Table for one? Here’s where to eat and drink alone in Columbia
Whether you have a few established friend groups and plenty to do on the weekends, or you’re new to town and haven’t yet found your people, there will probably come a time when you find yourself deciding between going out alone or staying in.
While going out to eat or drink by yourself can seem daunting and maybe even a little awkward, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. No one is paying as much attention to you as you think they are, and there are plenty of great spots in town for grabbing a bite to eat by yourself or enjoying the bartender’s company over a beer.
Below is a list of some of my preferred places for dining or drinking alone, ranked in order from least to most intimidating.
Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments.
Drip Coffee
Including a coffee shop on this list feels like cheating a bit, but of the area’s coffee shops, Drip (729 Saluda Ave.) is one of the best for sitting alone with a good book, working from your laptop, journaling or getting creative with a sketchpad. There’s a bar at the Five Points spot if you want to sit close to all the action, a quieter backroom and a small outdoor patio area. Plenty of people work or relax here alone, unlike some other places which tend to draw coffee dates and Bible studies, so you’re less likely to feel like a fish out of water.
Duke’s Pad Thai
Counter service lunch options are great for when no one in the office wants to join you for a bite to eat. Duke’s Pad Thai (904 Knox Abbott Drive) opened in Cayce in 2017 and offers everything from tacos to stir fry dishes and noodle bowls. Its sister restaurant, Little Bee Bun Mee, sits next door and connects to Duke’s and has options like banh mi sandwiches and poke bowls. Both are great for lunch alone, as you likely won’t be the only person grabbing a quick bite before heading back to your day job.
Zesto of West Columbia
Another counter service option where you’re sure to see everyone from construction crews to local realtors, Zesto of West Columbia (504 12th St.) is chaotic in the way that allows those eating alone to mostly avoid detection or stares because everyone else is either also eating alone or too caught up in their own conversations and meals to notice. The army of staff are attentive and efficient so even if sitting alone for lunch is your worst fear, you’ll likely be in and out in no time anyways.
WECO Bottle & Biergarten
While WECO (626 Meeting St.) is the perfect place for spreading out with a large group of friends, it’s also surprisingly great for sitting by yourself on a nice day. Most of the picnic tables at the West Columbia biergarten are made for larger groups, but there are a handful of bar seats inside or you can grab a picnic table out at the edge of the lawn for a little more privacy. If you’re spending a weekend alone, go grab a book from Ed’s Editions and carry it with you to WECO for lunch and a drink while you read.
The Hoot
Word to the wise, if you’re going to The Hoot (2910 Rosewood Drive Ste 1) alone, it might be best to check the Rosewood bar’s Instagram and events schedule first. The intimate space that sort of feels like your grandma decorated it can get a little hectic during trivia or karaoke. But go early, or on a more laidback evening, and you’ll find plenty of other people sitting alone reading or working on their laptops over a beer or some “cheese” tots — the menu is entirely vegan, so take that as a plus or minus depending on your preference. There’s seats at the bar if that’s your speed or small two-tops near corners to make you feel less exposed.
Transmission Arcade
If simply looking like you’re alone at a bar intimidates you, downtown Columbia’s Transmission (1712 Main St.) might be the place to avoid that feeling. On any weekend night, it’s crowded enough that no one will notice you sitting solo. And if you’re feeling awkward sitting, there’s plenty of one-person arcade games that most others are doing alone even if they’re with people. The arcade bar serves some of the best bar food in town, so don’t miss out on that either.
Lula Drake Wine Parlour
While Lula Drake (1635 Main St.), the James Beard Award-winning wine bar in downtown Columbia, might be the perfect place for a date night or girls night out, it’s also great for cozying up to the bar for a glass of wine and a cheese plate alone. The bartenders are attentive and welcoming, without being overbearing, and it’s busy enough that you won’t feel like all eyes are on you for sitting alone. I’ve struck up, or overheard others strike up, conversations with folks passing through town on business trips while other times, I’ve sat alone with my thoughts (and the New York Times games app).
The War Mouth
Grab a seat at the bar of this laidback Cottontown eatery if you’re looking for high-quality southern food without the awkwardness of sitting alone at a barbecue buffet. The War Mouth (1209 Franklin St.), which opened in late 2015, is open for lunch and dinner with a host of options like barbecue plates, smoked ribs and hot dogs. If you’re there for lunch, don’t miss the griddle burger.
COA Agaveria y Cocina
Aside from having arguably one of the best margaritas in town, COA (823a Lady St.) is great for pulling up to the bar alone, pretending like you’re there on an out-of-town business trip and enjoying a few small plates. The upscale Mexican restaurant in the Vista is dimly lit with an air of modern elegance. Your best bet is grabbing a bar seat, of which there are plenty, as the other tables lean into more of a family-style seating vibe, which can be intimidating.
Il Giorgione
This neighborhood Italian restaurant just up from Five Points in Shandon could seem like an intimidating spot to eat alone at — with a very open dining room made up of mostly two-tops and larger tables for families, walking in with the intention of eating alone could be nerve-wracking. But eating a delicious plate of pasta and drinking a glass of wine at the intimate bar is worth it. Il Giorgione (2406 Devine St.) does take reservations so if you like to plan ahead, you can always leave a note for staff that you’ll be eating alone (and that you’re a little nervous about it). The bar has TVs, so if you’re bored or worried about what to do while you’re alone with your thoughts, there’s at least that.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
