Opening Monday! BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Opens Monday, September 4 | 148 Harbison Blvd | 803.828.5850

BJ’s is known for award-winning handcrafted beer, Chicago-via-California-style pizza, and for their sweet Pizookies (a super moist, rich and delicious cookie topped with ice cream and baked to order). In September they will open their first location in South Carolina, on the site that was once home to Romano’s Macaroni Grill near the corner of Harbison and Bower, in Columbiana Station.

BJ’s has a huge menu that includes everything from Handcrafted Burgers, to delicious salads, to sandwiches and tacos. They offer 11 award-winning signature beers and ciders on tap, and release seasonal beers throughout the year. Stay tuned for more information on this new dining hotspot! Click here to learn more about BJ’s.

Openings: Urban Cookhouse

Posted on August 29, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Urban Cookhouse

3000 Devine Street | 803.779.5070

Urban Cookhouse, one of Columbia’s most exciting recent acquisitions, opened its second location on August 19 on Devine Street (the first is in Irmo). UC emphasizes fresh, delicious menu items and a unique, family-friendly dining atmosphere. We spoke with Owner/President, Will Gillespie, about what makes Urban Cookhouse stand out, and why it’s become so popular around here. Will told us that UC prides itself on everything being prepared from scratch and with care – from the dry rubs and sauces they use, to the hand-chopped veggies and meats they grill on their Big Green Egg (“Farm-To-Fire-To-Table”). In additional to being made to order, dishes are affordable, with most items priced under $10 to start with.

You won’t find fried food on the menu, but instead excellent sandwiches, salads, wraps and homestyle entrees. They have a few specialty items you’ll love as well, like the warm Millie Ray’s Orange Rolls served as sides, or the Half Baked Cookie dessert, which Will indicated was a definite customer favorite. In the coming weeks, UC will begin adding special, South Carolina favorites like Beaufort Stew/Lowcountry Boil to the menu.

Will said people particularly appreciate UC’s kid friendly details, like an area for children to play in and a children’s menu. Will has two daughters, and knows that anything that buys adults 7-10 minutes of uninterrupted dining time is a good thing. UC also has a wonderfully convenient drive up window, so you can call in an order from their Take It To The House menu (eventually order online), and pick up dinner for the whole family without leaving the car. They can also cater your special events, for 10 people or for 1,000.

In addition to serving great food, UC is all about promoting local businesses to benefit the community. A small merchandise area in the restaurant displays local wares, soaps, artwork and homemade dog treats, and next year, UC will coordinate and manage a farmer’s market to give local growers another venue in which to sell. Visit them soon and check out this excellent addition to our local dining scene. More here.

Urban Cookhouse salad

Now Open: Freddy’s 2nd Location

Posted on August 14, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

2865 Sunset Blvd., West Columbia | 803.851.1964

Freddy’s is a family-friendly eatery that has a retro-50’s feel to its decor and a tasty menu with an appeal that will span the generations. Freddy’s has grown its stellar reputation in other parts of the country, so we where so excited when they opened their doors here in Columbia back in February….and we are even more thrilled that their SECOND location opened last week!

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday: 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Recently Opened

Posted on July 17, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Blaze Pizza

471-1 Towne Center Place (in Village at Sandhill) | 803.834.3235

Busy days mean fast lunches, and Blaze Pizza’s pies are “Fast-Fire’d”, so you won’t be

taking a long lunch break! We had heard great things about Blaze, both the Village at Sandhill and Harbison locations, and decided to try it for ourselves. Here’s how it works: Pick one of Blaze’s Signature Pizzas, or Build-Your-Own artisanal pizza with their incredible selection of high quality toppings, then their Pizzasmiths go to work, heating it up for you in a massive, wood burning pizza oven for 180 seconds flat! This gives the pizza a crisp crust, the cheese and toppings a good flavor-melding. We tried the Meat Eater, the Red Vine, and a Build Your Own, and were not disappointed! The pizzas are the perfect size for one person, and you don’t feel full of dough at the end. That’s because it’s made from scratch in-house daily, with no additives or chemicals.

They offer gluten-free crust as well as vegan cheese options, and don’t forget about their colorful Simple Salads! They’re available in both Side and Entree sizes, and are full of healthily-delicious fixings like wild baby arugula, kale, dried cranberries, goat cheese, seasonal fruit and more, and can even be added atop a warm garlic pesto and parmesan crust, to make a Salad Pizza if you prefer!

In addition to soft drinks, lemonade, blood-orange lemonade, draft beer or wine, Blaze offers fruit-infused, all-natural Agua Fresca beverages. Both the Strawberry and Mango we tried were wonderful. Desserts include S’more Pie, Sea Salt Cookie, and Olive Oil Brownie, all of which, you’ll be thrilled to know, can be heated in the oven for a warm after-pizza treat!

The Casual Pint-Lexington

217 Saluda Springs Rd. Suite A, Lexington | 803.358.233

Time spent at the Casual Pint is all about fun. Whether you’re there for Karaoke, Reverse Happy Hour, Puzzles and Pints, or a Tap Takeover, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself! And now there’s a Casual Pint open in Lexington! As of July 14, Casual Pint-Lexington’s “Beer-tenders” are ready to help you with craft beer by the pint, from the tap wall, by the can or by the bottle. They limit the number of taps so their draft beer selections rotate quickly and always stay fresh, and you can see them all on Casual Pint’s Draft List on their website and App. You haven’t downloaded The Casual pint app yet? You could be missing out on all of the great benefits! If you’re a beer lover, you’ll want to check out the newly opened Casual Pint-Lexington!

