24 August 2022
Greatest Asian Restaurant — Inakaya Watanabe (St. Andrews)Runner-up: 929 Kitchen & BarInakaya includes a long history in Columbia, serving many a diner’s first sushi experience inside a warm, inviting setting. Regardless of whether served traditionally, fried or even on a boat, everything is created fresh to order current best service. Their non-sushi menu items are also silently delicious and wide-ranging, through grilled rice dishes in order to ramen, soba and udon soups. Honorable Mention: Bodhi Thai, Duke’s Pad ThaiBest Bagel — Bruegger’s BagelsRunner-up: Carolina CafeIt’s no key that bagels aren’t precisely South Carolina’s “thing. inch Many argue that no one will it better than New York, which is possibly why this New York-style chain cafe has taken the particular title for Columbia‘s greatest. The company has multiple places across the country and has been in procedure since 1983. Honorable Point out: Curiosity Coffee Bar, The particular Devine Cinnamon Roll DeliBest Bang for Your Buck — Cantina 76Runner-up: Cook OutAs prices increase at historic rates, that it is hard to find a good meal for any reasonable price. Columbia voters have chosen Cantina seventy six, a Mexican-inspired restaurant which has multiple locations across the condition, as the best bang for your buck. Along with popular happy hour deals, such as half-off margs, and easy locations for Columbia’s the downtown area crowd, the restaurant provides carved out a niche designed for itself as being tasty plus budget-friendly. Honorable Mention: The particular Whig, Boca Grande BurritosBest Barbecue — Home Group BBQRunner-up: Shealy’s Bar-B-QueWhether you like pulled pork or smoked cigarettes turkey, Home Team BARBECUE has a little bit of everything. The particular Charleston-based barbecue joint opened up its fifth location, within the Five Points neighborhood, right after operating locations in Charleston since 2006. It’s got a variety of popular southern-style sides, and also meat-filled tacos. Honorable Point out: Little Pigs Barbeque, Midwood SmokehouseBest Barista — Travis Hoyt (Loveland Coffee)Runner-up: Greg Slattery (Curiosity Coffee Bar)As you can see, we had a bit of a espresso battle between two of the greatest shops in Columbia with this category. In the aftermath from it, Travis Hoyt of Loveland Coffee took the top invoicing for best barista. The supervisor of the shop (and certainly one of last year’s honorable mention) helps lead the fairly new shop in Irmo that is as snazzy every in the region. You pair that will with Hoyt’s skill plus Loveland’s house-roasted beans, plus you’ve got a best barista champion on your hands. Honorable Point out: Chelsea Ford (Curiosity Espresso Bar) and Bree Walden (Loveland Coffee)Best Breakfast — Cafe StrudelRunner-up: Eggs Upward GrillPicture the perfect West Columbia Saturday: late breakfast on Cafe Strudel, thrifting, plus visiting a local brewery to get a late lunch. Cafe Wasserstrudel has been a staple on Condition Street since before Western Columbia was the happening put it is now, and it’s still broadly popular, with lengthy wait around times on weekend days. So , it’s no surprise the location has been voted the best morning meal by readers. Honorable Point out: Rambo’s Fat Cat Cookies, The Devine Cinnamon Move DeliBest Brunch — The particular Gourmet ShopRunner-up: Cafe StrudelThere are few pleasures around as enjoyable as getting up to a sparkling mimosa, refreshing cup of coffee, piping hot sausage and brie croissant. Using their eclectic food and wine marketplace to the bustling cafe, The particular Gourmet Shop ticks away all the boxes for an outstanding morning in Columbia to get locals and visitors as well. Honorable Mention: DiPrato’s, Tazza KitchenBest Burrito — Boca GrandeRunner-up: Real MexicoWhen chef-owner David Grillo left Cantina 76 to open his own shared, the expectations were higher. Oooh, baby, did he or she meet them with Boca Considerável. Serving burritos that range between pork, beef and chorizo to vegan and vegetarian, there’s something for any urge for food. But what really causes them to be stand out is the way Grillo lets the ingredients speak for