News Summary
Columbia, S.C. is seeing a surge in walk-up eateries that cater to both locals and university students. These casual dining spots like Silver Moon Restaurant and Rosewood Dairy Bar offer delicious comfort food without the frills, perfect for a quick bite on the go. With diverse offerings reflecting the city’s culture, these eateries are becoming popular venues for students looking for great meals and a nostalgic vibe. As the culinary scene evolves, new places like Mo’s Dairy Bar are set to open, promising even more tasty options for students and residents alike.
Local Culinary Scene Thrives with Walk-Up Eateries in Columbia, S.C.
Columbia, the bustling capital of South Carolina, is positively bubbling with excitement as its culinary scene takes a fascinating turn towards walk-up eateries. Despite being overshadowed by fancy restaurants and Instagram-worthy settings, these casual joints have struck a chord with locals who are craving good food without the frills. From meat-loving sandwiches to delightful desserts, there’s a lot to explore in Columbia’s heart!
The Comfort of Silver Moon Restaurant
One of the standout gems in this culinary renaissance is the Silver Moon Restaurant. This charming spot near Columbia College is known for serving up homemade comfort food with a side of warmth, courtesy of Mary Johnson. Following the passing of her husband in 2021, Mary took the reins of Silver Moon, and she’s making sure it thrives. The restaurant’s exterior is quite the sight, boasting handwritten menus and delightful sayings that invite everyone in. A standout item here is a unique combination of a juicy fried bologna sandwich, topped with cheese and onions, paired with a generous slice of homemade pound cake. Can you say comfort food heaven?
Classic Favorites at Rosewood Dairy Bar
Just down the road is the iconic Rosewood Dairy Bar, serving the community for more than 80 years! Regulars flock here multiple times a week to indulge in its classic offerings. This spot is all about nostalgia, and its unpretentious vibe shines through, making it feel like home every time a customer walks in. They offer a mix of delicious staples that have kept locals coming back for generation after generation.
A Taste of New York at Q’s Corner Cafe
Over at Q’s Corner Cafe, the city’s culinary diversity is reflected in its menu offerings that bring a taste of New York and Puerto Rico right to Columbia. Owner and chef Quincy Tirado has pivoted perfectly to embrace the walk-up model. He imports authentic bagels from Just Bagels in The Bronx, while also serving up daily Latin lunch specials. Nestled at 1900 Rosewood Dr., this cafe has quickly become a local favorite. Just be sure to check the hours; it’s open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and from Wednesday to Saturday, you can get your fix from early morning until mid-afternoon!
Nostalgia Continues with Anthony’s and B&S One Stop
Speaking of nostalgia, not far from Q’s is Anthony’s Dairy Bar, known for its retro décor and tasty fare like wings and gizzards. This spot has become a haven for those looking to relive friendly memories over delicious bites, serving patrons Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meanwhile, at B&S One Stop LLC, chili dog lovers are praising it as serving the best in town, operating Monday-Wednesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., plus Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You’ve got options, folks!
Exciting Developments on the Horizon
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Soon, Mo’s Dairy Bar will open in the former Zesto location, bringing back flavors many in the community miss dearly. Zesto was a beloved establishment known for its cheeseburgers, fried chicken, ice cream, and fries before it closed its doors in December 2024. Residents are buzzing about the fresh start and eagerly awaiting to see if Mo’s will recreate the nostalgic charm that defined Zesto for 75 years.
What’s Cooking This Weekend?
If you’re in Columbia on May 2, 2025, you might want to enjoy the beautiful weather while sampling some of these delicious walk-up eateries. Expect a partly cloudy morning, ideal for a food outing, with temperatures reaching a high of 87°F. As the day rolls into evening, don’t forget to keep an eye on the sky, as there’s a chance of scattered thunderstorms later on. So whether you’re grabbing a bite on the go or picking up a comforting meal to enjoy at home, Columbia’s walk-up eateries are here to satisfy your cravings!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Five Walk-Up Window Restaurants in Columbia, SC
- The State: Local News Article
- Columbia Business Report: Iconic Restaurant Closing
- NRN: Waffle House Employees Strike
- WLTX: Maurice’s Piggy Park BBQ Closed
- Wikipedia: Walk-up Eateries
- Google Search: Columbia SC Food Scene
- Google Scholar: Columbia South Carolina Cuisine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Columbia, South Carolina
- Google News: Columbia SC Restaurants
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
