Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe [2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205]
This café was bustling with energy and life! I loved the atmosphere and eclectic art on the walls. The food was superb starting with the warm bread and herbed butter. Service was astute, my water was always filled, and our server accommodated substitutions. The mountain trout so fresh with hollandaise sauce and a juicy zingy slaw on top. This was a dish we both ordered and were talking about for days to come, heck we’re still talking about it!
Midwood BBQ Smokehouse [702 Cross Hill Rd, Columbia, SC 29205]
I can’t get enough Carolina BBQ, and ooohweee does this place quench my thirst. We chose to sit outside in the shade and enjoy the perfect weather. A BBQ plate comes with your choice of meat and a side, plus hush puppies. I didn’t exactly know what hush puppies were comprised of, but dang they are delicious fried little nuggets of goodness. I went for the hickory smoked pulled chicken which was lightly covered in a mustard sauce, so tangy and good. My collards were perfection. Jeff went for brisket burnt ends in house BBQ sauce and bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers. Service was excellent and food was wonderful. We left stuffed and utterly satisfied.
Bourbon [1214 Main St Columbia, SC — 29063]
A trendy spot within sight of the Capitol, you may have to wait a few minutes if you don’t have reservations on a weekend. So we waited, but not too long, and strolled down Main Street checking out the historical plaques learning about Martha Washington’s presence in the area. When we did get to sit down that pimento mac and cheese was absolutely worth it.