Warmer months in Columbia SC are practically begging you to enjoy a little al fresco dining. With the outdoor seating allowing you to soak up the breeze, the sunshine, and the views, grabbing a seat on one of these patios seems like a no-brainer.
Terra
Terra is a West Columbia gem known for dishes like duck confit pizza and lamb mac n’ cheese, but its patio is just as unforgettable. With ivy-covered brick, hanging greenery, and a charming fountain, dining here feels like a quick escape to Paris.
Il Giorgione
Il Giorgione on Devine Street offers a charming brick-lined patio that feels straight out of Rome, complete with twinkling lights and Aperol spritzes. From house-made mozzarella to classic pasta dishes, it’s the perfect spot to savor Italian flavors while enjoying the spring breeze.
Market on Main
Market on Main is a downtown favorite with lounge chairs, self-serve beer taps, live music, and a giant screen for the big game. Pair the vibrant outdoor space with a Main-mosa and truffle frites, and you’ll see why locals stay from brunch to dinner.
Tazza Kitchen
The spacious patio at Tazza Kitchen creates an oasis for its patrons. A haven for wood fire cooking, Tazza is noted for its assortment of delicious fare, killer brunch + upscale vibes. The patio’s dreamy ambiance is by virtue of string lights and fireside seating. Order the cast iron goat cheese as your starter and then dig into the béchamel-based pizza with extra bacon. Finish it off with your pick from the dessert menu.
Liberty on the Lake
Head west on I-26 toward Lake Murray for one of the most popular spots with a view, Liberty on the Lake. Going in on a Duck BLT or a Freedom Burger (fried egg included) while boats + skiers zoom past is definitely on our weekend agenda. The best part? The Liberty patio is the perfect front row seat to marvel at the vibrant cotton candy skies while the sun sets. Bliss.
Publico
Publico Kitchen and Tap is a lively go-to with garage-style doors, a spacious deck, and plenty of tacos and margaritas to enjoy in the sunshine. With locations in both Five Points and the Bull Street District, it’s perfect for brunch, game day, or a casual hangout.
The Gourmet Shop
The Gourmet Shop in Columbia’s Five Points is equal parts café and market, known for its elegant-yet-simple food and irresistible charm. Locals flock to the outdoor seating to enjoy dishes like brie with raspberry rhubarb jam or pesto paninis, complete with flannel blankets for chilly days.
Saluda’s
For upscale wining + fine dining with a killer aerial view of the Five Points district, take a seat on the patio of local favorite Saluda’s for post-happy hour fancy feastin’. Known for southern eats with a dash of Italian and French flare, Saluda’s has quite the fan club that comes for the buffalo fried oysters and country-fried duck breast, but stays for a birds-eye view of the iconic Five Points fountain and sunsets.
Pawleys Front Porch
Featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” Pawleys Front Porch is known for its colossal + juicy burgers that are all named after places in South Carolina and, of course, its front porch. The aptly named restaurant has a vast covered deck overlooking Harden Street in Columbia’s Five Points district where each burger comes with a dagger (aka: a steak knife) stabbed through the middle + some of the best French fries and dips you’ve ever had.
Backstreets Grill
Newest to the patio scene but already a standout, this spot is perfect for dinner or happy hour with friends or coworkers. Enjoy delicious happy hour deals, sharable plates, and plenty of screens to catch the game while relaxing on a spacious, breezy patio.
The War Mouth
The War Mouth in Cottontown serves up Southern charm with a side of sunshine—its lively outdoor patio is the perfect spot to dig into crave-worthy pimento cheese and sip a cold cocktail. From smoky pork ribs to crispy potatoes and pulled pork sandwiches, every dish brings bold flavor and backyard barbecue vibes.
Black Rooster
Black Rooster in West Columbia brings the party to its rooftop and patio, where guests soak in river views while savoring bold Italian flavors with a Southern twist. Crowd favorites like the Royale with Cheese, escargot, and scallops with caper-dill angel hair pasta make every bite a celebration.