The Ultimate USC Food Bucket List | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

The Ultimate USC Food Bucket List

10 foods you have to try in Columbia, SC.

131
The Ultimate USC Food Bucket List
Cantina 76 Main St Facebook

Columbia, South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the top college towns in America for a reason. We've got history, community, southern charm and to top it all off: amazing places to eat. These ten places in Columbia have great food for reasonable prices, and they're a fun new adventure to have with your friends, significant other or visiting family. In no particular order, here are my ten favorites.

1. Cinnamon Roll Deli

OK, people. Who doesn't love cinnamon rolls? Better yet, flavored cinnamon rolls. Cinnamon Roll Deli is adorable on the outside and inside, and the happy vibes that this breakfast place puts out definitely carry over into their food. If you're not interested in the sugar rush, they also make great breakfast sandwiches! When you go, be prepared to wait in line. Cinnamon Roll Deli has quite a large amount of fans for the small size of the restaurant. It's also incredibly cheap, so it's a win for both your mouth and your wallet!

2. Cantina 76

This restaurant has two locations in Columbia, one on Devine Street and one on Main Street. I prefer the location on Main Street because it's is my favorite part of town. My perfect afternoon consists of eating on Main Street and then roaming around the street and the State House grounds -- it's beautiful! There is also some lovely outdoor seating to enjoy amazing Tex-Mex and the fresh Carolina air. The best part of Cantina 76 in my opinion would be the nachos. Every. Single. Chip. Has. Cheese.

3. Persona

Going along with my theme of loving Main Street is Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria. Situated directly across the street from the State House, Persona is such a fun place to eat -- especially if the outdoor seating is available. The best way to describe Persona is like Chipotle but for pizza, which would make any food lover burst with excitement.

4. California Dreaming

This is probably the priciest restaurant on my list, but with some creative splitting it's really not so bad. Last time I went with two of my friends and we split a nacho appetizer, got big salads for our entrees and then split their amazing brownie dessert -- and it only cost $12 each! California Dreaming has great food and a great environment; it's in an old train station! I've been there several times since I moved to South Carolina, and I've never had a negative experience. It's a must-eat.

5. Tsunami

I was never a sushi fan until I ate here. Everything tastes so good, it makes it nearly impossible to dislike sushi. My favorite is the smoked salmon roll. It can get expensive very quickly if you order several rolls. However, last time I went I ordered two rolls, split an appetizer, and enjoyed mochi ice cream all for $25.

6. Pawley's Front Porch

Pawley's Front Porch is a classic burger place with creative burgers to satisfy any craving. It's located in the famous Five Points, and it's reasonably priced for how massive the sandwiches are. This place also has great patio seating for a nice day. The best part? Half off on Tuesdays.

7. Real Mexico

Let me just start by saying I'm obsessed with Mexican cuisine. I've tried a lot of places, and I have never once found a Mexican restaurant with cheap, yet amazing food. If you and your friends are ever craving Mexican, this is the place to go.

8. Eggs Up Grill

Everyone important in my life knows that the key to my happiness is found in pancakes, waffles, bacon and other assorted breakfast foods. So naturally, as soon as I made the move to South Carolina, I had to find a usual place that I could go for great breakfast food. Eggs Up Grill has amazing everything. I swear there isn't one bad item on the menu! They serve the classics along with some great menu items only served by them. My favorite? The sweet potato pecan waffle with their homemade cinnamon syrup.

9. Southern Belly BBQ

This is classic South Carolina barbecue done just right. You can go traditional or be brave and try any of their unique sandwiches -- this place has something for everyone. I promise you, these huge sandwiches are to die for! Did I mention that it's cheap? $7.75 for a sandwich, chips and slaw. Sign me up!

10. Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

Just look at this calzone! Not only is Old Chicago found in a great part of Columbia called The Vista, it's got an amazing menu -- everything from pizzas to wings to salads to calzones. What could be better?

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

195026
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17749
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460077
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27869
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments