Must-Try Game Day Food: More Columbia, SC Tailgating Favorites 2024

Fuel Your Game Day with These Delicious Tailgating Treats

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As game day approaches, Columbia, South Carolina, transforms into a lively center of excitement and culinary delight. While the crowd’s roar and the match’s intensity are undoubtedly captivating, it’s the mouthwatering array of tailgating food that truly enhances the experience. From traditional Southern fare to innovative local creations, Columbia’s food scene offers something to please every palate.

Whether you’re an experienced tailgater or new to the scene, you’ll discover a wealth of options to fuel your game-day celebrations. For those craving traditional flavors, nothing surpasses the inviting aroma of barbecue sizzling on the grill. The smoky, tender meats, complemented by zesty sauces and a side of coleslaw, remain a timeless classic that never disappoints. If you’re inclined towards something more refined, Columbia’s flourishing culinary landscape presents a variety of gourmet options, from artisanal charcuterie boards to upscale hot dogs.

For a truly distinctive experience, consider exploring one of Columbia’s local food trucks. These mobile kitchens are a haven of culinary ingenuity, offering a diverse range of cuisines, from international flavors to Southern comfort food. Whether you’re yearning for tacos, burgers, or even gourmet grilled cheese, you’re bound to find something that captures your interest.

Naturally, no tailgating experience would be complete without refreshing beverages. From classic Southern sweet tea to craft beers and specialty cocktails, Columbia’s bars and breweries offer a wide selection to quench your thirst and heighten your enjoyment. So gather your friends, don your favorite team gear, and head out to one of Columbia’s many tailgating hotspots. With its vibrant atmosphere, welcoming locals, and delectable food scene, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable game-day experience.

Calling all Columbia sports fans! If your craving delicious BBQ classics and a lively game-day atmosphere than dine at Home Team BBQ. This Columbia institution isn’t just known for its melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork and smoky ribs. They boast a spacious, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of TVs to catch every play, making it the perfect spot to cheer on your favorite team with friends and family. Locals rave about their game-day specials, like their legendary “Victory Platter” overflowing with pulled pork, brisket, and all the fixings, guaranteed to fuel your celebrations. With its delicious BBQ, energetic vibe, and multiple screens, Home Team BBQ is a top contender in Columbia’s game-day dining scene.

Fiery Ron's Burger

BBQ Nachos

Sliders

Fries

J’s Corner isn’t merely a Columbia institution; it’s a game-day sanctuary. With its expansive, well-ventilated ambiance and numerous TVs broadcasting every gridiron clash, it’s the ideal location to rally behind the home team alongside fellow supporters. However, J’s Corner offers more than just big screens. Their robust comfort food menu, featuring classics such as succulent burgers, freshly cut fries, and towering wings, is perfect for energizing before the game. And don’t overlook the frosty brews on tap, an essential for any sports aficionado. According to locals, J’s Corner’s winning blend of lively atmosphere, delectable comfort food, and unwavering dedication to the Gamecocks establishes it as the premier choice for the ultimate game-day experience in Columbia.

J's Tailgate Food Packages

Bacon Cheddar Fries

Pulled Pork Sandwich

J.R. Cash’s Grill and Bar isn’t all about iconic melodies; it’s a game-day sanctuary for locals. With a menu teeming with American cuisine, ranging from traditional wings and succulent burgers to generous platters of nachos and bountiful fries, J.R. Cash’s satisfies every game-day appetite. Collections of large-screen TVs ensure you won’t miss a single moment of action, while their expansive and energetic ambiance encourages spirited cheering alongside fellow supporters. With attentive service, mouthwatering fare, and a guaranteed electrifying atmosphere, J.R. Cash’s stands out as a premier Columbia destination for an unforgettable game-day experience.

California Club

Chicken & Bacon Quesadilla

Hot Lava Shrimp

This historic venue, housed in a former bank, offers a unique fusion of upscale comfort food, inventive cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere ideal for celebrating a victory (or consoling after a loss) with friends. Envision elevated pub fare – succulent burgers stacked high with imaginative toppings, crispy wings coated in an array of sauces, and shareable platters of nachos generously laden with all the accompaniments. But Prohibition isn’t solely about the cuisine; their extensive craft beer selection caters to every palate, and their innovative cocktails, featuring bourbon and sweet tea, add a playful element to the game day experience. With multiple TVs strategically positioned around the sleek bar and spacious dining area, you won’t miss a moment of the action. According to Columbia locals, Prohibition’s ideal blend of delectable food, creative libations, and lively ambiance establishes it as a top contender for a memorable game day experience.

