Are you yearning for a taste of Americana in the heart of South Carolina? Look no further than Columbia’s dynamic restaurant scene. Whether you’re a local resident or simply passing through, this city boasts a tantalizing array of American cuisine, ranging from classic comfort food to innovative twists on traditional dishes.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the top 10 American restaurants in Columbia, SC, each guaranteed to satisfy your culinary cravings. From upscale establishments offering impeccable service to casual burger joints serving succulent patties, we’ve curated options to suit every palate and budget.
These eateries are cherished by both locals and visitors, earning praise for their fresh ingredients, inventive dishes, and warm hospitality. Treat yourself to a plate of home-style fried chicken, relish a perfectly grilled steak, or indulge in a luxurious milkshake – Columbia’s American food scene truly has it all!
This guide reveals the top 10 must-visit American restaurants in Columbia, SC. From refined establishments offering impeccable service and elegant ambiance to laid-back, family-friendly spots serving mouthwatering burgers and generous portions, we’ve compiled a list that caters to every craving and budget.
These eateries have earned their reputation for good reason. Both locals and tourists praise the quality of ingredients, the chefs’ creativity, and the genuine warmth of Columbia’s hospitality. Imagine savoring a plate of fluffy buttermilk biscuits smothered in sausage gravy, reminiscent of grandma’s cooking. Perhaps you’re craving a juicy, expertly grilled steak seasoned to perfection. Or maybe an indulgent milkshake adorned with all the trimmings is calling your name. The charm of Columbia’s American food scene lies in its versatility.
Regardless of your culinary preferences, Columbia, SC, has an American restaurant ready to satisfy your soul. So, bring your appetite, explore our list, and prepare to experience a taste of Americana that will leave you craving more.
- 1305 Lady St. Columbia, SC 29201
The Toasty Hot Spot is the best for a taste of homemade goodness in a cozy and welcoming environment. A cherished Columbia establishment renowned for its classic American comfort food and cordial service.
The Toasty Hot Spot distinguishes itself through its commitment to simple, flavorful dishes crafted with fresh ingredients. Their menu offers a nostalgic journey, featuring all-day breakfast options that will tempt your palate. Picture light, airy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, savory omelets filled with your preferred ingredients, and substantial breakfast sandwiches to energize your day.
However, breakfast isn’t their sole offering. Lunch and dinner at The Toasty Hot Spot are equally gratifying. Bite into a succulent burger stacked with melted cheese and crisp toppings, relish a comforting plate of chicken fried steak with velvety gravy, or indulge in a generous serving of their classic mac and cheese. Be sure to explore their daily specials, featuring a rotating selection of homemade dishes that showcase the finest Southern comfort food.
Columbia residents praise The Toasty Hot Spot for several reasons. The warm and inviting atmosphere feels like an extension of your own home, making it an ideal spot for a casual meal with family or friends. The ample portions, amiable service, and emphasis on quality ingredients ensure a satisfying dining experience. Whether you’re craving a traditional breakfast or a comforting lunch or dinner, The Toasty Hot Spot delivers a taste of Americana that will leave you feeling content and satisfied.
Country Boy Sausage Melt
Tater Tots
Red Velvet French Toast
- 700 Lincoln St. Columbia, SC 29201
Forget about greasy spoons and predictable menus. Angell Bros. 1801 Grille elevates American comfort food to new heights, making it a top contender in Columbia’s diverse dining scene.
Angell Bros. distinguishes itself through its dedication to fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative interpretations of classic dishes. Their menu showcases a tempting array of steaks, pastas, fresh seafood, and gourmet salads, ensuring options to satisfy every palate. Craving a succulent cut of meat? Their selection features a variety of expertly grilled steaks, or perhaps you’d prefer delectable seafood like cedar plank salmon or shrimp and grits.
However, Angell Bros. isn’t limited to upscale offerings. They also present classic American favorites reimagined with a contemporary twist. Their signature Tavern Burger, featuring a perfectly cooked patty on a brioche bun with all the accompaniments, is a local favorite. Vegetarians will find satisfaction in options like the Portobello Stack, a vegetarian interpretation of a classic burger featuring a marinated portobello mushroom cap.