themselves. Reputable Mention: Cantina 76, Mis Chicanos Food TruckBest Carribbean Restaurant — Fire plus SpiceRunner-up: Island GrillSadly, Open fire and Spice announced they have got closed their doors earlier this week. During their time, nevertheless , they served absolutely amazing sandwiches and Caribbean meals, like jerk chicken which was loaded with flavor. Despite accepting a vast array of items, these people did everything well plus made every experience of the same quality, if not better, than the final. Honorable Mention: Pon Pada River, The Reggae GrillBest Catering — Spotted Salamander Cafe and CateringRunner-up: The southern part of Way CateringOwner-chef Jessica Shillato, of the cafe and providing company Spotted Salamander, began cooking at a young age. The girl followed that passion in order to culinary school and is constantly on the pursue it through the girl business. The catering firm offers unique spins upon southern classics, like pimento cheese and ham pleasures, among others. Honorable Mention: The particular Gourmet Shop, 8th Question CuisineBest Charcuterie Board — The Gourmet ShopRunner-up: 2 Gals GrazeWhat can’t 5 Points’ The Gourmet Store do? The wine shop, cooking area retail store, lunch cafe, plus cheese and cured meats slinger has a bit of almost everything on the finer end of the taste buds. That latter part especially so , as their house-made charcuterie boards are club none in town — plus their experts behind the particular counter can help you build your personal magnificent board, too. Professional Mention: Abundant Graze, Pada Vino RossoBest Chef — Wes Fulmer (Motor Provide Co. Bistro)Runner-up: Javier Uriarte (Ratio)Repeat-winner Wes Fulmer operates the kitchen of one of the Vista’s long standing restaurants, Engine Supply Company Bistro. The particular restaurant focuses on farm-to-table meals in an inviting, upscale atmosphere. He’s been in charge from the kitchen for close to ten years after stints in other metropolitan areas like New Orleans and Philadelphia. Honorable Mention: Jessica Shillato (Spotted Salamander Cafe plus Catering), Toby Leeuw (Saluda’s)Best Chinese Restaurant — Miyo’sRunner-up: Eggroll ChenSo many local people, college students, and others who have that passes Columbia speak with such love for Miyo’s. We have it; unlike most Chinese junk food restaurants you find throughout the Southern, Miyo’s feels different using their unique, upscale take on Hard anodized cookware cuisine. Honorable Mention: Antai, Sun MingBest Coffee — Loveland CoffeeRunner-up: DripWhat a tale it is for Beach Loveland. The owner and master roaster of Loveland Coffee’s coffee beans has gone from a small-time veggie roaster, to drive-thru espresso kiosk operator, to a wonderful coffee shop owner in Irmo. And now, the best coffee around, per our readers. Obtain sippin’. Honorable Mention: Azalea Coffee Bar, Curiosity Espresso BarBest Deli/Sub/Sandwich shop — Groucho’s DeliRunner-up: Enzo’s DelicatessenThere’s a reason this sandwich store is so prominent in Sc. With 25 locations throughout the state, the deli is famous for beloved sandwiches such as the STP dipper and the Apollo dipper, both of which include their iconic Formula “45” sauce. The sandwich store specializes in warmed subs with a lot of meat and lots of cheese. Reputable Mention: Crave, No Title DeliBest Dessert — Kaminsky’sRunner-up: Tiffany’s Sweets, Eats plus Meeting PlaceThis dessert club in the city’s Vista includes a large variety of desserts available — cookie and brownie Sundays and milkshakes (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions) are made to order, while cheesecake and whopping cake pieces line the displays. The location has a full bar and it is perfect for a classy night out yet reasonably priced enough for a enjoyable, casual friend date. Ethical Mention: Lita’s Treats, Noticed SalamanderBest Donuts — Sweet DonutsRunner-up: Chickenbutt DonutsIf you can imagine a donut topping, odds are Duck Donuts has already carried out it. The spot is known because of its outrageous topping choices that will never seem to disappoint. The particular Columbia location of the string is just off of Garner’s Ferry Road in