Downtown Discovery in Columbia | Listen

Columbia, South Carolina, is a one-stop shop for innovative cuisine, imaginative cocktails, and an impressive art scene

As the home of the University of South Carolina’s flagship campus, Columbia, South Carolina, wasn’t always the first place we thought of for a culinary adventure. However, in recent years the riverside city has sprung to life with an influx of upscale restaurants and cocktail bars in the downtown district that are breaking the mold when it comes to Southern fare. 

In 2024, Columbia showed up with two James Beard Award semifinalists: Robbie Robinson, of City Limits Barbeque in West Columbia, was nominated for Best Chef Southeast, and Lula Drake Wine Parlour on Main Street Columbia was nominated for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program for the second year in a row. Lula Drake took home the award this year, cementing Columbia’s position as a culinary destination.

Downtown Dining 

Kick off your city tour with a visit to Columbia’s Main Street district. Here, you can find yourself rubbing elbows with legislators from the nearby South Carolina State House over the perfect pairing of cocktails and cuisine at one of the many eateries that line the streets in the vibrant hub of the city. 

Start your evening with a stop at Hampton Street Vineyard to enjoy “l’apero” with predinner drinks and nibbles from the elevated French menu. Run by three sommeliers, the restaurant is a landmark for wine lovers looking to enjoy a sip, flight, or bottle from the extensive wine list with more than 100 offerings. Soak in the French influence by dining alfresco on the cozy patio as you enjoy a glass of wine with their famous croquettes or crawfish deviled eggs. 

For an upscale steakhouse dining experience, Smoked is your downtown destination. The warm and inviting atmosphere welcomes guests to dine on farm-to-table bites like the smoked pork chargrilled oysters with sorghum barbeque sauce or the impressive lava rock steak flight with cuts like Australian Wagyu and wet-aged ribeye cooked and served on a 450-degree lava rock. After dinner, be sure to pop into the restaurant’s on-site speakeasy, Burnline, for a taste of their rare spirits and crafted cocktails like the Basil & Bell, a strawberry and bell pepper-infused margarita, or the ever-popular espresso martinis on draft. 

For the largest whiskey selection in South Carolina, with everything from Angel’s Envy to Pappy Van Winkle, head to Bourbon. The upscale whiskey bar serves Cajun-creole cuisine and is the brainchild of well-known restaurateur Kristian Niemi, who is also the owner of local favorites Black Rooster and The Dragon Room. Take a seat at the bar and let the experts guide you around the craft cocktail menu, or allow them to make an original creation using one of the 450 varieties of whiskeys and bourbons available on-site. No matter what you choose, rest assured knowing the beverage menu was crafted to pair perfectly with the restaurant’s take on authentic Southern dishes like etouffee, jambalaya, and shrimp and grits.

Exploring the Arts

While downtown, don’t miss a visit to the Columbia Museum of Art. In addition to its internationally renowned collections and creative educational programs, the CMA rotates exhibits every few months so there is always something new to discover. In one night, you can browse the colorfully crafted fashions of Sergio Hudson, admire French modern paintings from Monet to Matisse, and see hundreds of sculptures from artists around the world. While the museum serves as the cultural heart of downtown Columbia, there are many independent art galleries, museums, and music venues throughout the walkable district to explore. Nearby, you will find the city’s established art district, The Vista. Spanning 48 blocks, the sidewalks in The Vista are typically spotted with artists painting murals and musicians playing in the streets. Pop into the If Art Gallery to see contemporary art and sculptures by artists from around the world, and be sure to make a stop at Lewis + Clark to revel in the gallery’s unique postmodern furniture and robot art.
Another way to explore and support local artists is to head to the Soda City Market, where you can enjoy shopping for unique handcrafted products every Saturday. In a nod to European-style street markets, the weekly main street event features more than 150 vendors that make or grow their own products. The market includes everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly. With more than 30 different nationalities represented through its food truck vendors, Saturdays at the Soda City Market are a delicious must when exploring Columbia.

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