25 best restaurants in Columbia area and #1 is a SC BBQ joint, Yelp says. Do you agree?
Trying to decide what to have for lunch or dinner in Columbia?
You’re in luck — Yelp has a new ranking of 25 best restaurants in the Columbia area.
Columbia is known for being the capital of the state and home to the University of South Carolina. Being such a happening place, it stands to reason that the Soda City would also be home to many quality and yet varied restaurants.
For this particular Yelp’s list, a barbecue joint that excels in traditional Carolina-style BBQ snagged the top spot. But there are more than barbecue restaurants listed. The ranking includes various options, from Mexican food, to burger joints and vegan eateries.
To compile the list, Yelp ranked restaurants using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews given by Yelp Elite Squad members between August 2023 and August 2024. Only businesses in and around the Columbia area were considered. Also, when available, all businesses on the list had a passing health score as of Sept. 25.
Top 5 best restaurants in Columbia area
#1 Railroad BBQ, Columbia
Railroad BBQ in Columbia took first place and if you’ve ever eaten there, you’ll probably understand why.
The restaurant was founded by Kevin Gray, a longtime civil rights activist who died in 2023.
Railroad BBQ offers Carolina-style food at its finest, from the variety of well-smoked meats to the tangy sauces and generously-portioned sides. The restaurant building itself is an attraction, built in a former gas station, with its walls inside covered with pictures, posters and other artifacts that recognize South Carolina’s place in history.
“The pulled chicken was incredibly juicy, brisket had nice bark and tenderness. Everything well seasoned. Definitely will return,” Yelp reviewer Mike J. wrote on Sept. 2.
#2 MOA Korean BBQ & Bar
Found on Main Street in downtown Columbia, MOA Korean BBQ & Bar has been open for barely over a year, but has clearly made an impression.
The restaurant offers a vast array of barbecue options, from prime ribeye steak and pork belly to spicy chicken bulgogi and marinated shrimp. If you’re heading there for lunch, consider the hefty portions from one of the restaurant’s lunch box options, which offer the choice of stir-fired protein of chicken, spicy pork, fried tofu, beef or LA Galbi, along with vegetables, white rice, soup or salad, stir-fried glass noodles, three pieces of Mandoo and chef’s choice of a cold side dish.
“The Korean Fried Chicken was awesome. The Soy Garlic was my favorite out of the two flavors, but the Sweet & Spicy was also very good. The portion size was perfect, as well,” Yelp reviewer Allie G. wrote on Sept. 14.
#3 Masa Mexican Street Food
Masa Mexican Street Food has been serving craft cocktails with classic Mexican street food since 2020. From handmade tortillas to savory tamales, molotes and huaraches, ever dish is made with a focus on authenticity. Meanwhile, the cocktails are crafted and served with a variety of tiki-style beverages.
“I knew it was about to go down when they served me my food with a spoon,” Yelp reviewer Lisa F. wrote on May 13. “As a Latina, we know the best rice & bean combo is eaten with a spoon and a spoon is exactly what I needed. I loved the vibe here so much I came back with the crew two days later to devour the same thing and another week later to enjoy some tacos.”
#4 Breakfast at Ruiz
Brunch lovers can’t go wrong with a visit to Breakfast at Ruiz in West Columbia. Open since 2022, the mom-and-son-owned restaurant offers traditional, Southern breakfast favorites like French toast, shrimp and grits and breakfast cocktails. However, parts of the menu are inspired by the owners’ Puerto Rican culture. For instance, one of the dishes is made with fried pork chops, a common dish in Puerto Rico.
“Breakfast at Ruiz is top tier, I’ve had just about everything on the menu and have never been disappointed,” Yelp reviewer Messiah L. wrote on Sept. 15. “Each and every server is knowledgeable about the menu and selections.”
#5 Backstreets Grill
The family-operated Backstreets Grill in Columbia on Devine Street serves modern-American cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique sauces made in-house daily. From thick, juicy burgers to sandwiches, housemate pizzas, and hand cut steaks, customers should find something to enjoy.
“We came for a late lunch after reading about their onion rings,” Yelp reviewer Cheryl H. wrote on July 16. “We both had club sandwich and onion rings because one order was big enough to share.”
20 other best Columbia area restaurants
6. Halls Chophouse: Columbia
7. A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen: Columbia
8. smallSugar: Columbia
9. La Cienega Mexican Grill and Seafood: West Columbia
10. Chubby’s Burgers and Brewhouse: Blythewood
11. Hendrix: Columbia
12. The Bistro: Irmo
13. The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli: Columbia
14. Gang Nam Korean Restaurant: Columbia
15. The Hollow: Columbia
16. Duke’s Pad Thai Street Food and Noodle Bar: Cayce
17. Saluda’s: Columbia
18. Transmission Arcade: Columbia
19. Kao Thai Cuisine: Columbia
20. Tombo Grille: Columbia
21. 92Chicken: Columbia
22. Hokkaido Ramen House: Lexington
23. City Limits Barbeque: West Columbia
24. The Dragon Room: Columbia
25. Arabesque: Columbia
