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Restaurants near Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC

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36 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Waitlist restaurant
1. California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Waitlist
4.6
Exceptional(3123)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 100 times today
Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside historic 1902 Union Station, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, California Dreaming has been a beloved part of the community since 1984. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the rail tracks from the inactive platform to the main terminal, creating a vibrant, inviting setting for our hearty, made-from-scratch menu. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with online ordering and curbside pickup available.Reduce your wait by joining our Priority Waitlist, which places your name ahead of walk-in guests. While it is not a traditional reservation, a table is assigned as soon as one becomes available around your preferred time. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat up to 8 guests per table. We are unable to combine tables or seat separate parties together.
A photo of The Golden Spur Grill restaurant
2. The Golden Spur Grill
4.1
Excellent(67)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 10 times today
As the official restaurant of the University of South Carolina, The Golden Spur offers a relaxed, inviting atmosphere just steps from Colonial Life Arena and the Koger Center. Our full-service restaurant and bar features chef-inspired dishes and seasonal specials. We also serve a popular Sunday brunch menu and host Happy Hour from 4:00 - 6:00pm Monday - Thursday, making The Golden Spur the place where Campus Meets Community.
A photo of El Vago Mexican Kitchen restaurant
3. El Vago Mexican Kitchen
4.4
Awesome(36)
$$$$
• Mexican • Columbia
Booked 4 times today
El Vago Mexican Kitchen is a new restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina that serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is located at 601-A Main St., near the intersection of Main and Blossom streets. El Vago is open for lunch and dinner, and offers a variety of dishes, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and fajitas. The restaurant also has a full bar, and offers a variety of margaritas, beers, and wines. El Vago is a great place to go for a casual meal with friends or family. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, and the food is delicious.
A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia restaurant
4. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(3114)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Columbia
Booked 51 times today
Ruth's Chris Steak House serves the finest aged, corn-fed USDA Prime beef. Broiled in a trademark 1,800° oven & served on a plate heated to 500 degrees, your steak is presented sizzling hot at your table.Additionally, the menu includes select fresh seafood & other meat entrees, including seasonal specialties like foie gras, buffalo strip & scallops. A variety of fresh-cooked vegetables, including seven kinds of potatoes, salads, homemade desserts & an extensive selection of over 100 domestic & imported wines complete your dining experience. Ruth's Chris never fails to please!
A photo of Saluda's restaurant
5. Saluda's
4.8
Exceptional(4426)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 60 times today
Located in the heart of Five Points, just steps from the University of South Carolina’s campus and less than a mile from the state capitol building, Saluda’s has been impressing Columbia residents and visitors since it opened to much fanfare in 1996. Saluda's has created an exciting menu intermingling classically prepared dishes with cutting edge techniques and ingredients. Saluda's menu is built around mixing locally grown seasonal products with luxurious ingredients from around the world. Saluda's features Southern cuisine with French and Italian influences to create a menu both familiar and new. Our professional and courteous staff serves all of our guests with true Southern hospitality.
A photo of Prohibition - Columbia restaurant
6. Prohibition - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(299)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 43 times today
Prohibition Columbia opened in the spring of 2024 and is brought to you by the same team behind Prohibition Charleston, which opened in 2014, and Repeal 33 in historic Savannah, Georgia. While many of the food and drink items can be found at all three locations, special considerations have been made to tailor a unique experience in each city.As part of the ever-growing Main Street District, Prohibition brings innovative cocktails, eclectic cuisine, and live music to the heart of Soda City.
A photo of Ladder 13 restaurant
7. Ladder 13
4.6
Exceptional(111)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Columbia
Booked 16 times today
Savor thoughtfully composed small plates, seasonal ingredients, and bold interpretations of Mediterranean classics. Whether you're sipping a cocktail beneath the glow of Ladder 13's original fire doors or settling in for a weekend dinner, every dish invites you to linger a little longer.
A photo of Coa Agaveria y Cocina restaurant
8. Coa Agaveria y Cocina
4.7
Exceptional(83)
$$$$
• Mexican • Columbia
Booked 12 times today
Escape to Coa Agaveria y Cocina, Columbia's upscale Mexican haven. Savor our family recipes, crafted with bold flavors from across Mexico. Indulge in small plates, exquisite tequila and mezcal cocktails, and specialty dishes that tantalize your taste buds. Our cozy ambiance creates the perfect setting for a delightful dining experience. Join us for a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Mexico.If not, available smaller parties are served on a first-come, first served basis, and larger parties over 12 must call for a reservation. Our private dining room can accommodate up to 24 guests. Please call 803-851-5965 or email privatedining@coaagaveria.com to reserve.
A photo of Tupelo Honey - Columbia restaurant
9. Tupelo Honey - Columbia
4.4
Awesome(519)
$$$$
• American • Columbia
Booked 44 times today
Tupelo Honey is a revival of Southern food and traditions rooted in the Carolina Mountains we call home. We craft brunches, lunches and suppers that bring family and friends around the table and allow for conversations and cocktails to linger longer than usual. Always scratch-made, always responsibly-soured, and always Southern.If you do not see your desired party size or time available please see our website for additional reservation availability. https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/frisco/reservations/
A photo of MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia restaurant
10. MOA Korean BBQ & Bar - Columbia
4.8
Exceptional(364)
$$$$
• Asian • Columbia
Booked 11 times today
Welcome to MOA, downtown Columbia's exclusive destination for authentic Korean BBQ dining. Our upscale establishment prides itself on delivering an unforgettable culinary experience, where the vibrant flavors of traditional Korean cuisine meet the highest quality ingredients, including our signature dry-aged beef. Sit back and relax as our dedicated service team expertly handles the grilling for your table, ensuring every bite is perfection. Join us for a memorable dining adventure at the only Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown Columbia, where every moment is filled with warmth, flavor, and genuine hospitality.

