By: Discount Attractions

Columbia SC, the capitol city, features some amazing southern cuisine. If you’re looking for haute cuisine, you may have to keep looking, but if you love that Paula Deen style of southern cooking, look no further: You’re home! Here are 5 of the best restaurant experiences Columbia has to offer.

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern

Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern is located on Devine Street in the Five Points area. Yesterdays is well known to the college student looking for a meal to remind them of home as well as every other person living within a twenty mile radius of Five Points. Easy to spot due to the life size cowboy mannequin perched in a bathtub over the entrance, the distinctive flat-iron shaped building is home to some great southern specialties.Once inside, the atmosphere is homey yet upbeat. Serving fresh homemade southern dishes like meatloaf and chicken fried steak, the menu is varied enough to offer something for everyone. There are a couple of nightly specials as well (like catfish Tuesdays), so check the board when you come in. Prices are reasonable while the amount of food is plentiful: Yesterdays offers the right blend of sassy Southern attitude coupled with darn good food. You can’t go wrong with this place.

No Name Deli

The No Name Deli is located on the corner of Marion and Elmwood. Even if you are looking for it, you may drive right by No Name without noticing it the first time around. Once you’ve spotted it, don’t get worried about the lack of parking: There are plenty of metered spaces around the block, and a space will come open within moments during lunch time. No Name’s main clientele consists of area business execs, lawyers, and everyone who works anywhere nearby. Don’t be discouraged by the line when you step in the door: This lunch line moves FAST, and you will be asked within moments what you want for lunch. Read the menu quickly, because the pressure is on once you reach the counter, where the staff will prepare your sandwich or salad while you watch. Don’t expect to pay with a credit card, because they only accept cash or check. The Reuben is a favorite choice, although your mouth will start watering the moment you hit the doorway and smell the burgers! The taco salad is an experience in itself, featuring homemade chili ladled over a mixed green salad, topped with shredded cheese and sour cream. No matter what you choose, be sure to try the special raspberry tea.

Copper River Grill

Copper River Grill is located on Bower Parkway, near the popular Columbiana Grande movie theater complex. Copper River Grill is designed to give the impression of hanging out in an Alaskan lodge: There’s a big stone fireplace, lots of copper accents, especially over the bar area, and a big open view show kitchen. Copper River Grill has a huge wood fired grill, so the pizza here is amazing. The house salad with the house dressing is not to be missed: Imagine combining a bowl of hot bacon drippings and honey mustard dressing and then pouring it over a huge bed of mixed greens, bacon, almonds, cucumbers and tomatoes…wow! And every salad is served with a warm croissant drizzled with light white icing that is so good you’ll want to order a plateful. The wait staff here is really top notch and the chefs are on top of things too. Well worth the price, you won’t leave here hungry. DO NOT LEAVE without eating the house salad! This restaurant caters to young professionals, families, college co-eds and couples looking for a nice casual dining experience. Copper River Grill is suitable for any occasion and all diners.

Motor Supply Company Bistro

Motor Supply Company Bistro, illuminated by a bright neon sign declaring its origins, is located in the heart of the Vista district. If you are looking for a restaurant that features a progressive menu with a distinct southern flair, you definitely want to check out Motor Supply. The chef changes the menu twice daily, providing a unique dining experience for each service. The menu is available online half an hour before service begins, giving you the opportunity to choose a lunch or dinner visit to sample a meal that piques your culinary curiosity. With such mouth-watering specials as Charleston Dayboat Wreckfish served with fennel and vermouth cream or pan seared veal chop topped with shiitake demi-glace, you are assured of experiencing a culinary adventure you won’t soon forget. Motor Supply maintains an extensive wine list, and their servers are adept at suggesting great wine pairings for your dinner selection. The chef at Motor Supply makes a conscious effort to choose self-sustainable foods, sourced locally when possible, in order to benefit local farmers and provide the freshest product available to diners. Consider getting a seat at their beautiful outdoor terrace on a cool summer night and prepare yourself for a refreshing dining experience you will want to encounter again and again. And with the ever-changing menu at Motor Supply, you will never have the same experience twice.

