Located on Columbia’s northeast border, Forest Acres is a “city within a city” known for both its shopping + dining along Forest Drive and its highly rated public schools. The city was first established in 1935 and coined as “A City Apart” — since growing to over 10,000 residents.
With the new Cardinal Crossing development, a new $1 million waterfront park along Gills Creek on Forest Lake Place Drive, and the ongoing Forest Acres Main Street Program: Covenant Crossing, Cola’s neighbor continues to grow and change. Let’s take a look around the city that offers a little bit of everything.
Start with the breakfast — or brunch — of champions
- BLD Diner, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 26 |Try this: Chicken and waffles
- Bruegger’s Bagels, 4601 Forest Dr.
- Eggs Up Grill, 4711 Forest Dr.
- The Original Pancake House, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 14 |Try this: The Dutch Baby served with butter, lemon, and powdered sugar
Great for lunch
- Boca Grande Burritos, 4525 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: Order one of the tailgate packages to feed a large group.
- Groucho’s Deli, 4717 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: Order online for a quick pickup if you’re in a rush at lunch
- Kudzu Bakery & Market, 4600 Forest Dr., Suite 10
- Lilian’s, 4711 Forest Dr.
- The Other Store, 4130 Bethel Church Rd. | Pro tip: Walk through the convenience store to the restaurant in the back.
- Verde, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 19 | Try this: The Backyard BBQ salad from the seasonal selections
- Zoe’s Kitchen, 4855 Forest Dr.
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere
- JR Cash’s Grill and Bar, 2005 North Beltline Blvd. #5 | Try this: Cash’s Punch will have you thinking you’re at the beach
- Lowes Food Beer Den, 4711 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: The Beer Den located in the grocery store rotates eight beers on tap.
- Moltó Vino, 4623 Forest Dr., Suite 6 | Pro tip: The self pouring machines allow you to taste test one ounce before you purchase an entire bottle.
Sit down for a well-deserved dinner
- Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, 4623 Forest Dr.
- Bonefish Grill, 4708 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: Order a family bundle online for pickup and feed the family at home.
- Pasta Fresca, 4722 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: Order online for easy pickup at the front of the restaurant.
- Schiano’s, 4839 Forest Dr. | Try this: the pizza is the go to, but try the baked lasagna
- Tazza Kitchen, 4840 Forest Dr., Suite 200 | Try this: A wood-fired pizza is a must-order
- Tombo Grille, 4517 Forest Dr. | Pro tip: Check the Facebook page for daily specials.
- Village Idiot Pizza, 4517 Forest Dr. | Like its Cola area siblings, Village Idiot Forest Drive is similar to other locations, but has its own neighborhood flare.
Grab something sweet
- Ally & Eloise Bakeshop | 5209 Forest Dr.
- Nothing Bundt Cakes, 4619 Forest Dr., Suite 1
Coming Soon
- Poogan’s Southern Kitchen, Coming soon to Cardinal Crossing
