sure to try their famous “Formula 45” dressing and be warned that you might be tempted to eat it on everything! Sandwiches are served with chips and a pickle, and they also have sweet treats such as cookies available.
Location: 611 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205
111 Sparkleberry Crossing Road #8, Columbia, SC 29229
4717 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
2265 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29169
700 Columbiana Drive, Suite B, Irmo, SC 29063
117 1/2 E Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
730 University Village Drive, Blythewood, SC 29016
138-B Amicks Ferry Road, Chapin, SC 29036
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 8 pm
Hours vary based on location for Sunday, most locations open at 11 am and close at 8 pm Groucho’s Deli
Hickory Tavern
About: Hickory’s has burgers, wings, tacos, great appetizers and a great kid’s menu with things from mac & cheese to grilled salmon and everything in between.
Location: 907 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201
141 Pelham Drive, Columbia, SC 29209
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 11 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 12 am
Hickory Tavern
Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries
About: Highway 55 is set up like an old-fashioned diner. Complete with burgers, cheesesteaks, custard, sundaes and more! There is something for everyone to love at Highway 55.
Location:
1792 S Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073
Hours:
Daily from 11 am – 9 pm
Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes, and Fries
Lizard’s Thicket
About: Lizard’s Thicket is most known for their meat and veggie meals for lunch and dinner, but it is important to note that they also serve breakfast! This restaurant will give you “home-cooked meal” vibes with all the country sides and fixin’s you could ever dream of.
Location: 10170 Two Notch Road, Columbia, SC 29229
711 University Village Drive, Blythewood, SC 29016
501 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce, SC 29033
7411 Nates Road, Columbia, SC 29223
3147 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204
818 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201
1824 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29210
7938 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia, SC 29209
2234 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia, SC 29619
4616 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073
621 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
1772 S Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29073
7569 St. Andrews Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Hours: Hours vary based upon location. Please check the specific restaurant before heading out.
Lizard’s Thicket
Pasta Fresca
About: The whole family will love it at Pasta Fresca. The made-from-scratch pasta and sauces are hard to beat and are sure to fulfill any Italian-flavored cravings you might have. The kids’ menu is full of kid-friendly options such as buttered noodles, spaghetti, ravioli, chicken tenders, and more. They even offer patio seating – perfect for a warm, sunny day or to give you extra room for wiggly littles.
Location: 4722 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
Hours: Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 4:30 pm – 9 pm
Thursday – Saturday from 4:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Monday – Closed
Pasta Fresca
Red Robin
About: Red Robin has a large menu with a little bit of everything as well as an excellent kids’ menu. Be sure to try out one of their famous milkshakes while there and keep in mind that they are large enough to share, especially with littles!
Location: 247 Forum Dr., Columbia, SC 29229
100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia, SC 29212
Hours:
Forum Drive Location:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday 11 am – 11 pm
Columbiana Circle Location:
Sunday from 11 am – 6 pm
Monday – Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
Red Robin
Rosewood Dairy Bar
About: You’re sure to love the famous Rosewood Dairy dipped cones! More than just ice cream, they’ve also got lunch and dinner baskets, snacks, and more. This is more of a “locals” restaurant, but you don’t want to miss it.
Location: 3003 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC 29204
Hours: Monday – Saturday from 10 am – 9 pm
Sunday – Closed
Rosewood Dairy Bar
Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats, and Meeting Place
About: This bakery and bistro offers soups, salads, sandwiches, and delicious bakery items that your children are sure to love!
Location: 9704 Two Notch Rd., Columbia, SC 29229
Hours: Sunday – Closed
Monday – Wednesday from 7 am – 6 pm
Thursday from 7 am – 8 pm
Friday from 7 am – 9 pm
Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm
Tiffany’s Sweet, Eats, and Meeting Place
Zesto
About: Zesto has the vibes of an old-school restaurant with hotdogs, hamburgers, chicken, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, and milkshakes! This is the perfect place to take your family for a low-key lunch or dinner – complete with a sweet tasty treat.
Location: 504 12th Street, West Columbia, SC 29169
4001 North Main Street, Columbia, SC 29203
3239 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29204 – Drive-in
Hours:
12th Street and North Main Street Locations:
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Saturday open from 10 am – 10 pm
Forest Drive Location
Sunday – Closed
Monday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
Zesto
Liberty Tap Room & Grill – Irmo
About: Stunning water views and even more magical sunsets for the adults and kids love watching the turtles swim all around while waiting for their meal! Liberty Tap Room and Grill – Irmo is situated right on Lake Murray and has open air, outdoor and indoor dining options. Not only is the view great, so is the food!
Location: 1602 Marina Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Hours:
Daily – 11 am – 9 pm
Liberty Tap Room & Grill – Irmo
Best Kid-Friendly Pizza in Columbia, SC
Blaze Pizza
About: Do you love pizza? You’ve got to try Blaze! All ingredients are free of artificial flavors and preservatives. They also have gluten-free and keto-friendly crust as well as vegan cheese options!
Location: 275 Park Terrace Drive, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29212
471 1 Town Center Place, Columbia, SC 29229
Hours:
Park Terrace Drive Location:
Sunday from 11 am – 8:30 pm
Monday – Thursday from 11 am – 9:30 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 10:30 pm
Town Center Place Location:
Sunday – Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm
Friday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
Blaze Pizza
CiCi’s Pizza
About: At CiCi’s you will find a pizza buffet with several different pizzas, salads, and desserts! Some CiCi’s even have small arcade rooms for kiddos to enjoy after they are done eating.
