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 15+ places where a lunch for one costs ~$10 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 pizza. Carolina Cafe and Catering Co., 925 Sumter St. | Try one of the signature sandwiches like the Columbia for ~$8. Village Idiot, various locations | Looking for a bite for lunch? This go-to pizza spot serves slices for $2-$3. Trini Lime Caribbean Cafe, 2008 State St, Cayce | From cabbage to stew fish, you can grab $12 lunch specials Wednesday through Saturday.
Tupelo Honey, 2138 Pickens St. | For $12.95, dig into half a sandwich like the Asheville hot fried chicken and ranch melt with fries or a salad.
Paws on the Patio | 3-5 p.m. | Halls Chophouse | Free | Your dog will thank you for this one — treats, pup cups, and bandanas are all up for grabs, with proceeds benefiting Final Victory Animal Rescue.
First Thursday | 6 p.m. | Downtown Columbia | Free | Revered songwriter Simon Joyner & The Nervous Stars headline the Boyd Plaza stage.
A Night in Nashville | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $35 | This event brings the magic of the legendary Bluebird Cafe straight to Cola.
The Music of the Rat Pack | 7-10 p.m. | Lexington 2 Performing Arts Center, West Columbia | $20+ | Soak in the sounds of a bygone era of music at this tribute to the country’s greatest-ever crooners.
Saturday, Sept. 6
Indoor Yard Sale | 7:30-11:30 a.m. | Seven Oaks Park | Free | Hunt for treasures and score deals on vintage finds, household items, clothing, toys, and more.
Play on the Plaza | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Build and create with colorful building materials, perfect for guests of all ages and abilities.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Nelson Weston treasured his time with his fellow Gamecocks. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
Before the time of Sandstorm, Cocky — even facemasks on football helmets, Nelson Weston was suiting up for the Garnet + Black. A Rosewood native turned Carolina lineman in the ’50s, Nelson spent Saturdays holding the line (offensive and defensive). By his senior year he was carrying the co-captain title with pride.
Ask him about his playing days and you’ll hear stories of toothless grins (remember, no facemasks), developing rivalries, and a legendary win over Duke where he barely left the field. Ask him about what mattered most, though? He’ll tell you about teammates who turned into lifelong friends, flying fighter jets with his co-captain (ROTC perks), and beach week memories that outlasted the scoreboard.
Now a resident at Still Hopes, Nelson is living proof that Gamecock football is bigger than the game — it’s a family that sticks with you long after the final whistle.
Here’s a new lunch deal for you. Rosewood Market is opening a mini shop at the corner of Blossom and Main streets. The new grab-and-go spot will offer sandwiches, snacks, and wellness items. Doors could open by mid-October. (Free Times)
Community
The 24th annual 9/11 Morning of Remembrance Ceremony will be held Thursday, Sept. 11 at the Columbia Convention Center. The program begins at 8:40 a.m., honoring fallen first responders and military service members with remarks, performances, and a flyover.
Show
Tony + GRAMMY Award winner Jennifer Holliday will open Harbison Theatre’s 2025-26 season with a one-night performance on Saturday, Sept. 20. The Dreamgirls star brings decades of powerhouse vocals to Irmo. Tickets start at $50.
Biz
Columbia Metropolitan Airport will host SOAR WITH US, a two-part event series starting Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 8:30 a.m. at Brooklyn Baptist Church. The engagement series supports small and diverse businesses with insights into opportunities, procurement guidance, and provides connections with airport leaders and partners.
Legacy
Charles Bierbauer — CNN veteran, USC’s founding journalism dean, and longtime SCETV host — has died at age 83. During two decades at CNN, he covered five presidencies, anchored “Newsmaker Saturday,” and served as senior correspondent in Washington, earning an Emmy in 1996.
Try This
Registration is due Friday, Sept. 6 for Keep the Midlands Beautiful’s annual Lake Sweep/River Sweep. Volunteers can check in at Lake Murray on Saturday, Sept. 20 or choose a cleanup site in Lexington or Richland County. Last year, they removed 8,700 pounds of litter.
Finance
When some of the big investors who backed companies like Uber and eBay before they IPO’d invest in a new company, people take note. That’s the case with Pacaso — 10,000+ everyday investors are already in. But the chance to join them ends Thursday, Sept. 18. Learn more about the opportunity.†‡*
Aside from megapacks and weekly coupons, did you know several retailers offer customers 55+ hefty discounts — sometimes up to 20% off? Learn about key Senior discounts and several more savings hacks older adults should know about to continue saving and building wealth at age 50+.*
Featured Deal
Hair loss deserves more than guesswork. That’s why we’ve partnered with Happy Head. Use code 6AM to get 45% off a dermatologist-developed, customizable treatment plan for hair loss.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
I went to the US Open last Sunday and snapped this photo of the Althea Gibson statue in front of Arthur Ashe Stadium. This year’s theme, “75 years of breaking barriers,” marks her historic debut. Born about an hour from Columbia in Clarendon County, Gibson became the first Black player to win the French Open (1956) and then Wimbledon and the US Nationals the following year.
‡‡Finance “investment method” disclaimer: This is a paid advertisement for Pacaso’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.pacaso.com. Reserving a ticker symbol is not a guarantee that the company will go public. Listing on the Nasdaq is subject to approvals. Comparisons to other companies are for informational purposes only and should not imply similar success. Under Regulation A+, a company has the ability to change its share price by up to 20%, without requalifying the offering with the SEC.
}})
