Top restaurants list
10 Best Casual Restaurants in Columbia, SC
- 10 restaurants
- Columbia, South Carolina
- Updated December 30, 2025
The ten best casual restaurants in Columbia, SC include Motor Supply Co. Bistro, Mr. Friendly’s, Midwood Smokehouse, Pawleys Front Porch, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse, California Dreaming, Harper’s Restaurant, Henry’s, Mellow Mushroom, and Republic Biergarten. The experience at these popular establishments is defined by a genuine Southern hospitality and a focus on high-quality regional cooking. The city’s dining scene is built around neighborhood hubs like Five Points and the Congaree Vista, where the best casual restaurants in Columbia, SC set the standard for relaxed atmospheres.
Signature dishes in Columbia’s top casual restaurants showcase the region's strengths, from shrimp and grits to slow-smoked barbecue and gourmet burgers. The average meal price at these casual spots is between $25 and $60 per person. Common restaurant types include New Southern cafes, modern barbecue joints, and the city's original brewpubs. Vegetarian needs can be met at most establishments, and gluten-free options are available at places like Mellow Mushroom and Motor Supply Co. Bistro.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro ranks #1 among the best casual restaurants in Columbia, known for its pioneering farm-to-table menu that changes twice daily. For a more traditional take on upscale Southern food, Mr. Friendly's is a premier choice, with a reputation for consistency and classic dishes. The best spot for a specific craving is Pawleys Front Porch, a popular restaurant famous for its award-winning and inventive burgers.
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1
Salads Sandwiches BBQ Brisket Pork BarbecueMidwood Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant that specializes in slow-smoked meats prepared in the Texas tradition. The establishment has a rustic, industrial atmosphere with a large dining room, a central bar, and an outdoor patio.- Item Prices
- 458
- Average Item Price
- $15.42
Midwood Smokehouse Menu PricesMore about Midwood Smokehouse
Type of Restaurant:
BBQ Joint
Type of Food:
Barbecue
Signature Dishes:
Beef BrisketPulled PorkSt. Louis Style Pork RibsSmoked Wings
Location:
702 Cross Hill Rd #400d, Columbia, SC 29205
Special Feature:
The restaurant uses all-wood smokers and burns hickory wood 24 hours a day to cook its meats. A large selection of local and regional craft beers is available.
What Makes It Special:
Midwood Smokehouse is recognized for its authentic, high-quality barbecue and its energetic, modern setting, making it a popular destination for both barbecue purists and casual diners.
What Sets It Apart:
The specific focus on Texas-style, all-wood-smoked barbecue, combined with a polished, full-service restaurant experience, distinguishes it from more traditional, smaller barbecue shacks.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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2
California Dreaming is a restaurant in Charleston, serving American classics and low country favorites. California Dreaming, which began in 1987, is recognized for its complimentary honey-butter croissants, large entree salads,...- Item Prices
- 145
- Average Item Price
- $26.38
California Dreaming Menu PricesMore about California Dreaming
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
California Dreaming Salad (with honey-mustard and almond dressing)Croissants with Honey ButterBaby Back RibsPrime Rib
Location:
401 S Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Special Feature:
The restaurant's location inside a fully restored historic train station is its defining feature, creating a unique and memorable dining environment.
What Makes It Special:
California Dreaming is a Columbia landmark, celebrated for its consistent food, particularly its famous salad and croissants, and its grand, impressive setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of an approachable, family-friendly menu with the unique and dramatic setting of the historic Union Station makes it a one-of-a-kind destination for group and family dining.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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3
Harper's Restaurant was a dining spot in Charlotte, North Carolina that permanently closed down on July 20, 2024 after 37 years of operation. The original SouthPark building was demolished but...- Item Prices
- 70
- Average Item Price
- $13.86
Harper's Restaurant Menu PricesMore about Harper's Restaurant
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American Steakhouse
Signature Dishes:
Blue Cheese Kettle ChipsHarper's Original Chicken SupremeLow Country Lump Crab CakesSlow-Roasted Prime Rib
Location:
700 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a hickory wood-fired grill, which is used to cook many of its signature steaks and entrees, imparting a distinct smoky flavor.
What Makes It Special:
Harper's is a long-standing Five Points institution, known for its consistent quality and its role as a reliable destination for a classic American steakhouse meal.
