This blog was written by 2001 Ole Miss alum and Experience Columbia SC 2024 Ambassador David Laird.
We are excited to have you here and there is a nice contingent of the Ole Miss family who now call Columbia home. In the past, South Carolina and Ole Miss have shared similar trajectories. Often this comes about with a lot of hope early in the season that may falter the deeper we get in fall. So, alternative methods of entertainment may be needed. Though not exclusive, here are a few places around town that could remind you of Lafayette County.
Arriving in Columbia on Friday afternoon, you will likely need to grab a snack to prep yourself for the weekend. Drop by Bierkeller, Columbia’s first brewery on the riverfront, specializes in German ales and lagers. Grab some bratwurst and enjoy the views overlooking the Columbia Riverfront.
Looking for City Grocery diner vibes? Look no further than Motor Supply. With an upscale, Southern fare, Motor Supply kickstarted our farm-to-table movement over 30 years ago and remains the standard for our dining scene. A personal favorite is the Sugar Creek Farm’s pork chop.
While in the Vista, head over to Bourbon for a nightcap. The Cajun-Creole-inspired restaurant boasts 400 plus bottles of that wonderful brown water spirit and many of those hard-to-find selections. If craving something that reminds you of home, their gumbo is the best city.
For a smaller, more romantic environment – Lula Drake is an experience that can’t be replicated. The 2024 James Beard Award winner for Outstanding Wine program is a gem where servers will guide you through a wine tour based on your interests and push to find something new. The Cacio e Pepe with some freshly sliced Iberico ham will stay in your dreams for the next month. Lula Drake will exceed all of your Saint Leo needs.
An afternoon kickoff provides time to visit areas around town. Drop by Soda City Market in the morning and enjoy four-blocks with 200 local artisans and food vendors. Mary’s Arepas are a can’t miss. You’ll likely be able to stock up on some early holiday shopping while there.
Plan accordingly when heading to the game. Williams-Brice Stadium is off the primary campus and doesn’t have a Grove – well, no one does. Grab your food prep from The Gourmet Shop, the chicken salad is comparable to Oxford’s James Food Center though the wine and other curated goods are a great addition for your tailgate. For beverage prep, be sure to stop by Columbia Craft to grab some of the best brews across the state. We will be sure to return the favor at Circle + Square next year.
To have a bit of the Square shopping experience, visit the local boutiques on Devine Street to bring some nice threads home with you. If your partner needs a beverage while you shopping, Craft and Draft features many of the Carolina’s top brews in a premier taproom.
If Ole Miss wins (Hotty Toddy!), your spirits might be lively and want to celebrate a bit more. With it’s proximity of bars and nightlife, imagine Five Points as a version of The Square. The area features all locally owned independent shops and restaurants where the activity kicks up a bit as the sun goes down. Be sure to give friends at All Good Books a visit as well. Recently they hosted a reading of Oxford favorite the late Brad Watson given by his son, James who grew up in Mississippi and migrated over to Columbia.
If things go a different way and you might need a more subdued night, it's understandable. I will be right there with you. Foxfield Bar & Grille in Rosewood will likely have chill vibes to relax the evening away. Imagine if Proud Larry’s had a full backyard with cheap drinks. Yeah, it’s a good feeling.
Sometimes you have a bit too much fun and need some late-night food. It happens. Though not exactly chicken-on-a-stick, the nearly icon-level mozzarella sticks from Nightcaps will give you the greasy dreams needed to sleep well.
Sunday morning – win or lose, you are craving Bottletree Bakery, right? Head on over to smallSUGAR, a James Beard Semi-finalist, to grab your pastry needs for the drive back home. If craving a breakfast with a bit more of a heavy spoon as in Big Bad Breakfast, Eggs Up Grill has you covered. The hangover hashbrowns at Café Strudel are also worth the wait in line.
Also, our Columbia and Carolina homes and families have recently taken a hard hit from Hurricane Helene. If you can, support local relief efforts.
Forever a Rebel, proud to be a Columbia ambassador.
