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🥬 It’s easy eating green

Vegan and vegetarian eats in Columbia
Peace of Soul employee holding two plates of food
A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen has you covered for vegan side dishes. | Photo via Let’s Meat Less
Eating meat-free hasn’t always been easy, but in Columbia, it’s a piece of (vegan) cake.

Our local food scene is as vibrant as ever, so it’s no surprise there are a slew of local chefs serving up fresh, vegetarian bites across town. From vegetarian barbecue to scrumptious vegan tacos, here are 29 restaurants serving up meat-free fare in Columbia.

🌱 100% vegetarian/vegan eats

A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen, 2338 Main St. | A Peace of Soul is all vegan with a rotating daily menu that features vegan variations of traditional Southern favorites. Try this: the breakfast menu features breakfast sandwiches, pancakes, and biscuits.

The Hoot, 2910 Rosewood Dr. | If you miss The Whig’s Veg-fil-A, you’ll find it on the menu along with the Philly Sando + the Hoot Sandwich with tofu.

More Vegan Cafe, 4622 N. Main St. | This all-vegan spot has recreated vegan versions of classic dishes like its Phish and chips, Carrot Dog, Seafood Lasagna with Phish, Fried Sushi Tempura, and Walnut Spaghetti.

Sweet Potato Burger.jpeg

Try the sweet potato burger and fries from Good Life Cafe.

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Photo by City Social Co.

🍕 Casual eating

Rosewood Market, 2803 Rosewood Dr. | Not only does this local market sell everything you’d need to cook vegan at home, the grab-and go section and the deli offer a variety of vegetarian-friendly options.

🍔 For the vegan carnivore

Transmission Arcade, 1712 Main St. | If you don’t get your fill of video games, be sure to try the Beyond the Smoked burger with a side of the vegan french fries or collards.

Coa vegan menu.jpeg

All of the dishes available on Coa’s vegan menu.

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Photo by Coa Agaveria y Cocina

🍸 Date night

Coa Agaveria y Cocina, 823 A Lady St. | Coa offers a special vegan menu with dishes like its Ensalada de Betabel, a roasted beet salad with arugula + Envolturas de Lechuga made with beyond meat chorizo served in a lettuce wrap.

The Dragon Room, 803 Gervais St. | Many of The Dragon Room’s dishes are highlighted with a “V” noting that the dish has a vegan option.
23 more veggie spots
City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.
Asked

Have you eaten at a local vegetarian or vegan restaurant within the past month?
A. Yes
B. No, but I have considered it
C. No
Lettuce know
 
Events
Tuesday, July 30
  • Art in Focus with Dr. Frank Martin | Tuesday, July 30 | 11-11:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Art in Focus is a series of spotlight talks in which art historians explore themes found in an individual artwork in the CMA Collection.
Wednesday, July 31
  • Yoga: Garden Asana | Wednesday, July 31, Thursday, Aug. 1 | 8:15-9:15 a.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $15 | An experienced instructor will guide you through a series of poses designed to improve your body and mind connection.
  • Forest Acres Farmers Market | Wednesday, July 31 | 2-6 p.m. | Gills Creek Memorial Park, 24 Forest Lake Pl., Forest Acres | Free | Grab your locally grown fruits and veggies at this market each Wednesday.
  • Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, July 31 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St., Ste. A3, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
Thursday, Aug. 1
  • Shepard Fairey Facing the Giant: 3 Decades of Dissent | Thursday, Aug. 1-Friday, Aug. 2 | 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | McKissick Museum, 816 Bull St., Columbia | Free | An exhibition composed of 30 silkscreen and mixed media prints from the renowned street artist from Charleston.
  • First Thursday On Main | Thursday, Aug. 1 | 5:30-8:30 p.m. | Main Street District, Columbia | Free | Enjoy free music on Boyd Plaza, art in the Arcade Mall, and a soccer ball scavenger hunt.
Friday, Aug. 2
  • City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | Friday, Aug. 2 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op Parking Lot, Bull St., Columbia | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
  • Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, Aug. 2 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Nashville Nights features talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances.
100+ more events
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Older Adults

Debunking 3 retirement community myths
Three people laughing around a dining table.
Still Hopes residents enjoy vibrant lifestyles filled with good food, fun activities, and the support they need. | Photo courtesy of Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
If you’re considering a retirement community, it’s important to know the facts. That’s why the local experts at Still Hopes are here to debunk some common misconceptions:

You will lose your independence.
With services like transportation and maintenance, residents can usually maintain their independence longer than staying in their homes.