Recently Opened: Brain Freeze

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

This cute shop with a fun atmosphere just opened in Cayce!

Brain Freeze held its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 2nd and since then has been filling the area with a little more laughter & deliciousness. Brain Freeze has been serving Italian ice & ice cream from its food truck at events and festivals, and to the delight of its loyal and adoring customers has now opened a brick and mortar shop.

Serving incredible milkshakes in over 10 flavors, Italian ice, ice cream sandwiches, gourmet kettle corn, cotton candy, and hand-dipped ice cream, Brain Freeze is a delicious way to cool off in the summer heat & is the perfect ending to a fun date! Also offers tailored catering packages for schools events, corporate events, office parties, ice cream socials, and much more!

Bring the whole family & check out this colorful addition to the Cayce area!

Hours: Tues-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri-Sat 12-10pm, Sun 1-8pm, food truck available everyday

Wednesday: Discounts for Seniors

906 Knox Abbott Dr | 843-694-2723

Recently Opened.

Posted on May 23, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Opening Open

Henry’s Restaurant and Bar

2108 State Street | 803.661.8494

You probably already know about Henry’s: a local favorite that started on Devine Street, was featured in a Southern Living piece about Carolina’s Best Burgers, and aired on the Food Network show Ginormous. But, did you know that Henry’s has just opened a THIRD location in Cayce? Located on State Street, just beyond the train tracks, the newest outpost has been up and running since March, and is a welcome addition to the area.

The newest Henry’s is far from the hustle and bustle of Devine Street and the Northeast area (their second location), and sits like a gem in an intersection that includes the Cayce Quarry. The menu is consistent with the Devine Street location’s, featuring everything from their now-famous burgers to their now-famous brunch on Sundays! They’re family-friendly, with a kids menu, and fun, with a pool table, video games and several TVs to keep you entertained between courses.

The Foodies recently ate lunch at Henry’s in Cayce and found both the food and the service to be exceptional. Whether you’re in the area or across the Congaree, a trip to Henry’s is worth making!

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Recently Opened: East Bay Deli

Posted on May 12, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

East Bay Deli in West Columbia

108 Sunset Court, West Columbia | 803-791-1150

East Bay Deli, across from Lexington Medical Center on US 378, is now open! East Bay features “deli-cious” breakfast items, sandwiches, wraps, desserts, and an exceptional salad bar! We at Foodie News know what we’re talking about; we visited the first East Bay Deli in Columbia, at the Hub on Main Street back in February, and absolutely loved the authentic, New York deli-style fare we tried! See our review of the place here.

Need to eat in a hurry? Order online and in about 15 minutes your food will be ready for pickup! Can’t get away for lunch? No worries; EBD on Sunset delivers within 2.5 miles. Check out the menu here!

EBD’s “Carnegie Deli” Cheese Cake

Recently Opened Restaurants!

Posted on April 24, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

The Pot Smoker BBQ

931-A Senate Street, Columbia | 803.400.2251

If you love real pit-smoked BBQ and traditional southern sides, make your way over to Pot Smoker BBQ in the Vista! The name “Pot Smoker” came about from the owner’s original cooking method, which involved using a ceramic pot to smoke premium meats. Their very original and humorous slogan? “You can smell our butts a mile away!” One thing they don’t joke about is food. Pot Smoker’s pulled pork is slow-smoked for 13 hours and can be enjoyed with any of their four scratch-made sauces – mustard, hot barbecue, vinegar, or “Brenda’s Yummy”. They also have delicious smoked chicken, St. Louis-style ribs, Texas-style brisket, and crispy smoked wings on the menu, Southern sides made from family recipes that have been passed down for generations, and irresistible desserts!

Visit their FB page here!

1801 Grille

700 Lincoln Street, Ste. 200 | 803.777.1801

The University of South Carolina was founded in 1801 in Columbia. Columbia’s newest tavern, 1801 Grille, celebrates the wonderful culture and character of the school and the area by offering an innovative menu full of favorite regional flavors and new takes on traditional pub fare. The communal dining experience at 1801 is an elegant yet welcoming one, where you can choose between smaller plates for yourself, or shareable plates for the table. Sophisticated comfort food shares space on the menu with unique twists on pizzas, burgers and sandwiches, all made with the very best locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant’s bar features local craft beers, inventive cocktails, and interesting wines and spirits, and save room for 1801’s “Soda Shop” desserts!

Recently Opened: Poke Brothers

Posted on April 10, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Opening Open

Poke Bros

2009 Greene St. #102 | 803.764.5567

The latest in fast casual dining, Poke Bros officially opened its doors on Saturday, April 1st to offer Hawaiian style fresh fish to Columbia, SC!

Poke Bros is based out of Columbus, Ohio, and their location in Five Points is just their third, and their first franchise. Located behind Indigo Rose Tattoo at 2009 Greene Street, Poke Bros offers folks the chance to build their own dish or choose from one of their Signature Poké Bowls, including sushi grade tuna, fresh salmon, authentic snow crab, exotic octopus, and a slew of fresh, delicious veggies. Click here to view their menu! “What’s a poké ?” you ask. A poké is a raw fish salad that is very popular in Hawaiian cuisine. If you like sushi and seafood, then this is a new place that you definitely have to try! One of the most enticing elements of poké cuisine is the use of fresh, wholesome ingredients that fill you up but don’t slow you down. Poke Bros uses only the highest quality, sushi-grade fish and farm fresh veggies in their authentic Hawaiian poké bowls, delivered to their restaurant daily. Enjoy!

