30 March 2022
If you friends in town for a weekend break or maybe you just need a refresher on all that Columbia provides, this weekend itinerary had been made for you. With a increasing brewery scene with staples like River Rat plus Columbia Craft or beginners like WECO Bottle plus Biergarten and Savage Art Ale Works there’s a ale for everyone. And with everything from good dining options on Primary Street to casual restaurants in the city’s college night life neighborhood, you definitely won’t proceed hungry. Add to that destinations like Congaree National Recreation area, Riverbanks Zoo and Backyard, and the popular Soda Town Market on Saturdays, plus you’re bound to find something which suits your fancy right here. In this itinerary, we were unable able to include everyone (and trust me, choosing what to consist of was the toughest part). If you are looking for a comprehensive list of Columbia‘s food and drink offerings, be sure to have a look at free-times. com/bites_and_sights. From a few of the area’s most well-known culinary chefs and restaurant owners, here is an itinerary for your weekend break in Columbia: Day One, FridayMorning: Grab a bagel with Carolina CafeCarolina Cafe & Catering, just off of the Horseshoe, the heart of the University associated with South Carolina’s campus, hands over “the absolute best bagels around, ” according to Motor Provide Company Bistro Owner Eddie Wales. The cafe markets breakfast and lunch, which includes sandwiches and bagels which are named after towns within South Carolina. Wales prefers The particular Lake Murray which functions smoked salmon with lotion cheese, while I’m the sucker for the Hilton Mind — what can I state? A good chicken salad meal is the way to my center. Midmorning: Take a walk on USC’s campusThe university’s historic campus has beautiful spots to get walking and is full of special history. Bring a frisbee and spend some time on the Horseshoe — the U-shaped eco-friendly space with historical ancient monuments and some of the university’s 1st buildings. Then, pop to Cool Beans Coffee towards your caffeine fix for the early morning. Lunch: Head over to the Windows vista for Korean fareYou aint able to miss the Pork Japchae at 929 Kitchen plus Bar in Columbia’s Windows vista (an art and cafe district), said Hampton Road Vineyard Chef Cody Ross. It’s one of his first choice spots for lunch within Columbia. The Korean eating place has a modern feel and includes a variety of great dishes — the spot’s udon will be popular and is available at various spice ranges. For an appetizer, try the Mandoo — a deep-fried vegetable dumpling that’s a pleasing amount of crispy. Midday: Pop over to Western Cola for drinks along with a walkThe ever-growing West Columbia is increasingly becoming a popular location for new breweries and dining places. In the last few years, Savage Hobby and WECO have opened on Meeting Street plus longtime wings spot D’s Wings moved to Meeting Road last year. For your midday action, spend some time at the West Columbia Riverwalk — a strolling trail that slinks together with the Congaree River intended for miles and is a wonderful location for a shaded afternoon stroll. After your walk, mind up the road to WECO Bottle and Biergarten. Along with plenty of outdoor picnic dining tables and an impressive draft listing (as well as a revolving schedule of local meals trucks), you can’t go wrong having an afternoon at WECO. Supper: Fine-dining made simpleFrom WECO, head to another popular Western Columbia spot recommended simply by Motor Supply’s Wales through Saluda’s owner Steve Prepare in last year’s version of this itinerary. Terra, beneath the culinary direction of Alabama-native Mike Davis, is one associated with Columbia’s premiere destination for amazing spins on classic the southern part of dishes. Hampton Street Winery Chef Cody Ross, which worked under Davis in Terra, said that Davis at home cooks some of the best fish in Columbia. Even if fish isn’t your own thing, Terra has a selection of menu items sure to fulfill, like their wood stove pizza or steak frites, as well as an impressive wine plus cocktail list. Another fine-dining spot that you’ll have to proceed a bit out of your way to consider (however, it’s worth it) is Ratio Restaurant within Elgin. It’s about a twenty minute drive from the downtown area, but the Peruvian tapas eating place is popular with the likes of culinary chefs and restaurant owners within Columbia — Chelsea Provider, co-owner of Hampton Road Vineyard and Sarah Simmons of City Grit each recommended it. You can try little plates like the roasted veggie salad or the Chorizo empanadas. And the cocktail listed will be crafted by restaurant pub manager, Grant McCloskey, among the bartenders set to participate in this particular year’s Columbia Food and Wines Festival. Drinks: Lula Drake Wine ParlourWhen owner Bernard Gardner was first exploring the location he had just purchased to get a wine bar, he discovered an old trunk in the basements with a calling card — for a Ms. Lula Drake. Hence, the name for one from the city’s first wine pubs was decided. Now, Gardner serves wine by the cup out of the snug and thin wine bar on the city’s Main Street. Lula Drake has a unique wine checklist and focuses on