23 Best Southern Restaurants in Columbia

Saluda's Restaurant Southern • $$$
751 Saluda Ave, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Filet Mignon Parmesan and Salad Mashed Potatoes Grilled Asparagus Red Wine Demi-Glace
Fried Green Tomatoes with Pimento Cheese
Sweet and Spicy Fried Oysters
Buffalo Fried Oysters
Sweet Tea Pork Chop
Magnum Opus Filet
Grilled Pork Chop
Seared Scallops
Fish of the Day
Mac and Cheese

“The BEST filet I’ve ever had! We continue to dine at Saluda’s and we’re always extremely happy with our meals. Delicious!!“

4.5 Superb319 Reviews
Mama's Kitchen On Bluff Road Southern • $
3055 Bluff Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Breakfast and Lunch
All Day Snacks
Fried Chicken
Meatloaf

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

4.7 Superb32 Reviews
Southern Crave Southern • $$
4221 Hard Scrabble Rd Suite 3, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Southern Smoked Oxtails with a Choice of 2 Sides
Southern Smoked Brisket with a Choice of 2 Sides
Brisket Grilled Cheese with a Choice of 1 Side
Big Crave Platter with 2 Meats & 3 Sides
Grilled Salmon with a Choice of 2 Sides
Big Crave Platter with 2 Meats 3 Sides
Southern Smoked Brisket Brisket Only
4 Mini Vanilla Bean Waffles
Birthday Cake Mini Waffles
2 pcs of Flounder Only

“It was my pleasure to have late lunch at Southern Crave for the First Time Yesterday!
I Ordered The BIG CRAVE PLATTER which consist of 2 Meats & 3 Sides!

Smoked Oxtails- Poor Quantity Only 2 Oxtails
Chicken Drummetts- Poor Quantity Only 4 Drums
Seafood Mac & Cheese-Smallest Portion Every
Collards-The Largest Quanity Good Flavor
Yams-Tasted Smoked-Platted Next To Ox Tails
I’m A Sweet Potato Fan So I Was Disappointed
Cornbread Muffin-Definitely Good Could’ve Used 2 with All Them Collards
Pineapple UpsideDown Bundt Cake-To Die For Should’ve Gotten 2
45$ No Drink
Honestly Everything Was Hot, Fresh & Seasoned
You get a platter full of sides & Little to No Meat
I’ll Definitely Give Them 4/5 because of Quanity of Meat!“

4 Good104 Reviews
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe Cafe • $$
2001 Greene St A, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Fried Green Tomatoes with Applewood Bacon Pimento Cheese
Our Famous Griddle Seared Salmon Croquettes
Blackened Shrimp and Grits w Creole Sauce
Salmon with Peach Chutney BBQ and Grits
Black Cherry-Ricotta Cheesecake
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast
Peach Mustard BBQ Glazed Salmon
Raspberry Doughnut Cheesecake
The Charleston Chicken Salad
Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes

“Excellent food & friendly service. Walked in last minute for dinner & was able to dine at the bar until a table was open. ❤️“

4.8 Superb111 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
818 Elmwood Ave, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Chicken Fried Steak with Lima Beans and Mac and Cheese
Country Fried Steak Macaroni & Cheese Alabam' Slaw
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Chicken and Waffles
Macaroni and Cheese
Cornbread Dressing
Biscuits and Gravy
Blackberry Cobbler
Grilled Pound Cake
Chicken & Waffles

“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.!!!!👍“

4.4 Superb232 Reviews
Spotted Salamander Cafe And Catering Cafe • $
1531 Richland St, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Friday Burger Day Dine in: Yes Outdoor seating: Yes Takeout: Yes Curbside pickup: Yes
Shrimp and Adluh Grits with Old Bay Cream Sauce
Sweet Tea Vodka BBQ Chicken Sandwich Jash
Pimento Cheese and Baguette
Chicken Salad Sandwich
Rainbow Birthday Cake
Pecan Chicken Salad
Daily Deviled Eggs
Oatmeal Creme Pie
Chicken Baguette

“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!“

4.6 Superb71 Reviews
The War Mouth Gastropubs • $$
1209 Franklin St, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Smashed and Fried Potatoes
Deviled Eggs and Olives
Smashed & Fried Potatoes
Deviled Eggs 2 Halves
Fried Green Tomatoes
Crispy Pork Belly
Bourbon Cream Pie
Pimento Cheese
Barbecue Plate
Chicken Bog

“greeted as soon as we walked in. service was fantastic. I had the catfish stew and it was Amazing! definitely worth finding!“