the shopping center that will houses Whole Foods. Ethical Mention: Krispy Kreme, The particular Donut GuyBest Farm-to-Table Eating place — Motor Supply Corporation BistroRunner-up: TerraThe longtime Windows vista location Motor Supply is usually led by Chef Wes Fulmer, a known supporter for the state’s farmers. Their influence is evident within the restaurant, which features a spinning menu of specials centered around fresh ingredients through local farmers and artists. Even the restaurant’s bar plan features local fruits and Columbia artisans in creating the particular cocktail menu. Honorable Point out: Saluda’s, Spotted SalamanderBest Junk food Chain — Chick-fil-ARunner-up: Rush’sThe fast food spot that has produced a name for by itself as one of the most efficient, highest quality junk food spots across the country has gained this year’s best junk food chain award, for another 12 months. The chain serves poultry sandwiches, nuggets and waffle fries every day of the 7 days but Sunday. Honorable Point out: Bojangles, Cook OutBest Foods Truck — Los ChicanosRunner-up: Cheese and Thank YouAround Columbia, there’s perhaps simply no food truck more all-pervasive than ones serving very hot, fresh and tasty Philippine cuisine. Yet, emerging through the crowd as the de facto favorite and go-to designed for local businesses is Mis Chicanos. Delicious tacos set well with indulgent burritos, and the occasional special maintains things intriguing. Honorable Point out: 27 Pancakes, City Limitations BarbequeBest French Fries — 5 GuysRunner-up: The WhigFries are available in all different shapes and sizes — through thinly sliced shoe lace-esque potato crisps to delicious crinkle-cut fries. Five Men Burgers and Fries, a quick food chain known for the simple menu and milkshakes, has been chosen by Totally free Times readers as the greatest spot for fries in Columbia. They’ve got over 30 places across the state. Honorable Point out: McDonald’s, Market on MainBest Fried Chicken — Zesto of West ColumbiaRunner-up: Bernie’s ChickenSalty, crispy, juicy plus delicious. All things a good deep-fried chicken should be. All things that will just so happen to explain Zesto of West Columbia’s fried chicken. Seek out the particular giant ice cream cone to get the fried chicken, friends. Professional Mention: Drake’s Duck-In, Kiki’s Chicken & WafflesBest Ancient greek Restaurant — Mediterranean Green tea RoomRunner-up: Grecian GardensThe little orange restaurant right away from Five Points district provides all you could need if you want Ancient greek cuisine, from their hummus (served with warm, delicious pita bread) to their falafel plus gyros. They’ve worked their particular way to first place this year right after taking home the second place in this contest last year. Ethical Mention: Pitas, Zorba’s Ancient greek RestaurantBest Grits — Azure MarlinRunner-up: Cafe StrudelWhen you do have a place dedicated to quality sea food like Blue Marlin, you understand the grits have to be upon point. Thankfully, Blue Marlin delivers that in spades with their rich, creamy Adluh grits. Blue Marlin furthermore keeps the tradition from the crispy, crackling grit wedding cake alive, a twist on which most people think of when they consider grits and something that’s turn out to be much harder to find. Professional Mention: Bubba’s Biscuit, Saluda’sBest Gyro — PitasRunner-up: Noma Bistro by Al AmirPitass is the kind of place that will feels like it’s been a part of the particular city’s fabric forever yet actually is a relative newcomer towards the area. Their door is definitely revolving during the lunch hour, as well as for good reason. Their fluffy, smooth pitas make the perfect midday gyro; it’s hot, quick and satisfying but lighting enough to get you through your occupied afternoon. Honorable Mention: Eco-friendly Olive, Hunter-GathererBest Hamburger — Pawleys Front PorchRunner-up: The particular WhigWhether you’re in the disposition for a traditional burger with all the current essential fixin’s or you would like something a little on the outrageous side, Pawleys Front Patio has you covered. The 5 Points establishment is a well-researched winner of this award