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Best American Restaurants in Columbia

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10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Prohibition - Columbia restaurant
1. Prohibition - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(82)
Price: Expensive
• American • Columbia
Booked 26 times today
Prohibition - Columbia brings a vibrant slice of Contemporary American cuisine to the heart of Soda City's Main Street District. Since its opening in the spring of 2024, it has dazzled diners with its innovative cocktails and eclectic cuisine, showcasing a unique flair that stands out in Columbia's culinary scene. Patrons rave about the "delicious food" and the exceptional service, with the tapas-style dining perfect for sharing and tasting a variety of dishes. Signature items like the "grilled octopus" and "lobster roll" receive high praise for their exquisite preparation. The ambiance, enhanced by live music and a speakeasy vibe, complements the high-quality, authentic Contemporary American offerings, making Prohibition - Columbia a must-visit for an exceptional dining experience.
A photo of Saluda's restaurant
2. Saluda's
4.8
Exceptional(3984)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 27 times today
Saluda's in Columbia stands as a beacon of Southern cuisine, seamlessly merging classic dishes with innovative techniques. Nestled in the lively Five Points area, near the University of South Carolina, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors since its debut in 1996. Patrons consistently rave about their dining experiences, highlighting the "outstanding" Southern flavors with French and Italian twists. One guest exclaimed, "Best steak and pork chop we’ve ever had," praising not only the food but the idyllic setting for a summer dinner. Another noted, "The pork chop was fantastic... it honestly tasted more like a grilled steak." Saluda's commitment to quality and genuine Southern hospitality shines through, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Southern fare with a touch of elegance.
A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant
3. California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating
4.4
Awesome(2486)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 103 times today
At California Dreaming in Columbia, SC, steak lovers can revel in a culinary experience that stands out for its quality and authenticity. Nestled in the historic 1902 Union Station, this restaurant offers a majestic setting to enjoy their exceptional steak dishes. Guests consistently rave about their experiences, noting the steak's perfect preparation and standout taste. As one diner put it, "I asked for med well and got med rare rib eye but it was my birthday and I was enjoying everything else so I let it go overall Great 👍." Celebrating 40 years of service, California Dreaming continues to impress with its commitment to excellence in every dish served, ensuring each guest leaves with a memorable dining experience. Whether it's the ambiance, the service, or the mouthwatering steak, this venue truly captures the essence of a top-tier steakhouse.
A photo of Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC restaurant
4. Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC
4.3
Awesome(374)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 22 times today
At Iron Hill Brewery in Columbia, SC, the Brewery cuisine shines with its diverse and well-crafted selection of handcrafted beers. Patrons rave about the "great variety of craft beers and IPAs" and appreciate the opportunity to try different styles through beer flights brewed on-site. Highlighting its commitment to quality and authenticity, one diner exclaimed, "The beer satisfies the palate," while another reported a delightful experience with the "4 beer flight which let me try a few." Iron Hill stands out not only for its exceptional beer but also for its combination of a warm, inviting atmosphere and consistently applauded service, making it a must-visit for both beer aficionados and casual diners alike.
A photo of Top of Carolina restaurant
5. Top of Carolina
4.8
Exceptional(91)
Price: Expensive
• American • Columbia
Booked 1 time today
Top of Carolina in Columbia offers a quintessential American brunch experience that's as delightful as it is unique. Nestled high above the city, this rotating restaurant provides panoramic views that complement a menu brimming with American classics and inventive dishes. Guests rave about the "great food and service," highlighting favorites like the omelet station and a diverse dessert selection. As one reviewer puts it, "You can't beat the experience of Top of Carolina, the view, the atmosphere!!" Whether it’s the meticulously curated flavors or the exceptional service, Top of Carolina promises an unforgettable American dining journey, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a premier brunch spot in Columbia.
A photo of Chayz Lounge restaurant
6. Chayz Lounge
4.8
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 4 times today
Chayz Lounge in West Columbia, SC, offers a delightful escape into the world of Creole / Cajun / Southern cuisine, seamlessly blended with the best of modern American flavors. The venue's standout dishes, such as the Garlic Braised Short Ribs and Creole Shrimps & Grits, have diners raving about their authentic taste and high demand. Guests describe their dining experience as "This was a fantastic experience! Everything was great... the food, the service, the music, the whole vibe!" Moreover, the intimate and upscale atmosphere, paired with live jazz, sets the perfect stage for a memorable Southern culinary journey. Whether it's for a casual dinner or a special occasion, Chayz Lounge is celebrated as a top choice for those seeking genuine Southern comfort with a dash of elegance.
A photo of Red Lobster - Cayce restaurant
7. Red Lobster - Cayce
3.8
