In Columbia SC, we’re kind of pros when it comes to all things bubbly and brewed. With small and large breweries and 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 and 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 and 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.
Microbreweries
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.
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.
Savage Craft Ale Works
With a premier skyline view of Columbia, Savage Craft Ale Works, there's no secret this is the place to be when the weather is perfect. Take in the views while sipping on their American stout Kandahar Candy Man.
Peak Drift Brewing
With the goal of sourcing ingredients from farms in the Carolinas and Georgia, Peak Drift Brewing is as local as they come. Its microbrewery is housed on Main Street inside Smoked, where you'll be able to get your fill of brews and bites straight from the source. A crowd favorite is the Coosaw Watermelon Blueberry Sour or the Barrel Aged Double Chocolate Porter for the darker beer fans.
Brewpubs
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 and craft beer pairings? Yes, please.
Krafty Draft
The largest brewpub in Lexington, Krafty Draft boasts an expansive selection of taps and 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 house made root beer or Coke float. Oh, and try the pimento cheese fries or tots.
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 dog-friendly?
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 and harvested locally.
Publico Kitchen and Tap
Tacos and 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 and try out the dog 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 and locals alike flock to BBP for the traditional English Breakfast, the Tower of London Burger and the Cheddar Pasty. Cheerio!
Republic Biergarten and Kitchen
Located in the Vista, Republic Biergarten and Kitchen features 40+ cold beers on tap and elevated southern cuisine. Head over for happy hour from 4:00pm - 7:00PM daily for a rotating special.
Fun Beer Extras
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 and 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.