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Dining near Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC at a glance

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Most popular restaurant

popular restaurant

Midwood Smokehouse - Cross Hill

5

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Exceptional reviews

Most popular cuisine

popular cuisine

American

Average check amount

$30 and under

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sally
    Asheville / Western North Carolina •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Our waitress was fabulous! Very accommodating and the food was excellent.
    More info
    California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Waitlist$$$$• American• Columbia
    •
    4.6
  • Linda
    South Carolina •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Our food was delicious and our server, Olivia, was excellent. Location is great for Koger Center or Carolina Life Arena. Parking is an added bonus!
    More info
    The Golden Spur Grill$$$$• American• Columbia
    •
    4.1
  • emilyGold
    Atlanta •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 29, 2026
    everything was fantastic, the food, the service, the atmosphere
    More info
    Saluda's$$$$• American• Columbia
    •
    4.8
  • Steve
    Jacksonville / Northeast Florida •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 28, 2026
    Little lunch reunion for two sisters who hadn't been together in 10 years. It was a very pleasant lunch...food was delicious, portions generous and service well paced which made "catch up" conversation possible, Would visit this location again when in Columbia.
    More info
    Ruth's Chris Steak House - Columbia$$$$• Steakhouse• Columbia
    •
    4.4
  • TonyGold
    Orlando / Central Florida East •26 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Sep 19, 2026
    El Vago is one of our favorite Columbia spots to grab a bite. Food is great, price is reasonable and the atmosphere is energetic. My only feedback is, we somehow have always gotten the same girl as our waitress and she is amazing!!! But it seems like she is asked to do a all the roles and the others are not on the same level of service which leads to some delays in getting checks, sometimes overwhelmed, etc. Doesn't take away from our overall experience as we love going back; but lets get everyone else on the same page as this girl/woman and this would be a 5 start all the way, every day, nonstop.
    More info
    El Vago Mexican Kitchen$$$$• Mexican• Columbia
    •
    4.4

Discover best restaurants near Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC

Discover the vibrant dining scene surrounding the Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC, a central hub that invites both visitors and locals to explore. Where to Eat Near Courtyard Columbia Downtown at USC? This area boasts a diverse array of culinary options that cater to all tastes and occasions. Enjoy flavorful Southern comfort food that embodies charm and tradition, immerse yourself in Brazilian cuisine with an exquisite selection of meats served right at your table, or savor the craft brews paired with creative American dishes for a casual yet upscale dining experience. Whether you're in the mood for a lively atmosphere or a cozy dinner, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind. Dining here is not just a meal; it's a delightful journey through flavors and hospitality.

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