As cheerleaders for Columbia, we consider ourselves the go-to for everything about this city – including the best places to eat.
But where do the actual Cola food experts eat? We chatted with some local chefs around the Midlands and asked where they like to grab a bite to eat when they leave the kitchens they run. Here’s what they said:
COA, Bourbon + Saki Tumi | “Since I can’t be biased and say PUBLICO, these are my ‘BIG 3.’ I want to support the local guys behind each of those restaurants and enjoy seeing them from time to time when I’m seated at their bar dining!” – Publico head chef Mike D.
Real Mexico, Julia German + Rush’s | “And when I’ve got $$ it’s Terra and Motor and Solstice. I always try new things at great restaurants! Except rushes – get a cheeseburger.” – Spotted Salamander head chef Jessica S.
Groucho’s, Motor Supply, Mr. Friendly’s + Hunter-Gatherer | “If my kids are coming along it’s Groucho’s on Forest Drive. The service is good, the price is nice and the food is always tasty. If it’s date night, Cheryl and I really enjoy Motor Supply and Mr Friendly’s. The quality and service are consistently great at both, and the price is equal to the experience. More recently, great dishes we had were the Shrimp and Grits and Lamb chops at Hunter Gatherer. The flavors were bold and direct, the dishes were prepared well, the atmosphere was casual, the service was good and the beers paired well with the food.” – Cantina 76 + Za’s head chef David G.
Tazza Kitchen + Bourbon | “My go to favorite brunch meal is Tazza’s eggs benedict. That soft formed crab cake and the perfectly poached egg and hollandaise sauce will always have me coming back for more. And for my late night weekend meal you can always find me eating whatever special Po Boy that Chef Frank at Bourbon has on the menu that night, but dang I wish I could still get his Pork Belly Tacos, just saying (hint hint).” – Goat’s head chef Frank
The War Mouth + Bone-In Barbecue | “I try to go to brunch at least once a week… and I end up getting similar things at both places. The Cottontown Pileup and Brisket Hash, respectively, are my favorite dishes in town. But the real winner is the Breakfast Pastry Basket at Bone-In. Nothing beats Zane’s homemade cinnamon rolls and icing. My mom keeps begging me for his recipe.” – Lula Drake head chef Ros G.
Terra + Lula Drake | “My absolute favorite restaurant in Columbia is Terra. Mike Davis is Columbia’s OG Farm-to-Table chef/owner who first put local farms on the menu over 10 years ago. I LOVE his crispy pizzas and steak frites, but his nightly seasonal specials are why we call him a rockstar. I also love to pull up to the bar at Lula Drake and just let owner Tim Gardner’s team pour me a glass of what they’re most excited about. I come for the funky boutique wines and stay for the handmade pasta and fancy grilled cheese sandwiches.” – Rosewood Market head chef Bryan T.
Inakaya, Real Mexico + The Whig | “Inakaya serves the best sushi in Columbia and we hit it up once a month, at least. I have gotten to know the chef, and we let him feed us when we go. Real Mexico is family favorite at our house. They serve authentic Mexican food, made with love. It is the best Mexican in town – we love the tacos, but they also have great mole, tamales, etc. The Whig is a great watering hole for F&B folks. It’s dark and dingy with cool craft beer and cheese fries.” – Terra head chef Mike D.
Baan Sawan, Leo’s Chicken Wings, Harambe + Duke’s Pad Thai | “While Harambe is best known for its Ethiopian menu, they also have great American pub food. Top Dogg’s wings, drink specials and hospitality are among the best in Columbia.” – The War Mouth head chefs Elliot + Trapp
