Food

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Food
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Columbia
Dining in Columbia is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
February 24, 2026 11:29 AM
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David Stringer
Cantina 76 honeysuckle margarita 3
Food
Cheers: We’re celebrating Drink Up Week — here’s how to join us
We’ll be toasting to the bountiful beverage industry across Columbia, SC from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26, 2024.
May 24, 2024
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Monica Garske
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Food
Wild, can’t-miss desserts in Columbia, SC
Looking to level up your dessert game and always crave a little something sweet after dinner? Here are five, can’t-miss desserts in Columbia to split with friends (or keep all to yourself.)
May 23, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Food
35+ spots to grab a drink after work in Columbia
Hit the town and enjoy a drink after work at one of these cheers-worthy local bars.
May 16, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Takosushi to open in Forest Acres
TakoSushi opens new Columbia location on May 14, offering a unique blend of Latin and Asian flavors at 4711 Forest Dr.
May 8, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
Columbia’s food festivals share culture and foods
These two festivals happening in Columbia offer a wide array of vegan and traditional foods to try.
May 2, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
5 local Mexican restaurants to visit in Columbia
Cinco De Mayo is this Sunday, Cola and we rounded up a few local Mexican restaurants you may want to try.
May 1, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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Sponsored
What (and who) shapes the way we eat?
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Business
Reminisce with us about the Five points District in Columbia
Five Points has gone through some changes over the year and the landscape is still changing as a well-known bar get a revamp.
April 25, 2024
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Samantha Robertson
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Business
Methodical Coffee flagship store coming to BullStreet District
Methodical Coffee announced a new flagship shop in Columbia’s BullStreet District, opening November 2024, featuring a unique blend of community and quality coffee in a 3,400 sqft space.
April 16, 2024
 · 
David Stringer
Carowinds
Travel and Outdoors
4 driveable day or weekend trip destinations within two hours of Columbia
Just need to getaway for a few days or feeling spontaneous on a day off? Here are four day trip destinations within two hours of Columbia.
April 15, 2024
 · 
Samantha Robertson
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A satellite image above Columbia. The city is labeled, and four blue lines are going off — one north, one east, one south, and one west — out past the edges of the screen.
Travel and Outdoors
Which cities share Columbia’s latitude and longitude?
Directly north, east, south, and west of COLA, cities across the world await.
September 2, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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Events
JerryFest 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of the Grateful Dead
JerryFest returns to Five Points on Sunday, Oct. 5 with two stages of live music, food, art, and family fun.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Williams-Brice stadium during a day game.
Gamecock season preview: Tailgates, Sandstorm, and Saturdays in Columbia
A look at the 2025 Gamecock football season, including key players, biggest games, and what’s new on gameday at Williams-Brice.
August 28, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Local authors section at Richland Library
Outdoors
Where would you put an outdoor library in Columbia?
The concept is taking over South Korea’s capital city. We’re thinking about where we’d copy it in Soda City.
August 27, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
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City
Start streaming these local podcasts
Whether you’re interested in hearing from local business leaders, exploring the art world, or just hearing a good story, there’s a Cola podcast for you.
August 26, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Play
Date night ideas for every type of Columbian
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date night in Soda City.
August 20, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson
Close-up of a dire wolf skull cast with sharp canine teeth, displayed at the Florence County Museum in South Carolina.
5 animals that used to roam the Midlands
Unbury Columbia and Florence’s prehistoric past by looking at these five animals that once called the region home before they went extinct.
August 19, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
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Food
European café–style brasserie + market coming to Gervais Street
A European café–style brasserie and market is opening in Melrose Heights in 2026, with local roots.
August 14, 2025
 · 
David Stringer
Columbia-SC
Live
Local Gov. 101: Understanding Columbia’s City Council
Class is in session — become familiar with how Columbia’s City Council works, and explore your role as an active citizen.
August 13, 2025
 · 
Samantha Robertson