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1. Rockaway Athletic Club

2719 Rosewood Dr, Columbia, SC 29205 · 803-256-1075

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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Rockaway's undeniably has the best burgers in town. This classic establishment is the place to be before and after University of South Carolina football and basketball games. Great burgers, addictive fries, and a diverse crowd of students, families, and local professionals make this an enduring local favorite. Not to mention visiting politicos (like George W. Bush).

2. Mr. Friendly's New Southern Café

2001-A Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205 · 803-254-7828

User Rating:  Rating: 5 / 5   (Rate It)

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FIVE POINTS. Southern cooking has a few trademark dishes, and Mr. Friendly's, under the same ownership as Solstice and Gervais & Vine, excels with a more upscale, occasionally innovative version of the classics. Crab cakes are pecan-crusted and served with fried dill pickles and sherry-cayenne mayo, a grilled filet mignon is wrapped in bacon and topped with pimiento cheese, and blackened chicken comes with either tasso ham sauce or Creole andouille sauce. Waits attest to the popularity of the place, but never fear – a microbrew or glass of wine from the award-winning list will help pass the time.

3. Dianne's on Devine

2400 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 · 803-254-3535

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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DEVINE STREET. Long considered one of Columbia's top tables, Dianne's admirably maintains its contemporary, upscale ambience and varied menu, making it a popular destination for local deal-makers. Start with an antipasto platter for two, and then enjoy linguine with clam sauce, fettuccine Alfredo, or eggplant parmesan. Try trout picatta, chicken cacciatore or crab-stuffed filet mignon as your main course. Movers and shakers gather in the lounge (which features live music nightly) to see and be seen.

4. Blue Marlin

1200 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201 · 803-799-3838

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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THE VISTA. Columbia's best for seafood, Blue Marlin serves fresh Lowcountry favorites in a refined but comfortable atmosphere. Shrimp and grits, crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, she crab soup, Tilapia Charleston (pan-seared tilapia with shrimp and crab cream sauce) are standouts, but New Orleans style dishes are winners, too. Salmon Pontchartrain, with blackened shrimp and scallops in a creamy mornay sauce, is particularly satisfying. Steaks and fried seafood platters round out the menu. Save room for Key Lime pie or peach-praline cobbler!

5. Goatfeathers Coffee Bar

2017 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 · 803-256-3325

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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FIVE POINTS. This has long been one of Columbia's favorite late-night spots and with good reason. The list of after-dinner drinks is extensive. Have a coffee drink, a glass of wine, or a fine single-malt scotch. The dimly lit room is elegantly mysterious, attracting a diverse crowd of artsy college students and local politicos. Not a rowdy bar, but an excellent choice for unique ambience, a great selection of libations and desserts (especially cheesecake), and quiet conversation.

6. Motor Supply Company Bistro

920 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201 · 803-256-6687

User Rating:  Rating: 4 / 5   (Rate It)

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THE VISTA. Motor Supply was the first restaurant to open in the revamped Vista district – a couple of decades in the business has only strengthened its reputation as a great place for a casually upscale meal. Menus change twice daily but usually include a grilled steak or two plus dishes such as house-brined pork chops, Dijon-fried eggplant over spinach and artichoke hearts, steamed mussels, and sautéed shrimp with ham and grits. Their wine list has garnered a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and their Sunday brunch is among the best in town.

Voted Best of the City

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10Best announces our latest Best of the City results. Well-informed consumers like you have spoken out, votes have been tabulated, and winners determined. Chosen businesses are designated with a special seal – select any one, and you’re sure to get a best bet. Thanks to so much user input, there’s no way you could go wrong!

 

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