plus grinds its beef every day to ensure the freshest quality. Ethical Mention: Rockaway Athletic Golf club, Five GuysBest Hot Canine — Rush’sRunner-up: Jimmy’s MartSeeing the line work at Rush’s is much like artwork. Despite how quick they work, they provide quality food each and every time. The particular Carolina dogs (people consume other kinds of hot canines? ) at Rush’s are usually pure and simple, having a solid meaty chili foundation and their slightly sweeter, crispy slaw making your dog a standout over other people in town. Honorable Mention: Desire, Greedy RascalsBest Ice Cream — Sweet Cream Co. Runner-up: Rosewood Dairy BarLocated upon Columbia’s Main Street, Nice Cream Co. is the city’s foremost upscale ice cream supplier. Far better than run-of-the-mill smooth serve and always innovative in its flavors (sweet hammer toe, cherry coke and more have got dotted the oft-varying list), Sweet Cream stands apart within the city. Honorable Mention: RIFF Ice Cream, The Baked BearBest Indian Restaurant — 2-GingersRunner-up: Persis Biryani Indian GrillGot a hankering for a place of tomato shorba, or even a fuller meal like a large plate of aloo tikki chaat? If so, 2-Gingers could be the place to go. The Bush Lake Road spot has an extensive menu, so feel free to walk out your comfort zone, too. Ethical Mention: Delhi Palace, Community of IndiaBest Italian Cafe — Di Vino RossoRunner-up: Il GiorgioneThis white-tablecloth Italian language restaurant in the heart from the Vista is sure to satisfy, along with upscale offerings of traditional Italian dishes like poultry parmesan and other various pastas and an extensive wine listing. The restaurant is also open up on Mondays, a day whenever most restaurants around the town close for business. Ethical Mention: Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, Villa TroncoBest Japanese Eating place — Inakaya WatanabeRunner-up: Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse and SushiThis restaurant (not to be puzzled with the other Inakaya situated in Northeast Columbia) has earned best Japanese restaurant just as before. Its sushi is famous, with delicious sashimi slashes and innovative rolls. Beyond their sushi, the eating place offers Japanese staples such as tempura, broiled seafood plus teishoku dinners. Honorable Point out: Inakaya Japanese Restaurant, SatoBest Kid-Friendly Restaurant — Chick-fil-ARunner-up: Flight DeckIt’s fast. It can friendly. It’s Chick-fil-A. There is denying the power of a container full of chicken and waffle fries along with a play area. Honorable Mention: Boca Expressivo, Cracker BarrelBest Late Night Foods — Waffle HouseRunner-up: The particular WhigA hallmark of the Southern and a hallmark of the the twilight series hours. No other spot may bring together the midnight world the way Waffle House really does with its all-day food. As soon as you’re there, the environment provides way to the soft sizzle of your meal being prepared on the flat top barbeque grill and, from there, late-night happiness. Honorable Mention: Bar Not one, Cook OutBest Mexican Cafe — Real MexicoRunner-up: Cantina 76While there are many great places for Mexican food close to Columbia, this one takes the particular cake. The Bush Lake Road restaurant is situated in a little corner quickly the busy road, even though you’ll have to fight for parking throughout the lunch hour, the food is worth this. From the birria tacos for their lengthy list of quesadilla choices, you’re sure to find something which suits your fancy. Reputable Mention: Coa Agaveria con Cocina, San JoseBest Center Eastern Restaurant — ArabesqueRunner-up: Mediterranean Tea RoomThis Devine Street spot offers an enticing ambiance on top of an impressive collection of Lebanese cuisine — such as the creamy, chickpea hummus drop or a selection of meat kabobs and delectable pizzas. The location has been tucked away with a assortment of other restaurants and shops in the Devine Street Area for over 15 years. Professional Mention: Noma Bistro simply by Al Amir, PitasBest Milkshake — Cook OutRunner-up: Rush’sWith over three dozen milkshake flavors to choose from at this nationwide chain, it’s no surprise Prepare