Blue Marlin Steaks and Seafood

Blue Marlin/Steaks and Seafood is found in the popular Vista district in Columbia, where they serve delicious low country seafood dishes. Repeat customers are the mainstay of this successful restaurant, and although it is located near USC Columbia, Blue Marlin tends to draw families and business travelers. Don’t miss their fried green tomato appetizer unless you opt to try the crab cakes! The restaurant’s signature dish, low country shrimp & grits, are legendary. This is a great place to find seafood, and lots of it. They also serve killer hand cut steaks. Blue Marlin is a great place for diners seeking authentic Southern seafood.

From a hole-in-the-wall deli with no name to an eclectic electric bistro, Columbia has some great restaurant options for your consideration. Don’t miss out on all the fabulous southern specialties Columbia has to offer!

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By: Rockstar Dad

I knew it was going to be a busy Friday. The day was going to be filled with meetings, article deadlines and The Dark Knight Rises. It may be a busy day, but I knew it was going to be fun. I was taking the Groupie Wife and little Roadies across the dam into Lexington to visit Jamestown Coffee.

One of the great things about being a foodie is getting to eat for free. James, owner of Jamestown Coffee, invited me out to try his homemade pimento cheese bagel. How could I say no?

If you’ve never been to Jamestown Coffee Company, and you want to go, you will be in for a treat. The atmosphere brims with gourmet quality, complimented with southern charm.

The roadies made themselves at home, receiving the highest compliment that a parent can receive… having a stranger tell you on how well behaved your kids are. (Hello, Vicodin.) They enjoyed their cake pops while the Groupie Wife and I enjoyed some coffee.

I had Jamestown’s signature drink, The Palmetto Pecan Latte and Groupie Wife had their mocha. Now, I do have to tell you that she LOVES Starbucks mocha. It took a little convincing to get her to understand that this was going to be better. A lot better. She was convinced upon first sip. (HA HA! Take that SB!)

While I sipped on my latte (topped with whipped cream, caramel and pecans…to give it a crunch), James was busy making the pimento cheese. You heard that right. This is homemade. Fo real, yo. It was so worth the wait.

The sharp pimento cheese mixed with the crisp saltiness of the bacon on a bagel is pure…I would say orgasmic, but this is a family blog. (You get the idea.) This did not come off a truck, prepackaged and frozen. (The next time you go into your favorite coffee shop, take a look around and see if there’s a kitchen. If you don’t see one…where do you think their food comes from?).

Read the rest of the post at iloverockstardad.com

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By: The Foraging Foodie

Today’s review is about as easy as it gets. Pawley’s Front Porch needs little introduction to most locals. Food Network’s Diner’s, Drive-In’s, and Dives somewhat immortalized the Five Points location two years ago as Columbia’s go-to place for foodies venturing into the midlands, though whether or not they were quite ready to handle such a load is another question. Soon after their rise to stardom, however, they launched their mobile eats food truck, spreading their SC island burgers across the city. In many ways, I think the truck may be the best way to get a bite of Pawleys; though the main restaurants sweet potato fries and larger list of burgers and tacos are tempting, the truck itself has been known to crank out their very best burgers fast and quick, delivering the amazing bites that were promised from their television appearance, consistently hot and loaded the way they were meant to be.

Read the rest of the Foraging Foodie’s post here!

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Although we have already visited Momo’s Bistro, a few changes to the culinary team and restaurant attracted us back to 2930 Devine Street for another taste. This revisit was sparked by a serendipitous meeting outside of the local health foods store, where Carlos Brown and Carlos Cuevas (Celebrity Chef and General Manager, respectively) were raving about the new changes that were happening to Momo’s. I lent them a half-interested ear until I heard the words “Kangaroo” and “Ostrich.” Ok. Thats something you don’t have a chance to dine on every day. So with curiosity piqued, Capital City Eatz decided to head back to Momo’s Bistro to see what the fuss was all about.

What an outrageously appetizing spread. No, this isn’t available on the menu. Just a sampling of each of the new dishes all arranged on one platter. My favorite part about this picture? The meat to vegetable ratio. (Upper left to upper right) Slices of tender pork topped with the sweetness of a sauteed apple and potato hash, “Chili Rosemary Kangaroo”, pan seared ostrich topped with buttered pecans, and venison topped with a mustard glaze.

