With the Masters Tournament week in full swing, pimento cheese is back in the national spotlight. While the spread didn’t originate in Columbia, the pimento cheeseburger was popularized by Jacob “J.C.” Reynolds of the former South Main Street Dairy Bar in the 1960s.
Here’s where to taste this hometown classic:
Burger Tavern 77 | “The Charleston” burger is topped with smoked pimento cheese, bacon, and pickles for a tangy twist.
Grill Marks | This Vista burger spot uses a pimento and bleu cheese blend + you can get it as a topping on your fries.
Jack Brown’s “When in Roam...” burger is a Thursday special. | Photo by Jack Brown’s
Jack Brown’s | Available Thursdays only, the “When in Roam...” stacks chipotle pimento cheese, bacon, and jalapeño jelly on an American wagyu patty.
The Kingsman | “The Palmetto” layers homemade pimento cheese, fried jalapeños, and bacon on a ground ribeye patty.
Mack’s Cash Grocery | A Columbia staple known for its short-order grill and no-frills charm, Mack’s serves a straightforward pimento cheeseburger with a patty, melted pimento cheese, lettuce, and tomato, a longtime local favorite.
Mathias Sandwich Shop | The sandwich shop’s most wanted burger features a never-frozen beef patty topped with homemade pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato, mustard, mayo, and onion on a golden bun.
No Name Deli | This local lunch spot tops a thick beef patty with pimento cheese and classic sandwich fixin’s.
Pawley’s Front Porch | The “Isle of Palms” burger features house-made pimento cheese, jalapeño bacon, and the usual fixings.
Transmission Arcade | Add poblano pimento cheese to the Super Smash Burger for extra heat and cheesy goodness.
What-A-Burger | The Pimiento What-A-Burger is a local legend, with a no-frills, flavor-packed take on the Southern staple.
Bonus:
Terra
Terra’s Pimento Cheeseburger Pizza turns the burger into a slice with ground beef and house made pimento cheese on a crispy crust.
