College football is back + tailgating traditions run deep at USC. SC has been ranked by 247 Sports (No. 2) , USA Today (No. 4), Bleacher Report (No. 9), and Stadium Talk (No. 11) as having one of the best tailgating experiences in college football.
Pull out your coolers + calendars as you gear up for Saturdays in South Carolina. We’re highlighting five local football food restaurants to order from so you have something to snack on when it’s gametime.
🍗 Bojangles, 10 locations across Columbia
- At this point, can we just consider Bojangles local? We would debate that this chain has mastered game day boxes. Grab a Gamecock-branded Big Bo Box, filled with fried chicken, fixin’s, and a buttery biscuit.
- Pro tip: For a limited time, Bojangles is testing out chicken wings in Columbia in light of tailgating season. The new wings will be served up and marinated in a blend of spices and coated with creamy buffalo, barbeque, or Bo’s Classic sauces.
🍗 DiPrato’s Delicatessen, 342 Pickens St.
- Known for its pimento cheese + any kind of salad you can think of, we recommend taking a look at DiPrato’s catering menu to pick up authentic New York deli-style food with Italian influence and Southern flare.
- Pro tip: You’re missing out if you don’t order a dessert with your meal.
🍗 Home Team BBQ, 700 Harden St.
- You have the choice between Family Style Combinations (feeding 10+), Boxed Meals (feeding 20+), or a Build Your Own method of catering for the big game.
🍗 Rosewood Dairy Bar, 3003 Rosewood Dr.
- Order the Tailgate Special + choose between an eight-piece, 15-piece, or 20-piece chicken meal, outfit with a tray of fries, a pint of slaw, and rolls.
🍗 Zesto, 504 12th St., West Columbia
- Grab a Tub Of Chicken — 12 pieces including three breasts, three wings, three thighs, and three legs. Pro tip: You can order the tub of chicken with white meat (seven breasts + five wings.)