Out wins in this group. The milkshakes are so solid that they often require a tea spoon, but with flavors like traditional chocolate and vanilla in order to wildcards like peach cobbler and banana pudding as well as a handful of seasonal shakes along with watermelon or eggnog, this particular milkshake is worth it. Reputable Mention: Kaminsky’s, Rosewood Dairy products BarBest National Chain Cafe — Chick-fil-ARunner-up: Mellow MushroomIt appears the fast food poultry spot has a chokehold about Columbia. Every year, it feels such as the number of chain locations associated with Chick-fil-A are multiplying such as rabbits, and locals cannot seem to get enough. Reputed for its efficient drive-thru program and chicken sandwich, nowadays there are over 100 locations from the restaurant across the state. Reputable Mention: Bonefish Grill, Tx RoadhouseBest New Restaurant — SmokedRunner-up: Chubby’s Burger & BrewhouseOne of the latest tasks from the Middletons, a notable Columbia family who have reshaped much of the area’s Primary Street district, Smoked is definitely an oyster bar and cafe that also hosts the microbrewery. The restaurant, upon Main Street’s 1600 prevent, offers a farm-to-table menu that will changes seasonally and arrives at a hefty price. Your kitchen is led by in long run Columbia chef Daniel Shelter. Honorable Mention: Luzianna Buy, Sound Bites EateryBest Pizzas — Village Idiot PizzaRunner-up: Mellow MushroomVillage’s Pizza continues to be well-loved in Columbia because the upstairs restaurant in 5 Points got its come from 1990. The New York-style pizzeria has expanded over the last couple of years and now operates three areas across the city. Pick from a number of toppings or go simple with cheese and pepperoni — you won’t be let down. Honorable Mention: Dano’s, Arianne FocolareBest Place for a Initial Date — Transmission ArcadeRunner-up: The Grand on MainEveryone knows how awkward 1st dates can be — will there be anything worse than sitting down across from a Tinder fit at a stiff dinner, text messaging your friends to call a person with an “emergency”? That’s why Tranny Arcade is perfect. If matters get uncomfortable, there are a bunch of games to play in order to the ice (and probably even the chance for a lively touch or competitive tease), and there are beer plus cocktail offerings to make sure you just about anyone. Honorable Mention: Personal Property, Tazza KitchenBest Spot to Dine Outdoors — Freedom on the LakeRunner-up: Black RoosterAs a tap room plus grille, you can’t top the particular stunning views from Freedom on the Lake. At Freedom, you can find friendly long-time personnel with a hometown feel and a number of Americana dishes that the entire family can enjoy. Honorable Point out: Market on Main, Saluda’sBest Restaurant — Halls ChophouseRunner-up: Motor Supply Co. BistroThe Charleston-based restaurant has become a basic piece on Columbia’s Main Road since its opening. Columbia readers agree this is the greatest place for a meal within the city with its array of meats and sides worth drooling over. It’s also become a progressively popular spot for college sports activities recruiting, so who knows who also you’ll see on your next check out. Honorable Mention: Di Vino Rosso, TerraBest Restaurant Whenever Someone Else Is Paying — Halls ChophouseRunner-up: Motor Provide Co. If you’ve got a friend which includes money burning a gap in their pocket and a good appetite, you’ll want to head over to Halls Chophouse. With a mouth-watering menus of steaks, seafood and many more, Halls is the place to go for all those not picking up the tabs. Honorable Mention: Smoked, Saluda’sBest Restaurant, Devine Street/Shandon — Cantina 76Runner-up: Il GiorgioneWhat can we say? Individuals love the Mexican-inspired restaurant which has two locations in Columbia. The restaurant’s Devine Road location is increasingly popular inside a district that continues to grow. It offers a menu of Mexican-inspired favorites like quesadillas plus Americanized dishes, along with drinks and other drink offerings. Professional Mentions: Backstreets Grill, Za’s on DevineBest Restaurant, 5 Points — Mr. Friendly’s New Southern