Columbia is home to many up-and-coming restaurants, many of which offer outdoor seating. As the weather heats up and the days become longer, you’ll catch us dining outside to bask in the sunshine and clink our favorite cocktails around town. From rooftops, gardens, and sunset views, here are our top 12 outdoor dining experiences in Columbia, SC.
1. Terra
Take a break from Columbia’s city scene and escape into Terra’s garden patio. The perfect dinner date for two, Terra’s patio is a picturesque and romantic garden with bistro lights, old-timey lanterns and beautiful foliage to accompany farm to table cuisine. With a charming fountain and flourishing greenery sheltered by blooming trees, this is the perfect retreat to ease into relaxation by enjoying a locally-sourced dish and sipping on a spritz.
2. Smoked
Cool down with a refreshing cocktail and nibble on small plates on Smoked’s outdoor dining. With its lush lounge chairs, beautiful greenery, and a section covered by a canopy, Smoked’s spacious terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy time with friends. Their new seasonal cocktail menu is not one to miss + great deals for happy hour from 4-6pm!
3. Coa Agaveria Y Cocina
The indoor vibes at Coa are unmatched, but sometimes you just crave Mexican food on a patio, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a gorgeous sunset. Now open on Mondays, take a seat on Coa’s patio during happy hour to share your favorite small plates and sip the best tequila & mezcal cocktails in town.
4. Hampton Street Vineyard
When French street side dining meets a cool corner cafe in New York City, Hampton Street Vineyard’s outdoor dining transports you to both all wrapped up in one experience. With its whimsical feel and umbrella-covered sidewalk, this is the prime romantic spot to sit idly by and people-watch or have an outdoor business lunch. They have the largest wine collection in the city and a delightful L’apero or “French happy hour” with small plates, wines & $7 cocktails.
5. Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi
Just off of Main Street, Hanabi Hibachi & Sushi checks all the boxes when it comes to fresh sushi and a creative cocktail menu. With beautiful greenery and string lights overarching the brick-covered patio, this dog-friendly space offers Japanese-inspired cocktails that pair perfectly with any plate of sushi, hibachi and a great selection of appetizers for both lunch & dinner dining al fresco.
6. Tazza Kitchen
Tazza Kitchen has been a go-to restaurant for many locals of Columbia. And with good reason. With string lights overlooking the wraparound patio, this restaurant has a spectacular lunch, brunch, and dinner menu. Take a seat beside the fire pit and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail paired with their legendary wood-fired pizza.
7. Hendrix
Hendrix’s first-come, first-served rooftop sets the bar for an Instagrammable spot. Open Tuesday through Saturday until 9 pm, Hendrix’s rooftop menu consists of daily selections of smaller plates and great drinks. Take in the city skyline while tasting your way through sharable bites and flavorful cocktails. We recommend ordering an espresso martini, which is one of the best in town!
8. The War Mouth
Looking for something a bit more laid-back and lowkey? Take it easy with tasty bites at The War Mouth. With picnic tables and a rustic and charming enclosed patio, it’s the place to be. Try local favorite dishes like whole-hog barbecue, deviled eggs, and wood-grilled ribeye.
9. Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar
Get a taste of Italy in every bite at Il Giorgione Pizzeria and Wine Bar. Their cute and quaint brick patio is the perfect hideaway for unwinding. While it’s known for its delicious pasta and thin crust pizza, it isn’t complete without a glass of wine or the classic aperol spritz.
10. Black Rooster
Stop by Black Rooster’s rooftop patio for an elevated view of the sunset overlooking the Congaree River. With the ultimate mix of American and French classics, our favorite menu item has to be the killer happy-hour burger. Have a dinner photo shoot overlooking the city and share a cheers with one of their amazing cocktails.
11. Weco Bottle and Biergarten
Voted 2022 Free Times Best Outdoor Deck and Beer Selection, Weco not only has a wide selection of crafted beers, ciders, seltzers, and wines, but they also have a variety of food truck vendors to choose from. This chill outdoor patio offers shaded seating to keep cool on hot summer days and is the ideal spot for a casual night out with friends.
12. Savage Craft Ale Works
Located in West Columbia, Savage Craft is a veteran-owned brewery that has beers, bites, and even better vibes. Whether you choose to sip from the 21+ rooftop bar that overlooks Columbia’s neighborhoods or the family-friendly beer garden, the Savage Craft patio is the perfect gathering spot to enjoy live music and mingle with friends. + Frose in the summer to help beat the heat.