4 Must Try Breakfast & Lunch Restaurants in Columbia, SC

If you’ve read my blog for any length of time, you know I enjoy visiting local restaurants during my travels. I’ve been surprised and pleased by the wealth of different dining experiences we’ve had over the years.  My trip to Columbia, South Carolina was no exception.  We stayed in the historic downtown area and explored restaurants that were within an easy walk or drive from our hotel.  We found four must visit breakfast and lunch restaurants you need to try when you’re visiting Columbia, South Carolina.
Must Visit Dinner Restaurants Columbia South Carolina

If you stay on any of the hotels on or near Gervais Street, start out your day at The Wired Goat.  Located slightly off the main path, down an alley, the Wired Goat brings you from scratch offerings of tempting baked goodies (including gluten free), sandwiches, Panini, and yummy drinks.  When they say made from scratch they mean it. All the baked goods are made on site using fresh, local ingredients.  They blend their own teas, roast their own coffee beans and even make their own syrups they use in their drinks!  I wasn’t hungry so I didn’t sample the food, but the Nutella Latte I tried received a thumbs up.
The Wired Goat

Also located on Gervais street is Grill Marks Burgers and Shakes. Located in an old industrial building, there’s an open air patio and inside seating.  Grill Marks are famous for their “Grill Marks Burgers” that you can customize to your specifications.  No bun? Gluten Free bun? Lettuce wrap only? No problem.  Burgers are custom made to order while you wait and can be served “undressed” (no toppings), “barely dressed,” (lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle) or “Perfectly Dressed,” (gourmet toppings added for an additional fee.)
Grill Marks Burger

I chose the lunch special, which included a barely dressed burger, a small order of skinny fries (also cooked to order) and a drink. I asked to switch my drink out to a soft drink and did so with no problem.  Service was a little on the slow side the day we visited, but the food was good and the atmosphere is pleasant. It’s hard to believe when you’re inside the restaurant that is located close to a busy street.

Next time I visit I want to try their “freak shakes, ”  a huge concoction brimming with goodies like chocolate crack dipped brownies. If you’re in the mood for something different, they offer beer shakes and “shake tails,” a combination liquor and milkshake.  (Tip: Visit their website to find out if there is a wait. You can also make reservations online.)

Located in Five Points, The Gourmet Shop is not your usual cafe.  Located on one side is a Gourmet Shop with all sorts of unique gift ideas, cookware, and gourmet items.  On the other side of the shop is a cozy cafe. There’s limited seating on the inside and a small area outside so be sure to arrive early.  (Tip: You must pay for street parking so bring quarters.)
Roast Beef Sandwich from The Gourmet Shop

I tried the Create Your Own Sandwich platter. I was able to choose my choice of bread and condiments, along with one side item. Additional Gourmet add-ons  are available for a fee, ranging from $1.50 to $2.95 per item.  I opted for the Medium Rare Roast Beef  (perfectly cooked!) on Sourdough with Horseradish Sauce and a side of Dill Potato Salad.  The side dish portions aren’t large, but my sandwich was filling. Next time, I’d like to try their pesto mayo.

If you are only in the mood for a snack, their bakery offers freshly baked bread, cookies, pies and tarts.

Located in the near-by artisan district is Cafe Strudel.  On the day we stopped for lunch, it was packed. I think we got the last table. (Note: You can park behind the building for free.)  Cafe Strudel pairs with local artists, allowing them to hang their art on the wall for purchase.  They have an extensive menu, with daily lunch and dinner specials.
BLT Wrap Cafe Strudel

I tried the LowCountry BLT wrap, which is probably as Southern as I could get.  Brimming with bacon, lettuce, fried green tomatoes and  homemade pimento cheese in a wrap, it doesn’t sound like the combination would work together. But it does.  It came with one side and since I was going all out Southern, I chose the Baked Potato Salad.  The portions were large enough that I brought half the meal home for the rest of the family to enjoy.
Chocolate Fantasy Cake Cafe Strudel

Also, I wanted to save room to “test taste” the Chocolate Fantasy dessert. Because who doesn’t need a chocolate fantasy in their lives?  My server assured me a good choice, telling me they sold out of this one quickly. It was rich, creamy and very chocolate-y. The piece was large and rich, so I offered to share it with my friends.  A few bites cured my chocolate craving!

