Columbia isn’t Los Angeles. We don’t (yet) have health-centered food options on every block – ft. menus of kale salads with tahini dressing, blue majik smoothie bowls + tumeric lattes.
But we’re getting there – if you know where to look. We asked you on Instagram + Facebook to lettuce know where you go when you’re craving a smoothie or salad (plus your go-to orders) in Columbia.
Mr. Friendly’s | salads | 2001 Greene St. A | We’re ordering: the Fried Yellow Grits salad (herb goat cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, shaved vidalias, croutons + choice of dressing) + the Blacked Beef Tips and Shrimp salad (tomato-sweet pepper salsa, blue cheese, tomatoes, cucumbers, shaved vidalias, croutons + tomato-cilantro vinaigrette)
“Not necessarily on the New Year’s resolution weight loss list but high on the deliciousness list, my fave go-to is @mr_friendlys fried grits salad!” –@bobakanoah
“@mr_friendlys has so many salad options at lunch! The Black Bean Salad, and Tips & Shrimp Salad are my personal favs!” –@cjquinn07
Rosewood Market and Deli | salads + smoothies | 2803 Rosewood Dr. | We’re ordering: the Aztec Warrior smoothie (banana, raw cocoa, peanut butter, almond milk + raw hemp seeds)
“I love the Aztec Warrior at @rosewoodmarketsc and love making my own smoothies with @blenderbombs (purchased from RWM)!” –@mirandalattimore
The Gourmet Shop in Five Points | salads | 724 Saluda Ave. | We’re ordering: Our Famous Chicken Salad (served on a croissant with romaine, tomato + a choice of side) + One, One & One (create your own salad combination; choose any three of your favorite sides; served with French baguette + butter) | Recommended by @christyrdavis + COLAtoday
Spotted Salamander | salads | 1531 Richland St. | We’re ordering: the Spotted Salad (mixed greens, pulled sweet tea vodka barbecue sauced chicken, cheddar cheese, tomatoes, house Adluh cornbread croutons + buttermilk ranch) + the Shrimp Salad Stuffed Avocado Salad (seared avocado halves stuffed with old-fashioned shrimp salad over greens with red wine vinaigrette) | Recommended by @fifthandclark + @ashcadd
Cantina 76 | salads | 2901-A Devine St. | We’re ordering: the Chicken salad (roasted chicken, shredded cheese + pico de gallo on a bed of mixed greens with a cilantro lime vinaigrette)
“@cantina76 (the cilantro lime vinaigrette is bomb & I also like to sub seared shrimp sometimes).” –@ashcadd
The Corner Blend | smoothies | 601 Main St. | We’re ordering: the Tropi-cado smoothie (avocado, spinach, banana, mango, pineapple + yogurt) | Recommended by COLAtoday
Crave Artisan Specialty Market | salads | 2843 Millwood Ave. | We’re ordering: the Carlisle Korean Pulled Pork Sandwich (house-braised hoisin pulled pork, sesame ginger, cilantro slaw, sriracha lime mayo + cucumbers; made as a salad) | Recommended by COLAtoday
Mediterranean Tea Room | salads | 2601 Devine St. | We’re ordering: the Greek Salad | Recommended by @colatownfoodie
Roots and Fruits | smoothies | Soda City Market (Saturdays only) | We’re ordering: the Strawberry Sunrise smoothie | Recommended by @irisandmariepress
smallSUGAR | salads | 709 Gervais St. | We’re ordering: the Greens + Grains salad (farro, wheatberries, kale, chard, greens, herbs, cucumber, Cabot clothbound cheddar, amaranth + avocado-green goddess dressing) | Recommended by @irisandmariepress
Tazza Kitchen | salads | 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 20 | We’re ordering: the Kale and Chilies salad (toasted pine nuts, lemon vinaigrette, chili pequin + grana padano) + the Crunchy Potato and Arugula salad (house smoked mozzarella, toasted almonds + maple vinaigrette) | Recommended by @rulakibler + @christyrdavis
“Crunchy potato and arugula salad, add chicken from @tazzakitchen By far, my favorite salad in Columbia!” –@ldniven
Tropical Smoothie Cafe | smoothies | 650 Lincoln St. | We’re ordering: the Detox Island Green smoothie (spinach, kale, mango, pineapple, banana & fresh ginger) | Recommended by COLAtoday
Urban Cookhouse | salads | 3000 Devine St. | We’re ordering: the Pepper Patch salad with lime-marinated steak (black beans, corn, red onion, tomatoes, pepper jack + roasted jalapeno vinaigrette) | Recommended by @nicole.m.salisbury
Whole Foods | smoothies | 702 Cross Hill Rd., Suite 300 | We’re ordering: the Green Goddess (cucumber, apple, spinach, kale + lemon) | Recommended by @colatownfoodie
Yesterday’s | salads | 2030 Devine St. | We’re ordering: the Black ‘N Blue Salad (lean flank steak, cajun-blackened + served over house-mixed greens; topped with sliced onion, croutons, fresh baby portobello mushrooms + blue cheese crumbles; served with your choice of dressing)
“Black n Blue salad at #yesterdaysfivepoints (hold the bleu cheese for me) 😍😍” -@moe_bettabooty
Za’s | salads | 2930 Devine St. | We’re ordering: the Salmon + Orzo salad (seared, fresh Atlantic salmon filet over spinach, arugula and chilled orzo, with capers, olives, tomatoes, fresh parsley + lemon oil with house-made champagne vinaigrette) | Recommended by @hailscov
Did we miss your favorite local spot to order a smoothie or salad? Reply to this email or comment on our Instagram or Facebook posts to let us know where you’re fueling up in 2019.
#ProTip: My personal go-to sipper is Rosewood Market’s Matcha Sunrise smoothie. I’ll buy a pack of Hush Up and Hustle’s Blender Bombs (in Rosewood’s refrigerated section) to turn it into a satisfying lunch.
