Three new locally owned restaurants are coming soon to Columbia

From a neighborhood bar with plant based foods to an upscale Korean BBQ place just a block away from the State House, here are three locally owned restaurants coming soon to Columbia, SC.

MOA.jpeg

MOA, a new Korean BBQ restaurant coming to Columbia, will be located next door to Cantina 76. | Photo by COLAtoday

Table of Contents

Three new locally owned restaurants are coming soon to the Capital City from familiar names in the restaurant world.

Let’s take a quick look at each restaurant, their opening dates, and what you can expect to see on their menus.

IMG_4262.jpg

The Dragon Room and Curiosity Coffee teamed up for a special pop-up event. | Photo by COLAtoday team

The Dragon Room, 803 Gervais St.

Opening date: Coming soon

  • The Dragon Room is a Pan-Asian Cocktail Bar from Kristian Niemi, who also owns Black Rooster in West Columbia and Bourbon on Main Street. The new restaurant has hosted several pop-up events where local foodies have lined up before opening for a taste of what’s to come. Everything from the Lobster Rangoon to the “Bulgogi Joe” has been a hit. The restaurant is currently hiring.

The Hoot, 2910 Rosewood Dr. Suite 1

Opening date: June 2023

  • Soda Citizens Chelsea Ford, Jessica Ochoa, and Will Green, all experienced in the local food scene, are teaming up to open The Hoot — a new bar and restaurant coming to the Rosewood neighborhood. The menu will lean toward serving plant-based bar food with a Southern flair.

MOA, 1333 Main St.

Opening Date: August 2023

  • Korean BBQ, or KBBQ , is entering the downtown dining scene with a new spot on Main Street, across from the Arcade Mall. Sean Kim, owner of 929 Kitchen and Bar and Charlotte’s MOA, and Matt Shannon, bar manager at 929, plan for their new restaurant to provide an upscale experience. Think: similar to Hall’s Chophouse and Smoked.
More from COLAtoday
Columbia’s Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli will open a second location in Lexington, taking over the former Café Strudel space.
Columbia and SCDOT are seeking public input on plans to improve safety and connectivity along Assembly Street in downtown Columbia.
Riverbanks Zoo welcomes endangered cotton-top tamarins, including a young female rescued from the pet trade and now on view.
Long lines, exclusive vinyl, and live performances bring crowds to Papa Jazz and Scratch N Spin.
When the sun is shining and the weather is perfect, pack a bag and head out to one of the many spots great for remote work in Columbia. From coffee shops to public parks, we have a plethora of places to refresh your mind and step away from your home desk.
Pack your reusable shopping bags, because we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets around Columbia, SC.
If you recently retired and are looking for things to do, this guide will help you make the most of retirement in Columbia.
Does pollen season have you wiping your eyes and nose? Blame the hidden tree pollen as spring allergies kick into high gear.
Explore group volunteer opportunities, from hands-on projects to custom experiences, that let your team give back to the Columbia community.
Developers break ground on a mixed-use Vista project, with Mashburn relocating its headquarters during its 50th year.