27 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!!“

“Very nice atmosphere. The food was amazing. Salmon croquettes, Creole soup and key lime pie. 🤌🏽🤌🏽🤌🏽 The valet Jake was very courteous as well as the waitress Ashton. ✨✨✨“

“Absolutely love this place! Beautiful atmosphere, friendly staff, fantastic food! The honey-dusted fried chicken, biscuits, fried pickles, southern collard greens....oh, my gosh! I could go on and on! Just awesome! And our server, Tara, (tonight) was one of the best servers we've ever had, anywhere. Tupelo Honey is truly one of the best restaurants in all of Columbia,SC!“

“Delivery was super quick and the packaging was beautiful!!! I made chicken and waffles (with the buttermilk mix) this morning and it was absolutely amazingly DELICIOUS! Thank you so much for allowing me to be a customer! Next purchase is on the way!!! ❤️🍗🧇🫶🏽“

“Came here with one of my very good friends, a Bestie, and we were greeted with delight. Our server, Emmalee, promptly greeted us with enthusiasm. We gave her our drink order and she returned promptly. I’ve had many meals and this is by far one of the best ones that I’ve had lately. Combine service with good food and you know the combination. Tomato pie? Delicious. I had the chicken scallopini and it was wonderful. My friend had the crabcakes and they were equally as good. We were then given caramel laced cheesecake and walnut pie and they were both so good. All this for 30 bucks?! I’ll be going back. Thank you to George for coming to check on us and making sure everything was up to their standards…and Emmalee needs a shout out once again. Thank you. You get an A+ in my book.“

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

“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!“

“Stopped from out of town to enjoy a nice dinner and would come back 10 more times. Our waiter was quick and friendly, our bar drinks were delicious and the food was the star. Pork Rinds, meatloaf, catfish & grits + kids meals. So happy we popped in.“

“I thoroughly enjoyed this restaurant!

Please know that it is a to-go restaurant. Dining in is not an option. There isn't even a trash receptacle in the lobby area, that would be a nice addition. A chair or two to sit in while waiting for your order would also be a nice addition.

The food makes it worth it! I ordered a platter with chicken, shrimp, collard greens, yams and macaroni & cheese. I also ordered a lambchop dinner with rice & gravy and potato salad. Everything was a 10/10 except the rice & gravy and the potato salad. The rice & gravy could've used more seasoning, it was very bland. The potato salad was sweet and had a glaze to it, it wasn't bad but it wasn't excellent either.“

“I went here yesterday this food is outstanding. You can tell they took their time with all their servings I will definitely be back. The owner took time to come out and talk to me and give me my take out containers it was to much food for me to handle it all. You purchase each item on menu separately so don't come broke because like me you gonna want everything lol. I also had honey bun cake was so good took it home put vanilla ice cream on top and it was perfect.“

“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.!!!!👍“

“Lizard Thicket on Garners Ferry Rd. has the worst customer service I have never had in a drive thru. I have never had a window shut in my face when requesting extra butter, then when I get the butter it is thrown in my hand. Forest Drive is my restaurant but they are being remodeled 😭... Great people Great service Great Management... I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO GARNERS FERRY... I felt very much racially profiled for no reason. I wasn't raised like that... I love and respect everyone regardless of race. My money is the same color as everyone else and it spends.“

“Went to eat here today for the first time. A friend recommended it and I work very close by. I got my food to go and went back to my office to eat. I had the Egg Stravaganza and it was wonderful! I’m thinking about going again before the end of the week!“

“Lizard Thicket on Garners Ferry Rd. has the worst customer service I have never had in a drive thru. I have never had a window shut in my face when requesting extra butter, then when I get the butter it is thrown in my hand. Forest Drive is my restaurant but they are being remodeled 😭... Great people Great service Great Management... I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO GARNERS FERRY... I felt very much racially profiled for no reason. I wasn't raised like that... I love and respect everyone regardless of race. My money is the same color as everyone else and it spends.“

“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!“

“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“

“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“

“Lizard Thicket on Garners Ferry Rd. has the worst customer service I have never had in a drive thru. I have never had a window shut in my face when requesting extra butter, then when I get the butter it is thrown in my hand. Forest Drive is my restaurant but they are being remodeled 😭... Great people Great service Great Management... I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO GARNERS FERRY... I felt very much racially profiled for no reason. I wasn't raised like that... I love and respect everyone regardless of race. My money is the same color as everyone else and it spends.“

“I loved that it ran by family traditions
I was underwhelmed by flavor unfortunately
Great service
I am not against trying other items
Smothered turkey for me should slide off the bone and the gravy should make you finish it with your fingers
Greens were sweet not my preference
Potato salad was bland potatoes not tender enough
Mac n cheese lacked flavor

Peace and Light I wish you well“

“⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.“

“My family had a wonderful experience at Kiki’s! Our waitress Anerryah was absolutely fantastic! She was so friendly and helpful! She made our dinner memorable and we thank her for that. Our food was also delicious as usual! Chicken and waffles were on point and the sweet potato fries and okra were downright awesome! Make sure to visit Kiki’s for a delicious down home meal!“

“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“

“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!!“

“Lizard Thicket on Garners Ferry Rd. has the worst customer service I have never had in a drive thru. I have never had a window shut in my face when requesting extra butter, then when I get the butter it is thrown in my hand. Forest Drive is my restaurant but they are being remodeled 😭... Great people Great service Great Management... I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO GARNERS FERRY... I felt very much racially profiled for no reason. I wasn't raised like that... I love and respect everyone regardless of race. My money is the same color as everyone else and it spends.“

“I just had the best experience at the Lancaster SC Biscuitville! The guy that took my order, Calvin, just brightened my day. The energy he has welcoming me and saying good morning was wonderful! I honestly thought it was a recording at first. His personality it not something you witness at most businesses. Hey Calvin, if you see this post, thank you for making my day happier! You deserve a raise and recognition! 👏“

“I have to say that I love ❤️ eating at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. They have a great menu with a large variety of different foods. The customer service is amazing, very friendly staff. The wait time was very quick and brunch time. I have to say that I have ate at three different locations and all of them were great. 👍“