Winter is approaching but don’t let the colder weather stop you from enjoying your favorite restaurants, especially those cozy outdoor spaces. We have the rundown on the heated patios around town where you can stay warm and enjoy the restaurant scene!
Smoked
This high-end eatery down in the 1600 block of Main Street has a surprisingly sizable outdoor space tucked away out back. Sip on signature cocktails or pours from the upcoming Peak Drift Brewery while enjoying fine steaks and seafood as the warmth from heaters washes over you.re
Backstreets
Devine Street’s neighborhood eatery and bar with the extensive menu of salads, entrees, burgers and pizzas has a welcome addition of an outdoor patio. And that means more tables, shaving a few minutes off the wait time to snag a seat!
Steel Hands Brewing
At Steel Hands in Cayce, the beer is nice and cold, but you don’t have to be. A few well-placed fire pits in the outdoor area make it so you and your pups can come enjoy some fresh air and craft beer in comfort.
Publico Kitchen & Tap
Cozy up inside an igloo on Publico’s lawn in Five Points for a unique and secluded experience or on their outdoor patio just steps away from where the Fireflies play in the BullStreet District. From spicy margaritas to a s’mores cold brew to a “pineapple pitcher,” there’s no shortage of libations here to satisfy anyone in your crew, no matter which location you select.
Craft and Draft
Craft and Draft on Devine Street just finished upgrading their patio space, providing an environment that can withstand most weather situations – coverage for when it rains (or snows, lol), fans for when it’s hot and heaters for when there’s a nip in the air. Go ahead and order another round knowing you (and your beer!) will be content no matter the forecast.
Hendrix
High atop Main Street, where the air is certainly brisk, snuggle up on the rooftop bar at Hendrix. Sink into a seat either near a heater or surrounding one of their fire pits and stay a while.
Market on Main
At the corner of Main and Lady Streets, it’s hard to miss the jumbo screen playing the big game or a movie favorite. Huddle into one of their igloos or sit by a heater while devouring their truffle frites and sipping on a specialty cocktail (or mocktail!). Bonus: You’ll often find live music or karaoke on the stage.
Thirsty Fellow
The porch area at Thirsty Fellow is a beloved gathering place in town, any time of year. During the colder months, clear roll-down panels enclose the space and heaters keep things plenty warm while you fill up on stone-fired pizza, duck wings and gorgonzola chips.
Bourbon
Since Bourbon expanded into the building next door this past year, they also acquired some outdoor space. Now you can enjoy the signature cocktails you know and love alongside live music and heaters in the courtyard.
The War Mouth
Picnic tables complete with quaint checkerboard tablecloths and a fire pit give off serious backyard camping vibes at Mouth in Cottontown, except we can attest that the food and drinks here are way better. Gather with friends under the stars, faces aglow from the flames, and hearts and stomachs happy.
Cantina 76
You had us at queso and margs, but the promise of an outdoor fireplace doesn’t hurt, either. The sizable patio at Cantina 76 on Devine Street keeps you out of the elements and in heated bliss as you eat Tres Hombres samplers ‘til your heart’s content.
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
If you worry about catching a wintry draft on Motor Supply’s enclosed patio, fear not. The entire space is temperature-controlled, making for a cozy dining experience no matter how frightful the weather outside may be.
Black Rooster
The folks at Black Rooster know the people want to see those river and city skyline views from the rooftop year-round, so enclosures and heaters ensure guests can keep sipping through the seasons. Merci.
Savage Craft Ale Works
The outdoor seating options are plentiful at Savage Craft Ale Works in West Columbia. Opt for aerial views on the rooftop or kick back at a table out on the green space down below, both of which are equipped with heaters and fire pits. We’ll cheers to that!
Rooftop Lounge at Sheraton
On the 18th floor of the Sheraton Hotel on Main Street, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Columbia without freezing in the process. The biting winds are kept at bay with heaters so you can stay toasty and stay toasting all night long.
Grill Marks
Whether you’re grabbing a bite before the Gamecocks plan basketball or snagging a cocktail before a concert at Colonial Life Arena or The Senate, Grill Marks offers up burgers, fries, shakes and beverages of the stronger variety with a (heated) front porch view of the bustling Vista.
Midwood Smokehouse
At this Cross Hill Market location near Devine Street you can sample Pimento Cheese Fries Topped with Chopped Pork, one of the dishes on Columbia SC’s famous Pimento Cheese Passport, while staying cozy on their heated patio.
Tazza Kitchen
Let happy hour turn into dinner at Tazza Kitchen in Trenholm Plaza. With both heaters and fire pits on deck to provide light and warmth, you can savor those specialty cocktails in no hurry at all.
WECO Bottle & Biergarten
Let the ample string lights draw you in to WECO in West Columbia (“West is best,” as they say). Heaters and a pergola are more than inviting on a dreary winter day, while the craft beer selection and rotating roster of local food trucks are a tremendous bonus.
Halls Chophouse
How do you prefer to have your steak? Why, out on the Halls Chophouse patio, of course! Enjoy tender cuts and hearty sides (lobster mac and cheese and Brussels, anyone?) for an elevated experience out in the evening air overlooking the South Carolina State House.
Za’s on Devine
The only thing warmer than the cheesy, crispy, brick oven pizza being served up at Za’s on Devine is their patio. Roll-up enclosures keep the cold weather out and a heater maintains a perfectly pleasant pizza-eating atmosphere.
Home Team BBQ
The smoker isn’t the only thing that’s putting off heat at Home Team BBQ in Five Points. Roll-up panels contain the warmth on the patio, so I guess you’ll just have to make sure you drink that Game Changer before it melts.