Best of Carolina


Best Auto Repair: Broad River Auto Repair
Editor's Picks

Best Auto Repair: Broad River Auto Repair

By Gracie Bryant

If you’re like me and get overwhelmed going to get your car fixed, a locally owned shop can ease some of that anxiety. 


Best Auto Repair: AutoZone
Services

Best Auto Repair: AutoZone

By Gracie Bryant

Regardless of your knowledge about auto repair, AutoZone offers advice, products and service to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive. 


Best BBQ/Ribs: Home Team BBQ
Food & Drink

Best BBQ/Ribs: Home Team BBQ

By Caroline Hiel

If you’re interested in good vibes and great barbeque, Home Team is definitely the place to go!


Best Burgers: Pawley's Front Porch
Food & Drink

Best Burgers: Pawley's Front Porch

By Caroline Hiel

With a menu featuring over 10 specialty burgers made from scratch and grilled to perfection, Pawleys Front Porch easily wins best burger in the Columbia area.


Best Indian Food: 2 Gingers
Food & Drink

Best Indian Food: 2 Gingers

By Grace Farrar

Located just 10 minutes from campus, 2 Gingers is an authentic Indian restaurant that offers classic dishes with high quality ingredients and modern twists.


Best Japanese Food: Hibachi House
Food & Drink

Best Japanese Food: Hibachi House

By Torre Borowsky

If you’re looking for the perfect take-out meal for movie night or the comfort food to get you through hours of studying — Hibachi House should be at the top of your list! 


Best Chinese Food: Tsunami Sushi Restaurant
Food & Drink

Best Chinese Food: Tsunami Sushi Restaurant

By Torre Borowsky

Located in the Vista, Tsunami Sushi has an excellent atmosphere that matches the detail and care put into their sushi dishes and entrées.


Best Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Zoe's Kitchen
Food & Drink

Best Vegan/Vegetarian Options: Zoe's Kitchen

By Daniella Ramirez

The “fresh-made” Mediterranean restaurant is one of the top places to head to in Columbia for a guilt-free meal after class or work.


Best Outdoor Dining: Publico
Food & Drink

Best Outdoor Dining: Publico

By Gracie Bryant

The spacious patio is perfect for large groups, and they have Igloos available for special reservations.


Best New Restaurant: Black Rooster
Food & Drink

Best New Restaurant: Black Rooster

By Emily Neglia

Between the delicious cuisine, fancy cocktails, and stunning views at sunset from the rooftop bar, Black Rooster is a must-go for your next night out.


Best Brewery: River Rat Brewery
Food & Drink

Best Brewery: River Rat Brewery

By Emily Neglia

River Rat Brewery is more than just a place to grab a beer — it’s a place to relax after a long day of work, a place to laugh with friends and even a place for your dog to meet other furry friends.


Best Ice Cream: The Baked Bear
Food & Drink

Best Ice Cream: The Baked Bear

By Maggie Holman

The Baked Bear distinguishes itself from other ice cream shops with their custom ice cream sandwiches.


Best Place to Celebrate a Birthday: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Food & Drink

Best Place to Celebrate a Birthday: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe

By Maggie Holman

Treat yourself right this birthday season and celebrate at Kaminsky’s with a delicious dessert!


Best Dessert: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe
Food & Drink

Best Dessert: Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe

By Emily Neglia

Just hearing someone mention Kaminsky’s makes my mouth water! Their extensive menu and cake case provides a variety of options to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.


Best Late Night Eats: Eddie's Calzones
Editor's Picks

Best Late Night Eats: Eddie's Calzones

By Gracie Bryant

Are you up late studying or hanging out with friends and need a bite to eat? Eddie’s Calzones is just five minutes from campus and offers delivery across Columbia.


Best Late Night Eats: Cookout
Food & Drink

Best Late Night Eats: Cookout

By Caroline Hiel

Cook Out’s location, paired with its insanely cheap and savory food, make it by far one of the best places to go to satisfy your late-night cravings.


Best Place for a Fancy Dinner: Blue Marlin
Food & Drink

Best Place for a Fancy Dinner: Blue Marlin

By Emily Neglia

Trying to decide where to take your family when they visit, go on a date or go with your friends for a celebratory dinner? 


Best Lunch: Big Bull's Bangin' BBQ
Editor's Picks

Best Lunch: Big Bull's Bangin' BBQ

By Gracie Bryant

I highly recommend going to get some barbecue and other Southern staples at Big Bull’s Bang’n BBQ. Supporting a local business has never tasted so good!


Best Mexican Food: Cantina 76
Food & Drink

Best Mexican Food: Cantina 76

By Emily Neglia

Between Taco Tuesday and Tequila Thursday, Cantina 76 knows how to satisfy all of your Mexican food cravings.


Best Lunch: Cantina 76
Food & Drink

Best Lunch: Cantina 76

By Maggie Holman

If you are craving Mexican food, there is no place that can hit the spot quite like Cantina 76.