Food - COLAtoday

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

David Stringer

A raised glass with Boku's green wall and cherry blossoms as a backdrop.

Sponsored

Try This: Weekend brunch at Boku Kitchen & Saloon

Boku’s Pan-Asian flavors are perfect for brunch.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Food

Inside Iron Hill Brewery and Restuarant at BullStreet

The new Iron Hill Brewery will open in June in the BullStreet District.

March 31, 2023

David Stringer

Food

Lula Drake and City Grit Hospitality Group are James Beard Award finalists

Columbia is home two two James Beard Award finalists.

March 29, 2023

David Stringer

Events

St. Patrick’s Day events to try in Columbia

Here’s how to join in on the fun around the Soda City.

March 16, 2023

Samantha Robertson

Sponsored

Let’s “maki” this week special with this special 🍣

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Sponsored

Eat your way through Spartanburg’s Spartanburger Trail 🍔

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Food

Biscuit making 101 at Lizard’s Thicket

Lizard’s Thicket has been making its biscuits fresh each morning for 45 years.

February 27, 2023

David Stringer

A customer eating Boku's Lunch Bento Box with chopsticks.

Sponsored

Need a new lunch spot? 🍱

Switch up your lunchtime routine with Boku Kitchen & Saloon’s flavorful dishes.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

Sponsored

Here’s where to find good brews + delish dishes 👀

Bonus: See our fav menu items, too.

Sponsored by a COLAtoday Partner

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Food

Super Bowl food recommendations from Soda Citizens

So, who has the best local hot wings?

February 8, 2023

Samantha Robertson

More from COLAtoday

Events

Birdwatching in the Gardens: A spring migration

A spring morning of birdwatching in Columbia, where migrating warblers, local gardens, and unexpected bird facts stole the show.

April 24, 2025

David Stringer

Soda City Market is the best farmers market in the nation

No surprise here — Soda City Market was named the No. 1 Farmers Market in the nation by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

April 23, 2025

Samantha Robertson

Food

New steakhouse coming to downtown Lexington

Midlands restaurateurs Steve Cook, Joe Walker, and Ryan Jones are opening a modern steakhouse in Lexington in May 2025, featuring hand-cut steaks, seafood, and seasonal dishes.

April 23, 2025

David Stringer

A group of people stand in front of two blue "COMET" buses during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. A woman in the center cuts the white ribbon while others smile and pose for the photo. The event celebrates the launch of COMET's new zero-emission bus fleet.

City

COMET unveils its first zero-emission buses

The transit system is building its zero-emissions fleet by adding buses with hydrogen fuel cell and battery-electric technology.

April 22, 2025

Michael Beausoleil

Food

Plan a Soda City picnic

Plan the perfect picnic in Columbia by prepping your meal, packing your equipment, and picking a scenic local destination.

April 21, 2025

David Stringer

Woman duct taping a box closed at a food drive.

Play

35+ volunteer opportunities in and around Columbia

Support Columbia causes year-round — from mentoring youth to rescuing pets, river cleanups, or helping from home.

April 21, 2025

Samantha Robertson

CFWF-Kickoff Dinner-2024-photo by Forrest Clonts-highres-070.jpg

Food

Columbia Food & Wine Festival: What’s still on the table?

Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns April 22–27 with chef dinners, tastings, and ticketed events still available.

April 18, 2025

David Stringer

A few gifts overlaid on a patchwork background, including a Carharrt lunch box and a jewelry dish.

Sponsored

What to buy for parents: Your 2025 gift guide for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day

Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.