Between the University of South Carolina’s flagship campus and the towering stature of the State House, Columbia, South Carolina, doesn’t spring to the minds of most as a food-and-drink mecca. Still, the riverside city has shown up in big ways, proving it doesn’t just cater to co-eds and the political elite. Old stalwarts dish out gourmet plates and expertly crafted cocktails while a new guard of eclectic eateries have sprung up at the city’s farthest reaches (and beyond). Vegan soul food to Peruvian comforts to dishes that are rooted in Africa represent the flavors of Columbia. The capital city college town has claim to one of the oldest recorded pimento cheese recipes and the first pimento cheeseburger—an invention you won’t regret trying. Head to Soda City market on Saturday mornings, where a closed-down Main Street plays host to food trucks, live music, and artisan makers. Craft beer is taking over this city, where more than twelve breweries reside and more are on the horizon. With evidence of renewal everywhere, Cola will leave you looking forward to what’s next.
plan your trip to columbia 
On the Road
Columbia, SC: A Southern Hot Spot
Tradition and tomorrow pair perfectly in this modern city.
In the Field
Columbia, SC, Reimagines Southern Food
Columbia, SC, offers restaurants full of new ways to discover the Southern favorites, diverse flavors, and intentions that highlight the city’s food scene.
On the Road
Snapshot: Columbia, South Carolina
Gourmet plates, expertly crafted cocktails, and a new guard of eclectic eateries are redefining Columbia, South Carolina, as a rising food-and-drink mecca.
On the Road
Craft Beer in Columbia
From lagers and IPA’s to sours and seasonal pours, Columbia, South Carolina is a hub for all things hoppy and delicious.
Getaway
Hotel Trundle
Hotel Trundle merges industrial grit with whimsy in three, restored historic buildings that reflect Columbia’s artistry and charm.
the latest in columbia
On the Road
Hotels, Reimagined
What do a general store, disco ball factory, and Catholic school have in common? They are repurposed spaces and the South’s newest hotels.
In the Field
The Country’s Oldest Quail Farm | Listen
The country’s oldest quail farm is infusing local farmlands with new life and an impressive grain harvest at Manchester Farms.
Dining Out
The Ultimate South Carolina Dining Guide | Listen
Our editors scoured the lengths of South Carolina to select the best chef, best mixologist, and top dining spots across the state for 2025.
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