The “Baja Fish Tacos” and “Seafood Cakes” topped with fried shrimp. Both were delicious, but the tacos are only available on the lunch menu, and the cakes…the dinner menu. Now to delve further into description….The “Baja Fish Tacos”: Ceviche marinated fish, scallop, with mango salsa, black beans, and wrapped up in a soft flour tortilla. The “Seafood Cakes” are a combination of lobster, crab, and shrimp, with Cajun Remoulade Sauce, and Manchego Smash.

Here we have the “Seafood Belmar.” The most expensive item on the menu, but stuffed with enough succulent seafood for two. Fight over the lobster tail, or go straight for the filet of choice fish. There are clams, scallops, shrimp, and mussels aplenty.

Get down to Momo’s Bistro to give a warm South Carolina welcome to a home-grown celebrity chef, a chef who has cooked for the likes of Arnold Palmer, Lil’ Wayne, Donald Trump, and Jim Carey. When you taste his food, you will understand why.

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Mezza Lebanese Bistro and Hookah Bar. Ever find yourself hankering for some hookah? Maybe you just need a drink to take the edge off. Regardless of what your vice is, feel better about these “unhealthy” habits and pair a little intoxication with some Lebanese cuisine.  Apparently mediterranean food is good for you, so it all cancels out, right?

Warm pitas with a mixture of dried thyme, roasted sesame seeds and olive oil for dipping. You might think that pitas and spiced olive oil make a poor substitute for good ol’ bread and butter, but give it a chance. The thyme truly tickles your tastebuds as the subtle taste of olive coats your mouth. Delicious. This tasty starter is complimentary to folks joining Mezza for dinner.

Vegetarian grape leaves. Hand-rolled grape leaves stuffed with rice, tomato, onions and parsley. Served with pickled beet (I think) and lemon slices. Are you one of the those people who stops listening after “vegetarian?” Well, you are missing out on a lot of delicious dishes. This one right here? It’s good.

Tabbouli. Parsley, cracked wheat, tomatoes, onions, and mint mixed with olive oil and lemon juice. Very resfreshing. Also ordered a side of Mezza potato cilantro: fried, diced potato garnished with cilantro, garlic, olive oil. Only after re-examining the menu did we realize our mistake. Ever heard of “Kibbeh Balls?” No? Well listen up. Two cone shaped croquettes of Angus brown beef mixed with cracked wheat and stuffed with seasoned Angus ground beef, ground lamb, onions and nuts (Deep fried). Wow. Thats a meal fit to be served at the South Carolina State Fair.

Manakish Cheese, a mediterranean style pizza. Quite different from its Italian cousin, but excellent all the same.  Oven-baked and topped with a mix of mozzarella cheese, Akawi cheese, spices and a hint of pesto.

Manakish Zaatar. Oven-baked dough topped with dried thyme, roasted sesame seeds and olive oil. Much like the appetizer featured above, but with the price tag of an entree. The dried thyme, sesame seed, and olive oil is a flavor combination that you may have not explored, but after a taste, it’s something you will want to try again.

Mezza is delicious, no doubt, but it is slightly on the expensive side for the amount of food. There is a ton of flavor packed into each dish, but for a foodie with an appetite, the $/food ratio may not be the best. Located in the Vista. Check out there menu here. Decent service, cool interior, great fresh food. Definitely worthy of a taste.

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If you understand the words “Barclays,” “Dempsey” and “Concacaf,” then Cock n’ Bull Pub & Grill is the place for you. With a new location and 21 deliciously refreshing domestic and imports on tap, this British-inspired pub is proven to be the best place to pull up a seat next to a stranger and enjoy the fútbol matches playing on one of the large flatscreen conveniently displayed around the Rosewood home-turned-pub.

The service certainly matched the level of soccer play (or far exceeded if you are talking about Wolverhampton). The waitress made sure our drinks were full and our tab was paid quickly and seamlessly. The first time we visited, sun and fresh air was pouring into the pub through an open door on a balmy leap day in February. Couldn’t have imagined a better atmosphere to watch the game, with cheers and camaraderie echoing in the background.

