For most people, the conversation around Columbia, South Carolina stops at the Midlands capital being a college town. In reality, this region is steeped in history–Black history, specifically– that can be found throughout the city and in its food scene. One thing you’ll never have to worry about in a city like Columbia is going to bed dissatisfied.
From breakfast classics to signature Southern dishes, support these Black-owned businesses in Columbia on your next visit.
The Toasty Hot Spot
Start the day with a hearty breakfast reminiscent of home from Columbia’s take-out favorite, The Toasty Hot Spot. Young entrepreneur Sai Williams and her partner, Eli Wright, debuted this flavorful eatery nearly three years ago. Claiming some of the best grit bowls in Columbia, guests love the build-your-own concept where breakfast is customized to your liking.
The Toasty Hot Spot is also where to go when the craving for a good Southern biscuit calls. Try the traditional buttermilk biscuits with sausage gravy or shrimp gravy. Omelets, shrimp and grits, and their sweet California grits with brown sugar, honey, and cinnamon turn first-timers into loyal fans. Find these along with equally decadent sandwiches, wraps, and salads for lunch at 1305 Lady Street in downtown Columbia. Try Columbia’s favorite breakfast Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:30 am to 2:00 p.m.
- Location: Downtown Columbia
- Type of Cuisine: Brunch
- Menu Spotlight: Biscuits & Gravy
- Before You Go: Columbia’s favorite breakfast spot is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Railroad BBQ
The best of Carolina cuisine can be found at Railroad BBQ. Located on Hampton Street, the Black-owned restaurant sits adjacent to railroad tracks, a notorious marker of Columbia living. Travelers will find the best-smoked meats and savory sides, like mac-n-cheese and vegan collard greens, to match.
Railroad BBQ’s owner, Kevin Alexander Gray, was an author and civil rights activist long before becoming a restauranteur. Gray’s legacy includes longtime involvement in South Carolina’s progressive politics, working alongside Rev. Jesse Jackson and other leaders. Although Gray passed away in 2023, Railroad BBQ remains a place where people can “bond over barbeque” in his honor. Prideful history lessons cover the walls and table designs of this casual yet delicious restaurant.
- Location: Hampton Street
- Type of Cuisine: Barbecue
- Menu Spotlight: The R. McQueen
- Before You Go: Railroad BBQ is a shrine to South Carolina history with old photographs, newspaper clippings, and other memorabilia that will keep you enthralled for hours with tales of the state.
A Peace Of Soul Vegan Kitchen
Residents of the Midlands swear by the 100 percent plant-based cuisine at A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this southern comfort vegan eatery is loved by vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters, with customers visiting from near and far.
- Location: Main Street
- Type of Cuisine: Vegan
- Menu Spotlight: Large BBQ Spareribs
- Before You Go: A Peace Of Soul Vegan Kitchen is only open Wednesday to Saturday.
Kiki’s Chicken And Waffles
Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, voted the best soul food in Columbia, gets its fair share of celebrity drop-ins. The restaurant has been visited by former First Lady Hillary Clinton, Dawn Staley, Sherri Shepherd, Chrisette Michele, and Deion Sanders. Their signature dish, as the name alludes, is chicken and waffles. Four flavorful fried chicken wings are served on top of a warm Belgian waffle, with flavored waffles as an upgrade. Other comforting dishes like smothered pork chops, salmon patties, and the fried fish soul food plate are also worth trying at least once.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Type of Cuisine: Comfort Food
- Menu Spotlight: The Classic Breakfast
- Before You Go: Kiki’s now has two locations in the city to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere, food, and live entertainment.
The Donut Guy
Crystal and Shaun Paulk, the wife-husband duo behind the brand, have been a staple in the Columbia area since 2011. The rich confections of their business, The Donut Guy, are well worth a trip to the Sandhills area. These sweet treats will give any sweet tooth a run for its money.
- Location: Columbia
- Type of Cuisine: Donuts
- Menu Spotlight: Big Boy Donuts
- Before You Go: Travelers can catch The Donut Guys at Soda City on Saturdays, Columbia’s year-round weekly farmers market.
Goat’s Restaurant
Located in the Five Points neighborhood, Goat’s serves delicious comfort food that lives up to its name. The craft cocktail bar and restaurant was opened by Olando “Opie” Patterson. Now, Goat’s provides incredible American cuisine in a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere for Columbia locals and visitors.
- Location: Five Points
- Type of Cuisine: American
- Menu Spotlight: Crab Au Gratin
- Before You Go: Goat’s is open daily from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner.
Piecewise Coffee Co.
For good drinks and food in Columbia, travelers can visit Piecewise Coffee Co. They have a variety of specialty coffees and bakery items to help you get your daily sweet tooth and caffeine fix. At Piecewise, everyone is better together and travelers feel the love when visiting this Black-owned restaurant in Columbia.
- Location: Multiple locations
- Type of Cuisine: Coffee Shop
- Menu Spotlight: Matcha Tea Lemonade
- Before You Go: Piecewise has another location in Cayce, SC.
Sunrise Southern Cafe
If you’re looking for breakfast or brunch in Columbia, look no further than the Sunrise Cafe. This Black-owned restaurant is super low-key. You won’t find them advertising on social media or billboards. However, the food speaks for itself and they have plenty of options for breakfast and lunch when visiting the city.
- Location: Main Street
- Type of Cuisine: Breakfast
- Menu Spotlight: Shrimp & Grits with Eggs
- Before You Go: The Sunrise Southern Cafe is closed on the weekend.
Tati’s Island Cuisine
Travelers can get more scrumptious, Caribbean food at Tati’s Island Cuisine. The restaurant has authentic Jamaican food that’s high quality with the freshest ingredients. No one does Jamaican flavor in Columbia, SC like Tati’s.
- Location: Columbia
- Type of Cuisine: Jamaican
- Menu Spotlight: Oxtail Stuffed Eggrolls
- Before You Go: Guests can get Tati’s delicious egg rolls for only five dollars every Thursday at the restaurant.
Uncle Buck’s Kitchen
Uncle Buck’s Kitchen is another lowkey Black-owned restaurant in Columbia. You won’t find the restaurant on Instagram making reels and carousels. However, they have some of the best soul food in the city. The owner opened the restaurant in 2023 to honor her brother who passed away. Now, everyone in town is talking about Uncle Buck’s Kitchen.
- Location: Farrow Road
- Type of Cuisine: Soul Food
- Menu Spotlight: Homemade Banana Pudding
- Before You Go: Uncle Buck’s Kitchen is closed on the weekend.
Columbia, South Carolina has many nicknames. However, whether you call it Soda City or River City, it’s clear that good eating can occur when you’re visiting the southern city. Be sure to check out these 10 Black-owned restaurants the next time you’re in the Midlands.