Visit their Facebook page here.

Recently Opened!

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

New Restaurant Openings Banner

Lima Peruvian Cuisine

3830 Rosewood Drive (Suite A) | In Casey’s Fireworks Shopping Center | 803.851.3646

If you’ve always wanted to try authentic Peruvian cuisine now is your chance, as Lima Peruvian Cuisine opened its doors on January 24th! Their menu boasts a delicious assortment of appetizers, salads, Peruvian classic dishes, and even an entire “from the sea” section! View menu on their FB page here.

Did you know that Lima is known as the culinary capital of the Americas? Peruvian cuisine is celebrated for its unique fusion of indigenous Inca staples with foods and flavors brought by immigrants from Africa, Europe, and Asia. The menu at Lima Peruvian Cuisine is filled with dishes that taste of these multicultural influences, like Empanadas, Ceviche, Lomo Saltado, Aji de Gallina, and desserts such as Alfajores and Suspiro a la Limeña. Don’t forget an Inca Kola to wash it all down with! Give this new place a try, Foodies!

Take note: Lima Peruvian offers 10% off with military ID!

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm

DaufusKEYS Gullah Bistro & Piano Bar

1710 Main St. | 803.764.2316

For thousands of years, indigenous people called Daufuskie Island (located between Hilton
Head Island and Savannah) home. Later, when West Africans arrived as slaves, they ran to the island for freedom where they mingled with those indigenous peoples, increasing the population and creating a new culture. A two bedroom school house is still standing, along with an early church (built in the 1700s).

DaufusKEYS focuses on the native foods of the island and they each have a West African, creole, native american, or Caribbean twist. Why Caribbean you ask? Their chef, Shawn Martin, is from Jamaica and he is a graduate culinary chef. His mother is a dessert baker in Jamaica and his father is a restaurant owner, so food expertise runs in the family. DaufusKEYS boasts a mouthwatering menu with starters like fried calamari, fish rolls, and fried okra and entrees such as roasted BBQ chicken, filet, rib eye, brine pork chops, pan-fried spiced salmon, and more! Our office tried Daufuskey Shrimp and Grits – grilled shrimp with sauteed spinach on seasoned creamy grits with Andouille Gravy – we LOVED it! They have three different soups and salads to choose from too, along with a lengthy list of sides. Round out your meal with one of their four desserts (bourbon bread pudding, lemon crud cake, & more!).

On top of a delicious menu, Daufuskey’s has a full bar upstairs and a downstairs moonshine jelly bar (where you can also have mixed drinks, wine, beer and food) is in the works! Carla Goodson, the marketing and catering manager, told me that they will be featuring both classical and jazz musicians too.

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 11am – 3pm; 4pm – 8pm

Visit their Facebook page here!

Now Open!

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

457 Killian Rd., Columbia 29203

TODAY FEBRUARY 14TH – COLUMBIA’S FIRST FREDDY’S OPENS!

Freddy’s is a family-friendly eater that has a retro-50’s feel to its decor and a tasty menu with an appeal that will span the generations. Freddy’s has grown its stellar reputation in other parts of the country, so we are so excited to say that they have opened their doors here in Columbia as of TODAY.

No “hamburgers” at Freddy’s. We’ve heard that Freddy’s steak burgers are often voted “best burger” in competitions across the country…the company uses premium quality lean beef in its steak burgers. “Every Freddy’s Steak burger starts with premium, lean, American, 100% pure ground beef – no additives or fillers. We press the patties thin to create deliciously crispy edges and always cook them to order so they’re steaming hot. Freddy’s way may take a little longer, but that’s what makes Freddy’s Steak burgers so special. Top two patties with Freddy’s Famous Seasoning, two slices of melting cheese, mustard, onions and crunchy pickle planks, all on a fresh, perfectly toasted bun and you have our one and only Freddy’s Original Double!” Sounds great, eh? Choose sides from baked chips, fries or applesauce.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard isn’t your average ice cream parlor. In fact, it isn’t ice cream at all! Thanks to a time-tested churning process that minimizes ice crystals and air, Freddy’s Frozen Custard is smoother and richer than ice cream and frozen yogurt. Check out the menu details and lovely pics at the Freddy’s website! Follow them on Facebook.

Hours of operation: Sunday – Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday – Saturday 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Dave & Buster’s

Columbiana Centre Mall | 803.576.4800

Now open! Media Day was Thursday February 9th, and ColumbiaFoodieNews.com was invited to come out and see the new Dave & Buster’s in Columbiana Centre mall. What a treat!

Dave & Buster’s offers a complete sensory overload. A $3 Million Midway is center stage with the coolest, newest adult games – the Walking Dead encounter, We were greeted by some very friendly folks, including Robert Spargal, general manager. Robert enthusiastically gave us a personal tour – beginning with the Midway. All I can say is “wow”. You have to see it, hear it and feel it (yes, the place VIBRATES!) to believe it.

