31 Best Cafes in Columbia

“Ordered lunch via doordash and everything was truly delicious. I live out in the Irmo area and the food was still warm when it arrived. You can taste the freshness of the ingredients and the care put into preparing the meal.“

“Best coffee!! My favorite is the iced vanilla lavender latte with oatmilk. The baristas are friendly and gracious. When I meet up with friends for coffee or need to get work done, this is my go-to spot! The manager kindly gifted me a bag of their ground coffee to take home, and my husband and I love it!“

“Friendly staff welcome it to this cozy coffee shop. Great place to relax and get some good coffees and desserts. I would really recommend the caramel cloud coffee I think it is seasonal get it while you can it’s was sooo good 10 out of 10 We share their tiramisu it was perfectly sweet, not overly sweet. Also had a refreshing peach iced tea. We really enjoyed it and for sure I’m gonna keep coming back!!“

“Chef J. is amazing. She makes the most delicious charcuterie boxes AND she remembers what you like! Definitely worth giving your business to this establishment! *****“

“As a local Realtor, we have a lot of events. Spotted Salamander is INCREDIBLE food and catering team is tops. They are award winning for a reason! Brava!“

“Over the past few months you guys on Meeting Street have become my absolute favorite lunch spot! Your sandwiches are great and I’m so impressed by all the specialty sides that are always something different and unique. My faves have been the eggplant orzo, the red curry noodles and the blue cheese slaw but seriously everything I get from here is delicious. And great customer service!“

“I just want to offer a thank you to the gourmet shop for y'all's help today. My wife and I have eaten here for years and love it. So when it came time for our daughter's baptism this morning when we found out the Gourmet Shop offered a catering menu it became a no brainer for us. The catering options on a per head basis for 12 people were an incredible value. Our guests, many of whom do not live downtown now want to make it a point to visit the restaurant. Thank you again for making it easy for two parents of a 6 month old to throw a great party for our family.“

“Excellent customer service!The food is always freshly prepared and it’s never a long wait time. So whether it’s for coffee, ice cream or a hotdog you’ll be satisfied. 10/10“

“I just visited this coffee shop for the first time with my daughter. She has raved about the atmosphere and the comfortable feeling she gets when she visits for a coffee and a snack. So, I ordered a hot chocolate and a chocolate chip scone to go. The barista was very friendly, and I did find the atmosphere to be comfortable. I like the old wood floors and the homey feeling inside. I drank the hot chocolate on the way home, and it was delicious. I saved the scone for tonight, and I am eating it as I type this review. This may be the best scone I’ve have ever had. It has the right texture without being dry and just enough chips without being overloaded. Delicious! The next time I’m near USC I’ll be sure to pop in and grab another treat!“

“Had a bite at the pavilion in Saluda Shoals Park. Everything was fabulous, especially the Jerk Chicken Egg Rolls. Definitely want more!“

“Was there for brunch. It was delicious!“

“The food is always outstanding!! Not sure what they put in the grits but they are addictive!!!“

“Alex, was absolutely wonderful!! Great customer service!“

“What I recommend is that you make your workers at the gas pumps put some soap and water in a bucket and clean up these nasty gas pumps! All they do is sit in their butt in that little building doing nothing!! Out of all the Sam’s Clubs gas stations in Columbia this is the nastiest & dirtiest! You gotta do better!!“

“I am delighted to share my positive experience with this exceptional establishment. The service and ambiance are truly commendable. On my daughter's 18th birthday, we chose to celebrate by coming to Buzzup Nutrition ny receiving Mrs. Norma's wealth of knowledge, and exploring her delicious and healthy Energy, Hydration, and rejuvenation drinks. Mrs.Norma graciously guided my daughter in her potential journey with Herbalife, showcasing her expertise in weight loss and nutrition. Personally, I sought advice on gaining weight, and Mrs.Norma was very helpful. My daughter and I really enjoyed ourselves.In addition, Over the years, I have witnessed Mrs. Norma's unwavering commitment to her business, embodying Herbalife as a lifestyle. This dedication instills confidence that we are in capable hands. The welcoming atmosphere exudes comfort, making you feel at home rather than rushed. I highly recommend experiencing Mrs. Norma's expertise firsthand; you are sure to be impressed. Thank you again.

Vegetarian options: There are options you have to communicate these and she can be helpful and have good options for you yes!!

Parking: There are enough spaces.

Kid-friendliness: She loves children so this wouldn’t be an issue. Just make sure you understand your bringing your children to a business and like I do with mines make them sit down and and control your children they are not to control you. She have options for children to eat and drink that are kid- friendly“

“The experience is always top notch at Azalea! From fun seasonal options to a cozy place to sit and read…10 out of 10!“

“That new tropical teriyaki flatbread with a side of roasted corn was amazing! 😋😋“

“Great food and atmosphere.“

“This was an amazing experience. Wonderful staff who really help make this a great day. The dalgona coffee was excellent. Super fun experience and so inexpensive. Cats were super nice and so friendly.“

“I love shopping at Sam's Club“

“Great coffee in Cottontown“

“Great food. Healthy choices. However, their signage mentions how vegetarian proteins and soy milk are more environmentally friendly, yet the vegan options are presented as an afterthought following the meats, and there was no plant-based milk available. Friendly staff.“

“First time there love the carts n smooth floor“

“I visited Cafe Verde today, we had a really friendly welcome & wonderful service! The latte & toasted tea cake was lovely & sitting in the cool shade of the garden was most refreshing & tranquil. The perfect location & so close to the seafront at Paignton. Highly recommend! 🧁☕️🫖🌞“

“Stopped in while on the road to Florida. Had the bourbon vanilla latte. Outstanding!!!!!“

“Always enjoy the smoked turkey horsey! Great atmosphere and, as always, friendly staff.“

“It’s a popcorn haven and the hotdogs are delicious 😋!!!“

“I’ve lived in Columbia for 5 years and have FINALLY been able to try this place. Conveniently located between the state house, campus, and some student apartment living. Parking can be challenging but it’s a great place to go prior, during, or after church…The food: it’s priced great. It taste… good. It’s a bagel for crying out loud, not a Michelin star meal! Diverse menu options with how many bagels you can get. I went with a classic Lake Murray: Locks, Capers, and Cream Cheese and onions. It ain’t my NJ girlfriends mothers, but it will DO.The coffee was actually astounding. I was delightfully surprised by how good their coffee was. Felt like a Folgers commercial moment.The atmosphere: I’ve only seen lines wrapped around the door as if it’s a job fair in the 1930s, but on this unbusy Sunday, it was homey. I believe the place could do some interior upgrades. Some good trim on the walls covering holes, a new paint schemes of something to match that green base. Ceiling tiles? Open it up…Carolina Cafe, it was solid. Would def recommend for anyone in Columbia wanting a local spot that likes bagels and coffee“

“Highly recommend the Lemon Chicken Platter - it comes with yellow rice and salad (and was very tasty).🍋🍗🍚🥗🤤👍💯❗️“

“As someone who has celiacs, this is always one of my favorite spots to get a burger and fries! They use dedicated fryers and I’ve never had an issue eating here.

Food quality is good especially for this type of venue. Eating outside under the umbrella by the small pond with the alligator is always a family favorite!“