Columbia residents praise Angell Bros. 1801 Grille for its ideal blend of casual and upscale ambiance. The stylish space makes it suitable for a celebratory dinner or a lively night out with friends, while the amiable service and approachable menu ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re seeking a juicy steak, fresh seafood, or a reimagined comfort food classic, Angell Bros. 1801 Grille delivers a taste of modern American cuisine with a timeless essence.
Fresh Collards
Black & Bleu Burger
Baked Potato Soup
- 2865 Devine St. Columbia SC 29205
While Columbia boasts a diverse culinary landscape, sometimes you simply yearn for a taste of traditional American comfort food. That’s where Henry’s Restaurant & Bar excels. This cherished neighborhood establishment offers ample portions of familiar favorites in a vibrant atmosphere, establishing it as a top contender for casual American dining in Columbia.
Henry’s distinguishes itself through its emphasis on quality ingredients and classic dishes executed flawlessly. Their menu celebrates American comfort food, featuring everything from succulent burgers stacked with fresh toppings to classic club sandwiches and hearty pasta dishes. Begin your meal with their shareable fried pickles or their signature onion rings, then indulge in a classic cheeseburger, a golden-fried chicken pot pie, or their renowned chicken and waffles.
Henry’s doesn’t overlook breakfast either. Their extensive brunch menu showcases all your favorites, from fluffy pancakes and omelets to breakfast burritos and decadent eggs Benedict. They even offer unlimited mimosas and bloody marys on Sundays, making it the ideal spot for a leisurely weekend brunch with friends.
Columbia residents adore Henry’s for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The casual setting with multiple locations makes it perfect for a relaxed family dinner, a night out with friends to watch the game, or a satisfying weekend brunch. The generous portions, delicious food, and amiable service ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience that keeps locals returning for more.
Buffalo Chips
Hushpuppies
Shrimp Philly
Texas Burger
- 827 Harden St. Columbia, SC 29205
For a taste of genuine Southern hospitality and classic American cuisine, Pawley’s Front Porch stands out as a must-visit destination. This beloved Columbia establishment transcends the typical burger restaurant, offering a warm, inviting ambiance and a menu filled with mouthwatering comfort food, establishing itself as a premier choice for casual American dining in the city.
What distinguishes Pawley’s is its commitment to fresh, premium ingredients and a touch of Southern charm. Their menu features an enticing array of succulent burgers, ranging from traditional cheeseburgers to innovative creations like the Fripp Island Burger, topped with Boursin cheese and a crispy fried green tomato. For those seeking lighter fare, their salads are far from ordinary, showcasing fresh ingredients and flavorful dressings.
Be sure to explore their distinctive sandwiches, such as the Carolina Pulled BBQ or the Fried Chicken BLT, which embody the essence of Southern comfort food. Vegetarians are well-accommodated, with options like the Black Bean Burger or the Veggie Wrap providing delectable meatless alternatives.
Columbia residents cherish Pawley’s Front Porch for its attentive service and vibrant atmosphere. The laid-back, porch-inspired setting evokes the feeling of an extended backyard, making it an ideal location for a leisurely lunch with friends, a relaxed date night, or a delightful family outing. The ample portions, delectable cuisine, and Southern hospitality guarantee a pleasant and memorable experience that keeps locals returning time and time again.
Buttermilk Ranch Chicken Salad
Hot Dogs
Fried Buffalo Shrimp
- 2400 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205
Yearning for a taste of Americana with a contemporary flair? Backstreets Grill is the answer. This family-run establishment, with multiple locations across Columbia’s neighborhoods, serves up refined interpretations of classic American comfort food in a cozy and welcoming environment, earning its status as a local favorite.
Backstreets Grill distinguishes itself through its dedication to fresh ingredients and inventive dishes that surpass expectations. Their diverse menu features an appealing array of appetizers, salads, burgers, and entrees, catering to a wide range of palates. Begin your culinary journey with their distinctive Truffle Parmesan Fries or the shareable Bacon Deviled Eggs. For the main course, consider their signature Bison Burger, a leaner alternative to beef, or the Carolina Burger, a traditional cheeseburger enhanced with chili, slaw, and mustard for an authentic Southern flavor.