Since you are reading Columbia Foodie News, I will move on to what y’all are keenly interested in. Let’s allow the pictures to do the talking:

The state-of-the-art restaurant offers mouth-watering, chef-crafted menu combines fun and flavor in American fare with items including the Pepperoni Pretzel Pull-Apart, Carnivore Pizzadilla and legendary Buffalo Wing Burger. Dave & Buster’s Columbia will also feature Dave & Buster’s newly released dishes like Crispy Nashville-Style Hot Chicken and the BBBacon Burger featuring three different types of bacon. This opening is the 94^th for the restaurant and entertainment concept, and the second in South Carolina joining the Greenville location. “Dave & Buster’s could not be more excited to call Columbia, SC home,” said General Manager, Robert Spargal. “We are proud to be joining this amazing community, and we look forward to adding a fun and vibrant environment for locals to cheer on their teams while enjoying delicious food, drinks, and hundreds of the latest games!” Not-to-be-missed specials include Happy Hour (Monday – Friday 4:30 – 7pm), Two For Tuesday, which includes $2 select beers, $2 Tacos and 2 Free Game Plays (4 – 8pm), and Half-Priced Games every Wednesday (open – close).

Guests can play more than 150 of the latest games including Tailgate Toss, The Walking Dead Arcade Game and Star Trek. Those hard-earned tickets can be redeemed with a trip to the Winner’s Circle for a variety of prizes, including Apple products, Xbox games, sports memorabilia and much more!

Dave & Buster’s Columbia is in the area where the old Sears store was in Columbiana Centre located at 100 Columbiana Circle, Columbia, SC 29212. Have fun Foodies!

Hours of operation:

Sunday – Thursday 11:00 a.m. – Midnight
Friday – Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Recently Opened.

Posted on January 30, 2017 by Kathy Gardener

Tallulah

2400 Devine St. | 803.400.2300

Foodies, Tallulah officially opened its doors on Thursday, January 12th and we are pretty excited about it! Open nightly, Tuesday – Saturday, Tallulah will be taking reservations in their dining room, while their bar/lounge area will be available for walk – ins.

Tallulah presents an upscale dining experience in a relaxed and comfortable environment. The full dinner menu (click here to view it!) will be available at the bar and the bar menu will be available until the bar closes. Their dinner menu is unique in that it is divided into four sections that reflect the distinct regions of South Carolina, in addition to a separate dessert menu: Lowcountry focuses on seafood; Sandhills focuses on meat, poultry, and game; Piedmont focuses on vegetables; and Appalachia focuses on food preservation. The cuisine will reflect Chef Jones’ mix of classic French and modern American style, presented as fully composed, mid-sized plates. Enjoy!

Dining Room: 5:30pm – 10pm

Bar/Lounge: Open Tuesday – Thursday: 5:30pm – 11pm; & Friday – Saturday: 5:30pm – 12am (midnight)

Lima Peruvian

3830 Rosewood Dr. | 803.851.3646

A NEW Peruvian restaurant opened on Tuesday, Jan. 24, in Jim Casey’s Fireworks complex on Rosewood Drive, Foodies! Lima Peruvian features standard Peruvian favorites such as pollo a la braza and lomo saltado. Yummy!

Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 9pm; Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Now Open

Posted on November 29, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Opening Open

Lake Murray Deli Bar

3340 Hwy 378 Leesville, SC 29070 | 803-730-3044

Lake Murray Deli Bar is the newest hidden gem on Lake Murray, as they opened their doors on Wednesday, November 16th! Located at Hollow Creek Marina, the home of the Spirit of Lake Murray. Sides like the Greek Medley & Pimento Cheese are made fresh with classic recipes. The Waffleninis are hot sandwiches like you haven’t had before. The waffle iron creates perfect little scoops for dipping in our Homemade Sauces; B-25 & House Horsey. Come warm up your insides with a cup of soup or try our Hot Wine Cider. Visit their Facebook page here.

Operating Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 3:30pm

Rooftop Pizza

4478 Rosewood Drive | 803.602.5400

Rooftop Pizza Pub opened its doors on Tuesday, November 15th in the former Moe’s Grapevine location. They are already known for their Detroit-style pizzas that are cooked in an 8×10 deep, square pan that is actually from Detroit. Their pizza is soft and airy on the inside, but crispy on the outside, plus they layer the dough edge to edge with cheeses that caramelize on the crust when hearth baked. Can you say d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s, Foodies? And because the sauce would weigh down the pizza during baking, they do not sauce them until after all of the other ingredients are laid on top and then they garnish their pizzas. If Detroit pizza is not your thing, Rooftop Pizza will also be serving a thinner crust pizza (sauce not on top), plus subs, salads and appetizers, but we highly suggest that you give it a try. From their Ultimate Taco Pie, Shrimp Scampi, to their classic cheese – you can’t go wrong. Enjoy!

Operating Hours:

Monday – Friday: 11am – 10pm

Saturday – Sunday: 5pm – 11pm

Lula Drake

1635 Main Street | 803. 606.1968

The new wine bar on Main Street is celebrating lula-drake their first day of full hours on Wednesday November 30, 2016! Stop in and raise a glass, and help Main Street welcome its newest neighbor.

Operating Hours:

Tues – Sat Opens at 4pm

Openings!

Posted on November 15, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

East Bay Deli

1426 Main St. (in the block with The Hub) Downtown Columbia | 803.814.2277

East Bay Deli, a newcomer from Charleston, plans to open its doors on Thursday, November 17th. Boy are we glad they’re here! East Bay Deli is a New York-style deli with a distinctive southern flair; it offers traditional deli favorites, as well as a variety of grilled items, salads, healthy sandwiches and wraps. The company has grown since its founding in 2001, opening new locations in Mount Pleasant and in North Charleston and now, up the road, here in Columbia! The food is fresh, deli-cious…and affordable! East Bay Deli has been voted the best deli in Charleston for 13 years, and they’re planning on impressing the heck out of us Foodies here in ColaTown.

