Let’s glow, Cola. Kayla here, and over the past several summers, cheering on the Columbia Fireflies (while eating copious amounts of hot dogs + Dippin Dots) has become one of my favorite things to do.
With minor league baseball canceled for the season , the Columbia Fireflies are finding innovative ways to continue to entertain Soda Citizens – like turning Segra Park into the “Fireflies Bar & Grill” restaurant on Friday + Saturday nights this summer. I recently tried it out, and it was a home run. Here’s how it works + why you should #TryThis.
Experience:
Dining at Fireflies Bar & Grill
What we tried (with pricing):
I made my reservation online for Saturday’s 7-9 p.m. seating block. These reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, with the first seating block from 6-8 p.m. and the second from 7-9 p.m. Reservation links change weekly and are released on the Fireflies’ social pages a few days before the weekend.
Tables are spaced out significantly for enhanced physical distancing at Fireflies Bar & Grill
Masks are required until you are seated at your table, so I donned mine, checked in at the front gate and was shown to my table in the Bullpen Boxes along the 3rd base line. I was impressed at the level of physical distancing in place: tables were spaced significantly apart, and only every other table was occupied. Bonus: There was a 2019 Fireflies game on the Jumbotron.
The menu (which you access digitally using a QR code on your table) features traditional ballpark favorites – like hot dogs ($6 with a side) + burgers ($9 with a side) – as well as a variety of apps, wraps and even salads. We also hear there’s a secret burger menu .
I ordered a Steel Hands Tropical IPA ($4) to wash it all down, but if I wasn’t in the mood for beer, I could’ve had my pick of specialty cocktails (like the Masked Moscow Mule), wine or spirits on the menu.
Note: For health and safety reasons, payment is card-only, so leave your cash at home. Servers are equipped with tablets for a touch-free payment process.
Don’t miss:
The Nachos de Chicharrones ($10). Let’s talk about them. Pork rinds topped with nacho cheese, pulled pork, jalapeños and sweet + BBQ sauce. (Full disclosure: I am writing this at 9:30 a.m., and I would eat a plate right now.)
Nachos de Chicharrones at Fireflies Bar & Grill (our apologies that your screen is neither scratch-n-sniff nor lick-n-taste)
What we’re still talking about:
#SodaCitizens know a summer thunderstorm is nothing unusual. Oh, the weather forecast says there’s zero chance of rain? Better pack an umbrella.
When a storm came rolling through around 8, the Fireflies staff (who were all in masks), quickly + efficiently moved guests and their meals to tables under the covered concourse. I took a seat and sipped my beer while watching the rain over the outfield – it was pretty great.
Staff at Fireflies Bar & Grill are required to wear masks at all times, and Jessica’s scrunchie/shirt coordination was on point
How you can experience this:
Keep an eye on the Fireflies’ Facebook , Twitter + Instagram , where they will post the reservation link for the upcoming weekend. Make your reso, pack your masks, and enjoy.
Things to know if you go:
- Experience: Fireflies Bar & Grill
- Price: Menu items vary, costing an average of $8.
- Website: Menu here ; reservation links change weekly (keep an eye on social media)
- Address: Segra Park at BullStreet District, 1640 Freed St., Columbia, SC 29201
- Hours: First seating 6-8 p.m., second seating 7-9 p.m.
- Social: Facebook , Twitter + Instagram Ⓟ