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Restaurants near University of South Carolina

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31 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of El Vago Mexican Kitchen restaurant
1. El Vago Mexican Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(29)
$$$$
• Mexican • Columbia
Booked 14 times today
El Vago Mexican Kitchen is a new restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina that serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is located at 601-A Main St., near the intersection of Main and Blossom streets. El Vago is open for lunch and dinner, and offers a variety of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. The restaurant also has a full bar, and offers a variety of margaritas, beers, and wines. El Vago is a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or family. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the food is delicious.
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Columbia restaurant
2. Tupelo Honey - Columbia
4.5
Awesome(420)
$$$$
• Southern • Columbia
Booked 14 times today
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.If you do not see your desired party size or time available please see our website for additional reservation availability. https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/frisco/reservations/
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia restaurant
3. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(3028)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Columbia
Booked 39 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef. Broiled in a trademark 1,800° oven & served on a plate heated to 500 degrees, your steak is presented sizzling hot at your table.Additionally, the menu includes select fresh seafood & other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like foie gras, buffalo strip & scallops. A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience. Ruth's Chris never fails to please!
A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating restaurant
4. California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating
4.5
Awesome(2996)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 186 times today
Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside the historic 1902 Union Station, California Dreaming welcomes guests with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of the rail tracks, stretching from the inactive platform to the main terminal. Paired with our hearty, made-from-scratch menu, it's no wonder California Dreaming has been a beloved local institution since 1984. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including online ordering with curbside pickup.Celebrating 40 years, California Dreaming has been a valued part of the Columbia community. Union Station, its historic home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.**We provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 8. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.
A photo of Saluda's restaurant
5. Saluda's
4.8
Exceptional(4315)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 21 times today
Located in the heart of Five Points, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capitol building, Saluda’s has been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since it opened to much fanfare in 1996. Saluda's has created an exciting menu intermingling classically prepared dishes with cutting edge techniques and ingredients. Saluda's menu is built around mixing locally grown seasonal products with luxurious ingredients from around the world. Saluda's features Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences to create a menu both familiar and new. Our professional and courteous staff serves all of our guests with true Southern hospitality.
A photo of Prohibition - Columbia restaurant
6. Prohibition - Columbia
4.6
Exceptional(258)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 49 times today
Prohibition Columbia opened in the spring of 2024 and is brought to you by the same team behind Prohibition Charleston, which opened in 2014, and Repeal 33 in historic Savannah, Georgia. While many of the food and drink items can be found at all three locations, special considerations have been made to tailor a unique experience in each city.As part of the ever-growing Main Street District, Prohibition brings innovative cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and live music to the heart of Soda City.
A photo of Ladder 13 restaurant
7. Ladder 13
4.6
Exceptional(47)
$$$$
• Pizzeria • Columbia
Booked 33 times today
Savor thoughtfully composed small plates, seasonal ingredients, and bold interpretations of Mediterranean classics. Whether you're sipping a cocktail beneath the glow of Ladder 13's original fire doors or settling in for a weekend dinner, every dish invites you to linger a little longer.
A photo of MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia restaurant
8. MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia
4.6
Exceptional(340)
$$$$
• Asian • Columbia
Booked 37 times today
Welcome to MOA, downtown Columbia's exclusive destination for authentic Korean BBQ dining. Our upscale establishment prides itself on delivering an unforgettable culinary experience, where the vibrant flavors of traditional Korean cuisine meet the highest quality ingredients, including our signature dry-aged beef. Sit back and relax as our dedicated service team expertly handles the grilling for your table, ensuring every bite is perfection. Join us for a memorable dining adventure at the only Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown Columbia, where every moment is filled with warmth, flavor, and genuine hospitality.
A photo of Coa Agaveria y Cocina restaurant
9. Coa Agaveria y Cocina
4.8
Exceptional(45)
$$$$
• Mexican • Columbia
Booked 6 times today
Escape to Coa Agaveria y Cocina, Columbia's upscale Mexican haven. Savor our family recipes, crafted with bold flavors from across Mexico. Indulge in small plates, exquisite tequila and mezcal cocktails, and specialty dishes that tantalize your taste buds. Our cozy ambiance creates the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. Join us for a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Mexico.If not, available smaller parties are served on a first-come, first served basis, and larger parties over 12 must call for a reservation. Our private dining room can accommodate up to 24 guests. Please call 803-851-5965 or email privatedining@coaagaveria.com to reserve.
A photo of Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia restaurant
10. Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(1611)
$$$$
• Brazilian Steakhouse • Columbia
Booked 43 times today
Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse is an unique, all you can eat “Churrascaria” featuring a full Salad Bar with over 30 items, 6 Hot Dishes and a “parade” of 16 USDA Prime cuts of beef, chicken, pork and lamb sliced at your table by our Gauchos. Along with a full bar, we have a beautiful walk-in wine cellar with fine selection of wines from Argentina, Chile, California and our Brazilian Flavored Martini Menu. Join us for an unforgettable dining experience!

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Dining near University of South Carolina at a glance

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Coa Agaveria y Cocina

4.8

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American

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$30 and under

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Discover best restaurants near University of South Carolina

Discover the vibrant culinary scene surrounding the University of South Carolina, a cornerstone of knowledge and culture in Columbia. Where to Eat Near University of South Carolina? Food enthusiasts will find an array of dining options just a stone's throw away. Options range from Brazilian steakhouses offering all-you-can-eat specialties to Southern eateries that celebrate traditional cuisine with a modern twist. Casual dining options featuring crafted beers alongside American classics create a lively atmosphere perfect for gatherings. No matter your palate, enjoy the richness of flavors that come from regions near and far, all while soaking in the local charm and community spirit. From hearty brunch spots to upscale casual settings, there's something for everyone near the University of South Carolina.

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