After our first visit which was strictly social with no fare, we had to go back for a taste…

…and couldn’t resist the signature sweet and spicy Tavern Wings. These must have been good, for my strapping date seemed to skip the digesting and inhaled them almost in an instant.

For myself, I decided on the Oyster Po’ Boy. The crispiness of the breaded oysters and exterior of the roll was a delectable contrast to the softness of the oysters and tomatoes. The roumelade that was missed in the first bite resurfaced on the second, and added a dulcet taste to the Po’ Boy that left me already looking forward to the next bit.

The English-inspired Pub & Grill, located in the heart of Rosewood, boasts some unbeatable specials that would pair perfectly with the lastest soccer match. These specials include “8 Buck Lunch” on Mon-Sat for an entree, side and soda/tea for $8. They also offer $3 mimosas on Sundays and for those not as comfortable with drinking the oh so girliest of morning drinks, they also offer $4.50 manmosas. If Sunday Funday didn’t do you in, every Monday is Pint Night- $3 pints all day!

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The Diner is the newest Columbia, SC restaurant to occupy a graveyard of restaurant dreams, but this one seems to be here to stay. Few will remember the dingy Lu Lang Wang, a chinese restaurant that routinely “forgot” to check customer identification when ordering certain adult beverages. This new dining destination appears to be luring in customers with its daily “blue plate specials” and your classic diner offerings served up with a fresh twist, rather than with the promise of a cold frothy beer in underage hands.

On our first visit (it certainly won’t be our last), we took our time perusing the accommodating menu and found several tempting options. Finally we settled on the “12 Peppers Hanger Steak Salad” and the “Oysters Benedict.”

Artful presentation and a very flavorful salad. Grilled hanger steak seasoned with 12 peppers over mixed greens and tomatoes, served with vinaigrette dressing. The steak was the star of this tasty dish, the flavors grilled right into the tender meat. A great way to get in your daily serving of steak and a healthy dose of vegetables.

Another well presented plate: The “Oysters Benedict.” Fried fresh oysters on holland rusk poached eggs served with hollandaise sauce and a generous dollop of yellow grits. Nothing like a fork full of fried fresh oysters making a low sweep into a delicious pond of grits on its way into your yapper.

Have not driven past The Diner without being impressed with the amount of customers they are bringing into this restaurant. A stark contrast to the desolate parking lots of the past attempts at restaurants. Apparently they are doing something that the people love, and we would have to agree. Another great addition to the Columbia, SC restaurant scene. Before you come in, check out their menu for yourself and find something to look forward to.

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Born and raised in Columbia, SC and never have I heard of the Kingsman Restaurant, but this Cayce staple has been building quite the reputation over the years. You can imagine our reaction when we pulled into a strip mall located on the Cayce side of the Gervais St. bridge and spotted our destination flanked by a bowling alley. Luckily, I now associate bowling with food after the “turkey” I got on my last bowling outing.

While savoring that fond memory, the lights of a CVS sign captured the attention of my peripheral vision and politely reminded me about the redbox dvd sitting in the back seat, waiting to be returned. Moneyball. Good movie.

Tables were a luxury at 7:30 on a Thursday night so we settled for a surprisingly comfortable spot at the bar. After a few friendly words with the barkeep, we put in our order for the ribeye dinner. Our salads came out quickly; a combination of iceberg lettuce and dark greens, tomatoes and cucumbers. A few generous splashes of oil and vinegar finished the preparation. Light and fresh. An appetizing beginning to our meal.

Twenty minutes and a few refills later we each had our entrees in front of us, and with knife and fork in hand, started to carve out our first bite of steak.

Presentation was a bit lacking, but I suppose speed trumps visual appeal when you are churning out food to a polite yet hungry mob of Thursday night regulars. Our tender steaks and the warm atmosphere combined to form an enjoyable dining experience among friendly company.

Located on Axtel Drive, right across the Blossom St. Bridge, the Kingsman Restaurant boasts some delicious Southern classics. Come on in and try what “Garden and Gun” calls one of the top 100 Southern foods you must try before you die, the “Famous Pimento Burger,” or perhaps the “Kingsman Famous Ribeye,” their specialty for 30 years.

