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.
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
South Shore Grill & Grocery on Lake Murray
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
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. 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
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, Jambalaya Pasta, salads, and burgers, just to name a few!
1602 Marina Road, Irmo, SC 29063
Old Mill Brewpub
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!
711 E Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Higher Ground Char House
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.
211 Chapin Road, Chapin, SC 29036
J.R. Cash’s Grill and Bar
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 :
- 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
- Tazza Kitchen: 4840 Forest Drive #20, Columbia
- Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria: 621 Gadsden Street, Columbia
