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Saving money tastes great

Where to find lunch in Columbia
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The inside walls of Andy’s Deli are like a museum of Columbia and Gamecock history. | Photo by COLAtoday
Looking for a tasty, local lunch spot that doesn’t break the bank? We’re here for you, Cola. Check out this list of 20+ places where a lunch for one costs $10ish or less.

We know cravings are key when it comes to a midday meal, so we’ve broken up these spots into their respective food groups. Think: delis and tacos.

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Just look for the cone in the sky.

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Photo by COLAtoday

Fast and casual

Bernie’s Chicken, 1311 Bluff Rd. | Many locals will tell you Bernie’s is the best fried chicken in town. Try the three piece dinner for $8.25 or a cheeseburger basket for $8.50.

Carolina Cafe and Catering Co., 925 Sumter St. | Try one of its signature sandwiches for ~$8. We’re biased and think The Columbia Sandwich is the best, made with turkey, cranberry sauce, and leaf lettuce.

Sandwiches and delis

Andy’s Deli, 2005 Greene St. | A staple of Cola’s sandwich shops my dear, Andy’s signature sandwiches start at $9.99 or you can build your own starting at $5.99. If it’s a salad you’re in the mood for, try My Friend’s Salad Bowl for $8.50.

No Name Deli, 2042 Marion St. | If you need a crowd pleaser place that won’t break the bank, this is for you. No Name Deli has a large selection of lunch specials and options, offering everything from burgers, to sandwiches, soups, souvlaki plates, salads, hot dogs, sides, and more.

Tacos El Puebla

The blue building will catch your eye on Fort Jackson Boulevard.

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Photo by COLAtoday

Tacos

Tex Mex, 1215 Augusta Rd. | The sign on the outside reads “Hot Dogs, Tacos, and more” so you know it’s going to be good. Tacos start at $3 a piece and hot dogs like the “Mexicano” made with bacon, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, mayo, ketchup, and mustard start at $4.99. Add fries and make it a meal for an extra $3.

What did we miss? If you know a budget-friendly lunch that’s not on the list, let us know.
20+ more spots
Asked

When it comes to lunchtime, which option do you prefer: eating at home/work or eating out?
A. I prefer eating at home/work
B. I prefer eating out
C. A mix of both
D. It depends on my mood
Give us your foodie fodder
Prisma Health
 
Events
Wednesday, Aug. 7
  • Ask the Gardener Happy Hour | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 4-6 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Join in a free discussion focusing on plant care, garden design, and pest management.
  • Columbia Fireflies vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers | Wednesday, Aug. 7 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $6-$18 | This one’s for all your feline friends bring your cats to Segra Park for the inaugural Purr at the Park.*
Thursday, Aug. 8
  • Spritz Mix Happy Hour | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 4-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Spark your creativity and cool your jets this summer with a museum happy hour.
  • Dick Goodwin Presents The Big Band Experience | Thursday, Aug. 8 | 7-9 p.m. | Chayz Lounge | $25 | Experience this 12-piece band, including a talented brass section and vocalist Kristi Kirk Hood.
Friday, Aug. 9
  • City of Columbia Food Truck Fridays | Friday, Aug. 9 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI Co-Op Parking Lot | Free | Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks lined up at the REI Co-op parking lot.
  • Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, Aug. 9 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Free | Nashville Nights features talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances.
Saturday, Aug. 10
  • Columbia Sailing Club - Open House | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 1-2 p.m. | Columbia Sailing Club | Free | Learn about Columbia Sailing Club’s public programs: summer camps, private sailing lessons, and youth sailing.
Set your schedule
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News Notes
Transit
  • Columbia’s Assembly Street may get bike lanes under a new downtown master plan. The city is exploring reducing street widths to add bike infrastructure, more trees, and sidewalk space. The redesign aims to safely connect Main Street + The Vista. (The State)
Development
  • The city approved Tilly’s Warehouse liquor store in Five Points, replacing the former Pavlov’s bar. Renovations begin immediately and the store is expected to open later this year. (The Post and Courier)
Biz
  • Premium Peanut secured a $42 million New Markets Tax Credit allocation to expand its Santee shelling facility. The project will expand capacity, create 101 jobs, and begin operations in 2026. (Columbia Business Report)
Cause
  • Goodwill Industries has opened a new donation center at 2627 Millwood Ave. in Columbia near Dreher High School. Goodwill’s website offers a list of acceptable donation items and locations.
Shop
Olympics
  • The 2024 Summer Olympics are happening now in Paris, France — keep up with Team USA and some of our favorite local athletes via WLTX. Today’s events include skateboarding finals, women’s basketball quarterfinal, and volleyball starting at 10 a.m.
Sports
  • Does USC have the best fanbase in college sports? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
    Health
    • Does your child need an eye exam? It’s Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, so now’s the time to find out.*
    Wellness
    • Focused on staying hydrated? Most hydration products contain more sodium than you need. Enter: Native Hydrate’s essential amino acids, branched-chain amino acids, and electrolytes for hydration and health.*
     
    Development

    🛎️ Hotel check-in

    Columbia’s hospitality market growth by numbers
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    The new Moxy hotel is under construction across from the State House. | Photo by COLAtoday
    Columbia’s hospitality market experienced steady growth in Q2 2024, according to a recent report from Colliers | SC. With developments in the construction pipeline, here’s a look at the new hotel projects on the horizon and its expected completion:
    These new additions, totaling 570 rooms, come at a time when city leaders have expressed the need for more downtown hotels. Columbia’s average occupancy rate of 66.4% is lower compared to Greenville’s 71.4% and Charleston’s 79.0%.
    The Buy

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    The Wrap
     
    David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

    Today’s edition by:
    David
    From the editor
    If you’re looking to learn the ins and outs of composting, Joyful Soul Nursery is hosting a Beginning Composting class on Saturday, Aug. 10 for $15. You’ll learn what goes in and what doesn’t and how to keep it smell and pest free. Your garden will thank you next summer.
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