East Bay Deli’s menu for Columbia is slightly different than other locations as they modified the breakfast menu a bit. Plus, outdoor pet seating will be available!

Operating Hours:

*Nov. 17 – Nov. 20th open from 11am – 9pm

Sunday – Saturday: 7am – 9pm

*They also deliver and their delivery hours are from 11am – 8:30pm

Website: EastBayDeli.com

Papa Gios

7210 Broad River St.

Papa Gios opened another location on November 10th

Papa Gio's Pasta! at 7210 Broad River Road operating the same hours & boasting the same menu as the other Lexington location. In addition another location plans to open its doors on December 16th at Cherokee Lakes Plaza where Allstar Pizza formally was (1965 Augusta Road, Lexington). This new location will have the same hours as the Lexington location, but have an expanded menu! Mr. Giovanni also plans to open a 3rd Columbia location downtown and all the Foodies cheered. View Papa Gio’s menu here. Savor wings, gourmet pizza, burgers, Strombolis, Calzones, Paninis, hot subs, traditional pasta dishes, cold subs, wraps, seafood, and more.

Openings!

Posted on October 4, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Opening Open

New eateries, bars, & restaurants, new jobs, growth….NEW FOODS, new recipes, new creations, neat concoctions! Its all a happening! When we find out that a new eatery or drinkery will be opening its doors here in Cola – our taste buds are a back flippin’.

Smoothie King

1205 Lincoln St.

This brand new location of Smoothie King opened its doors a few weeks ago & we are pretty elated about it. Now it is even easier to enjoy smoothies with a purpose! Stephen Kuhnau created the Smoothie King smoothie (the original nutritional smoothie) in the late 1960’s and since 1989, Smoothie King has been named #1 franchise in their category 20 times. History, purpose, flavor, + healthy ingredients – their smoothies have it all. Read our latest review of the restaurant here!

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 7am – 9pm
Saturday: 9am – 9pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm

Arepazo Latin Food

Arepas!

904 Knox Abbott Drive | 954.696.5986

On September 24th Arepazo Latin Food opened their doors & began serving fresh + authentic Venezualan food in Cayce. Siblings Jorge Barboza and Marisol Barboza are excited to meet the demand for this delicious and healthy food. Enjoy Cachitos (hand filled crescent shaped rolls), Tequeños (cheese sticks), Pan de Bono (colombian cheese bread), Arepas (a corn flour disc stuffed with meats, cheeses, beans, eggs or veggies! — see picture on right), Empanadas Venezolanas, Colombianas y Argentinas! & Cachapas (a panckaes made from sweet corn and served with handmade cheese). Venezuelan soups, salads, sandwiches, breakfast plates & more! Yum!! Give them a try, Foodies.

Hours of operation:

Tuesday – Saturday: 11am – 8pm
Sunday: 11am – 6pm

Clean Eatz

5225 Sunset Blvd. | 803.490.2657

Good for you Nachos

Imagine new meals every week that you don’t have to put together! Clean Eatz has been opened for about 6 weeks and says that Clean Eating is not a diet. It is a lifestyle approach to eating food in its most natural state. They give you the tools needed by preparing properly portioned sized meals with a balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Their meals eliminate the guessing, temptation, and lack of being prepared due to a busy lifestyle. Clean Eatz Meal Plans offers you the opportunity to have a personal chef prepare every meal for you at a cost you can afford. Costs: 5 meals- $38; 10 meals- $68; 15 meals- $98; 21 meals- $128. Meal Plans can be picked up every Monday & placed Thursday – Sunday. Click here to learn more about their meal plans. Also, Clean Eatz has a freezer out front stocked with grab n’ go meals and they have a cafe menu. No grease, no sodium & no processed foods! They have a variety of options, so stop in and check them out.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday: 11am – 3pm

Schlotzsky’s

1305 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce | 803.828.4520

Bayou Chicken

This new location of Schlotzsky’s opened its doors on September 15th. Enjoy amazing sandwiches galore – they take variety to a whole new level. View their menu here! They also serve artisan flat breads, soups, salads, gourmet pizzas, desserts, kidz meals, and oven-baked pastas such as bayou chicken (canestrelli pasta in their Andouille cream sauce, with roasted red peppers, hand-carved chicken, Italian sausage, Applewood smoked bacon, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese) & tomato-basil Canestrelli (canestrelli pasta tossed in tomato-basil sauce with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese). You can’t go wrong giving this place a try.