4.4 Superb110 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
3147 Forest Dr, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Pork Chop Dinner with Potato Salad Rice and Gravy Macaroni and Cheese Cornbread Fried Okra
Western Omelette French Toast Grits Bacon
Country Fried Steak Sandwich
Southern Fried Catfish
Chicken Fried Steak
Blackberry Cobbler
Cornbread Dressing
Chicken & Waffles
Chicken Dumplings
Pancake Breakfast

“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.!!!!👍“

4.3 Superb81 Reviews
Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ and Southern Comfort Food Soul Food • $
2614 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Ribs Mac N Cheese and Cornbread
BBQ Ribs Macaroni and Cheese
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Fried Green Tomatoes
Smoked Chicken
Peach Cobbler
Chicken Wings
Key Lime Cake
Brisket Plate
Potato Salad

“We stopped in to grab something to take back to the house our son just bought. We were surprised great service at the counter. Brisket was on point good bbq sauce. The baked beans were a little sweet for me but tasty. Mac n cheese great. Chicken was good. Next time we come back down it will be a do again.“

4.2 Good113 Reviews
The Flying Biscuit Cafe Southern • $
936 Harden St, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

New Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Grits Eggs Sausage Patties and French Toast
Bacon Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwich
Hot Honey Butter Chicken Waffle
FL Sunshine Waffle Breakfast
Three Amigos Breakfast Tacos
Scrambled Eggs and Biscuit
Make Your Own Grits Bowl
Biscuit Eggs and Gravy
Cranberry Apple Butter

“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.“

4.1 Good222 Reviews
Republic Biergarten & Kitchen Southern • $
931 Senate St, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Blue Ribbon Burgers and Brown Sugar Candied Brussels
Duck Fat Fries with Malt Vinegar Aioli
Jumbo Bavarian Pretzel
Carolina Gold Sandwich
Derby Shrimp and Grits
Duck Fat Disco Fries
Bangin Shrimp Tacos
Skillet Frittata

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

3.1 Average63 Reviews
Slim Chickens Chicken • $
7544 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Strawberry Cheesecake Jar Dessert
5x5 Wings and Tenders with Fries
Chicken Tenders with Fries
Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Mac & Cheese Regular
Chicken Club Sandwich
Everything Off Menu
Chicken & Waffles
Pack of 10 Sauces
Fried Mushrooms

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

4 Good171 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
7411 Nates Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Southern Fried Catfish
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken Fried Steak
Country Tried Steak
Grilled Pork Chops
Blackberry Cobbler
Okra and Tomatoes
Breakfast Sampler
Squash Casserole
Mashed Potatoes

“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.!!!!👍“

4 Good132 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
1824 Broad River Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Country Liver Pudding Scrambled Eggs Sliced Tomatoes
Roast Turkey with Cornbread Dressing and Yams
Bacon and Cheese Omelet and Hash Browns
Carrot and Raisin Salad
Country Ham and Eggs
Chicken and Waffles
Squash Casserole
Hamburger Steak
Grilled Cheese
Fried Flounder

“Cannot say enough about this home away from home restaurant. The servers are the friendliest! They take their time with each patron, but are observent and quick with refills.
Meatloaf on Wed. Great!
Liver and onions on Thurs. Great!!
My favorite location is Florence, but i just moved to Columbia.“

4 Good122 Reviews
Columbo's American • $
2100 Bush River Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Shrimp & Yellow Grits with Cajun Cream Sauce Smoked Cheddar & Crumbled Bacon
New Zealand Lamb Chops
Chocolate Mousse Bomb
Black & Bleu Salad
Strawberries

“Looking for vegetarian options, but not tomato sauce or beans. VERY pleased to find Columbo's!
No sign identifies them. They are a restaurant/bar within the Hilton Doubletree hotel. Three delicious, substantial, vegetarian options available at modest prices. Delicious pecan pie dessert, too. Eager to visit there again!“

4 Good55 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
7938 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Country Ham and Eggs
Chicken and Waffles
Chicken Fried Steak
Country Fried Steak
Squash Casserole
Mashed Potatoes
Banana Pudding
Fried Flounder
Baked Chicken
Peach Cobbler

“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.!!!!👍“

3.9 Good135 Reviews
Midlands' South American • $$
1200 Hampton St, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Side Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Parmesan Pepperoni Pizza
Angus Burger with Cheese
Chocolate Lava Cake

“Located in the grand lobby of the Marriott Columbia, South Columbia, it’s the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night snacks and drinks as the kitchen closes at 11:00 pm. The drinks and the food are great with a well stocked bar that can accommodate about 12-14 people and there’s always a table available. The service is exceptional and the wait staff is exactly what the hospitality industry should represent. Our waitress Shannon was super personable while being a consummate professional. The true southern hospitality personified. Highly recommend Midlands for hotel guests and anybody else looking for a great meal and a comfortable space.“