What Sets It Apart:
Its specific focus on being a neighborhood-oriented American grill with a hickory-fired kitchen distinguishes it as a go-to spot for a straightforward, high-quality meal.
Operating Hours:
Permanently closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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4
Fast Food Casual Dining Pizza Salads American Italian Burgers Comfort Food Sandwich Family Meals Family Friendly Pizzeria Group Friendly Kids Friendly Bar FoodMellow Mushroom is a popular American pizza chain known for premium quality stone-baked pizzas and a vibrant 70s-inspired vibe. The popular items on the Mellow Mushroom menu are Super Pepp,...- Item Prices
- 105
- Average Item Price
- $9.69
Mellow Mushroom Menu PricesMore about Mellow Mushroom
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Pizza
Signature Dishes:
Holy Shiitake PieHouse Special PizzaPretzel Bites with Beer CheeseMighty Meaty Pizza
Location:
1009 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Special Feature:
The restaurant's signature spring water crust is a key feature, giving the pizza a unique, chewy texture. A large and constantly rotating craft beer list is also central to the experience.
What Makes It Special:
Mellow Mushroom is known for its inventive and high-quality pizzas that go beyond standard toppings, served in a fun and uniquely decorated environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of its signature crust, creative pizza recipes, and its eclectic, counter-culture branding gives Mellow Mushroom a distinct and enduring identity.
Operating Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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5
5. Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Motor Supply Co. Bistro is an upscale-casual restaurant located in a renovated 1930s engine supply building in the Congaree Vista. The menu is eclectic and changes daily, focusing on a farm-to-table approach that blends American, French, Italian, and Asian influences.More about Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Type of Restaurant:
Upscale Casual
Type of Food:
New American, Farm-to-Table
Signature Dishes:
The menu changes daily. Past items include Duck Confit, Pan-Seared Scallops, and House-Made Charcuterie.
Location:
920 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201
Special Feature:
The restaurant's menu is rewritten twice daily to reflect the freshest ingredients available from local South Carolina farms and purveyors.
What Makes It Special:
Motor Supply is a pioneer of the farm-to-table movement in Columbia, celebrated for its culinary creativity and its unwavering commitment to seasonal, sustainable sourcing.
What Sets It Apart:
The strict adherence to a daily-changing, farm-driven menu and its sophisticated, globally-inspired cuisine make Motor Supply a unique and premier dining destination in the city.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
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6
6. Mr. Friendly’s
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe serves an updated version of classic Southern cuisine with a focus on fresh, regional ingredients. The restaurant has a relaxed, upscale-casual atmosphere with a main dining room and a popular bar area.More about Mr. Friendly’s
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
New Southern
Signature Dishes:
Friendly’s Famous MeatloafPecan Crusted GrouperFried Green Tomatoes with Pimento CheeseShrimp and Grits
Location:
2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a daily-changing menu written on chalkboards, reflecting the seasonal availability of ingredients from local purveyors. An extensive, award-winning wine list is available.
What Makes It Special:
Mr. Friendly's is recognized for its consistent, high-quality execution of Southern classics and its role as a long-standing fixture in the Five Points neighborhood dining scene.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a sophisticated, chef-driven approach to Southern comfort food with a genuinely relaxed and unpretentious neighborhood atmosphere distinguishes Mr. Friendly's.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
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7
7. Pawleys Front Porch
Pawleys Front Porch is a laid-back restaurant famous for its gourmet burgers, which have received national recognition. The atmosphere is casual and rustic, inspired by the relaxed vibe of Pawleys Island, with a large wooden porch for outdoor seating.More about Pawleys Front Porch
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American, Burgers
Signature Dishes:
The Sullivan's Burger (Fried pimento cheese)The Fripp Island Burger (Southern salsa, boursin cheese)The Isle of Palms Burger (Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese)Fried Pickle Chips
Location:
827 Harden St, Columbia, SC 29205
Special Feature:
The restaurant's menu features a wide variety of unique, half-pound burgers, each named after a different South Carolina coastal town or landmark.
What Makes It Special:
Pawleys Front Porch is a Columbia institution, celebrated for its creative and award-winning burgers that elevate the classic American staple.
