Locally sourced and locally loved that’s the way chefs around Columbia SC like to do it, and when the temperatures kick up a notch so does the deliciousness. Look no further for tasty delights, because we’ve rounded up some must-try hotspots around town that dive headfirst into seasonal ingredients. Grab your sandals, sunglasses, and SPF it’s about to get real savory.
What’s in season this time of year in Columbia SC:
Artichokes, arugula, asparagus, cherries, peas, radishes, strawberries, broccoli, herbs, cucumbers, raspberries, rhubarb, tomatoes, summer squash, peaches, nectarine, blueberries, blackberries, cantaloupe, eggplant, grapes, peppers, sweet corn, watermelon.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
One of Columbia’s original farm-to-table restaurants, Motor Supply spins their dishes daily with an emphasis on local sourcing and sustainability. We’re talking seafood caught in the Carolina’s, cheeses from the upstate, and fresh baked bread from right in town. Their dishes have a way of highlighting local produce and make sure you get your veggies in. This time of year, you can find okra, crispy shallots, and asparagus from a farm just outside of Columbia’s limits. Even their cocktails have a local and fresh spin and pair perfectly with your meal.
Terra
Just a jump across the Gervais Street Bridge into West Columbia lies Terra, a restaurant known for its emphasis on local produce and emphasis on flavor. When you come here you can expect uber-seasonal specials, like this summer’s beet carpaccio, sourced from a farm in Blythewood, and strawberry-centered desserts picked from Cottle Farms. Enjoy your meal all with sweeping views of the Columbia skyline.
Mr. Friendly’s Cafe
This “new southern café” located in Five Points was originally a sandwich and cookie shop when it opened in the 80s. And while we love the classics like fried chicken and bacon wrapped filet with pimento cheese topper, the seasonal specials are what keep us excited and on our toes. Some summer dishes this season have featured Pecan Dusted Red Trout with SC Peach Jam and local peaches used for a spin on mojitos.
The War Mouth
This body shop turned eatery is best known for its cozy backyard-barbecue vibes and hyper-local and seasonal bites. Buying produce directly from South Carolina farmers with a regularly updated menu, this spot stays true to what’s in season. A featured dish this summer: Mexican Street Corn Style Huitlacoche Corn with Blistered Shishito Peppers.
Spotted Salamander
If you ask any local where to eat for lunch on any given day, real ones recommend this spot. Known for its “inventive Southern cuisine” Spotted Salamander serves up the classic dishes we all know and love but with a little extra creativity. Think things like chicken with sweet tea vodka barbecue sauce, pork belly mac and cheese, and an ever-changing daily menu. Be sure to visit on a Tuesday for one of chef Jessica’s famous fried chicken sandwiches. This summer she created a fried chicken sandwich with a peach barbecue sauce made with Certified SC peaches, bacon, melted pimento cheese, and bread and butter pickles. P.S. you’ll want to keep your eye out for the deviled egg of the day.
Lula Drake
James Beard award winning restaurant and wine bar, Lula Drake has a stunning collection of organic wines sourced from a selection of winemakers who are dedicated to quality over quantity. Their sophisticated menu of unique bites and pasta collaborations pair perfectly with vino. They’re serving up a 6oz wagyu burger with Ibérico & Duck Ham Jam with smoked Gouda & Duke’s Mayo (of course) on a freshly baked bun from Our Daily Bread SC.
Bourbon
When talking about Bourbon we would be remiss to not mention the local produce always used for seasonal specials at this Cajun-creole bourbon bar. From City Roots produce that makes up the ever-evolving bounty salad to softshell crab from the Carolina Coast, you are sure to spot hyper-local, fresh, and in-season ingredients as the foundation of the specials menu. If you’re into dinner-and-a-show, sit at the bar and watch the bartender extraordinaries work their magic.