By: Mike Wine-guy, a representative of fine wines and a lover of great local foods.
As someone who likes to champion local business and the food + beverage industry, I was caught off guard recently when asked, “What is Columbia’s oldest bar?” (and I had no idea).
Only living in Columbia for about twenty years, I needed to do some research. I am sure I could have searched in a more traditional fashion, reaching out to the historic society, reading old documents, etc.
Instead, I did what I do: visited bars, talked to folks who’ve been drinking in this town way before me, and sought some leads from local business owners. So, here is what I have come up with:
Important Mentions:
Jaco’s Corner, 1015 Rosewood Dr. | 1912
Easily the first spot mentioned with the majority of folks I asked. Jaco’s Corner was located at the corner of Bluff and Rosewood (just across from Williams-Brice). Jaco’s held the title of oldest bar for a century + was opened by Harris and Alberta Jaco, grandparents of the last family owners. In 2017, Jaco’s was reopened as J’s Corner Restaurant and Bar (if you haven’t checked it out, get on it).
Villa Tronco, 1213 Blanding St. | 1940
While not a proper bar – as Columbia’s oldest restaurant, as well as South Carolina’s oldest restaurant, Villa Tronco deserves mention here. It’s currently owned + operated by Carmella Roche, granddaughter of the restaurant’s founder, Sadie Tronco. Again, not a bar, but they do serve alcohol, and do have a bar.
Yesterdays Restaurant and Tavern, 2030 Devine St. | 1976
One of Columbia’s oldest, made from scratch kitchens (and bar) – Yesterdays was created by Duncan MacRae, Scottie MacRae + Darrell Barnes, and has been a pillar of Five Points for several generations (including mine).
Final answer?
I’m sure you could argue semantics here, but I’m going with...
Taneyhill’s Group Therapy, 2107 Greene St. | 1976
Group has been through several owners in its 44 years – most recently Steve Taneyhill, former USC quarterback, who purchased it in 2016. Known for good times, great music, and very much for the creation of the Chili Cook Off, which benefited the Babcock Center.
Disclaimer, I only investigated bars that are available to the public, and in Columbia proper.