Backstreets Grill extends beyond familiar favorites, offering creative takes on American classics. Their Blackened Salmon with Roasted Vegetables adds a touch of elegance, while the Hickory Chicken Wrap provides a lighter option brimming with flavor. Vegetarians will find a welcoming selection, including the Black Bean Burger and Veggie Wrap, both crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
Columbia residents praise Backstreets Grill for its consistent quality and attentive service. The relaxed ambiance, multiple locations, and emphasis on fresh, delectable cuisine solidify Backstreets Grill’s position as a top contender in the city’s American dining landscape. Whether you’re meeting friends for a casual lunch or enjoying a laid-back family dinner, Backstreets Grill offers a modern American dining experience that will leave you satisfied and eager to return.
Southwestern Club Sandwich
Bison Burger
Cole Slaw
Potato Cake
- 711 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
In Columbia’s American culinary landscape, Grill Marks stands out as a premier destination for burger enthusiasts. This popular chain, with establishments in both Columbia and Greenville, transcends the typical burger restaurant. They have established their unique identity by offering an upscale interpretation of the classic American favorite, securing their position as a leading choice for casual American dining in the city.
Grill Marks distinguishes itself through its dedication to premium ingredients and an unwavering focus on burger craftsmanship. Their menu showcases an enticing array of gourmet burgers, each featuring distinctive flavor combinations and high-quality toppings. Patrons can opt for the classic All-American cheeseburger or venture into more innovative options like the “Smokehouse,” adorned with applewood smoked bacon and zesty BBQ sauce. The signature “Mark’s Burger,” a local favorite topped with aged cheddar cheese, crispy onion rings, and a flavorful secret sauce, is not to be overlooked.
Complementing their burgers, Grill Marks offers a delectable selection of traditional American sides. Crispy hand-cut fries, golden onion rings, and fresh salads ensure a perfect accompaniment to every burger creation. Those seeking lighter alternatives are also catered for, with the menu featuring savory turkey burgers and a variety of flavorful fresh salads.
Columbia residents cherish Grill Marks for its reliable quality, attentive service, and lively atmosphere. The relaxed setting makes it an ideal venue for a quick lunch break, a fun family outing, or a casual gathering with friends. The generous portions, delicious cuisine, and commitment to the ultimate burger experience cement Grill Marks’ status as a top contender in Columbia’s American dining scene.
Fat Fries
Fries Pickles
Dad Bod Burger
Buffalo Chicken
- 2631 Devine St. Columbia, SC 29205
Yearning for a succulent burger and a refreshing craft beer in a hospitable setting? Burger Tavern 77 on Devine Street is the answer. This local treasure surpasses the typical burger establishment, offering an ideal fusion of traditional American comfort food and a carefully selected assortment of craft beers, solidifying its position as a premier choice for casual American dining in Columbia.
Burger Tavern distinguishes itself through its dedication to fresh, premium ingredients and a passion for burger craftsmanship. Their menu showcases an enticing array of creations, ranging from classic cheeseburgers to innovative options like the “Cowboy Burger,” adorned with onion rings, BBQ sauce, and crispy bacon. For those seeking a lighter alternative, their Black Bean Burger provides a delectable meatless option.
Yet Burger Tavern 77’s offerings extend beyond burgers. Their menu encompasses classic American comfort food with a creative twist. Indulge in their mouthwatering loaded nachos, perfect for sharing, or relish their rosemary fries – an ideal complement to any burger. Be sure to explore their appealing appetizer selection, featuring house-made favorites such as fried pickles and tavern wings.
According to locals, the true highlight of Burger Tavern 77 is its extensive craft beer selection. With 28 beers on tap, showcasing local and regional breweries, there’s an ideal pairing for every burger and palate. They also offer specially crafted cocktails and a curated wine list, ensuring a beverage to enhance every meal.
Columbia residents praise Burger Tavern 77 for its attentive service, relaxed ambiance, and delectable cuisine. Whether you’re watching a game with friends, enjoying a casual date night, or simply craving a satisfying burger and a cold craft beer, Burger Tavern 77 delivers a taste of American comfort with a contemporary flair, securing its place as a top contender in Columbia’s dynamic dining landscape.