There’s only bingo and bridge.
Residents enjoy activities like musical performances, clubs, fitness classes, volunteering, trips, and more.

You will get tired of the food.
With five dining venues + changing menus, there’s always something new.
The truth about Still Hopes
News Notes
Civic
  • The City of Columbia seeks public input for its new Downtown Strategic Master Plan as it approaches Cola’s 250th anniversary. Two open house sessions will be held on Thursday, Aug. 1 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4-6:30 p.m.
Closing
  • Whit-Ash Furnishings in the Vista is closing after over 52 years. The exact closing date for the Gervais Street store is unknown, but discounts on items like rugs + furniture are ongoing. (The Post and Courier)
Olympics
  • The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France — keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes, like former CofC basketball player Canyon Barry, via WLTX. Today’s events include 3 vs. 3 men’s basketball, volleyball + tennis starting at 6 a.m.
Asked
  • Drink Up Week has come to a close, and we’d love your feedback. Did you participate in the week celebrating Cola’s drink scene? Let us know the tea + any feedback you have for next year.
Shop
  • The Devine Street Sidewalk Sale begins Friday, Aug. 2, and continues Saturday, Aug. 3, coinciding with SC Tax Free Weekend. Enjoy great deals from Devine Street shops and restaurants.
Listen
  • Learn why the Gamecocks could upset Missouri this year. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of USC football with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Announced
    • Meet: COLAtoday’s Best. From pet-friendly places to fitness centers, we’re asking for your insight on the top-tier spots Columbia has to offer. Nominate your favorite businesses now through Friday, Aug. 16.
    Family
    • Have a rising kindergartner? Head to EdVenture on Friday, Aug. 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. for an evening of fun and resources designed to make your child’s transition smooth and joyful. During the free Countdown to Kindergarten event, enjoy games, giveaways, and more. Register to attend.*
    Edu
    • Looking to advance your career? The College of Charleston’s new Executive MBA program can help. Designed for busy professionals, this 18-month hybrid program offers a flexible format to fit your schedule, networking opportunities in a cohort-based setting, international immersion experiences, and more. Register for an info session.*
    Shop
    • Ditch the men’s dress pants — the Dealmaker Pant is the ultimate pant for work or play, with an impeccable fit and feel. Save 15% with code READ15.*
    Vista Guild
     
    Concert

    Culture

    🎶 Kick off Rivals in Red with this free summer concert
    Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
    An image of Eric Paslay performing at a concert.
    Eric Paslay is a platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated songwriter, artist, and performer who’s worked with artists like Amy Grant, Dierks Bentley, and Charles Kelley. | Photo provided by Vista Guild
    Summer’s in full swing, and so is fun in the Vista. Soak in the vibes at Kickin’ It in the Vista, a free concert happening this Friday, Aug. 2 from 4-8 p.m. at Columbia Craft (520 Greene St.).

    Kicking off the weekend of Rivals in Red, a highly-anticipated soccer match between Liverpool F.C. and Manchester United, this event is the perfect pre-game celebration. The musical line-up includes:
    • Eric Paslay | Grammy-nominated country artist from Texas
    • The Vegabonds | Alternative southern rock group from Nashville, known for their high energy hits like “Georgia Fire,” “Shaky Hands,” “Partying with Strangers,” and “Heartache”
    • MackMartin | Alternative country duo from Texas and South Carolina, influenced by the Eagles, Rascal Flatts, The Chicks, and Chris Stapleton
    Bonus: Enjoy soccer games for the whole family, courtesy of South Carolina United, craft beer by Columbia Craft, and sweet treats from Rita’s.
    Get ready to kick it
    The Buy

    The Buy 7.30.24 (Affiliate)
    These quick drying women’s water shoes — they’re perfect to slip on during any aquatic adventure, from summer beach trips to waterfall hiking.
    More worth The Buy
     
    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    On Saturday, Aug. 17 at 5 p.m. the Midlands Veg Community is hosting a meet up at The Dragon Room in the Vista. If you plan on attending, be sure to RSVP here so they can plan ahead for space. This online community is one of the best spots to keep up with vegans + vegetarian places in the Midlands.
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