26 Best Southern Restaurants in Columbia

“Everything about our experience at Saluda's was just lovely from start to finish. Great atmosphere, fantastic service, absolutely delicious food. Highly recommend!!“

“I love that they are open early. Everything is made to order and the breakfast doesn't miss.“

“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.“

“The food is good, but please check your order before you leave! I picked up my order, arrived home and I had someone else's order, with only 1 thing that I actually ordered! I live at a minimum of 15 minutes away, kinda too far to be going back and forth. This was a total inconvenience...Southern Crave please pay more attention to detail....“

“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!“

“Wonderful place with the nicest hostess named Jenny . I will definitely be back each and every time I visit Columbia .“

“I eat their weekly. Grew up eating Lizards Thicket. Started out at the one that used to be by the airport. I’ve eaten at all of them. They are all good. Love the breakfast. Love the specials. Love the staff. Would recommend anybody that has had a bad Experience. Don’t let that one time experience stop you from enjoying a lot more of good experiences there. Highly recommend them.!!!!👍“

“great food, awesome service, love it here! hidden gem of the vista!!!“

“Food is amazing. Recently got a bunch of food for friends visiting from Atlanta, and they were blown away and already talking about eating there again when they come back. Can’t talk about good BBQ in Columbia and not mention Big Bull’s!“

“We were in town for a gymnastics meet and needed a place for brunch before his competition time. We ordered a few different things and literally all of it was amazing. My youngest son said, "I'm full but it's SO GOOD I want to keep eating." The Stuffed French Toast Breakfast came with enough sides that we could all try a bite of them (eggs, chicken sausage, grits, biscuit). I've never liked grits, but these grits were amazing!! So buttery/creamy. I ordered a hot chicken sandwich and wound up stealing my son's biscuit and putting the chicken on that instead of the bun - oh. my. goodness! Delicious!! We were in town for the weekend and ate at 3 different restaurants - this was the best by A MILE!!! Definitely recommend. Service was quick and friendly, as well. The owner even stopped by every table, making sure we had everything we needed.“

“This review is specifically for the newer Redbank location. We had a late night concert Monday night at the White Knoll High School PAC center and decided afterwards to go to this location. We weren't aware that they closed at 9pm until after we were leaving. Most of our party arrived at 8:15pm but we had some stragglers that arrived at 8:40pm. The entire staff was soooooooo incredible and accommodating, everyone helping each other get drinks, refills, bread and food out soooooooo quickly. Not one time did we ever feel "rushed" or "hovered" over to "hurry up." Instead they just let us enjoy our dining experience! The food was fantastic, even at the end of the shift, it was still all so fresh and delicious! I think we wrapped up our bills at 9:30pm. We all thanked the servers and all the management staff for allowing us to stay and enjoy our meal and we humbly apologized to them honestly not knowing the time they closed. The manager reassured us it was no problem at all and asked us if we enjoyed everything, food, service and all. We enthusiastically replied YES! I just wanted to specifically shout out to the store and staff how wonderful our dining experience was. I'm sorry for posting a few days afterwards, but please know your team was phenomenal and it didn't go unnoticed. Ty so very much again!“

“All around great food. Good place to eat wings and watch the game“

“This review is specifically for the newer Redbank location. We had a late night concert Monday night at the White Knoll High School PAC center and decided afterwards to go to this location. We weren't aware that they closed at 9pm until after we were leaving. Most of our party arrived at 8:15pm but we had some stragglers that arrived at 8:40pm. The entire staff was soooooooo incredible and accommodating, everyone helping each other get drinks, refills, bread and food out soooooooo quickly. Not one time did we ever feel "rushed" or "hovered" over to "hurry up." Instead they just let us enjoy our dining experience! The food was fantastic, even at the end of the shift, it was still all so fresh and delicious! I think we wrapped up our bills at 9:30pm. We all thanked the servers and all the management staff for allowing us to stay and enjoy our meal and we humbly apologized to them honestly not knowing the time they closed. The manager reassured us it was no problem at all and asked us if we enjoyed everything, food, service and all. We enthusiastically replied YES! I just wanted to specifically shout out to the store and staff how wonderful our dining experience was. I'm sorry for posting a few days afterwards, but please know your team was phenomenal and it didn't go unnoticed. Ty so very much again!“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stopped by Colombo’s on a quiet Sunday evening, and it hit the spot. Tamara at the bar was fantastic—friendly, attentive, and full of great suggestions. I went with the crab dip and wings, and both were packed with flavor. My drink was perfectly mixed, and the atmosphere was laid-back but classy. It wasn’t crowded, just peaceful and inviting. The kind of place where you can unwind, eat good, and feel taken care of. I’ll absolutely be back.“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I want to recognize Xavier, Lorraine, Brittany, and Christopher for making my Great Aunt’s birthday weekend absolutely wonderful! They went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect. As a Marriott associate, it meant so much to be treated with such genuine care and professionalism. I travel often and love creating lasting memories — this stay was one of the best. If you’re ever in downtown Columbia, SC, stay here! The service and hospitality are truly exceptional.“

