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I am relocating to Columbia from NY, and I was wondering what are some good restaurants and bars in the downtown area? My friend (who's also from NY) and I are in our mid 20's and are looking for places to go on the weekends, but we would like to avoid venues that are stricly "college" hang outs. However, we are both in the education field, so places that offer happy hour deals or other specials would be favorable.
On an unrelated note, what are the major grocery chains in the Columbia area?
You'll have a blast trying out bars and restaurants downtown and finding what atmosphere/crowd you like best.
You'll hear the two main nightlife districts are the Vista and Five Points, and that Five Points is more the college-age crowd and the Vista more the young prof'l/older crowd. I've found this to be generally true. I'd recommend Flying Saucer and Liberty Taproom in the Vista--both very popular, Liberty is both a restaurant and a large bar and Saucer is a large bar that usually has music on weekends. As young prof'l types we would go down to Five Points too from time to time--you may want to check out Harpers which is a very popular Columbia restaurant in Five Points. We go in the summer for trivia out on the deck.
You'll find a lot of college bars in Five Points, some more nicer restaurants that also have bars in the Vista. Another Vista restaurant I'd recommend is Blue Marlin for nice-casual. There are also tapas places and wine bars in the Vista that you'd probably like.
As for grocery stores, you sound like a Publix girl. They are all over Columbia area, very popular and by far the nicest stores (and here's a secret I found: people from the North usually lean towards Publix).
Other chains: Bi-Lo (my runner-up), Piggly Wiggly, Kroger, Food Lion
Hennessey's at Main and Blanding, Hampton Vineyard on Hampton between Main and Sumter, Posh in the Hilton at Main and Washington, Mac's on Main near Blanding, Hunter-Gatherer at Main and College Street, Villa Tronco on Blanding between Main and Sumter, Blue Marlin on Lincoln Street in the Vista, Saluda's overlooking the Five Points fountain...and on and on. There are lots to choose from. I'd google restaurants Columbia SC and see what pops up.
I've only been her a couple of months, but three restaurants I really enjoyed are Gervais & Vine (tapas, in the Vista, nice patio); Mr. Friendly's (new Southern cuisine, in Five Points, no reservations accepted); and The Gourmet Shop Cafe (for lunch, in Five Points, try the One, One & One--your choice of three cold salads). I believe both entertainment districts have special events on Thursday nights (Vista After 5 and Five Points After 5).
An important thing to remember about the night life in Columbia is that it really doesn't get going until midnight, and in some cases after that. So, if you head out at 9:00pm and expect to find a hopping scene that might not always be the case.
I like Thai food. I also am looking for places where I can just have a nice salad and soup.
There is a soup man in Russell House at USC that is open to the public. No Zoup for you!
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