SC Pork Slider
Tavern Wing
Pub Pretzel
Pasta Salad
- 702 Cross Hill Rd. Columbia, SC
For an authentic taste of Southern barbecue tradition, Midwood Smokehouse stands out as a must-visit destination. This Columbia treasure transcends the typical smokehouse, artfully blending the rich barbecue traditions of the Carolinas and Texas. It offers a unique combination of smoky, slow-cooked meats and delectable sides, establishing itself as a top contender in the city’s American dining landscape.
Midwood Smokehouse distinguishes itself through its commitment to slow-cooked, wood-smoked meats. Utilizing only hickory hardwood and time-honored techniques, they ensure each bite is infused with flavor. For barbecue perfection, try their signature pulled pork or succulent brisket, both slow-cooked to tender excellence. Their Carolina-style ribs, falling off the bone and glazed in a tangy, vinegar-based sauce, are not to be missed.
Beyond barbecue, Midwood Smokehouse presents an appealing selection of classic American sides, all prepared with a touch of Southern flair. Creamy mac and cheese, zesty coleslaw, and sweet potato fries are just a few options that ideally complement their smoky meats. Vegetarians will appreciate their flavorful smoked tofu or portobello mushroom offerings.
Columbia residents praise Midwood Smokehouse for its attentive service, generous portions, and genuine barbecue experience. The casual, roadhouse-inspired ambiance creates an ideal setting for a leisurely lunch with friends, a festive family dinner, or a relaxed date night. Whether you’re a barbecue enthusiast or simply seeking a taste of Southern comfort food, Midwood Smokehouse delivers a satisfying and memorable dining experience that will have you planning your next visit before you leave.
Barbecue Pork
1930 Cheesesteak
Beef Brisket
- 283 Harbison Blvd. Columbia, SC 29212
Set aside the fancy frills and lengthy wait times. Rush’s, a Columbia institution with several locations throughout the city, delivers Americana in its purest form: classic fast food executed flawlessly. This local favorite has been a staple for generations, solidifying its position as a top contender in Columbia’s casual American dining landscape.
Rush’s distinguishes itself through its dedication to fresh, never-frozen ingredients and a menu filled with timeless American classics. If you’re yearning for a succulent burger, their offerings include traditional cheeseburgers alongside options like the Bacon Ranch or the Western Bacon Cheeseburger, each packed with flavor combinations to satisfy every burger enthusiast. Don’t overlook their renowned hot dogs, served with all the customary toppings, or their crispy, golden fried chicken, a perennial crowd-pleaser.
However, Rush’s extends beyond burgers and dogs. Their menu features an appealing array of American comfort food favorites. Indulge in their velvety milkshakes and hand-spun ice cream for a sweet treat, or savor their classic fries and onion rings as the perfect accompaniments to any meal. Vegetarians are well-accommodated, with options such as veggie burgers and cheese fries providing delectable meatless alternatives.
Columbia residents cherish Rush’s for its friendly service, nostalgic ambiance, and consistently delicious fare. The swift and convenient service makes it ideal for a quick lunch break, a casual family dinner, or a late-night snack. The affordable prices and generous portions ensure a satisfying experience that keeps locals returning for generations. Rush’s exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic American comfort food, served promptly and freshly, cementing its status as a top contender in Columbia’s ever-evolving dining scene.
Chili Cheeseburger
BBQ Burger
Peach Milkshake
Fries
- 828 Gervais St. Columbia, SC 29201
Liberty Tap Room; Grill in Columbia stands out from typical American eateries. While they offer succulent burgers and generous portions of comfort food classics such as chicken and waffles, Liberty Tap Room enhances the dining experience with inventive twists and an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu features house-made specialties like the indulgent “Liberty Fries” topped with cheese and bacon, alongside innovative interpretations of pub fare such as Hawaiian Chicken with teriyaki glaze and pineapple salsa. However, what truly distinguishes them is their extensive selection of craft beers, including their own signature Liberty Ales.
People praise Liberty Tap Room for its laid-back yet sophisticated ambiance, making it an ideal venue for watching a game with friends, enjoying a casual family dinner, or savoring a satisfying American meal with a unique flair.
Freedom Burger
Liberty Fries
Bonfire Shrimp
Hush Puppies
