In Columbia SC, we’re kind of pros when it comes to all things bubbly + brewed. With small and large breweries + numerous brew-pubs and taprooms scattered throughout the city, Columbia is a low-key beer town. We’ve compiled a list of the top places to sip on hops + clink your pint glasses in the air—from microbreweries to restaurants with killer brew options. Grab your squad and plan a weekend (yes, you’ll need an entire weekend) dedicated to experiencing the unforgettable bites + brews on the city’s beer trail. Ready, set, go!
P.S. We recommend choosing a few stops from each category to fully experience all that Columbia’s beer scene has to offer. Or, if you’re feeling brave, try to hit all of them in the same weekend. Pics or it didn’t happen.
Microbreweries
River Rat Brewery
Also just a hop, skip and a jump from Williams Brice Stadium, River Rat Brewery is the go-to Saturday hangout for Columbia locals. In addition to an expected brew menu (try the 803 IPA or one of the seasonal pours!), RR has become somewhat famous around town for its prosecco pops: a glass of prosecco poured over an artisan popsicle. #InstagramWorthy pics, guaranteed. Don’t even get us started on the crowds of wagging tails you’re guaranteed to spot. All. The. Puppy. Love. Oh, and did we mention the rooftop?
Swamp Cabbage Brewing Company
Swamp Cabbage had us sold with its quaint outdoor seating, Tiki bar vibes and slew of fun events like trivia nights, Sunday brunches and even beer pairing parties. Keep an eye out for the stunning mural of Congaree National Park on the inside of the brewery. Fun fact: it was painted by a UofSC student.
Hunter-Gatherer at the Curtiss-Wright Hangar
Located in an historic airplane hangar, this brewery has expansive views of Owens Field Airport where you can see planes taking off while you sip on their English-style brews and nibble on their pizzas made with handmade dough. This is the second location for Hunter-Gatherer (the first being more of a restaurant vibe, detailed below).
Columbia Craft Brewing Co.
You'll want to grab a flight at this trendy spot in The Vista. Their beers range from staples like the Columbia Craft Lager, to rotating sours with funky names and artistic signage. Pop a squat at the bar for some board games, or relax on the patio while you take in the smells of the day's food truck.
Steel Hands Brewing
Steel Hands is Columbia's largest brewery equipped with an outdoor stage, patio and expansive taproom. The Coffee Lager has quickly become a crowd favorite, infused with local roaster, Loveland Coffee. You'll be hard-pressed to find a day when this brewery isn't full of visitors and locals alike.
Brewpubs
Twisted Spur Brewing
In the heart of Columbia’s Vista district, Twisted Spur has made quite the name for itself. In addition to, of course, fabulous beer, the brewpub is known for delicious, next-level eats like tuna pineapple nachos and cioppino made with lobster and fennel tomato broth. This hotspot focuses on quality above all with its bites + brews, boasting an impressive water filtration system and superior meat and seafood.
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Alehouse
A Columbia institution since 1995, Hunter-Gatherer stole the hearts of locals + visitors alike with distinctive craft beer offerings, outside views of the South Carolina State House and an elevated food menu that features anything but traditional bar food (think Florentine ravioli and heirloom tomato basil pie.) To celebrate 20 years in business, a second Hunter-Gatherer location will open in November, featuring a taproom, 527 gallon brewhouse, a bottling and kegging line, and an observation deck overlooking the nearby airport.
Old Mill Brewpub
A gem of the Lexington region, this aptly-named brewpub is housed in the historic Lexington Old Mill. A food menu with items that are both creative and comforting (we recommend anything from the chef’s specials menu) and seasonal brews made in-house will make this a must-visit when you’re in town. The brewpub also hosts monthly themed beer dinners. Can you say wild game + craft beer pairings? Yes, please.
Krafty Draft
The largest brewpub in Lexington, Krafty Draft boasts an expansive selection of taps + several craft beers brewed in-house. Not a fan of beer? Peruse KD's fine wine selection, from pinots to prosecco and everything in between. Fill up a growler, try several beers with a beer flight or slowly savor a Samuel Smith Organic Chocolate Float. Oh, and try Billy's Pale Ale Pimento Cheese because, well, this is the South.
Taprooms
Craft and Draft
A place where you can shop for beer AND drink it? A dream come true, indeed. Craft and Draft, Columbia's premier craft beer store, has a full house every night as patrons come to grab a six pack. However, they stick around for the open and laid-back ambiance of the bar and, trust us, stopping for one beer always turns into three. With picnic tables and hanging lights out back, window seating for Devine Street views and a group of Columbia's best bartenders, everyone loves Craft and Draft. Oh, and did we mention it's super pup-friendly?
Random Tap
The premier taproom of the Northeast Columbia region, Random Tap boasts a consistently rotating lineup of 15 taps in addition to a countless selection of bottled brews. The taproom recently underwent significant renovations, doubling the location's size. With excellent craft beer + a strong wine selection, Random Tap is the perfect spot for our beer connoisseurs with a more refined palate. Cheers!
Restaurants with Killer Beer Menus
Keg Cowboy
Known for its noteworthy grub, Keg Cowboy has grown from a home-brew supply shop to a Main Street must-see in Lexington. The laid-back restaurant is frequently packed with regulars who keep comin' back for more of the consistently changing draft menu and unforgettable eats like the duck confit panini or the roasted pork belly plate. We recommend packing in the veggies (at least as a side dish for your sausage loaf Sammy!), as most featured on the menu are grown + harvested locally.
Publico Kitchen and Tap
Tacos + taps is the name of the game at this hip spot in the heart of Five Points. Noteworthy for its patio dining (bring your dogs + try out the puppy menu!), phenomenal fusion cuisine (think spicy tuna roll burrito 😱) and Sunday Funday brunch, Publico has quickly grown into one of the most popular spots in Columbia. Although the beer offerings are next-level, we can't NOT mention the margarita taps. Yes, you read that right. Margaritas on tap. Oh, Publico. Could we possibly love you more?
British Bulldog Pub
A hotspot for watching soccer games, it's no surprise that the British Bulldog Pub on Harbison Blvd. has 20+ beers on draft - to quench the thirst of all the cheering sports fans. Famous for its grub menu of traditional English eats, visitors + locals alike flock to BBP for the traditional English Breakfast, the Tower of London Burger and the Cheddar Pasty. Cheerio!
Fun Beer Extras
Columbia Brew Bus
*Temporarily closed* Want to take a tour of Columbia's breweries, sample craft brews and do some sight seeing of local landmarks? Check out the extremely popular Columbia Brew Bus - a bus tour that will take you + your favorite drinking buddies to Conquest, River Rat and Swamp Cabbage all in the same day. All the fun, guaranteed. P.s. if you're more of a vino + vodka type gal or guy, check out the wine and spirits tours!
SC Pedal Parlor
Party on wheels, anyone? SC Pedal Parlor, a giant 16-person bicycle, will take you and your besties on the Columbia pub crawl of your dreams. No further convincing necessary.
Bierkeller Columbia
How 'bout a day trip to Germany? Bierkeller Columbia hosts pop-up, Bavarian-style beer gardens with fresh, top-of-the-line beer (in giant glasses..... #winning) + unforgettable German cuisine like sausages and Kellerplatten (charcuterie and cheese plates) courtesy of local-favorite food truck the Wurst Wagen. Need we say more? Catch them along the Saluda Riverwalk every Tuesday in the spring and fall.