Hours of Operation:

Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 9pm

Friday – Saturday: 10:30am – 10pm

Chickadees Diner

1729 Marshall St. | 803.661.7098

With breakfast served all day, 20th-century decor, and waitresses clad in red-and-white-striped dresses complete with high white socks, red tennis shoes, and jaunty paper hats, Chickadees Diner would fit right in in the 1950s. But on closer look, it reveals itself to be more than a classic diner. Creative eats such as a grouper sandwich drizzled with salted maple butter, fried-green-tomato burgers, and the Velvet Elvis french toast–with chocolate, blackberry jam, bananas, marshmallows, and peanut butter–cater to a more modern crowd. Chickadees Diner has moved from Irmo to downtown Columbia! Check out their brand new restaurant behind Palmetto Richland Hospital at 1729 Marshall Street. Open 7 Days a Week! Enjoy Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner – Dine In or Carry Out – Catering & Box Lunches – Online Ordering…they’ve got it all.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Friday: 8am – 9pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8am-3pm

Openings/Coming Soon: Fall 2016

Posted on September 5, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Opening Open

Blue Flour Bakery

Coming in November 2016 to 1210 Main Street!! Blue Flour Bakery has been opened in Irmo, SC for 7 years, but will be opening a NEW location this November. Focusing on decorated sugar cookies, brownies, big cookies!, muffins, quiche, and lots of homemade items like pimento cheese. At their new location they will be expanding their hours and expanding their menu! Get ready to enjoy their breakfast sandwiches and fun new retail items like local teas, honeys, and coffee. You can visit their current location at 7703 St. Andrews Rd. or call them at 803.407.3603, but get ready for this exciting new addition to downtown life.

Midwood Smokehouse

803.764.1231 | Cross Hill Market {702 Cross Hill Rd., Cola}

Calling all BBQ lovers! Midwood Smokehouse has made its way from North Carolina down to savory South Carolina and our barbecue culture is better for it. Near Whole Foods Market off Devine Street, Midwood Smokehouse (opened this year!) is a welcome addition to the food scene. Their pit masters burn hickory wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week to bring you the juiciest, freshest barbecue that you are craving, but this restaurant serves more than just barbecue!

Their menu drools. Literally! We started off with their Pimento Cheese Fries (crinkle-cut fries topped with homemade pimento cheese) and their Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos – hickory smoked jalapeno filled with Monterrey Jack cheese wrapped in bacon (served with buttermilk ranch). YUM! Midwood Smokehouse

With 10 different sandwiches on their menu it might take you awhile to try them all, Foodies, but their Texas Style Brisket sandwich screams d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s and it’s just $9.99. Made with chopped brisket, tossed with Midwood sauce on Texas toast with smoked red onions and your choice of Cheddar, Swiss, Pimento or Blue Cheese, plus a choice of one side item — there are 12 sides to choose from (Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos being one of them!). Their menu also boasts an assortment of tacos…who woulda guessed? Get their “El Fuego” Tacos (served in flour tortillas) – slow smoked shredded chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, stuffed with a bacon wrapped jalapeno and drizzled with ranch. Served in two and three taco portions served with slaw and your choice of side. So good.

Having a gathering soon? Try one of their Large Classic BBQ Plates. One that sounds amazing is their Hickory Smoked Salmon for just $18. Feast on 10oz Hickory Smoked Salmon Fiet served on a bed of bbq buttered corn and topped with an avocado & tomato pico. Served with your choice of two side items and garnished with hush puppies and pickled onions.

Or try one of their Small Classic BBQ Plates, such as their Carolina Pork for $10. Enjoy hickory smoked chopped pork, lightly dressed in our Eastern NC vinegar sauce. Served with your choice of one side item and garnished with hush puppies and pickled onions.

Rounding out the menu, savor their Banana Pudding and Pecan Cobbler. Plus, we should note that they also have a kids menu for your littles – BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich, Grilled Cheese, and Chicken Tenders! Enjoy, Foodies!

Hours of operation:

Sunday – Wednesday: 11am – 10pm
Thursday – Saturday: 11am – 11pm

Ally and Eloise: New Bakeshop Location!

Aleka Selig, owner of Ally and Eloise, is opening a retail spot on Main Steet in downtown Cola. The beautifully renovated space is right next door to Something Special Florist and is in the same building as the Main Street Public House…a recently opened restaurant! Known for their wide array of desserts – macaroons, cupcakes, cakes, cookies and more! Your taste buds are sure to have easier access now to their delicious desserts. Enjoy!

Openings

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

New Restaurant Openings Banner

Don Tequilas Mexican Grill & Cantina

114 Afton Ct. | 803.764.3111

Conveniently located across from the Columbiana Centre mall near Carmike Cinemas, Don Tequilas Mexican Grill & Cantina recently opened and now offers an impressive variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including fajitas, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas and burritos. However, Don Tequilas is not your typical, cookie-cutter Mexican restaurant, as its menu features many truly innovative seafood dishes with a south-of-the-border twist, while also serving creative chicken, sausage, and beef dishes. While dining at Don Tequilas, also enjoy a refreshing variety of margaritas, mojitos, wine, and beer at their huge bar!

We started off with an interesting appetizer “Calamari Loco” a mound of deep fried tender calamari topped with pico de gallo, chipotle cream sauce, and chili limey tajin. We then shared a dish know as “Fajitas Tropicales,” which included marinated chicken, jumbo shrimp and chorizo, cooked with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions. It was huge and amazing! But we managed to save room for classic Mexican desserts – churros and flan. Magnifico! Visit their Facebook page here!

Lunch: Mon – Fri 11 AM – 4 PM (lunch specials!)

Dinner: All day Saturday and Sunday and weekday evenings 4pm til close

Hours of Operation:

Mon. – Thurs: 11am – 10pm
Friday: 11am – 11pm
Saturday: 11am – 10:30pm
Sunday: 11am – 9:30pm

Main Street Public House

1556 Main St. | 803.834.3409
Main St Public House meat dish Downtown Columbia has a new face on the block, Foodies! Located on the corner of Main Street and Taylor sits the Main Street Public House. Specializing in refined casual cuisine, the Main Street Public House is open 7 days a week serving lunch & dinner as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Main Street Public House’s menu is designed in‐house and almost entirely from scratch. Complementing their seasonal menus, Main Street Public House also serves premium, NY style pizza in their custom brick oven throughout the day as well as into the evening.