CafeRunner-up: The particular Gourmet ShopMr. Friendly’s is really a longstanding staple in the university neighborhood. Originally opened within the mid-’90s, the spot was strike hard by the pandemic yet recently began serving lunch time again and continues to broaden hours. It serves traditional southern delicacies like pimento cheese burgers and meatloaf. Honorable Mention: Saluda’s, Publico Kitchen & TapBest Eating place, Forest Acres — Tazza KitchenRunner-up: Pasta FrescaA Woodland Acres neighborhood favorite, Tazza Kitchen accomplishes a task not many can: offering a good upscale environment with approachability and affordability. The cafe serves small plates, green salads and pizza and also provides an impressive wine list. Using its variety, it’s sure to have got something for everyone. Honorable Brings up: Boca Grande Burritos, Tombo GrilleBest Restaurant, Irmo — Luzianna PurchaseRunner-up: Zorba’s Ancient greek RestaurantLuzianna Purchase’s killer menus of po’ boy sandwiches, salads, wraps, deli over the “geaux” and charcuterie can not be beat, and their Sunday Brunch is to die pertaining to. They’re a natural fit for optimum restaurant in Irmo. Professional Mentions: Bistro On The Chaussee, Fire and SpiceBest Cafe, Lexington — Bodhi ThaiRunner-up: Alodia’s Cucina ItalianaLed simply by chef-owner Nivit Tipvaree, Bodhi Thai is Lexington’s greatest. More than that, many the foodie in Columbia sound that it may be the best out of all area. One thing is for specific: Tipvaree is creating meals that frequently wow, with his plating, they appear ready made to appear on great dining tables in locations far larger than Lexington. Reputable Mention: O’Hara’s Public Home, Private PropertyBest Restaurant, Major Street — Halls ChophouseRunner-up: BourbonJust under a decade back, the city’s Main Road looked much different. Now, along with upscale restaurants like Halls, Bourbon and Smoked, it seems the area is changing. Halls Chophouse, a Charleston-based steakhouse that serves up expensive yet exquisite meals, has been in the street for less than a decade but has generated a name for alone in the district. Honorable Point out: Cantina 76, The WhigBest Restaurant, Northeast — RatioRunner-up: Travinia’s Italian Kitchen plus Wine BarThe ever-popular Elgin restaurant Ratio is a Peruvian tapas (small plates) place that features a rotating menus and an impressive cocktail plan. From the mind of Owner-Chef Javier Uriarte, who earlier worked at Hendrix upon Main Street, comes a remarkable list of empanadas and other Peruvian small plates with a distinctive twist. The bar is usually run by seasoned barman Grant McCloskey. Honorable Point out: Chubby’s Burgers & Brewhouse, Inakaya JapaneseBest Restaurant, Windows vista — Motor Supply Company. BistroRunner-up: Blue MarlinAn organization in Columbia, Motor Provide Co. has been around since prior to the Vista, a nightlife plus arts district on Gervais Street, was what it is at this point. The kitchen of the farm-to-table cafe is led by Cooking Wes Fulmer and includes a rotating menu of traditional southern and American foods cuisine. Honorable Mention: 929 Kitchen & Bar, Pada Vino RossoBest Restaurant, Western Columbia — TerraRunner-up: Dark RoosterThe longtime spot possessed by well-known Chef Paul Davis is just across the lake in West Columbia. This sits in an area which has blossomed for business within the last couple years but provides remained consistent in its provider of quality dishes as well as a comfortable atmosphere. The menus changes seasonally but functions simple dishes with remarkable flavor — like seared scallops and wood stove pizzas. Honorable Mention: Coffee shop Strudel, The KingsmanBest Steak — The War MouthRunner-up: Hudson’s Smokehouse BBQThe fantastically charming Cottontown restaurant records the idea of Midlands hospitality much better than most, with its down-home digs and unpretentious demeanor. Naturally , part of that is wonderfully smoked cigarettes barbecue. Chef Rhett Elliott and his team adhere to the particular pit-smoke theology and create some of the best smoked ribs within the city. Drizzled in mustard sauce, of course. Honorable Point out: Midwood