What Sets It Apart:
Its singular focus on and reputation for crafting some of the best and most inventive burgers in the state make Pawleys Front Porch a one-of-a-kind destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PMFriday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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8
8. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse
Hunter-Gatherer is Columbia's original brewpub, serving house-brewed craft beers and a menu of eclectic pub food since 1995. The original location near the University of South Carolina has a warm, pub-like atmosphere, while the second location is in a historic airplane hangar.More about Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse
Type of Restaurant:
Brewpub
Type of Food:
American Pub Food
Signature Dishes:
Black Bean BurritoHunter-Gatherer ESB (Extra Special Bitter)Pesto PizzaFish and Chips
Location:
1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia, SC
Special Feature:
The brewpub has been brewing its own small-batch, English-style ales on-site for over 25 years, making it a pioneer in the city's craft beer scene.
What Makes It Special:
Hunter-Gatherer is a beloved local institution, known for its consistent, high-quality house beers and a unique, globally-inspired food menu that goes beyond typical pub fare.
What Sets It Apart:
Its status as the city's first and longest-running brewpub, combined with its unique menu and historic locations, gives it an unmatched level of authenticity and character.
Operating Hours:
Wednesday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PMFriday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMSunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PMMonday – Tuesday: Closed
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
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9
9. Henry’s
Henry's is a neighborhood restaurant and bar with two locations, serving a menu of classic American comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and entrees. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, resembling a traditional American grill.More about Henry’s
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
American
Signature Dishes:
Henry's Classic BurgerFish and ChipsCajun Chicken PastaFrench Dip Sandwich
Location:
2865 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
Special Feature:
The restaurant is known for its multiple neighborhood locations that function as reliable community gathering spots for both families and the after-work crowd.
What Makes It Special:
Henry's is known for its straightforward, well-executed comfort food and its consistent, welcoming atmosphere, making it a dependable choice for a casual meal.
What Sets It Apart:
Its role as a quintessential, multi-location neighborhood grill with a broad, crowd-pleasing menu gives Henry's a distinct identity as a local staple.
Operating Hours:
Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AMSunday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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10
10. Republic Biergarten
Republic Biergarten is a large restaurant and bar in the Vista that offers a menu of German-inspired pub food and American classics. The establishment features a spacious indoor dining area and a large outdoor biergarten with communal seating.More about Republic Biergarten
Type of Restaurant:
Biergarten, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
German, American
Signature Dishes:
Giant Bavarian PretzelBratwurst PlatterSchnitzelRepublic Burger
Location:
931 Senate St, Columbia, SC 29201
Special Feature:
The restaurant features a self-serve "beer wall" with over 40 taps, allowing guests to pour their own beer and pay by the ounce.
What Makes It Special:
Republic Biergarten is known for its extensive beer selection and its lively, communal atmosphere, making it a popular spot for group gatherings and social events.
What Sets It Apart:
The unique self-serve beer wall, combined with its large outdoor biergarten and German-focused menu, creates a distinct and interactive dining and drinking experience.
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PMThursday – Friday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AMSaturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:
$10 to $20 per person
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Casual Restaurants in Columbia Famous?
Casual restaurants in Columbia are famous for their authentic expression of Southern hospitality and their blend of traditional regional cuisine with a strong farm-to-table ethos. The city’s food tourism is driven by a desire to experience this specific culture, where classic Southern ingredients like grits, pimento cheese, and seasonal produce are central. This focus sets the city apart, creating a scene where long-standing establishments serving New Southern cuisine thrive alongside pioneering kitchens. The commitment to local sourcing, a defining characteristic of the best Columbia restaurants, is exemplified by places that change their menus daily based on availability from South Carolina farms.
What Type of Casual Restaurant is Commonly Found in Columbia?
Columbia's identity as a Southern capital and a major university town shapes the types of casual restaurants found throughout the city. Columbia casual restaurants offer several popular dining styles including the ones listed here.
- New Southern Restaurants: This is the most prominent category in Columbia. These establishments serve contemporary versions of classic Southern dishes, using fresh, local ingredients and modern culinary techniques. Mr. Friendly's and Motor Supply Co. Bistro are prime examples.
- Barbecue Joints: A staple of Southern food culture, these restaurants specialize in slow-smoked meats. The local scene includes places like Midwood Smokehouse, which focuses on Texas-style, all-wood-smoked barbecue.
- American Grills and Pubs: These are classic, neighborhood-focused spots with crowd-pleasing menus of burgers, sandwiches, and American entrees. Henry's and Harper's Restaurant fit this description.