Enjoy their rustic bar, which serves up hand crafted cocktails, unique wines and a wide variety of quality brews on tap. Later in the evening the Main Street Public House transforms from restaurant to a more festive environment with live music from regional musicians and DJ’s. Keep up to date on events, deals, and live music on their Facebook page.

Hours of Operation:

Mon – Fri 11 AM – 2 AM
Sat & Sun 10 AM – 2 AM

Lunch Menu: 11 AM – 4 PM
Dinner Menu: 5 PM – 10 PM
Pizza Menu: All Day
Sat & Sun Brunch: 11 AM – 2 PM

Newly Opened

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

The Casual Pint

807 Gervais St. | 803.832.7468

The Casual Pint recently opened its doors at 807 Gervais St. in the Vista. A craft beer market, The Casual Pint offers customers beer-to-go or a pint right in the store. They have a number of draft beer selections on tap, and they sell pints and flights. Growlers can be filled from the tap too! Their Direct Draw Tap system keeping the beer lines short, easy to clean and ensuring customers the freshest beer possible. Packaged beer is available in singles, 6-packs, cases & Craft-Your-Own 6-Packs. Check them out on Facebook for the latest offers.

Monday-Thursday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm

Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am – 12:00 am

Sunday: 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina (West Columbia)

2507 Sunset Blvd | 803.999.2445

Salsarita’s Fresh Cantina has opened for business in West Columbia. Located on Sunset Blvd near I-26, the new store is the 4th Salsarita’s in the Greater Columbia area. A fairly new brand on the Mexican culinary scene, Salsarita’s started in Charlotte in 2000 and has spread to 19 states. The place is brightly lit and colorfully decorated, and advertises that its foods are prepared in-house fresh everyday. Try signature dishes like Quesoritos, Tortilla Pizzas or classics like tacos or nachos ($6 on Wednesdays) topped with hand-mashed guacamole. With a variety of salsas (including pineapple!) to dip with their tortilla chips, customizable burritos, tacos, salads, bowls and quesadillas… if you are in the mood for Mexican, Salsarita’s offers a great menu.

Hours of operation:

Sunday – Thursday: 11AM – 9PM

Friday and Saturday: 11Am – 9:30PM

Hollow Creek Distillery

112 Rocky Ridge Rd., Leesville | 803.470.6010

Hollow Creek Distillery recently celebrated their grand opening and are open for folks to visit the red barn, take a tour and taste a sample (and they’re hopin’ you’ll buy a bottle!) They offer small batch, hand-crafted southern moonshine. A family-owned business built with the sole intention of providing high quality spirits to a market thirsty for old-fashioned moonshine. From a planted seed to a sealed bottle, this is theirs. Take a ride out to their place on Lake Murray this week and see what it’s all about!

Hours of operation:

Thursday: 1pm – 7pm

Friday: 10am – 7pm

Saturday: 10am – 7pm

Recently Opened or About To:

Posted on June 27, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli

2617 Devine St. | 803.465.4947

Having opened their doors about 4 weeks ago, we’ve been delighted by their DEVINE Cinnamon rolls ever since! What makes their cinnamon rolls so special, eh? Their dough is made in house everyday from a special Hawaiian sweet bread recipe and this combined with their special cinnamon sugar blend & vanilla butter whipped cream cheese icing makes this a treat you won’t forget! In addition to amazing cinnamon rolls, they offer chili, kids meals, grilled panini, specialty sandwiches and more. Take a look at their full menu here!

Hours of Operation:

Tuesday – Sunday: 7am – 2pm (closed Mondays)

Golden Bay Seafood Restaurant

6164 St. Andrews Rd. | 803.851.6372

Located by the Seven Oaks shopping center, this two month (old) NEW restaurant serves all the seafood that you could imagine. From many kinds of fish to oysters, shrimp, crab, stuffed clams and more your taste buds are sure to be in heaven. They have 2 types of platters that come with an impressive spread, plus they offer daily specials. Sunday’s lunch special is Lemon Baked Chicken for $7.19 and they offer their baby shrimp special ALL day on Sunday’s for $7.49.

Hours of Operation:

Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm

The Root Cellar

420 Columbia Ave., Lexington | 803.359.5436

Modern food, southern roots. That’s the Root Cellar’s mantra. The restaurant opened its doors in Lexington in mid-June, offering made-from-scratch dishes using the freshest ingredients from local growers and producers. They’re located in the same building on HWY 378 where Stefano’s was located. Signature items on their menu include Southern Egg Rolls (made with pimento cheese and pulled pork!), Pickled Shrimp, Deviled Eggs topped with bacon and green onions, a Blackened Catfish BLT, a Hot Honey Fried Chicken Sandwich, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, a Double Cut Pork Chop and Banana Pudding Pound Cake. Sounds like a recipe for success to us!