Smokehouse, Railroad BBQBest Salad — California DreamingRunner-up: Spotted Salamander Cafe plus CateringThere are many ways to create a salad — whether you like leafy romaine or iceberg lettuce, want a healthy dosage of dressing or choose to go without, and so a number of other options — but it seems California Dreaming, a decades-old regional chain, has identified the key to success. The particular dish comes with mixed produce, chopped eggs, tomatoes, done almonds, ham and bread. Honorable Mention: Il Bucato, VerdeBest Seafood Restaurant — Blue MarlinRunner-up: Pearlz Oyster BarThere’s no place in town that will more quickly comes to mind when it comes to sea food than Blue Marlin. The previous train stop has located this Vista staple for many years, providing the city’s smartest choice for classic Southern sea food staples like shrimp or even fish and grits, She-Crab Soup, and fried oysters. Honorable Mention: Luzianna Buy, SmokedBest Service — Halls ChophouseRunner-up: Loveland CoffeeIt’s not merely about the steak. The real center of a good chophouse will be the experience, which is why service gets so essential in a location like this. Halls carries on the particular legacy through excellent care created to make sure you are taken care of as soon as you step in 1221 Major St . til the moment a person step out. Honorable Mention: Electric motor Supply Co., Saluda’sBest Shrimp & Grits — Azure MarlinSecond Place: Bubba’s BiscuitThe award-winning shrimp and grits at Blue Marlin keep your humble dish classic using a bed of creamy Adluh grits with saut? male impotence shrimp, smoky andouille chicken, and tasso gravy. They actually a good job of conserving the spirit of the meal that’s come to define a lot of Carolina cuisine over the past 3 decades. Honorable Mention: Cafe Wasserstrudel, Saluda’sBest Smoothie — Exotic Smoothie CafeRunner-up: Smoothie KingA good smoothie is one of the greatest ways to start or finish your day. Tropical Smoothie Coffee shop has been a Columbia staple for a long time, serving smoothies to adults and children across the Midlands and assisting to maintain healthy habits whilst providing yummy foods plus great service to many. Ethical Mention: Good Life Coffee shop, Tasty As FitBest Spirit Food — Kiki’s Poultry and WafflesRunner-up: A Serenity of SoulThis restaurant, bolstering two locations in the Midlands, is known for thinking creatively. Not only does it offer the traditional chicken and waffles mixtures, it also has red purple velvet waffles, collard greens plus well-known mac and parmesan cheese. It’s also a well-known prevent for politicians, so look out for who might go to. Honorable Mention: Esther’s Spirit Food + KitchenBest The southern part of Restaurant — Mr. Friendly’s New Southern CafeRunner-up: Lizard’s ThicketWhen it comes to pure The southern part of fine dining, Mr. Friendly’s has become a signature of the Columbia area and an easy suggestion for locals to share along with visitors looking for a taste from the South. Mr. Friendly’s performs exceptionally well at taking staples we all know and love and incorporating subtle twists like blackened shrimp or burnt glucose molasses BBQ, to help give a modernized spin. Honorable Point out: Spotted Salamander Cafe plus Catering, The War MouthBest Steak — Halls ChophouseRunner-up: Chophouse of ChapinThe just name in steakhouses easily known by the Palmetto people, Halls Chophouse is that recognized for a reason — they don’t reduce any corners when it comes to their particular beef. They fly within steaks from Chicago’s Allen Brothers, either wet or even dry-age them and prepare them perfectly to purchase. Their offerings range from the very humble rib eye to the showy A5 wagyu. Honorable Point out: Motor Supply Co. Dining area, Saluda’sBest Sushi — Inakaya Watanabe (St. Andrew)Runner-up: Inakaya Japanese (Northeast)It was a shut battle with the other sushi shared named Inakaya, but the St Andrews iteration of Inakaya managed to seize the earn. Their sushi choices are usually fresh and abundant; regardless of whether you want one of their more than 25+ raw options or even 40+ custom rolls, there is certainly something for everyone to