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To those of you who received our unfinished post, we apologize. The mouse and “publish” button have a relationship that is sometimes out of our hands.

There is so much I could say about Husk, and every statement would end with an exclamation point. Actually, that’s really the only way we can convey our excitement- so exclamation points it is. Get ready for an exciting ride down flavor lane!

Dining at this Charleston gem is a true treat for any palate! One of the hardest parts of writing this post is being forced to look at the menu, and not be able to enjoy it! I have to settle for a hazy memory of that dining experience, flavor after flavor delighting the appetite and indulging the senses! We were lucky enough to get reservations for Friday night during Charleston Restaurant Week, and WOW were we excited!

Florida Shrimp and Grits with Tomato Braised Peppers and Onions, Charred Scallions, Soft Poached Farm Egg! Served up southern style in a mini cask iron cauldron! Almost like the cauldron’s contents were taken right out of the Florida marsh! Fresh Florida Shrimp, swimming in a shallow bath of briny broth! Grits make up the the sand-like bottom of this tasty tidal pool! A very appropriate introduction to our dinner!

Mark’s Rudderfish, Carolina Gold Rice “Risotto”, Smoked Tomatoes and Sweet Peas, Red Peppers, Arugula Pistou! The rudderfish (what is a rudderfish?) makes a rare appearance on the menu and the tempting description sells it to my fellow Capital City Eater! The presentation nearly matches the wonderful flavors of the dish!

Heritage Pork from Adam Musick, Cider Braised Cabbage, Baby Sweet Potatoes, Bourbon Demi-Glace! Under that tender hunk of heritage pork is a serving of the best cabbage I have ever had the privilege to taste! The sweet potatoes compliment the pork nicely, although they appear slightly awkward in presentation!

The atmosphere was tasteful! The service was impeccable! Glasses of water were refilled with only slightest notice of the waiter! Allow me to take this opportunity to advise waiters on a pet peeve of mine! Always refill the water glass! If you have to ask, you are already disturbing the experience of the fine people enjoying their meal! Our dining experience was a memorable one, and we will be back as soon as possible!

Husk is located on Queen St. in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina! Conveniently located near a parking garage! Recently named Bon Appetit Magazine’s 2011 Best New Restaurant in America, this is one dining experience you do not want to miss!

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Cantina 76 is a relatively new Mexican restaurant on Devine St. across from Henry’s. Just wait ’till Eric San Jose gets wind of this. Columbia, SC restaurant scene, prepare for a clash of two high-powered Mexican food cartels. The restaurant sports a cool interior, striking a great balance between casual and somewhat upscale. Cheap too. Their signature dish you ask? Gourmet tacos at a delicious price. But beware, there is something very addictive about the tacos at Cantina 76 (no, they don’t have a “Colombian Taco”). The tacos have been excellent on three of three visits (three out of three? Are we talking Carolina vs. Clemson football???) but the service has been spotty. Twice our party of two was in and out very quickly, but on another occasion, impatience almost got the better of us. ALMOST. But then the tacos came…

The “BBQ Brisket” and “Peruvian Shrimp” tacos have gotten rave reviews from friends, but I would have to recommend substituting the “Chicken Pesto” for the shrimp taco. Now we won’t get into the merits of shrimp versus chicken and vice versa, so lets just move on to the best of the bunch: “BBQ Brisket.” Hands down, my favorite taco. The “BBQ Brisket” is a mouthwatering combination of chopped dry rub brisket with an agave chipotle bbq, fresh pico de gallo and a lime wedge for your squeezing pleasure. Delicious. Go for lunch and ask about the lunch special: two tacos and a side for $5.99. With a side of “savory Mexican rice” and a cold $2 PBR, this was a satisfying nosh fit for anyone’s midday meal. You can get your taste buds going early by checking out the menu.

Cantina 76 has some great specials to take advantage of. Among the more special specials are “Corona Fridays,” where you can refresh yourself all day long with $2 Coronas and Corona lights. But don’t make the mistake of going to Cantina 76 in between the hours of 2:30 and 4:30 (they won’t be there). A delicious Mexican addition to our collection of Columbia, SC restaurants.

Cantina 76 Columbia SC

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