New Columbia bar eyes former Carolina Western Pub space in popular Vista area
A new bar could move into a space that formerly was home to a western bar in a popular Columbia neighborhood.
An establishment called Baileys has applied with the state Department of Revenue for a license to sell beer, wine and liquor for on-premises consumption at 920 Lady St. in the Vista district, according to public records. There also recently were hiring notices on recruiting site Zip Recruiter seeking employees for a “Baileys Tavern” at 920 Lady St.
As of Friday afternoon there was not a readily available website or social media presence for Baileys.
The new establishment would go into a space that formerly was home to Carolina Western Pub, which opened in the Lady Street spot in 2018. It was a popular place for line dancing and nightlife, particularly on the weekend nights when the Vista particularly comes alive.
However, Carolina Western Pub — known by many simply as CWP — closed in May, citing at the time the increasing costs of liquor liability insurance. Premiums for Carolina Western Pub more than tripled, rising roughly from $7,000 in 2023 to $25,000 in 2024, CWP’s manager said earlier this year.
The Vista continues to be a popular destination in downtown Columbia, with scores of restaurants, shops, bars, art galleries and more.