creating a good atmosphere that isn’t stuffy or even serious. The food offerings really are a relatively spare part of the menus when compared to the wide range of wine beverages and other pours, but perform their part as well along with charcuterie, pasta and meal dishes with global affects dotting the menu. Day time Two, SaturdayMorning: Head to the particular marketIt’s not a weekend within Columbia without stopping by Soda pop City Market. The every week market is held, rainfall or shine, on Saturdays from 9 a. meters. to 1 p. m. is becoming synonymous with Columbia plus was mentioned by just about everyone I spoke to. Meals trucks set up and suppliers and artisans sell many methods from candles to produce to collars for dogs. For breakfast, Rambo’s Fat Kitty Biscuits is popular plus there are also popular coffee stores like Indah that opened up as well. If you’re in the disposition for lunch, my first choice is the Los Chicanos meals truck. Lunch: Stop by Duke’s Pad ThaiAnother recommendation through Motor Supply’s Wales — Duke’s Pad Thai. Duke’s is a casual spot that will serves up Thai street as well as also has a noodle club. If you’re still full through Soda City, try the particular chicken egg roll as being a snack. If you could use more fuel for the rest of your day, the particular Pad Thai noodles are usually popular or create your personal noodle dish at the club. Midday: Challenge your friends in order to pinballTransmission Arcade on Major Street is the perfect location for lots of things — date night time, challenging your friends to pinball or just grabbing drinks plus food. While the arcade club is only 21 and up right after 7 p. m., the particular vibes during the day are still excellent. Carrier said you have to try out their chicken wings. I am just personally a fan of their quesadilla. And with a nice draft listing, checking this spot out there is a must. Dinner: Trendy Mexican spot hidden within the VistaIf you consider yourself a margarita connoisseur, COA Agaveria con Cocina is a must. The particular upscale Mexican restaurant is well known for its cocktails and atmosphere and was mentioned simply by Carrier as “one from the icons of a Columbia Sunday night. ” The Pollo Tampiqueno dish, a personal preferred of mine, is barbequed chicken served with comfortable corn tortillas on top of the cheese enchilada and lead with peppers and onions. Late night: Save room just for dessertAnother recommendation from Service provider — Sweet Cream Firm on Main Street is how you’ll find the best dessert if you are fond of ice cream. “It’s among the best ice creams of all time. If this doesn’t break your tea spoon, it’s not right, ” Provider said. Even if ice cream genuinely your thing, they’ve got a remarkable selection of specialty drinks through chai lattes to very hot chocolate. Or choose from their particular over a dozen rotating your favorite ice cream flavors like raspberry cheesecake or butter pecan biscuit. They’ve also got biscuit sandwiches if that matches your fancy. They close up at 10 p. meters. on Saturdays and turn ice cream flavors regularly. Time Three, SundaySunday Brunch: French do it bestIf you’re performing Sunday brunch in Columbia, City Grit’s Simmons states you have to stop by Hampton Road Vineyard. The French restaurant close to Main Street has an comprehensive wine list (one from the largest in the city) plus serves popular dishes such as French toast as well as the delicious Bonjour Burger, a deep-fried egg and brie croissant topped with Dijon mustard and brazed onions. A little French flag is speared through for, you know, apparent reasons. Lunch: Publico within Five PointsAlthough Publico within Five Points (Columbia’s night life and entertainment district absolutely popular with college students) is a superb spot for Sunday brunch, additionally they serve lunch. You can get your own brunch fix until several p. m. on Sundays with items that have a Tex-Mex spin as well as a variety of drinks to choose from. Or you can choose from their particular lunch menu with things like unique tacos or the most popular Cuban nachos. Plus, they have got a menu for your canine as well. Midday: Grab the beer at Steel HandsMike Duganier, who owns Publico plus Boku Kitchen and Saloon, didn’t describe himself being a beer guy, but this individual said the atmospheres associated with some of the area’s local breweries are unbeatable. Steel Fingers — a Columbia basic piece with an impressive distribution price across the state — is an excellent place to grab a ale and enjoy the weather, with lots of outdoor seating and sufficient beers on tap that you have been guaranteed to find one you like. People rave about the brewery’s Espresso Lager. If you’re fond of IPAs, be sure to check out their Exotic IPA. Dinner: Finish your own weekend over a glass associated with sparkling wineSparkling wine plus champagne are two from the things City Grit’s Simmons, knows best. She simply opened up her new place in the Vista as a wines bar and small discs restaurant. Chef Aaron Hoskins has the menu curated along with small, Spanish-inspired plates. You are able to keep it light with some night charcuterie or order several small plates and some portions of wine. It’s a perfect spot to end your weekend.