I’m looking forward to returning to Columbia, South Carolina in the future and discovering new restaurants. Do you have a favorite in Columbia?

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32 Comments

  1. I would love to try Grill Marks Burgers and Shakes. I love that they can accommodate for gluten free people.

  2. Everything about Grill Marks sounds amazing. I would love to try a freak shake or a shake tail! The burger looks so delicious and juicy!

  3. You got some really good pictures of food. If I’m ever in the area, I’ll try to get over to these places.

  4. Pretty sure a freak shake would be on my list too. You’ve got some great pictures here!

  5. Wow, I want to go to Columbia right now! I wish I can experience these treats!

  6. That wrap and cake looks very delicious. Columbia’s brimming with a lot of fantastic spots, I should go there more often!

  7. This looks like a great restaurant to check out the next time I am in the area. The food looks amazing.

  8. This looks so delicious. I would love to try the Create Your Own Sandwich platter.

  9. It all looks so good! I love getting recommendations for restaurants whenever I’m in a new town. There are so many options, so narrowing it down helps.

  10. A nutella latte?! That sounds so delicious! Thanks for sharing this list of restaurants to try!

  11. Thank you for all your reviews!These food made me hungry! I will surely visit all these restaurants!

  12. These are really nice restaurants. I will visit every one on the list when I get there.

  13. Let me bookmark this post because everything on here look tasty. Whenever we visit Columbia I will have to try your suggestions.

  14. Well now I’m hungry! They all look delicious but I think my fave would be the chocolate fantasy!

  15. I’ve only been to SC once, but plan to return very soon! So much great food there, can’t wait to try some of your suggestions!

  16. Wow! All of that food looks delicious! And I have always wanted to bisit Columbia, SC, now I have all the more reason.

  17. Reesa Lewandowski

    I have never been to the Columbia area but there looks like lots of great food and fun to be had! If I ever make it I will be sure to try out some of your suggestions.

  18. That wraps looks delicious! If I’m ever in Columbia I’ll have to try one!

  19. I’ve never been to South Carolina before but the food looks delicious. If I ever make it there I now have some spots to try without even having to look. Thanks.

  20. I have never been there before. The food looks amazing though! I would love to try out that dessert. That looks so good!

  21. I have never visited the Carolina’s. All of these dishes look amazing. Sounds like places I need to add to my bucket list.

  22. Love to find local non-chain places to eat when I travel. You shared some great suggestions… that LowCountry BLT wrap sure looks good!

  23. I have had plans to visit here and when I do, I’m totally trying your suggestions. I always love hearing from others who have been there already.

  24. The places look amazing for grabbing a bite to eat at!! That dessert looks heavenly, I am a sucker for chocolate.

  25. OH! A lowcountry BLT. Sign me up for that! I have a pimento toast that I make, and it’s incredible!

  26. Oh boy does that burger from Grill Marks look delicious! I have not had a good burger in months!

  27. I was in Columbia last summer for my step-son’s army graduation, but we never got a chance to see much of the city. I hope to get back sometime soon.

  28. I love to visit different restaurants during my travels. The food sure does look delish. And that chocolate fantasy is to die for.

  29. All those foods look so good!!! I love that you try a variety of restaurants rather than visiting chain places, which is so easy to do. But you miss out on a lot when you just go to the “same old” places. Looks like all these meals were a big hit!

  30. Catherine Sargent

    All of the food looks good especially the Chocolate Fantasy dessert. I will keep these restaurants in mind if I am ever in the area.

  31. I totally forgot you ordered that chocolate fantasy! We surely did eat some mighty tasty meals there, didn’t we?