Dining & Nightlife

Start Satisfying Your Cravings

Central SC has no shortage of dining options that cater to every palette. The culinary scenes in our Region are booming with exciting restaurants and seasoned chefs that are dedicated to providing the best cuisines South Carolina has to offer. But it’s not just Southern fare that we specialize in – everything from international flavors to vegan delicacies are well within reach. Plus, our lively nightlife scene is buzzing with opportunities to get out on the town, whether you’re looking for a relaxing night or a bustling party.

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Year-round food festivals in Central SC

Top 5

City for millennial migration

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Fine dining restaurants in Columbia

Cuisine Worth Craving

Central SC has a flavorful spectrum of cuisines ranging from Southern comfort to contemporary, diverse dishes. Our downtown districts, like St. Matthews, Newberry, and Columbia, are filled to the brim with unique dining options, including Lula Drake, Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Calhoun Cafe, Lucy’s Traditional Southern Bakehouse, Sam Kendall’s, Alodia’s Cucina Italiana, Figaro, and Terra.

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A shot of performers performing to a large crowd at the Icehouse Ampitheater in Central SC

Planning a Night on the Town

From bars to dance clubs to lively downtown areas, Central SC has the nightlife scene for you. Venues like the Koger Center, Tin Roof, The Senate, Bill’s Pickin’ Parlor, the Icehouse Amphitheater, the Newberry Opera House and Township Auditorium offer a variety of experiences that range from concerts to plays . For a more lowkey night, State Street in West Columbia, Main Street in downtown Columbia, Five Points or historic Newberry, and downtown Lexington are lined with restaurants and pubs to enjoy.

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Featured News & Stories

July 26, 2022

Kuntai establishing operations in Orangeburg County, SC

Welcome Kuntai to Orangeburg County. With this investment, the community is expanding its mastery in the automotive industry. From mechanical components to textiles and more, the future growth of automotive is accelerating in Orangeburg. ###### PRESS RELEASE: South Carolina Department of Commerce July 26, 2022 COLUMBIA, S.C. – Kuntai (North Charleston) Limited Corporation (Kuntai), an […]

July 25, 2022

Claflin receives $548,000 grant; money will help with economic development

Claflin University has received a $548,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s University Center Economic Development Program. The grant will allow the university to launch a University Center, which will work closely with the region’s rural and underserved minority populations that have limited access to economic and business development resources and regional commercialization efforts. […]