As the capital of South Carolina and home to a major university, Columbia has a vibrant and diverse culture.
Its food scene is often defined by classic Southern cooking, but a deeper look reveals a growing landscape of authentic global flavors and chef-driven concepts.
To find the true taste of Columbia, you need to venture beyond the downtown Vista district and into the neighborhood spots that locals adore.
These are the places that offer soul, history, and flavor in equal measure.
Here are five underrated restaurants in Columbia that deserve your attention.
1. Zesto of West Columbia
Zesto is a Columbia icon, instantly recognizable by its retro sign and the long lines for its signature dipped ice cream cones.
While the ice cream is legendary, the locals’ secret is the fried chicken.
It’s crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, served without any frills.
A meal of Zesto’s chicken and a dipped cone is a quintessential Columbia experience.
This cash-only spot is a delicious throwback to a simpler time.
2. Baan Sawan
For over two decades, Baan Sawan has been a hidden gem for authentic, elegant Thai cuisine.
Tucked into an intimate and cozy space, the restaurant offers a refined dining experience.
The chefs expertly balance the complex sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors of traditional Thai cooking.
Dishes like the Nam Tok (spicy beef salad) and whole fried flounder are standouts.
It’s the perfect spot for a special occasion or a quiet, flavorful meal.
3. Drake’s Duck-In
Drake’s Duck-In is a piece of Columbia history, serving the city since 1907.
This no-frills, counter-service spot is famous for one thing: its simple and perfect fried chicken sandwich.
It’s nothing fancy—just a wonderfully crispy piece of chicken on a soft white bun.
For many locals, it’s the definitive taste of home.
It’s a humble, enduring, and utterly delicious institution.
4. The War Mouth
Located in the Cottontown neighborhood, The War Mouth specializes in whole-hog barbecue and classic Southern dishes with a modern twist.
The restaurant is housed in a cool, industrial-chic converted auto body shop.
They honor old-school cooking traditions, from the slow-smoked pork to the house-made pickles and sausages.
It’s a place that respects its roots while offering a fresh, contemporary dining experience.
Don’t skip their inventive cocktails, which perfectly complement the smoky food.
5. Duke’s Pad Thai
Duke’s is a tiny, unassuming restaurant that proves that doing one thing perfectly is a recipe for success.
The menu is small, focusing on street-style Thai noodle and rice dishes.
The Pad Thai is, of course, the star of the show, and it’s widely considered the best in the city.
Each dish is cooked to order with fresh ingredients and a perfect balance of flavors.
It’s a true hole-in-the-wall spot with a massive and loyal following.
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