Columbia named in Zagat’s Southern food destinations list

Zagat, known for restaurant reviews and ratings, touted Columbia as one of the best lesser-known places to visit on a Southern food road trip.

The state capital made the “16 Under-the-Radar Southern Food Destinations” list Tuesday on Zagat’s website.

The list, which was in no specific order, described Columbia like this:

“Known more for college football and state politics, this city is nevertheless on the verge of a breakout when it comes to good eats. What was once the holdout of barbecue, sleepy meat-and-threes and plenty of bar fare for the college set is transforming through a small, yet committed, group of individuals.”

Some of the places featured include urban farm City Roots, Bourbon, Motor Supply Co., Oak Table, Rise Gourmet Goods & Bakeshop, River Rat Brewery, The Whig and The Warmouth.

The list also praised Columbia’s Slow Food chapter, as well as the weekly downtown Soda City Market that has become one of the most attended markets in the state.

Sullivan's Island and Greenville also made the cut.

Some of the eateries featured in the Sullivan’s Island area include the Co-Op, Poe’s Tavern, Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ, High Thyme Cuisine, the Obstinate Daughter and Beardcat’s Sweet Shop.

Zagat hailed Greenville as the “perfect lovechild of Chucktown and Asheville” in part because of its scenic downtown and more than 100 locally owned restaurants, including Roost Restaurant, American Grocery, Tupelo Honey Cafe, The Lazy Goat, Le Grand and The Chocolate Moose

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 10:27 AM with the headline "Columbia named in Zagat’s Southern food destinations list."