It's no secret that Columbia SC is booming with all things new + noteworthy. Check out our roundup of new + new-"ish" spots around town, as well as a few "coming soons." Which place are you most excited to try first?

 

The White Mule

Columbia’s latest performance venue, The White Mule, holds an intimate appeal for acts ranging from rock shows to comedians to speakers. It’s a place where you can see musical icons like Mark Bryan of Hootie & The Blowfish or be the first to catch the up-and-comers.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Howling Child (@howlingchild) on

 

 

smallSUGAR

SmallSUGAR has made quite the impact on locals and visitors alike through its approachable dishes made with hyper-seasonal ingredients. Dig into the Stuffed Pita for an all veggie lunch that will leave you full, yet still wanting more.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

rise & shine it’s brunch time!!! 🥑🍳

A post shared by ariana mount (@ariana_mount) on

 

 

Duck Duck Goose

Adorned with adorable bloomer sets, sun suits, nightgowns and more, Duck Duck Goose is for the parents as much as it is for the kids. It’s tucked into charming Devine Street, where boutiques and local restaurants line the street.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Duck Duck Goose (@shopduckduckgoose) on

 

 

Craft Axe Throwing

Exactly as it sounds – Take part in some friendly competition at Craft Axe Throwing by throwing axes at a giant dartboard-like target while sipping on some of your favorite craft beer. No axe throwing experience necessary.

 

 

B.L.D. Diner

Nestled in Trenholm Plaza, BLD Diner is serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner with everything from french toast, to kale and sweet potato salad, to meatloaf and fried chicken.

 

 

Hendrix

In Columbia you’ll find historic buildings are transformed into new businesses that keep the charm of previous tenants. At Hendrix, dig into the likes of fresh paella and sip on specialty cocktails infused with local products like Indah Coffee. The rooftop bar doesn’t hurt either.

 

 

Columbia Museum of Art Renovations

While the CMA isn’t new, its renovations are and include new, flexible event space, a catering kitchen, a new entrance on Main Street, 20 renovated galleries, a revamped gift shop and more. Beyond the interior, the CMA is also renovating Boyd Plaza where it hosts artistic and entertainment events throughout the year, right in the heart of the Main Street district. Not to mention the array of awards that the space has garnered over the years.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lakeyia Brown (@keyjbrown) on

 

 

Bodhi Thai Dining

Steeped in history and character, Bodhi Thai is housed in a historic bank. They boast a dining experience that is equal parts unique and delicious. Think a modern atmosphere mixed in with authentic recipes and top-notch service. It’s located in the heart of Lexington’s Main Street, just a twenty-minute drive from downtown Columbia.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jordan Ricard (@jordanisagemini86) on

 

 

Fusco’s Market

Homegrown hospitality and recipes abound at Fusco's Market. Stop in to grab prepared eats like dips, casseroles and salads, or stay a while and indulge on brunch items like the Jack Johnson Banana Pancakes and $4 mimosas.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Fuscos Market (@fuscosmarket) on

 

 

TopGolf - The Venue on Main

Get your swings in right in the heart of downtown at The Venue on Main. It’s a part-bar & restaurant, part virtual driving range for rookies or pros. Don’t miss other games like hockey and zombie dodgeball.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Franklin Jones (@franklinjones) on

 

 

Kao Thai

Located in a revitalized Firehouse Headquarters, Kao Thai is equipped with patio seating with views of The Vista, fresh Thai food + signature cocktails made with fresh ingredients like the Thai Mai Tai. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Kao Thai Cuisine (@kaothaicola) on

 

 

Hall’s Chophouse

Located a stone’s throw from the South Carolina State House (in the former location of The Oak Table), one of Charleston’s more well-known spots, Halls Chophouse, has made its way to Columbia. Enjoy exceptional menu items, specializing in steaks fit for a king. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by max (@wtmt) on

 

 

Steel Hands Brewing

Steel Hands, Columbia’s newest brewery, has created quite a buzz for itself with its expansive outdoor space (featuring a live music stage), and its unique flavors. We recommend the Coffee Lager, infused with cold brew from Irmo’s Loveland Coffee. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Barrett Self (@bear8s) on

 

 

929 Kitchen & Bar

Take in this Korean flavor in a modern atmosphere with traditional items like Bibimbap and Japchae at 929 Kitchen & Bar. Or, head here for late-night fun with a DJ and specialty cocktails. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by the mindful body 🦋 (@themindfulbodyby) on

 

 

Stoner’s Pizza Joint

On the edge of Columbia’s historic Arcade Mall, you’ll find Stoner's Pizza Joint, which uses family recipes dating back three generations. It’s one of many redevelopments in the works for this unique building on Main Street

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Emma • Girl Eats Charleston (@girleatscharleston) on

 

 

Coming soon

Home Team BBQ

Take slow-cooked, Southern flavors and mix it with a rollicking good time and you’ve got Columbia’s new BBQ joint. Coming Spring 2019.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Cheerwine (@drinkcheerwine) on

 

 

Black Rooster

This Italian-inspired restaurant will adorn the top of residential development, Brookland, for views of the Congaree River and the downtown Columbia skyline. You say rooftop, the people will come running.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Charcuterie...yeah, we’ll have that. @brookland_sc @westcolumbiasc @columbiasc Photo by @fclonts

A post shared by Black Rooster (@blackroostersc) on

 

_______

 

Looking for more Columbia SC travel inspo? Check out our Instagram.