Five Points
Considered to be Columbia’s “original village neighborhood,” Five Points carries a charm and quirkiness that you won't soon forget. Browse boutiques, go way back with vinyl, and find your new favorite craft beer - you’ll find out why Five Points has been a hangout for more than 100 years.
Drip: No vats of prepared coffee here. At Drip, baristas make a cup at a time using the pour-over method to enhance the flavors of carefully roasted beans. More of a tea type? They’d be happy to talk with you about the difference between matcha and oolong. Underneath funky paintings of blues musicians, locals and travelers alike sip their coffee and recharge. Hungry or not, don’t miss anything on a biscuit.
The Gourmet Shop: Pack a perfect picnic basket at this Five Points staple. Owner Amy Beth Franks has been selling wine in Five Points for more than 40 years. But the deep selection of wines, cheeses, and pastries is just the start of what you’ll find here. An extensive gift shop offers everything you might need for daily cooking or throwing an elaborate party - from linens to bakeware. The Gourmet Shop's full-service cafe is known for its brunch and lunch options, including the breakfast bowl (featuring grits from Congaree Milling company, piled high with egg, cheese, and bacon) and their famous chicken salad.
Publico: This wood-paneled, opened-windowed space is the ideal place to grab a beer (or a margarita flight!) and a bite with friends. Featuring what they call “Lat-Asian” cuisine, Publico’s menu includes inventive burgers (like the Thai shrimp and Publico Burger with spicy barbecue pork and kimchi) and fusion tacos (like tuna poke and avocado crunch). Of their 54 taps, 45 feature craft beer, with seasonal favorites on hand too. Bonus - the patio is dog-friendly, equipped with a pup-friendly menu.
Sunrise Artisan Bath & Body: Humans, making products for humans, it's as simple as that. With a plethora of vibrantly colored self-care products ranging in everything from lip scrubs to body butter, you'll just have to treat yourself to a spa day after your shopping spree. Step into the sunshine that is Sunrise and shop the product of the month while you mull over your new favorite scent. Added bonus, these colorful bath bombs will be just the trick to get those kiddos excited for bath time.
Home Team BBQ: Center stage of the 5 Points Village sits Home Team BBQ, boasting a good time and spreading the tantalizing smell of their fresh barbecue up and down the streets of this neighborhood. Enjoy their patio on a warm day, or huddle inside in the fall to watch the football game. Serving a range of local beer and frozen cocktails alongside a variety of barbecue options, this is a favorite of everyone who visits.
Papa Jazz: More than a record store, it’s an institution. With more than 30 years on Greene Street, owner Tim Smith can help you discover the album you didn’t know you need to have. That’s what happens when you get lost amidst the stacks, filled with both new and used vinyl. From Coltrane to Coldplay, they have it here. (It’s also a great place to get the dish on Columbia’s live music scene - staff will be happy to make recommendations.)
Swiff: After being sold at Soda City for the last two years, creator and Columbia native, Ashanti Thomas decided to expand to his first brick-and-mortar storefront to bring locals everything from royal blue tracksuits to hot pink beanies. Indecisive when shopping? They also handcraft coffees for a shopping pick-me-up, sip on a cappuccino while deciding what will be your next best look.
Revente: No two days are alike in Revente. It's a women's consignment store featuring boutique & designer labels ranging from evening wear to everyday outfits to accessories you won't find in another store. As you stroll Saluda Avenue, pop into Revente and see what you can find, or just admire the unique outfits on display throughout the store.