You’ll be hard-pressed to find a menu in Columbia, SC that doesn’t include pimento cheese. Each chef serves up their own take in unique dishes, and it’s about time someone compiled a sampling of these dishes for you to seek out, enjoy and earn eligibility to win a prize, right? Enter the Columbia SC Pimento Cheese Passport. Below is a preview of each of the options you’ll find within its pages. Pick one up at the Columbia SC Visitors Center, at one of the participating restaurants or download it from the website and get to stampin’! 

 

Signature Pimento Cheese and Seasoned Pita Chips | DiPrato’s Delicatessen

Around here, DiPrato’s and pimento cheese are basically synonymous. Keep it classic with their signature pimento cheese (available in both original and sharp white cheddar versions) scooped right onto a warm, homemade seasoned pita chip. In fact, their pimento cheese is so beloved, you can even find it packaged in local grocery stores. 

DiPrato's Pimento Cheese

 

Creole Pimento Cheese | Bourbon

Bourbon owner Kristian Niemi wouldn’t dare do anything like everyone else and that applies to his pimento cheese, too. Smoother and creamier than traditional versions, this recipe brings the heat and uses peppadew peppers for an extra something special. Slather it onto a lavash cracker and enjoy!

Creole Pimento Cheese at Bourbon

 

Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon w/ “French Quarter” Pimento Cheese | Mr. Friendly’s

How does it possibly get better than filet mignon wrapped in bacon? By adding some “French Quarter” pimento cheese, of course! Browned and bubbling in a cast iron skillet, Mr. Friendly’s has fancified pimento cheese. Only the finest to go with your filet! 

*Only available during dinner hours*

Mr. Friendly's Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon with Pimento Cheese

 

Fried Green Tomato Biscuit with Pimento Cheese | Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits

The perfect marriage between pimento cheese and biscuits can be found on this Chipotle Pimento Cheese and Sausage Biscuit. Add Congaree Milling Co. Blue Corn Grits with pimento cheese for some extra Southern comfort.

Pimento Cheese biscuits and grits from Rambo's Fat Cat Biscuits

 

Carolina Bacon Turkey Melt | Roy's Grille

Stop by this hidden gem for a Carolina Bacon Turkey Melt with house made pimento cheese, smoked turkey and smoked bacon with grilled onions on Texas toast.

Turkey melt sitting on a log

 

Southern Egg Roll | Root Cellar

Of course Southern Egg Rolls are stuffed with pimento cheese! Enjoy house made pimento cheese and pulled pork rolled in a spring roll, lightly fried and topped with Root Cellar BBQ sauce.

Southern Egg Rolls

 

Pimento Cheese Fries topped w/ Chopped Pork | Midwood Smokehouse

If there’s two things Columbia knows, it’s pimento cheese and barbecue. At Midwood Smokehouse, crinkle cut fries serve as the vessel upon which these two come together and the combination of the fries, melty cheese and flavorful chopped pork is truly out of this world. 

Pimento Cheese Fries from Midwood Smokehouse

 

Pimento Cheeseburger Pizza | Terra

Let’s say this again for the people in the back. Pimento. Cheeseburger. Pizza. Terra's impossibly light and crispy crust (that makes it possible to eat a whole pizza in one sitting with absolutely no shame) is topped with slightly spicy house-made pimento cheese and ground ribeye. Please save us a slice.

Terra Pimento Cheeseburger Pizza

 

Smashed and Fried Yukon Golds | The War Mouth

The Smashed and Fried Yukon Golds are listed as a side dish on the menu at The War Mouth, but they totally stand on their own. Fried-to-perfection potatoes are crowned with warm pimento cheese and green scallions. #scenestealer

Smashed and Fried Yukon Golds with Pimento Cheese from The War Mouth

 

Pulled Brisket Sandwich | Spotted Salamander

Leave it to Spotted Salamander to serve up a pile of juicy, embered brisket, slaw, pickles, tangy bbq mayo and – you guessed it – pimento cheese between a fresh brioche bun. A meal that’ll have you reaching for a bib and ready for a nap – as any proper Southern meal should.

Spotted Salamander's Pulled Brisket Sandwich with Pimento Cheese

 

Horseradish Pimento Cheese | Café Strudel – West Columbia

Café Strudel serves their pimento cheese with an added kick in the form of horseradish and local Palmetto Pork bacon. Piled on top of a plate of fried green tomatoes, we just can't get enough. 

Café Strudel West Columbia's Horseradish Pimento Cheese

 

 

Lowcountry Hashbrowns | Café Strudel – Lexington

Sure, the Hangover Hashbrowns are Café Strudel’s signature dish, but trust us when we say you do not want to sleep on the Lowcountry Hashbrowns. Crispy potatoes are topped with shrimp, fried green tomatoes, crumbled bacon, green onions and, of course, the pièce de résistance – pimento cheese. I mean, this is what dreams are made of, folks.

Café Strudel Lexington's Lowcountry Hashbrowns with Pimento Cheese

 

Want more info on the Pimento Cheese Passport (and the delicious Southern staple in general)? Click here.

 

All photography by Forrest Clonts.