“I ordered the fried pork chop with yams, potato salad, and mac and cheese, and everything was cooked just right. The flavors were rich, comforting, and perfectly seasoned. This place truly captures the heart of good soul food. The staff made me feel right at home, and the cozy atmosphere added to the experience. I’ll definitely be coming back!“

“Yes, yes, yes this place has some good food there in Columbia SC. there wait staff is great, Big shout out to there cook Mrs.Kizzy Davis !! Will eat there agaín on our next visit“

“What a great local chain! this diner has great variety (especially of sides) for reasonable prices. the carrot & raisin salad was especially good, as was the squash casserole. The baked chicken was great! so was the smoked sausage. oh! and we had to split a very nice piece of lemon meringue pie because we were too full for a dessert apiece. We ate there once on the journey to visit family and once again on the trip home because we liked it so much.“

“This review is specifically for the newer Redbank location. We had a late night concert Monday night at the White Knoll High School PAC center and decided afterwards to go to this location. We weren't aware that they closed at 9pm until after we were leaving. Most of our party arrived at 8:15pm but we had some stragglers that arrived at 8:40pm. The entire staff was soooooooo incredible and accommodating, everyone helping each other get drinks, refills, bread and food out soooooooo quickly. Not one time did we ever feel "rushed" or "hovered" over to "hurry up." Instead they just let us enjoy our dining experience! The food was fantastic, even at the end of the shift, it was still all so fresh and delicious! I think we wrapped up our bills at 9:30pm. We all thanked the servers and all the management staff for allowing us to stay and enjoy our meal and we humbly apologized to them honestly not knowing the time they closed. The manager reassured us it was no problem at all and asked us if we enjoyed everything, food, service and all. We enthusiastically replied YES! I just wanted to specifically shout out to the store and staff how wonderful our dining experience was. I'm sorry for posting a few days afterwards, but please know your team was phenomenal and it didn't go unnoticed. Ty so very much again!“

“Enjoy the "Chicken Rasta Pasta" and a cool beverage at R&B best spot in town to enjoy yourself, service is fantastic, bartenders are beautiful and treat you with a smile. You deserve a good time, come to R&B and treat yourself!“

“Our waiter Russell was so amazing!! He was so polite and took care of every little detail. He checked in on us multiple times and our drinks never got below halfway. Asked for grape jelly with our biscuits and he had four in the basket. We were just traveling through Columbia SC but if you are in the area go to the Cracker Barrel on Bush River Rd and ask for Russell…you will not be disappointed!!“

“Food is fresh and good - BUT be done at 8:15 and gone by 8:50 They leave at 9PM Hours -Buffet CLOSED 8:15 - PM & Be gone by 10-minutes 'til 9“

“I have waited 46 years to try chicken and waffles.. the sweet potato waffles with chicken made me realize I have been missing out and at the same time I will always try to chase that first time high but never be as good! Shayla was charming and polite! Couldnt have asked for a better dining experience!“

“This review is specifically for the newer Redbank location. We had a late night concert Monday night at the White Knoll High School PAC center and decided afterwards to go to this location. We weren't aware that they closed at 9pm until after we were leaving. Most of our party arrived at 8:15pm but we had some stragglers that arrived at 8:40pm. The entire staff was soooooooo incredible and accommodating, everyone helping each other get drinks, refills, bread and food out soooooooo quickly. Not one time did we ever feel "rushed" or "hovered" over to "hurry up." Instead they just let us enjoy our dining experience! The food was fantastic, even at the end of the shift, it was still all so fresh and delicious! I think we wrapped up our bills at 9:30pm. We all thanked the servers and all the management staff for allowing us to stay and enjoy our meal and we humbly apologized to them honestly not knowing the time they closed. The manager reassured us it was no problem at all and asked us if we enjoyed everything, food, service and all. We enthusiastically replied YES! I just wanted to specifically shout out to the store and staff how wonderful our dining experience was. I'm sorry for posting a few days afterwards, but please know your team was phenomenal and it didn't go unnoticed. Ty so very much again!“

“We had an amazing dinner on Thursday. The waitress was amazing and super nice. They accommodated me being on crutches and wanting a table for 4 by the window. There was only 2 in my party, but need space for my leg and not be in the way. We started going to this location about 3 years ago and it was the best decision. Our wait staff is always pleasant and delightful. Very clean and super nice staff.“

“Today was my first time trying this place, I did it in the new location in Greer, I must say that the service was 10/10, the staff was extremely friendly, attentive and agile. I had an ultimate bacon biscuit and it was also a 10/10 great flavor and the biscuit was soft and not dry. On the side I had country fries and they were delicious. I will definitely return to this place!!“