Grass Fed Short Ribs

Charred Wings

Crab Stuffed Deviled Eggs

Make your way to an unbeatable combination of mouthwatering cuisine and exhilarating game-day ambiance, S Bar, a local favorite renowned for its distinctive approach to classic sports bar fare. Forget run-of-the-mill greasy burgers and limp fries. S Bar elevates the experience with gourmet pub cuisine, such as their signature “Pulled Pork Nachos,” generously topped with slow-cooked pork, house-made queso, and zesty pico de gallo. For the adventurous, try their “Lemon Pepper Wings,” coated in a spicy zesty seasoning that’ll have you cheering for more than just touchdowns. Beyond its culinary offerings, S Bar boasts a vibrant atmosphere with numerous TVs broadcasting every game, ensuring you don’t miss any of the action. Attentive staff and a dedicated fan section foster a sense of community, establishing S Bar as the preferred destination for Columbia locals to revel in every Gamecock triumph.

Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Wings

Lemon Pepper Wings

Preparing for game day in Columbia? Make your way to Jake’s, a renowned sports bar steeped in garnet and black tradition. For more than three decades, Jake’s has been the preferred destination for locals to support the Gamecocks. While numerous televisions ensure you don’t miss any of the action, the true highlight is the ambiance. Walls adorned with Carolina memorabilia and a constant stream of cheers generate an infectious, electric energy. However, Jake’s offers more than just game-watching. Their menu features an extensive selection of wings with flavors ranging from classic buffalo to the Carolina Reaper-infused “Atomic,” perfect for satisfying your game-day appetite. Additionally, their daily specials and unlimited mimosas for Sunday brunch make Jake’s the ideal destination for a delicious and spirited game-day experience. Columbia locals assert that Jake’s unparalleled atmosphere, renowned wing selection, and enduring Gamecock pride establish it as the undisputed champion for celebrating all aspects of Carolina football.

Tri-Sliders

Chicken Snack Wrap

Tender Sub

When victory calls, Republic Biergarten answers with the ultimate game-day atmosphere. This open-air haven boasts a massive patio outfitted with multiple TVs, ensuring you won’t miss a single play. But beyond the prime viewing, Republic Biergarten elevates the experience with their extensive beer selection. Craft brews from around the world mingle with local favorites, offering a refreshing counterpart to their mouthwatering menu. Think giant pretzels perfect for sharing, juicy burgers piled high with classic toppings, and creative takes on classic pub fare – all perfect for fueling your team spirit. According to Columbia locals, Republic Biergarten’s combination of spacious outdoor seating, endless beer options, and delicious game-day eats makes it the top contender for a winning celebration.

Barbacoa Street Nachos

Smoked Sticky Wings

Carolina Gold Sandwich

Triumph is on the menu and team spirit permeates the air, make your way to My House Restaurant and Bar. This establishment isn’t your typical sports bar; it’s a Columbia landmark renowned for its exhilarating ambiance and delectable comfort food that fuels cheers throughout the game. Envision towering platters of succulent pulled pork nachos, mounds of crispy onion rings ideal for sharing, and wings coated in an array of imaginative flavors. Beyond the cuisine, My House features an expansive bar with numerous TVs, ensuring you don’t miss a single play. The energy on game days is infectious, with amiable staff and fellow supporters creating a home-away-from-home environment. According to Columbia locals, My House’s unparalleled combination of mouthwatering bar fare, vibrant atmosphere, and steadfast Gamecock pride establishes it as the premier choice for an unforgettable game-day experience.

Homemade Hamburger

Beef Hotdog

Tacos

Prepare for your Columbia Gamecocks game day with a substantial breakfast at Drake’s Duck-In, a cherished Columbia establishment since 1907. This historic diner offers more than just charm (though the vintage decor and amiable staff provide plenty). They’re renowned for their enormous portions, ideal for pre-game sustenance. Consider starting your day with their “Big Boy Breakfast” – two eggs, fluffy pancakes or crispy hash browns, a selection of sausage, bacon, or country ham, and a generous serving of grits. Alternatively, try their famous “Chicken and Waffles,” featuring a succulent, golden-fried chicken breast atop a light Belgian waffle, drizzled with their distinctive sweet maple syrup. Columbia residents vouch for Drake’s Duck-In as the ideal location to begin a game day with a delectable, filling breakfast that will sustain you through all the cheers and touchdowns to come.

Chicken & Waffle

Grilled Chicken Sandwhich

Wings

Enjoy the game season with the ideal game-day feast at Old Chicago Pizza. Forgo the typical wings and burgers for a massive, sharable deep-dish pizza – it’s the quintessential communal food, perfect for fueling friendly rivalries and post-game boasting. Old Chicago presents an extensive array of toppings, enabling you to craft your own unique pizza creation. Picture a deep-dish brimming with flavorful Italian sausage, roasted peppers, and caramelized onions, or perhaps a vegetarian delight overflowing with fresh mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction. With multiple crust options and distinctive sauces, Old Chicago allows you to customize your pizza experience to suit your personal preferences. So, gather your fellow Gamecocks, make your way to Old Chicago, and commemorate the season with a generous slice (or two) of victory!

Bone-In Short Wings

BBQ Bacon Cheeseburger

Chicago Sausage Sub