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Saturday: 11am – 10pm
Sunday: 11am – 2:30pm

The Lula Drake

1635 Main St. | 803.917.8107

Opening this month in an Historic Main St. building, Lula Drake is billing itself as a Wine Parlour. They will be offering a varied menu of both food and spirits (with emphasis on the “spirits”.) Here’s what we can tell you: They are calling it Casa in Casa, or “House to House.” Think about discovering the small towns of Italy, Spain, France, Germany, or Austria, and then, suddenly, a wonderful villager invites you into their home to share what was brought in that day. For the Lula Drake, that means small plates, and a limited menu based on the wines and beers they’re pouring that day. Vegetarian options, of course, as well as Columbia’s base for the finest ham on earth- Jamon Iberico. Looking forward to seeing you soon.They will have a limited menu with small plates that are based on the wines and beers they are pouring that day. They will also have vegetarian options, as well as Columbia’s base for the finest ham on earth – Jamon Iberico (pictured on right). Their wine list will feature natural wines from small wineries. Why? Natural wines are family and farm driven with limited availability and the vineyards are organic, meaning these natural winemakers never use pesticides, added sugars, etc. Lula Drake will offer unique wines with history, as the basement at Lula Drake just keeps on offering riches from the past. They say that with “every glass, we drink in the shadow of where a wine has been, where it’s from, who made it and why.”

Sure Fire Tacos and Tortilla Grill

916 Gervais St. | 803.764.1016

Tex-Mex with a twist! This Texas chain opened their Columbia location on June 13th! All of their recipes and ingredients are prepared fresh daily, from their 5 signature salsas to their scratch-made tortillas. Offers a casual, inviting atmosphere with an open bar and outdoor patio seating. Build your own nachos for $8, savor more than 10 kinds of tacos!, and feast upon their hearty quesadillas & burritos.

Join them for their grand opening party July 9th starting at 11 in the morning until Close!! Live music, fun games, and great drink specials!

Hours of Operation:

Open daily 11am – 10pm

Caribbean Soul Grill

901 Holland Ave, Cayce | 803.851.7477

Pay market price for crab legs, red snapper, and doctor fish at Caribbean Soul Grill, Foodies. The restaurant opened up in May and offers dine-in seating, as well as take out. Over 5 entrees are dedicated to chicken and they have more than 5 sides. Variety, ingenuity, & new! With 10 sauces to choose from and appetizers like mozzarella sticks to taste for just $5…your taste buds will be in heaven. Can’t decide on just one appetizer? Ask for their “dis & dat” appetizer that will have a little bit of this & a little bit of that! Branch out with their Curry goat, Ackee & Saltfish (made with real coconut oil) & oxtail specialty dishes. Featuring a bar and their might just be a Sweet Potato Pudding on their menu for just $2.50. Fun for all!

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – 11pm

New Restaurant Coming Soon

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

Coming Soon:

1616 Gervais Bistro

Opening in the former Back Porch location, 1616 Gervais Bistro is slated to open by early July.
1616 Gervais Bistro--Food1 Will offer a unique open air dining experience with a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. Enjoy their laid back atmosphere, two outside dining areas (and indoor!), plus delicious, traditional American cuisine. They will take reservations and will also welcome walk-ins.

Hours:

Open 11am-3pm for lunch Monday – Saturday and dinner from 5pm-9pm. Bar and lounge area open 11am-until. Will be closed on Sundays.

Visit their Facebook page here and their website here!

You Have to Try This Place: Moriarty’s Irish Pub

Posted on June 13, 2016 by Kathy Gardener

When James Pickle (great name for a restaurant proprietor!) met with his chef, Devin Maes, to develop a menu for the all new Moriarty’s Irish Pub, he told Devin that one of his top priorities was serving Moriarty’s patrons the BEST BURGERS in Columbia. That’s a tall order in a town known for great burgers. Undaunted, Devin worked tirelessly, putting his years of experience to the test. An amazing burger was born – a unique blend of high Moriarity's Burger quality beef brisket and short rib, combined with a signature blend of smoked peppers, coriander, mustard seed and roasted peppercorns (daily roasted in house!) grilled over an open flame. Placed on artisan brioche buns, brushed with house-made infusions of oregano oil, basil oil, rosemary oil or garlic oil (depending on type of burger ordered) and grilled. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes, lager-drenched red onions and your choice of 6 different house-made sauces. The restaurant even makes its own burger pickles, using homemade sweet and spicy vinegar (the menu calls them “quick-pickled sriracha cucumbers”). Burger variations available with awesome toppings include The Smuggler (topped with diced tomatillos and poblanos, swiss cheese, and a honey jalapeno sauce) and The Fully Loaded Paddy Wagon (with topping choices that include a fried egg, a crunchy onion ring, jalapenos, bacon, salsa and tabasco).

In addition to serving excellent burgers, they also have a varied menu that includes Appetizers, Salads and Sandwiches. One unique category: Gaelic Fare including Isle favorites like Gaelic and Guiness Stew, Cottage Pie, Highland Poached then Grilled Bangers and Mash, and the like. Like the burgers, everything is made-from-scratch, in-house (including their Corned Beef!) Moriarity's Bar

Their pricing is reasonable and we found that, the both times we tried it, the service was outstanding.

The bar is busy. They have most extensive Irish whiskey selection in the City of Columbia, including:

Jameson 12 Year
Hellcat Maggie
Teeling Small Batch, Single Malt and Single Grain

They also offer:

scotch from all over (representing all regions)
100+ beers from all over the world
35 wine selections
numerous types of mules (including swedish, mandarin, irish, french etc etc)
specialty cocktail and martini menu
a pet friendly patio
kids menu
2 darts boards
silver strike video game
25 TVs

Happy hour: $1 off all $6 wines and $1 off all draft beers & well liquors.

Visit their Facebook page here.

902-B Gervais St (behind Longhorn Steakhouse) Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 888-6462