Columbia’s Main Street hustles up to the front steps of our State Capitol, sprinting through one of the trendiest areas in Columbia. The past decade has seen Downtown Columbia, our city center, go from tired has-been to wide-eyed adolescent. This serious personality change is crucial to the evolution of Columbia, helping our city evolve and come into its own.
Whether you’re visiting Columbia or a local, don’t miss taking a stroll down Main Street. You’ll find good shopping, restaurants, and attractions, such as the Nickelodeon, Columbia’s only art-house movie theater, the newly renovated Columbia Museum of Art, a world class art museum, and Tapp’s Arts Center a place for artists to develop and display their work.
However, there is more to Main Street than art exhibits, such as The Grand, a trendy bowling alley and restaurant, unique shopping and amazing food!
History Buff?
Columbia has played a crucial role in helping South Carolina secure a place in United States’ history. As you mull around, read the plaques along Main Street that tell the story of the Civil Rights Movement in Columbia.
If you want a more immersive experience, visit the beautiful grounds of the South Carolina State House, and if you’ve got time, take a free tour of the state house itself.
Soda City
On Saturday mornings, enjoy the Soda City Market from 9 Am – 1 PM. This open-air market runs year round, rain or shine, and features more than 150 vendors on a weekly basis! For more information on their upcoming events, visit the website here.
First Thursday
On the first Thursday of every month, businesses and restaurants on Main Street keep their doors open from 6 PM – 9 PM. This event, aptly named First Thursday, features live music on the street, celebrations of art, samples of food and drink, and loads of fun! Check out the specifics of every iteration here.
Blue Bike Initiative
If you pay close attention to your carbon footprint, and don’t feel like fighting to find a good parking spot, then ditch the cars and hop on one of the Blue Bikes stationed around town! These bikes are part of the Blue Bike Initiative, a rent-by-the-hour bike service.
To use the Blue Bikes, download the BlueBikeSC app today!
Evolving Main Street
Main Street is constantly going through changes. Whether it’s restaurants, apartments, bars, or business, new doors are opened all the time. We’ve highlighted a few Newbies and Future Openings below:
New Kids on the Block
1216 Washington Street | 803-708-933
This pizza place opened its Main Street branch in January of 2019, but they’ve been a Southeast staple since 2013! This new location is a “prototype” of sorts, with new LED lighting and unique decor. They serve pizza (duh), stromboli, wings, sandwiches….and salad. It’s all delicious! Give it a try.
1649 Main Street | 803-834-5132
This swanky bar opened only a few weeks ago! It’s housed in a historic building that has undergone some fairly extensive renovations, but don’t worry! They made sure to keep some of its more unique features intact, such as the worn brick walls and wooden support beams. They serve lunch, dinner, and a whole bunch of cool drinks. Plus, their rooftop bar is something to write home about.
1221 Main Street | 803-563-5066
Anyone who lives in South Carolina knows about Halls. After their Charleston location rose to fame, they quickly spread to the Northeast, opening a restaurant in Greenville. Well, one of the best steakhouses in the nation has made its way to Columbia, taking up the space previously occupied by The Oak Table. Although they’re known for their steaks, you have to try the Lobster Mac & Cheese! Soon to be open for lunch.
1321 Lofts
These new apartments have the style and flair to complement the stylistic evolution seen all across Main Street! Open floor plans, state-of-the-art amenities, and an amazing location are just the tip of the iceberg!
Coming Soon!
The Bistro
This new fast-casual restaurant is set to open in March in the 1700 block of Main Street.
Renovations to the plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art have been going on for months, but are scheduled to finish on March 7, 2019!
Improvements to Columbia’s first “mall” are ongoing! Artist studios, restaurants, wedding-related businesses, barber shops, and coffee shops are coming all the time. Take a walk through it!
Holiday Inn
Notice all the work going on at 1233 Washington Street? It’s on its way to becoming a 1950s-themed Holiday Inn with 90 guest rooms!
