Founded in Virginia in 2013, Three Notch’d is one of BullStreet’s newest additions. | Photo by COLAtoday
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Cola’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Columbia — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the culinary curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
December
Gather COLA | The highly anticipated food hall opened with nine restaurants, including Cocobowlz, Bull and Bread, Bessie’s Burgers & More, Gyromania Grille Express, Big Easy Seafood, Smoke It Up Express, Bahn Sai, Los Chicanos Jr., and Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles, and Remedy.
Sukiya Japanese Steakhouse | The restaurant opened in the former Yamato spot on Columbiana Drive, bringing hibachi back to the building.
Cuban Corner | This Soda City Market vendor opened a brick-and-mortar to grab ropa vieja or a Cuban sandwich all week.
The Dear Donut | The shop makes fresh doughnuts daily, from classic glazed to a hot chocolate doughnut.
Vino Sabor | The new stylish wine bar opened one block from the State House in a developing area downtown.
For who ever you’re staying healthy for, Brookland Commons will put creative solutions right outside your door. | Photo provided by Brookland Commons
Brookland Commons is nearing the end of its expression of interest period, giving prospective residents just a little time to secure early interest benefits.
The community invites individuals to take charge of their health and well-being while enjoying retirement on their own terms — spending time doing what they love with the people they love.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore a vibrant, fulfilling lifestyle.
The location was well known for its “Go Cocks Go E Rolls” sign. | Photo by COLAtoday
Closed
Eggroll Station, a longtime West Columbia takeout staple, closed after 35 years in business. Owner Sherry Chen said the closure is tied to a redevelopment project that will replace the restaurant and the neighboring Capital Square shopping center. (Post and Courier)
Plan Ahead
Columbia will ring in 2026 with the annual Capital City Fireworks over the State House just after midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 31. City garages will be free after 5 p.m. for viewing on the north side of the State House at Gervais and Main streets.
Development
USC recently celebrated the topping out of the new School of Medicine at the Health Sciences Campus in the BullStreet District, signaling completion of the building’s structural framework. The 330,000 sqft facility is scheduled to open in August 2027 as the first building on the new campus.
Number
$418,302 — that’s the amount of a federal grant awarded to The COMET to plan and launch a new microtransit service in Lower Richland. The funding will support service design, planning, and startup work for an on-demand transit option for areas not fully served by fixed routes. (WLTX)
Civic
Columbia plans to dissolve its Design/Development Review Commission and replace it with two boards — one focused on historic preservation and the other reviewing new construction in downtown design districts. City Council is expected to take a final vote in January, with the new boards launching early next year. (Post and Courier)
Traffic
The Lorick Road bridge near Blythewood will close Monday, Jan. 5 through Thursday, Jan. 22 for structural repairs. Detours reroute drivers to Highway 321, Koon Store Road, and Highway 21. (WLTX)
Psst — choose between a free Nighttime Nourisher or High Dose Hero with any purchase of Canary’s science-backed supplements until tomorrow, December 31. Think: waking up rested with energy, easing joint pain the natural way, or optimizing urinary tract health.*
Number
$0. That’s how much 94% of patients pay to see a licensed dietitian with Nourish. Find a dietitian covered by insurance and build a personalized nutrition plan — a structured, supportive way to map out your 2026 wellness goals now.*
Number
240,000+. That’s how many active job listings you can find on our Job Board. Explore openings in healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond. Roles for all experience levels are hiring now. Find a new gig for 2026.
Plan Ahead
Celebrate 75 years of art, community, and inspiration at the Columbia Museum of Art’s 75th Anniversary Gala on Friday, Jan. 16. Enjoy a world-tour themed evening with live music, global-inspired bites, immersive galleries, and unforgettable experiences — all while supporting arts education and enrichment in our region. Snag tickets.*
The Buy
Ten minute daily language lessons, on sale for 65% off with Babbel’s New Year’s Sale. Unlock expert-built lessons, podcasts, and speaking practice to make learning a new language feel easy and actually stick — it’s a smart way to kick off the year with a habit you’ll be proud you started.*
A few weeks back, we told you about Thomas Dambo’s trolls at The North Carolina Arboretum — and I finally got to check them out just before Christmas. Each 9-foot-tall troll has its own personality and whimsical details, and the stroll to find them all is a great little hike. They’re on display daily through Tuesday, Feb. 17.
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