- Brewpubs: A key part of the city's casual scene, these establishments combine a working craft brewery with a full-service restaurant. Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse is the city's original and most well-known example.
- Gourmet Burger Restaurants: Columbia is home to specialty restaurants that focus on elevating the classic American burger. Pawleys Front Porch is the most famous, with a menu of award-winning, inventive burger creations.
Does Columbia Have an Authentic Casual Restaurant?
Yes, Columbia has authentic casual restaurants, including the farm-to-table pioneer Motor Supply Co. Bistro, the traditional Southern cafe Mr. Friendly's, and the city's original brewpub, Hunter-Gatherer. Motor Supply is authentic to the farm-to-table movement, with a menu that changes twice daily based on what is available from local South Carolina farms. Mr. Friendly's is authentic to the New Southern tradition, having served its refined regional classics for decades. Hunter-Gatherer is authentic to the city's craft beer history, brewing its signature English-style ales since it opened as Columbia's first brewpub in 1995.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Casual Restaurants in Columbia?
The best casual restaurants in Columbia are known for signature dishes such as Shrimp and Grits, gourmet burgers, and slow-smoked Beef Brisket. These specific menu items are central to the local food in Columbia, highlighting the city's expertise in both Southern tradition and American comfort food. The most notable examples are detailed below.
- Shrimp and Grits: A quintessential South Carolina dish. Restaurants like Mr. Friendly's serve classic and updated versions of this Lowcountry staple, featuring fresh shrimp over creamy grits.
- Gourmet Burgers: An area where Columbia excels. The award-winning burgers at Pawleys Front Porch, such as the Sullivan's Burger topped with fried pimento cheese, are a local specialty.
- Slow-Smoked Beef Brisket: The centerpiece of Texas-style barbecue. This is a signature item at Midwood Smokehouse, where the brisket is smoked for hours over hickory wood.
- Fried Green Tomatoes: A classic Southern appetizer. Mr. Friendly's is known for its version, which is typically served with house-made pimento cheese.
- California Dreaming Salad: An iconic local dish from the restaurant of the same name. This large salad with a unique honey-mustard and almond dressing, served with a croissant, is a Columbia classic.
Does Columbia Enjoy Casual Food?
Yes, Columbia enjoys casual food, a preference rooted in its culture as a state capital, a university city, and a hub of Southern tradition. The city's most celebrated and enduring restaurants are overwhelmingly casual, from neighborhood grills to farm-to-table bistros. The local dining identity is built on approachable concepts like gourmet burger joints, brewpubs, and modern barbecue restaurants. This focus on high-quality, unpretentious food served in a relaxed environment is the foundation of Columbia's dining scene.
What is the Average Meal Price for Casual Restaurants in Columbia?
The average meal price for a casual restaurant in Columbia ranges from under $15 to over $90 per person. A budget-friendly meal at a spot like Pawleys Front Porch costs between $15 and $30. A mid-range dinner at a popular establishment such as Midwood Smokehouse or Henry's is priced from $25 to $50. An upscale-casual meal at a fine-dining bistro like Mr. Friendly's or Motor Supply Co. Bistro will start at $50 and can exceed $90.
Are There Vegan Options in Casual Restaurants in Columbia?
Yes, vegan options are available at several casual restaurants in Columbia, including Mellow Mushroom, Motor Supply Co. Bistro, and Hunter-Gatherer Brewery and Alehouse. Mellow Mushroom is well-known for its vegan accommodations, offering vegan cheese and a variety of vegetable toppings for its pizzas. The farm-to-table model at Motor Supply Co. Bistro allows the kitchen to create custom vegan dishes based on the daily supply of fresh, local produce. Hunter-Gatherer features a popular Black Bean Burrito that can be easily prepared vegan.
Do Casual Restaurants in Columbia Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, casual restaurants in Columbia offer gluten-free options at establishments like Mellow Mushroom, Midwood Smokehouse, and Motor Supply Co. Bistro. Mellow Mushroom provides a gluten-free crust for its pizzas, allowing guests to customize a safe option. Midwood Smokehouse serves many slow-smoked meats that are naturally gluten-free and offers guidance on appropriate sauces and sides. The from-scratch kitchen at Motor Supply Co. Bistro can modify many of its meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes to be gluten-free.
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