3.9 Good19 Reviews
R&B's Bar & Grill Bar & Grill • $
104 Columbia NE Dr, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Honey Mustard and Ranch Wings
Beer Battered Mushrooms
Chicken Wing Basket
Mozzarella Sticks
Salmon Jerk Pasta
Fried Oysters
Chicken Wings
Salmon Dinner
Fried Shrimp
Fries

“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!“

3.7 Good34 Reviews
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store American • $
2208 Bush River Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

The Cracker Barrel's Country Boy Breakfast
Pecan Pancakes and Eggs and Sausage
Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast
Southern Grilled Chicken Cache
Biscuits and Corn Muffins
Momma's Pancake Breakfast
Cracker Barrel Sampler
Chicken Fried Chicken
And Mashed Potatoes
Chicken Fried Steak

“We visited Crackerbarrel on Bush River Road yesterday in the evening. It was a great experience and we were very happy and pleased with the service there. Curtis was our server and he was exceptional.“

3.8 Good283 Reviews
Food Gallery Soul Food • $
3702 River Dr, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

2 Chicken Wings Basket
Fried Chicken Wings
Stewed Turkey Wings
Fried Turkey Wings
Broccoli Casserole
Fried Pork Chops
Mac and Cheese
Potato Salad
Candied Yams
Side of Ribs

“I’m reminded of nearly fifteen years ago, when I stopped in for a visit with one of my great aunts telling me about this place. I remember her saying how good the food was, and especially the yams! We spoke more on the subject, and I told her that I would come back one day to pick her up and we’d go out to eat together and try the food out. Unfortunately, she passed shortly after, so I never got the chance to indulge such a hearty experience with her, however in spirit always! So, I decided after all these years to give them a try even though, I became vegan almost a year ago, but it’s been trying but I had a “cheat” day and gave them a shot! Oxtails/white rice & gravy, broccoli casserole, macaroni and cheese, stewed turkey wing, meatloaf, yams, and cornbread! Haven’t had a great meal like this in quite some time and it was well worth the wait! The staff were very kind, and the atmosphere was very nice! The food however… I’m a decent cook myself, and this was very reminiscent of my own cooking tbh. I was beyond impressed, I will definitely have to pay another visit very soon to try more menu items.“

3.6 Good44 Reviews
Lizard's Thicket Restaurant American • $
10170 Two Notch Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Chef Salad with Fried Chicken
Southern Fried Catfish
Fried Chicken Dinner
Chicken Fried Steak
Cornbread Dressing
Squash Casserole
Chicken Waffles
Banana Pudding
Fried Flounder
Peach Cobbler

“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.!!!!👍“

3.7 Good163 Reviews
Kiki's Chicken and Waffles Chicken • $
7001 Parklane Rd, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Chicken and Waffle Lunch Special
Kiki’S Chicken and Waffles
Mama B Chicken and Waffles
Auntie Nell's Fish & Grits
Sweet Cream Corn Nuggets
Smothered Pork Chops
Bacon Cheese Fries
Soul Food Platter
Smothered Chicken
Chicken and Fries

“This places was just absolutely amazing. The Vibe was very nice and it was very friendly and family oriented. My server Alexa was just top tier! The professionalism, knowledge of the menu and overall service was immaculate. It was my first time ever trying Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles being that I am only visiting the area for work, and I Guarantee I will be back. I didn’t know what I wanted and Alexa let me know her top favorite dishes on the menu which helped me make my decision. The food was Hot, delicious, and came out in a timely manner. I definitely will be returning and thank you again Alexa for such amazing service and making me already feel like a repeat customer, and thank you cooks for ensuring that my food made a wonderful part of the experience, also, you have to Try the Koolaid, it was the Bomb!“

3.7 Good211 Reviews
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill Buffet • $
5300 Forest Dr, Columbia

Customers` Favorites

Dessert Bar Pies Pecan Pie Apple Pie and Angel Food Cake
Seafood Salad Mexican Rice Fried Shrimp and Clam Chowder
Butterfly Shrimp & Chicken Tenders
Cheese Pizza Pepperoni Pizza
Carrots Mash Potatoes Steak
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Bourbon Street Chicken
Sweet Potato Casserole
Chicken Caesar Salad
Crispy Fried Chicken

“Good food and an excellent waiter named John. Thanks John for keeping my tea full.“

3.7 Good311 Reviews