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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30+

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, Edisto Beer Garden (new in 2023!), 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

October 5, 2023

West Fraser grows Newberry County operations with third expansion in 10 years

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Oct. 5, 2023 | South Carolina Department of Commerce) – West Fraser, one of the largest timber producers in North America, today announced it is growing its Newberry County sawmill operations with its third expansion in 10 years. The $17.7 million investment will create 30 new jobs. Founded by three brothers in 1955, West […]

September 29, 2023

South Carolina HBCUs part of $10M US Department of Energy renewable energy project

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Three of South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will be involved in a nationwide project that has been awarded $10 million from the US Department of Energy. The Second life sMARt sysTems (SMART) project will work to solve the problem of the growing stockpile of electric vehicle lithium-ion batteries by […]