Best Restaurants Near University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina. Whether a Gamecocks fan or a local, everyone knows that Columbia has an incredible food culture. Columbia has evolved into a more vibrant and varied metropolis. New eateries and hot spots are appearing on the scene, making USC the ideal place to live for a foodie. If you’re a current student, an alumnus, or just passing through Williams-Brice Stadium for a home game, don’t miss out on any of these excellent restaurants. Check out the best restaurants near the University of South Carolina below.

Must Read: Study in USA 2023: Benefits, Visa, Jobs & Scholarships

About the University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a well-known university in Columbia, South Carolina. Every year, a large number of students relocate to the United States to study their desired program at this university. 

The QS World University Ranking 2024 places the university somewhere between 701 and 750. It provides some of the most sought-after graduate and postgraduate courses in a variety of disciplines. 

This university’s acceptance rate is roughly 65%. Students get admitted to the university based on their GPA and SAT/ACT results. Additionally, the university recognizes IELTS (both online and paper-based), TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English proficiency exam scores.

This university’s average tuition fee is around INR 18-20 Lakhs. This university provides its students with the best professors and amenities in terms of education and the entire experience. 

It boasts a student-friendly environment and has produced some of the world’s top aluminas to date. This university’s placement rate is commendable since it gives 93% placements.

Also, Check out: Cost of Living in South Carolina

Best Restaurants Near University of South Carolina

Apart from quality education and wonderful facilities, the University of South Carolina is a hub for foodies. It has many wonderful eateries around which you can go to with your friends, family, or even alone. Check the best restaurants near the University of South Carolina below:

Drip

Drip is a neighborhood coffee shop dedicated to making each cup of coffee better than the last. They offer excellent service as well as out-of-this-world coffee and espresso that will make you wonder why you ever went to Starbucks. Don’t be concerned about their extraordinary menu—no matter what drink you order, Drip will ensure that it exceeds your expectations.

Image Source: Coffee Hunch

Must Try: Honey Habanero Latte, Honey Vanilla Latte

Address: 1441 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201 and 729 Saluda Avenue, Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: +1 803-661-9545

Village Idiot

Since its inception in 1990, Village Idiot has been the go-to spot for Gamecocks seeking New York-style pizza. They have late-night food and drink promotions, as well as trivia, which makes them the ideal collegiate pizza place.

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Must Try: Hurricane- red sauce pizza topped with a swirl of pesto and Village Special, topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and black olives

Address: 2009 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: +1 803-252-8646

Cafe Strudel 

Cafe Strudel is a charming cafe with a lively atmosphere. It’s the ideal setting for brunch after a night out. They provide a full cuisine and have an espresso and drink bar. Get there early or use their call-ahead seating because this place fills up quickly.

Image Source: Roadfood

Must Try: Hangover Hash Browns

Address: 300 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169

Phone: +1 803-794-6634

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Tin Roof

Tin Roof takes pride in being a gathering spot for musicians and non-musicians alike to enjoy music and food. They host celebrities, non-celebrities, and everyone in between. This live music venue is the place to go if you’re searching for a full-service meal or simply a drink.  Whatever you order from the menu, you’ll leave Tin Roof with a love of music and food.

Image Source: EventUp

Must Try: Sloppy Nachos, Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich

Address: 1022 Senate Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: +1 803-771-1558

Cinnamon Roll Deli

Cinnamon Roll Deli, or CRD, is widely regarded as having one of the best breakfasts in the country. They feature inventive and delectable sandwiches, such as The Big Max, which is topped with two eggs, cheddar, black pepper thick bacon, and drizzled with whole grain mustard. While everything is great, the special cinnamon rolls are baked from a specific Hawaiian recipe in-store every day. 

Image Source: OnlyInYourState

Must Try: Black Pepper Bacon Maple Glaze, Apple Cobbler, or the Bananas Foster.

Address: 2617 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29223

Phone: +1 803-465-4947

The Gourmet Shop

The Gourmet Shop, which has been at the heart of the activity since 1979, is both an upscale market and a restaurant. Their chicken salad is well-known, although any of the sandwiches will do. Every day, they serve brunch, and everything is of the same high quality that you would expect from The Gourmet Shop. There’s also a plant-based menu for vegans, and those things are made with the same care as the rest of the menu.

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Must Try: Fine wines, aged cheeses, speciality coffees, gourmet items,

Address: 724 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: +1 803-799-3705

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Good Life Cafe

This vibrant cafe on Main Street is known for its organic, internationally-inspired raw meals, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies. Their aça bowls, intriguing wraps and salads and raw noodle bar will appeal to vegetarians, vegans and those searching for a fresh, one-of-a-kind dining experience.

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Must Try: Almond Butter “bacon” sandwich, Harmony Bowl with beans, grains, kale salad, and house-made tahini ginger dressing

Address: 1216 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States

Phone: +1 803-766-3176

Salty Nut Cafe

There are a lot of fun gameday spots around the University of South Carolina, but we went with Salty Nut because it’s a tradition. They serve burgers, brunch, $5 PBR pitchers on game days, and have the largest deck in Five Points.

Image Source: Issuu

Must Try: A wing platter and a PBR pitcher

Address: 2000A Green Street, Columbia, SC 29205

Phone: +1 803-256-4611

Motor Supply Co. Bistro

This contemporary location in the heart of Vista adjusts its menus every day to give a distinct, diversified dining experience. When parents come to visit, the cosy setting, locally sourced, shared menu, and informed staff make this the ideal spot.

It’s difficult to recommend a specific dish due to their constantly changing menu, but we can assure you that whatever you buy will be locally sourced, high quality, and in season. 

Image Source: TripAdvisor

Must Try: Stocks and sauces, Desserts and house-butchered and smoked meats

Address: 920 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Phone: +1 803-256-6687

Must Read: 7 Best Restaurants Near Princeton University

Beezer’s

You can swing at Beezer’s on your way to class for a quick, affordable lunch. It’s much easier because they’re right across the street from the Horseshoe.

Image Source: USA Restaurants

Must Try: The “Godfather” sub filled with Genoa salami, Capicola ham, Virginia ham, and provolone

Address: 919 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 2920

Phone: +1 803-771-7771

FAQs

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