Whether you’re looking for a great night out or family-friendly daytime exploration, Columbia’s got great options for retail, nightlife, art, entertainment, and food. As a longtime resident, I’ve found a few favorite spots that you can’t miss!
Map
Sections
5
To Eat
Art/Entertainment
To Shop
Nightlife
Coffee
To Eat
Definitely the place to go for a margarita tower (their seasonal drinks are good too!). Definitely a student favorite during the year - walkable from campus and good drinks! Just keep in mind they’re closed on Sundays.
Tios Mexican Cafe & Cantina
Had the BEST drinks and appetizers here! Super fun ambiance. A little pricey, but a fun date spot!
The Dragon Room
Hands down the best garlic noodles I’ve had in a long time. Still thinking about them months later
Boku Kitchen and Saloon
Another student favorite for margaritas and quesadillas. Definitely try the Devine margarita and chicken pesto tacos.
Cantina 76
My go-to brunch spot. Definitely try the s’more’s cocktail - it comes with a roasted marshmallow!
Publico Kitchen & Tap-5 Points - Five Points, Columbia, SC
Art/Entertainment
The nation’s longest running community theatre!! Tons of youth programs, adult musical theatre, and summer workshops!
Town Theatre
Another local theatre favorite!
Workshop Theatre of South Carolina
Columbia’s “professional” theatre. Tickets are a bit more expensive but you’ll find super high quality musical theatre, comedy, and drama workshops
Trustus Theatre
Columbia’s Main Street indie movie theatre. They serve drinks and snacks at the bar and show 2-3 movies at a time.
Nickelodeon Theater
Gorgeous collection. They had a touring Impressionist collection featuring Monet paintings - not to mention the only Botticelli displayed outside Europe
Columbia Museum of Art
To Shop
One of my favorite shops in Five Points! Definitely more of a hippie vibe - think incense and crystals.
Loose Lucy's - Five Points
Definitely worth a stop on your visit. Tons of local brands - snacks, drinks (my fav is the peach soda), clothes, boots, you name it!
Mast General Store Columbia
Huge supply of affordable crystals and jewelry supplies. Staff is always so nice!
Swift Water Gemstones, Jewelry, Gifts & Beads
Nightlife
Best karaoke in town - they’ve got a live brass player to play alongside you. Insanely good espresso martinis
The Joint
LGBTQ+ friendly club - come here to dance, drink, and sing karaoke
PT's 1109
Probably one of the most iconic bars in Cola. Good place for live music, comedy, and karaoke
Art Bar – Underground bar in Columbia, SC
Coffee
Fresh pastries and great seasonal drinks.
Curiosity Coffee Bar
Cute little cafe - not a super huge snack selection but the coffee is so good! Try the Secret Garden Flat White
Indah Coffee
Student favorite! Walkable from campus, locally owned!
Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea
Walkable from campus! The Bacon & Blues sandwich is divine and their Italian cream sodas are super tasty
