Where to Eat: Columbia, SC
Tried and True Favorites: Brunch/Lunch
116: Three potatoes are better than one, which is evident by the popularity of 116’s three potato hashbrown and the line down the street to get it. The perfectly charred potatoes are topped with jalapenos, bell peppers, onions and creamy goat cheese. Their rendition of shrimp and grits is also a must try with a romesco sauce drizzled over tabasco cheddar grits. Not only do they have a great brunch menu, 116 has an incredible brunch cocktail menu, one of my favorites is the Bolshevik Revolution which features their made in-house espresso vodka with vanilla Kahlua and cream. 116 is located at 116 State Street. To learn more, or to make reservations please visit www.116state.com or call 803.791.5663.
The Gourmet Shop: It’s really hard for me to visit Columbia, without taking a trip to The Gourmet Shop which has been a mainstay in Five Points for close to forty years. When it comes to classic soups, salads and sandwiches, there is no better place. Their world famous chicken salad is famous for a reason and their dill potato salad is probably the best potato salad I have ever had (both also available for purchase in their deli). An added bonus, The Gourmet Shop offers the option of mimosa kits, which comes with a full bottle of champagne and a carafe of OJ. The Gourmet Shop is located at 724 Saluda Avenue. To learn more, please visit www.thegourmetshop.net.
Tried and True Favorites: Dinner
Motor Supply Co: Motor Supply Co has been doing farm to table cuisine long before it became a buzzworthy trend. Since its opening in 1989 the restaurant has changed their menu daily (that’s a lot of menus) featuring local ingredients with an eclectic blend of contemporary American, French, Italian and Asian flavors. They also have a great brunch, if you can remember to make reservations ahead of time. Motor Supply Co is located at 920 Gervais St, for reservations or to learn more visit www.motorsupplycobistro.com.
Tallulah: Taking over the Devine street landmark Dianne’s on Devine, Tallulah has received a lot of praise since its opening at the beginning of 2017. Described as an upscale dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable environment, Tallulah really delivers on both promises. The main menu features a lot of locally sourced ingredients in both classic and more innovative preparations. Tallulah also features a ‘snack’ menu with some really interesting offerings such as deviled eggs, fried mac and cheese, szechuan style chicken skins and fried chicken livers. Tallulah is located at 2400 Devine St, for reservations or to learn more visit: http://www.tallulahsc.com/
Can’t Wait to Try:
The Grand: The opening of The Grand on Main is one of the most anticipated openings in the revitalization of Main street. Set in the old Vaudeville House and Theatre, The Grand is part bowling alley, part event space, part bar and restaurant and a similar concept to The Alley here in Charleston. The Grand features seven bowling lanes, arcade and board games, cornhole and shuffleboard. They also have a Tap Room that allows guests to be their own bartender and pour their own wines and beers. The Grand also features a pretty large food menu with unexpected dishes such as Osso Bucco and Jambalaya. The Grand is located at 1621 Main St, to learn more visit: www.thegrandonmain.com.
Hunter-Gatherer (2nd Location): The original Hunter Gatherer has been brewing beer and serving delicious food since 1995 in Columbia. Their winter warmer ‘Ye Olde Bastard’ and their macaroni and cheese topped with goldfish cracker crust make for a perfect winter date night. After a few setbacks, Hunter-Gatherer opened their second location (this week) in The Curtiss- Wright Hangar which once housed B-25 Bombers used in WWII. While Charleston is no stranger to historic buildings being repurposed into unique restaurants and bars, this is one of the biggest and most exciting projects in Columbia. The 13,000 square foot space will feature a 527-gallon brewhouse, bottling and kegging line and observation deck overlooking the airport. Hunter Gatherer’s new location is located at Owen’s Field, their original location is located at 900 Main St, they do not accept reservations, to learn more visit: www.huntergathererbrewery.com.
COA: Described as an upscale, authentic Mexican eatery, COA has received rave reviews since its opening. Despite the boom in restaurant openings in Columbia, particularly in the Vista area, authenticity is something is that is seriously lacking. The menu really sets it apart from other Mexican restaurants in Columbia, with dishes such as red snapper cerviche, sopes, mole pablanos and pato en pasilla. COA also features an extensive tequila cocktail (20 + options) that goes far beyond the basic margarita. COA is located at 823A Lady Street, to learn more visit: COA's Facebook page.
