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🍽️ Readers dish on Columbia favorites
A Coa Agaveria Y Cocina spread | Photo by Southern Stiched
When new readers subscribe to COLAtoday, we ask one simple question in the welcome email: What’s your favorite restaurant in the Columbia area? The answers roll in every week, and after sorting through recent responses, a few clear favorites rose to the top — from longtime local staples to newer spots across the Midlands. Y’all have great taste.
Top 10 favorite restaurants (according to new readers)
Il Giorgione | 2406 Devine St. | This local Devine Street favorite serves house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and classic Italian dishes.
COA Agaveria y Cocina | 823A Lady St. | The lively Vista restaurant serves elevated Mexican dishes like tacos de pibil, aguachile verde, and carne brava, plus an extensive tequila and mezcal selection.
Motor Supply Company Bistro | 920 Gervais St. | Motor Supply Company Bistro is a longtime Vista staple with a daily-changing seasonal menu and a recent Michelin Guide recommendation.
Former USC football coach Lou Holtz died Wednesday at age 89. Holtz helped spark a turnaround for the Gamecocks, leading the team to consecutive nine- and eight-win seasons in 2000 and 2001, plus back-to-back Outback Bowl victories during his tenure.
Coming Soon
Work is underway at the new Three Notch’d Brewing location opening in the former Iron Hill Brewery space on Bull Street. The brewery is expected to open this spring and has an online application for people interested in visiting during its soft-opening phase.
Listen
Carbonated Conversations is back for Season 2. The Columbia-based podcast recently kicked off its new season with an episode featuring Piecewise Coffee co-owner Jacob Kirby, and upcoming shows will explore local rock history, backyard birds, and conversations with community leaders and artists.
Pets
Found a wandering pup or curious cat? Rosewood now has a new tool to help. Columbia Animal Services installed a free public microchip scanner at the community pet pantry outside Sour and Salt Bakery, making it easier to identify lost pets and reunite them with their families.
Traffic
Drivers heading through downtown Columbia should plan for delays at the Gervais and Assembly streets intersection. SCDOT says a pipe failure last week damaged the roadway, and crews are working to repair and repave the area. Drivers can use Park Street as an alternate route while work continues. (WLTX)
Family
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will host a Sensory-Friendly Day on Tuesday, March 10, offering a calmer experience for guests with sensory sensitivities. The event will feature reduced music, sensory bags, clear signage, and trained staff to support visitors throughout the park.
Read
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Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Event Spotlight
Behind the scenes from GameDay 2025 — you never know what will happen. | Photo by GVLtoday
ESPN College GameDay will broadcast live from Bon Secours Wellness Arena on Sunday, March 8 — and you can win free tickets to the SEC Women’s Basketball Final. Here’s what you need to know.
Doors open at 11 a.m. for the 12 p.m. broadcast.
It’s free + open to the public with no ticket required — first-come, first-served seating.
Bring a sign from home or make one at the arena. The best sign snags two tickets to the final.
The Buy
A really good retinol serum without the premium price tag. For under $25, it’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and boost elasticity.
My former co-editor Samantha couldn’t resist the ole editorial urge to send me this new development. Signage is up at the new Shuckin’ Shack location across from Segra Park in the BullStreet District. No opening date has been announced, but we’ll make sure you’re the first to know.
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