where to go/eat in Columbia, SC?
 

I will be visiting My sister in Columbia, SC in early may to see her graduate. I'm so excited!

Anyway...could anyone tell me some fun places for us to go? I will be there about a week. We are both in our twenties, but our parents will be driving there as well. I am looking for fun, culture, and a little history.

Also..where are the good places to eat there?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Motor Supply Company (my very favorite, sort of upscale)

Hennessy's (upscale)

Al's Upstairs (upscale, excellent view of Columbia)

Garibaldis (upscale)

Goatfeathers (beatnikesque, go for after dinner drinks and desert)

Devine Foods (best Greek in Columbia)

Yesterdays (casual comfort food)

Harpers (excellent casual dining)

California Dreaming (excellent casual dining)

Meritage (tapas)

Lizards Thicket (meat and three veggies, soul food)

It's been about 3 yrs since I tried any of these but I used to always like Motor Supply Co as they don't have a standard menu - just a list of that nite's specials. For 20-somethings...Jillian's on Gervais...has pool tables, bars, and casual dining, used to love Mangia Mangia - Italian across the river in W. Columbia. THere was a good THai place just up the street from 5 pts - but your sister probably knows all of this...

I liked the Lizards Thicket. They have many locations. My husband hated it but I liked their muddy fried catfish. So un-nouvelle cuisine. Most places like to get rid of that muddy taste.

Thanks!! Keep 'em coming!

I've been to Columbia quite a few times and there are some good suggestions here. We like the laid back feel and generally good feel of Hennessey's in particular.

But I'm really confused. If your sister is graduating from there, surely after four years (I'm making a guess here) SHE must have her favorite places, and some of those are places she'd want to do or share with you. I can't imagine why she isn't your main source of suggestions here.

Also, I see you were asking about more than just restaurants. Again she probably should have great ideas. The one to point out is doing a tour of the state house, a really interesting building.

Culture? I have a number of friends with both the Workshop Theatre and the Town Theatre. There may be a production while you're there. I've seen some pretty good stuff at both places.

Patrick, we have friends in common.

One of my oldest dearest girlfriends got her MFA from Carolina and is very active with the theater in Columbia.

You ought to go to Maurice's BBQ--famous mustard sauce SC BBQ.

I liked the zoo in Columbia. Very well done.

The Piggy Park was a hoot. Maurice had a listing of where/why the Bible says you should eat bbq. I guess it's in the New Testament.

Lizard's Thicket for breakfast!! YUM YUM

I haven't had bad BBQ in Columbia yet. Maurice's is ... interesting! And some of the best BBQ can be found in places that look like, well, dumps. The interiors look like church fellowship halls but the food is great. Two that come to mind are Shealy's and Hammy's, neither of which is exactly in Columbia, but worth the trip!

xrae, your post reminded me of the specialty for breakfast at Lizard Thicket -- blood pudding! So unusual.

Thanks everyone!

My sister has just been there for a little while for graduate school. She did a heavy load so she could get done faster. SHe doesn't drive either, so a lot of the places she goes to are on or near campus.

Are there any good museums to go to?

Has anyone been to the crawfish festival in Rosewood? How far is that from the Columbia campus?

I also saw there is a riverfest when I am there. Can anyone tell me what that is like?

Thanks!

Maurice's Piggy Park - I LOVE the sauce (mustard base) it is carried in some supermarkets