Looking for the best restaurants in Columbia, SC? We are just beginning our coverage of the best places to eat out for families and children in Columbia. But we already have some pretty amazing ideas, from the best ice cream to favorite coffee shops and our already famous Kids Eat Free list. Discover some of the best places to eat in Columbia, SC right here.
Kids Eat Free (or Cheap) in Columbia, SC
Kids are expensive. Feed them for FREE.
Check out our list of kids eat free and cheap deals! We have restaurants where kids eat free, plus deals where kids’ meals are significantly discounted.
Our Favorite Kid-Friendly Restaurants
Bring the kids.
Outdoor Dining
Eat Out(side)
It’s your turn to pick a restaurant and you want to eat outdoors. Where do you go?
We know!
And it’s right here in our list of Outdoor Dining in Columbia, SC.
Pizza Restaurants
The best pizza in Columbia is on this list.
Great BBQ
We Can Taste This Picture
Find really good barbecue in Columbia, SC on our list.
Date Night Dining
Your Next Date is Happening Here
15+ Romantic Restaurants in Columbia, SC
From fine dining to casual food and drink, date night options abound.
Coffee Shops
Find your favorite cup of coffee.
Meal Deals
Bring home dinner. Spend less for quick and easy.
Brunch
Who has the best brunch in Columbia, SC?
Ice Cream
What list of awesome restaurants is complete without ice cream? Certainly not this one. Here are the best places for ice cream in Columbia, SC.
Bakeries
If you’re looking for a good bakery, check out this list of bakeries in Columbia, SC.
Frozen Cocktails
Hot outside?
Here’s a list of some of COLA’s favorite frozen cocktails.
What’s New?
What have we been talking about lately when it comes to eating and dining in Columbia?
Dining out and things to eat are a big topic. Here’s what we found yummy lately!
Where to Eat: Some of Columbia’s Favorite Restaurants
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
Date night out, or an evening out with friends, you’ll find something fun, cozy and vintage at Lula Drake Wine Parlour in Downtown Columbia.
Find out more in our Kidding Around review of Lula Drake Wine Parlor!
1635 Main Street, Columbia
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
With a fun, family atmosphere, delicious food, and a large menu of brew options, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is a family favorite in Columbia.
148 Harbison Blvd, Columbia, SC 29212
We visited and have a full review: Kidding Around’s Review of BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse
Three Notch’d Brewery
We recently checked out Three Notch’d Brewing Company in Columbia’s BullStreet District, and I was impressed by how family-friendly it feels. The space is huge, with plenty of indoor seating, a spacious patio, and even cornhole for the kids. We loved sharing the pretzel bites and fries, and I appreciated that the menu has options for everyone, including a kids’ menu, vegetarian choices, and gluten-free dishes. It’s also within walking distance of Segra Park, making it an easy stop before or after a Fireflies game.
945 Sabal Street, Columbia
Cafe Strudel
Find out about Cafe Strudel’s delicious brunch, coffee, and more in our Kidding Around review of Cafe Strudel.
Mainly known for their breakfast and sandwiches, Cafe Strudel also has coffee drinks as well as beer and wine.
300 State Street, West Columbia
Groucho’s Deli
One of Columbia’s favorite deli’s; there are six locations spread throughout the Columbia area. Find out about Groucho’s, including their kids eat free promotions, in our Kidding Around Review of Groucho’s Deli.
The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
What’s a cinnamon roll deli? The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli serves breakfast and lunch, though breakfast is available all day. They serve a wide variety of cinnamon roll flavors, including banana foster, strawberry cheesecake, and apple cobbler. In addition to cinnamon rolls, they offer breakfast sandwiches and a wide variety of hot dogs and paninis.
2617 Devine Street, Columbia
Menkoi Ramen House
Menkoi Ramen House offers authentic Japanese ramen noodles in downtown. Dine-in and take-out are available.
1004 Gervais Street, Columbia
Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ
We recently stopped by Maurice’s Piggie Park BBQ, and it’s easy to see why it has been a local favorite for generations. The menu is packed with classic South Carolina barbecue, including pulled pork, ribs, hash and rice, and plenty of Southern sides. I loved the casual, family-friendly atmosphere, and there were options that kept both kids and adults happy. Whether you’re craving a barbecue plate or just want to experience a longtime Midlands tradition, Maurice’s Piggie Park is a great spot for a laid-back meal.
1600 Charleston Highway, West Columbia
Motor Supply Bistro
Motor Supply Company Bistro has a handwritten menu because their offerings are locally sourced, based on what is fresh and local. They are truly a farm-to-table restaurant. The bistro offers lunch and dinner, as well as a weekend brunch.
920 Gervais Street, Columbia
Lindo Cafe
We recently stopped by Lindo Café in West Columbia, and it quickly won me over. I loved the bright, welcoming atmosphere and the unique Mexican-American coffee menu. The Mazapan Latte was a standout, and the pastry case was full of tempting treats like conchas, flan, and tres leches. Whether you’re meeting a friend, grabbing a coffee to go, or treating the kids to something sweet, Lindo Café feels like a warm and family-friendly spot that’s worth adding to your coffee shop rotation.
642 Sunset Boulevard, West Columbia
Chapin, SC Restaurants
Higher Ground Char House
We recently visited Higher Ground Char House in Chapin, and loved its relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The menu has something for everyone, from seafood and burgers to Southern-inspired favorites, making it an easy choice for a family meal. We appreciated the casual setting and friendly service, whether you’re meeting friends for lunch or gathering with family for dinner. Higher Ground Char House is a great local spot when you’re looking for a laid-back meal in Chapin.
211 Chapin Road, Chapin
The Shack
We recently visited The Shack, and I loved the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere from the moment we walked in. The menu is full of comfort-food favorites, from burgers and sandwiches to seafood and Southern-inspired dishes. It’s an easy spot for a family meal, a quick lunch, or meeting up with friends, and there’s something on the menu for just about everyone. If you’re looking for a laid-back local restaurant with generous portions and a friendly vibe, The Shack is worth a visit.
1250 Chapin Road, Chapin
Blythewood, SC Restaurants
Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse
Try Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse for amazing burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere!
420 McNulty Street, Blythewood