Best Southwest American Restaurants in Columbia

10 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Prohibition - Columbia restaurant

1. Prohibition - Columbia

4.4

Awesome(86)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 18 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.

2. Saluda's

4.8

Exceptional(3988)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 17 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(2489)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 81 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(375)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 8 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.

5. Top of Carolina

4.8

Exceptional(91)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 15 times 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.

6. Chayz Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(7)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 3 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

• Mexican • 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

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 4 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

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 6 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

• Mexican • Columbia

Booked 5 times 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.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Prohibition - Columbia

2. Saluda's

3. California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

4. Iron Hill Brewery - Columbia, SC

5. Top of Carolina

6. Chayz Lounge

7. Red Lobster - Cayce

8. BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse - Columbiana Station

9. Dave & Buster's - Columbia

10. Columbo's at DoubleTree by Hilton

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