What’s Good Here: 6 places for food and romance around Columbia

Romance can take on any form when it comes to dining out on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s a great dish or a great view.

While many of Columbia’s upscale eateries are booked, there are plenty of casual options. Here is a sampling.

To set the mood

Pearlz Oyster Bar: If the way to the heart is through the stomach, head over to Pearlz Oyster Bar and order up a plate of the ultimate “food to set the mood,” served just about any way you like them. A dozen raw or steamed oysters are $14.95, or order up baked oysters Rockefeller with crawfish, lump crab and bacon for $11.95. If you’re both feeling really adventurous, try an oyster shooter – complete with pepper vodka, cocktail sauce and, yes, an oyster. After dinner, head upstairs for some live music at Pearls Upstairz Lounge.

936 Gervais St. (803) 661-7741

Spice it up

Baan Sawan Thai Bistro: Baan Sawan is a popular choice for those who like to spice things up a bit on Valentine’s Day. It’s so popular, in fact, that Feb. 14 is the only day of the year the Thai eatery takes reservations and seating is by reservation only. To ensure an intimate atmosphere, reservations are only accepted for parties of four or smaller. Try any of the curry dishes to bring a little heat to your evening. To bring a lot, give the Northern- or Central-style green curry a shot.

2135 Devine St. (803) 252-8992

For a romantic view

Liberty on the Lake: Liberty Tap Room’s location at the Lake Murray Marina claims, “The only thing better than the food is the view.” With a full view of Lake Murray at sunset, the view is, indeed, a hard one to beat. Reservations are not required, but if you want a table on the restaurant’s porch where views are the best, you may want to make that call now.

1602 Marina Road, Irmo. (803) 667-9715

For fun without the fuss

Pawley’s Front Porch: For couples who just want to enjoy good food together without all the fuss, Pawley’s Front Porch offers a casual environment and burgers out of this world (all of which are named for South Carolina’s coastal towns). The Isle of Palms burger is topped with pimento cheese and jalapeño bacon, while the Edisto features grape jelly, caramelized onions and goat cheese. Share some fries. Best of all, an appetizer, a couple of burgers and drinks will only set you back about $40.

827 Harden St. (803) 771-8001

Just dessert

Nonnah’s: Sometimes all you need is a hand-held stroll through the Vista followed by a decadent dessert at Nonnah’s. With options such as the “chocolate raspberry fantasy” (four layers of chocolate cake surrounded by raspberry jam and chocolate ganache), the “chocolate temptation” (moist chocolate cake laced with Godiva liqueur and layered with vanilla cream filling) and the “strawberry amaretto” (white cake soaked with amaretto flavoring layered with strawberry cream, covered with chocolate ganache and topped with fresh strawberries dipped in white chocolate), there’s bound to be something on the menu for both of you.

923 Gervais St. (803) 779-9599

Just some bubbly

Inn at USC: If you really want to do it up with an overnight romantic getaway, make sure chocolate-covered strawberries and champagne are part of the package! The historic Inn at USC Wyndham Garden offers a “romantic getaway” package that features the option of selecting one of the inn’s suites – three of which are located in the inn’s 105-year-old Black House and have private balconies overlooking Pendleton Street and its 200-year-old oak trees. The package includes a chilled bottle of champagne upon arrival, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bubble bath. Call for current pricing.

1619 Pendleton St. (803) 779-7779

This story was originally published February 9, 2016 at 5:13 PM with the headline "What’s Good Here: 6 places for food and romance around Columbia."