Food & Drink
Best BBQ/Ribs: Home Team BBQ
If you’re interested in good vibes and great barbeque, Home Team is definitely the place to go!
Best Burgers: Pawley's Front Porch
With a menu featuring over 10 specialty burgers made from scratch and grilled to perfection, Pawleys Front Porch easily wins best burger in the Columbia area.
Best Indian Food: 2 Gingers
Located just 10 minutes from campus, 2 Gingers is an authentic Indian restaurant that offers classic dishes with high quality ingredients and modern twists.
Best Japanese Food: Hibachi House
If you’re looking for the perfect take-out meal for movie night or the comfort food to get you through hours of studying — Hibachi House should be at the top of your list!
Best Chinese Food: Tsunami Sushi Restaurant
Located in the Vista, Tsunami Sushi has an excellent atmosphere that matches the detail and care put into their sushi dishes and entrées.
Best Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Zoe's Kitchen
The “fresh-made” Mediterranean restaurant is one of the top places to head to in Columbia for a guilt-free meal after class or work.
Best Outdoor Dining: Publico
The spacious patio is perfect for large groups, and they have Igloos available for special reservations.
Best New Restaurant: Black Rooster
Between the delicious cuisine, fancy cocktails, and stunning views at sunset from the rooftop bar, Black Rooster is a must-go for your next night out.
Best Brewery: River Rat Brewery
River Rat Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer — it’s a place to relax after a long day of work, a place to laugh with friends and even a place for your dog to meet other furry friends.
Best Ice Cream: The Baked Bear
The Baked Bear distinguishes itself from other ice cream shops with their custom ice cream sandwiches.
Best Place to Celebrate a Birthday: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Treat yourself right this birthday season and celebrate at Kaminsky’s with a delicious dessert!
Best Dessert: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Just hearing someone mention Kaminsky’s makes my mouth water! Their extensive menu and cake case provides a variety of options to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.
Best Late Night Eats: Eddie's Calzones
Are you up late studying or hanging out with friends and need a bite to eat? Eddie’s Calzones is just five minutes from campus and offers delivery across Columbia.
Best Late Night Eats: Cookout
Cook Out’s location, paired with its insanely cheap and savory food, make it by far one of the best places to go to satisfy your late-night cravings.
Best Place for a Fancy Dinner: Blue Marlin
Trying to decide where to take your family when they visit, go on a date or go with your friends for a celebratory dinner?
Best Lunch: Big Bull's Bangin' BBQ
I highly recommend going to get some barbecue and other Southern staples at Big Bull’s Bang’n BBQ. Supporting a local business has never tasted so good!
Best Mexican Food: Cantina 76
Between Taco Tuesday and Tequila Thursday, Cantina 76 knows how to satisfy all of your Mexican food cravings.
Best Lunch: Cantina 76
If you are craving Mexican food, there is no place that can hit the spot quite like Cantina 76.
Best Local Coffee Shop: Cool Beans Coffee Co.
Ever want to feel like you are in the show “Friends?” Cool Beans is the hangout spot for you!
Best Breakfast/Brunch: The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
What looks to be a little house on Devine Street is actually home to some of the best cinnamon rolls in South Carolina!
Editor's Picks
Best Auto Repair: Broad River Auto Repair
Best Late Night Eats: Eddie's Calzones
Best Lunch: Big Bull's Bangin' BBQ
Best Consignment Shop: Sid & Nancy
Best Clothing Store: Messie's Closet
Best Soda City Vendor: Mary's Arepas
Best Local Musician: Mia Green
Best Place for Fresh Air: The Cayce/West Columbia Riverwalk
Best On-Campus Eats: Colloquium Cafe