Location: 715 Fashion Drive, Suite 147, Columbia, SC 29229
6120 St Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29212
Hours: Open daily from 11 am – 10 pm
CiCi’s Pizza
Village Idiot
About: Village Idiot is one of the longest-standing restaurants in the famous “five-points” area of Columbia. Here you can order pizza by the slice or a whole pizza, salad, wings and more!
Location:
2009 Devine St., Columbia, SC 29205
612 Whaley St. Suite A, Columbia, SC 29201
Hours:
Devine St. Location
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Friday 4 pm – 12 am (midnight)
Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 12 am (midnight)
Whaley Street Location
Monday – Closed
Tuesday – Sunday from 11 am – 10 pm
Village Idiot
Family-Friendly Restaurants that Serve Breakfast and Brunch Around Columbia, SC
Cafe Strudel
About: While Cafe Strudel has both breakfast/brunch and lunch and dinner options; their brunch is arguably some of the best in town! They’ve got amazing “hangover hashbrowns” and a famous “breakfast bowl,” a self-serve coffee bar, and freshly squeezed orange juice daily.
Location: 300 State St., West Columbia, SC 29169
309 S Lake Dr., Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Sunday from 10 am – 3 pm
Monday – Friday from 7 am – 3 pm
Saturday from 8 am – 3 pm
Cafe Strudel
Eggs Up Grill
About: Eggs Up is a popular family breakfast restaurant, and there are several locations around Columbia to choose from. They’ve got breakfast staples such as eggs, muffins, and biscuits as well as omelets, brunch bowls, benedicts, French toast, and pancakes. Eggs Up also has several gluten-free options available! Keep in mind, they are also open for lunch.
Location: 961 Roberts Branch Parkway, Suite 114, Columbia, SC 29229
4711 Forest Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
2930 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
1180 Dutch Fork Road, Irmo, SC 29063
205 Columbia Avenue, Lexington, SC 29072
Hours: Daily from 6 am – 2 pm
Eggs Up Grill
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
About: If you or anyone in your family loves cinnamon rolls, you’ve got to try out this place! They’ve got uniquely flavored, award-winning cinnamon rolls, delicious breakfast sandwiches, specialty grits, and so much more. The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli has been featured on Food Network, voted Best Breakfast in South Carolina by People Magazine, and in 2017 they won Best New Restaurant. Such a hidden gem that will leave you (and your kiddos) wanting more!
Location: 2617 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29223
Hours: Monday – Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – Sunday from 7 am – 2 pm
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Mexican Restaurants in Columbia, SC
Cantina 76
About: Cantina 76 always has such a fun, upbeat atmosphere. With delicious Mexican-inspired cuisines and outdoor dining options, your family will love it here! The Main Street location is a bit smaller than the Devine Street location and oftentimes has a little bit longer wait times. If you’re in a hurry or your littles are extra hungry, the Devine Street location might be your best option!
Location: 2901 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205
1301 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Hours:
Devine Street Location
Sunday from 11 am – 9 pm
Monday – Wednesday from 11 am – 9:30 pm
Thursday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
Main Street Location: Downtown Columbia
Sunday and Monday from 11 am – 9 pm
Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am – 9:30 pm
Thursday – Saturday from 11 am – 10 pm
Cantina 76
Columbia, SC Best Family-Friendly BBQ
Home Team BBQ
About: This BBQ restaurant combines traditional BBQ styles with the comfort and taste of classic BBQ. The kids’ menu consists of things such as tacos, quesadillas, chicken, and pulled pork. Heads up – their smoked chicken wings are phenomenal!
Location: 700 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29205
Hours: Daily from 11 am – 12 am (midnight)
Home Team BBQ
Little Pigs BBQ
About: At Little Pigs you can get delicious buffet-style Carolina BBQ and sides. Buffets are always so convenient with kids – they can get however much of something they want, if they decide they don’t like it, they can get something different, and they can eat as much as their little hearts’ desire! You won’t be disappointed at Little Pigs BBQ!
Location: 4927 Alpine Rd., Columbia, SC 29223
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday from 11 am – 2 pm
Thursday – Saturday from 11 am – 8 pm
Little Pigs BBQ
Love BBQ? Don’t miss our whole list of the best BBQ in Columbia, SC. It has 9 amazing options for you to try!
Kid-Friendly Breweries in Columbia, SC
Steel Hands Brewing Co.
About: Steel Hands has a large outdoor seating area with a small stage and countless umbrella-shaded tables. If you’d rather sit inside, their indoor dining is also spacious. There are plenty of options for food such as pretzels, sandwiches, nachos, and more!
Location: 2350 Foreman Street, Cayce, SC 29033
Hours: Monday – Closed
Tuesday and Wednesday from 11am – 9 pm
Thursday from 11 am – 10 pm
Friday and Saturday from 11 am – 11 pm
Sunday from 10 am – 8 pm
Steel Hands Brewing Co.
Kids Eat Free
Don’t forget we have a special list of kids eat free deals in Columbia. So, if you want to take the kids out to eat and save a little money, check and see what kids eat free deals are happening today in Columbia.
Great Places to Eat in Columbia, SC
Dine out in Columbia, find the perfect restaurant in our Columbia, SC: Dine Out Guide.
Talk! Make the Most of Family Meal Time
You’re already doing great, sitting down together as a family for a meal. Make the most of your time together and get talking to your kids and family. To get started, grab these free table talk cards from Girl Scouts Mountains to Midlands. Make it a fun game and you’ll be talking to each other about everything before you know it.