Excellent(12)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Red Lobster welcomes you by offering PRIORITY SEATING to reduce your wait time in the restaurant, so you can spend more time doing the things you love. Or, come enjoy a drink at our bar and a Tasting Plate while you wait. Red Lobster is the world's largest and most loved seafood restaurant company, offering high quality, freshly-prepared seafood, sourced in a way that is traceable, sustainable and responsible. We offer lunch and dinner daily, featuring classics like our Ultimate Feast®, Garlic Shrimp Scampi and Parrot Isle Jumbo Coconut Shrimp, and feature limited time flavors and preparations during events like Lobsterfest®, Crabfest® and Endless Shrimp®. And, who can resist our famous warm and cheesy Cheddar Bay Biscuits®? To learn more visit www.redlobster.com
A photo of BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Columbiana Station restaurant
8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Columbiana Station
4.4
Awesome(228)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 8 times today
Time counts at BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse. Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we've continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ's a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ's to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back. We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we've put on the Chicago-style deep dish pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies®, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better. So in many ways we haven't just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it's because of them we're continually striving to make sure every moment they choose to spend with us counts. Welcome to BJ's, a restaurant with a Brewhouse soul.
A photo of Dave & Buster's - Columbia restaurant
9. Dave & Buster's - Columbia
3.4
Very Good(71)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 8 times today
Each Dave & Buster's has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we've got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we're stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.
A photo of Columbo's at DoubleTree by Hilton restaurant
10. Columbo's at DoubleTree by Hilton
4.0
Excellent(74)
Price: Moderate
• American • Columbia
Booked 1 time today
We have developed, evolved, and refined the restaurant over the past 5 years. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the year; our aim is to serve the metropolitan Columbia, SC community as well as hotel guests.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Gregory
    South Carolina •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had an awesome experience at Saluda‘s last night! Special thanks to Andrew Thompson, the general manager. Our waitress was terrific as well.
    More info
    Saluda'sPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
    •
    4.8
  • Janet
    Coastal Georgia •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent food and Eli’s service was outstanding. Atmosphere was enjoyable.
    More info
    California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority SeatingPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
    •
    4.4
  • Wendy
    Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    A great place to take friends and family when visiting Columbia. It never disappoints.
    More info
    Top of CarolinaPrice: Expensive• American• Columbia
    •
    4.8
  • Kathy
    Austin •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We loved the atmosphere and they ended up having a great band. The only negative is that they seem to only have one GF menu and they couldn’t find it. I am Celiac and trusted their recommendation. Unfortunately, I did get sick. I’m not sure if it was a bad recommendation or cross contamination. I had the crab deviled eggs sans panko (don’t recommend, the crab was overpowering), Caesar salad, and steak frites. I would go back for the drinks and atmosphere, but I wouldn’t eat there. My son and husband had a great meal, though.
    More info
    Prohibition - ColumbiaPrice: Expensive• American• Columbia
    •
    4.4
  • Cody
    South Carolina •5 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Food was a 7-5/10. Enjoyed the biscuit queso. Burger was good. Wife thought pizza was mid. Beers are good but spirit drinks are mid. Glad we had a reservation. We only waited maybe 3-4 minutes and we were seated. A lot of others in line. The service was the kicker. Took us 15 minutes to get a server after seating. Then about 20 minutes for drinks. I experience was about 1 Hour 40 minutes, very long. Glad we had a reservation. Will go back but hope to have better waiting service. Again, only drink the beers. The cocktails are not worth it.
    More info
    Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SCPrice: Moderate• American• Columbia
    •
    4.3

Discover best American restaurants in Columbia

Discover the best of American cuisine in Columbia, South Carolina, where a variety of restaurants offer a delightful blend of traditional and innovative dishes perfect for any palate. Columbia's dining scene thrives with an array of options that cater to lovers of hearty classics as well as those seeking a gourmet twist on familiar flavors. Each restaurant in this vibrant city provides a unique dining experience, from upscale establishments offering a sophisticated ambiance to casual spots perfect for a relaxed meal. Patrons can expect high-quality food, exceptional service, and a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring a memorable culinary journey. Highlights across these eateries include locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted beers, and signature dishes that have garnered rave reviews from both locals and visitors. Whether you're in the mood for a luxurious dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, Columbia's American dining venues promise satisfaction and delight. Embrace the rich flavors and warm hospitality that characterize this exciting culinary destination.

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