try. Professional Mention: Camon, TsunamiBest Sugary Tea — Groucho’s DeliRunner-up: BojanglesThere are few stuff better in life than downing a massive STP dipper along with one of Groucho’s ice-cold lovely teas. It has the perfect stability of sweetness without being as well cloying, but it’s nevertheless just sweet enough in order to balance with the richness of the STP dipper or any very hot sandwich you grab in-house. Honorable Mention: Chick-fil-A, Noticed SalamanderBest Taco — Cantina 76Runner-up: Real MexicoPeople adore variety. That’s why Cantina’s taco offerings are so enticing — they’ve got options from all over the world. Whether you want to try their particular chicken teriyaki tacos, opt for something different with the Peruvian shrimp tacos, or stay nearer to home with the barbecue brisket offering, there’s a little bit of almost everything at this Mexican-inspired spot. You can find two locations in Columbia that offer all kinds of tacos. Professional Mention: Boca Grande Burritos, Tacos NayaritBest Take Out Foods — Duke’s Pad ThaiRunner-up: Devine Cinnamon Roll DeliOpened in 2017, Duke’s Cushion Thai rests on a main street in Cayce upon Knox Abbott Drive. Appropriately, its tasty Thai road food (can we attention you in Pad Thailänder Tacos? ) makes for the quick-and-easy stop to grab supper or a quick lunch. Their noodle and rice dishes are usually heftier as well, often leaving behind some for tomorrow’s foods. Honorable Mention: China Wok 2, Il BucatoBest Thailänder Restaurant — Bodhi ThaiRunner-up: Duke’s Pad ThaiLexington’s Bodhi Thai serves traditional Thailänder dishes and Thai-influenced mains in its upscale restaurant within the city’s Main Street. Enjoy a New York strip meat served alongside heirloom tomato vegetables, scallions, and a chili lime green vinaigrette or an elevated shrimp Pad Thai. Often tasty, the restaurant also can make its dishes a banquet for the eyes with beautiful plating. Honorable Mention: Tulsi Thai, Mai ThaiBest Vegetarian — Good Life CafeRunner-up: A Peace of SoulBeing vegan doesn’t mean weight loss enjoy what everyone else has for lunch and supper. Good Life Cafe offers turned plenty of heads using their use of vegetables to imitate meaty favorites. Their in long run signature eggplant bacon cover with cashew mayo is really a must for first-timers, combined with the buffalo cauliflower bites. Ethical Mention: As Well As / Facilities Fire, Tasty As FitBest Veggie Burger — The particular WhigRunner-up: A Peace associated with SoulThe stuff of vegetable dreams, The Whig provides a black-eyed pea burger. The particular filling and tasty meal comes topped with member of the lettuce family, tomato onion, whole grain mustard and dill pickles. They have good enough to turn even the the majority of ardent veggie burger cynic to the veggie side. Ensure that you check out the Veg-fil-A as well for any vegetarian riff on a poultry sandwich. Honorable Mention: Great Life Cafe, Rosewood Marketplace & DeliBest Wine Listing — Lula DrakeRunner-up: Hampton Street VineyardThe wine parlour that owner Tim Gardner opened in 2016 is continuing to grow into a local favorite. The particular narrow, dimly lit wine club in historic digs comes with an extensive wine list plus tight food menu, with all the kitchen run by Rachel Harrison. When the COVID-19 outbreak shuttered the spot in 2020, Gardner sold most of their wine collection to keep the area afloat. It doesn’t appear basically has held back the location as they’ve reopened within the last year. Honorable Mention: Halls Chophouse, Saluda’sBest Wings — D’s WingsRunner-up: Transmission ArcadeAlthough the vibes are much completely different from before the longtime wings place moved up the road through Cayce to West Columbia, the wings are still just like tender and juicy. Along with close to two dozen gravies and rubs to choose from, most likely guaranteed to find something you want. And if wings aren’t your own thing, the restaurant also offers burger, sandwich and even teigwaren offerings. Pair that along with great beer and lots of TV screens, and you at the perfect place to capture a sports game. Professional Mention: Carolina Wings, Publick House