From Sunrise Brunches to Late-Night Bites in Midtown–Downtown Columbia
Browse more Restaurants in Midtown - Downtown, Columbia
A full day in Midtown–Downtown Columbia can easily become a full day of eating. From fluffy biscuits at daybreak to frozen custard nightcaps, you can wander from brunch to lunch to late-night bites without ever losing your appetite—or your sense of discovery. Here’s one delicious way to spend a day eating your way through the heart of Columbia.
Morning: Brunch to Jump-Start the Day
Southern comfort with a twist at The Flying Biscuit
Start your morning with a leisurely, comfort-filled brunch at The Flying Biscuit Cafe, an eclectic neighborhood restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch in a charming atmosphere. This spot is all about southern comfort food with a playful twist.
Their menu classics, like the southern scramble, chorizo hash, and shrimp and grits, lean into rich, satisfying flavors. Creamy dreamy white cheddar cheese grits, thick-sliced French toast served with honey crème anglaise and raspberry sauce, and their namesake fluffy biscuits with signature apple butter are all designed to complement any meal and turn breakfast into an event. With gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options and the ability to cater any size event, it’s an easy first stop whether you’re flying solo or kicking off the day with a group.
New Orleans vibes at an all-day brunch spot
If you prefer your mornings with a little Crescent City flair, make your next stop Ruby Sunshine. This all-day brunch restaurant brings the unique flavors and hospitality of New Orleans to Columbia.
Ruby Sunshine emphasizes fresh and local ingredients whenever possible, preparing food to order from a scratch kitchen. The focus on giving back to the communities they serve adds a feel-good layer to your brunch. It’s the kind of place where you can ease into the day with eye-opening cocktails and hearty brunch plates, and still feel like you’ve done something good for the local community.
Classic, any-hour breakfast at Waffle House
For a timeless, diner-style breakfast—or a second breakfast—slide into a booth at Waffle House. Headquartered in Norcross, GA, the chain has been serving “Good Food Fast” since 1955, and today operates more than 1,800 restaurants in 25 states.
Here, it’s all about the classics: waffles, T-bone steaks, hashbrowns, cheese ‘n eggs, country ham, pork chops, and grits. Whether you’re grabbing a quick morning plate or bookmarking this stop for much later in the evening, Waffle House offers that familiar, around-the-clock comfort that fits at any point in your Midtown–Downtown food journey.
Midday: Light Bites, Bowls, and Sandwiches
Smooth fuel for a busy day
By late morning or early afternoon, you might be ready for something lighter and more functional—especially if you started with a big brunch. Smoothie King in Columbia focuses on smoothies that are purposefully blended to meet specific needs, goals, and ambitions.
Order ahead via their website or Healthy Rewards app and take advantage of safe, contactless pickup or delivery. Many blends spotlight whole fruits and organic veggies, with an emphasis on removing artificial ingredients and added sugars in many options. It’s an easy way to refuel between stops, whether you want something green and nutrient-dense or a more indulgent fruit-forward blend.
A tropical midday escape
If you’d rather pair your smoothie with something more substantial, head to Tropical Smoothie Cafe. This spot makes eating “easy breezy” with made-to-order smoothies, wraps, flatbreads, ’dillas, and bowls.
Popular picks like the Island Green® smoothie and Açaí Bowls sit alongside protein-packed options such as the Peanut Paradise™ smoothie or PB Protein Crunch Bowl. Seasonal offerings like Tropiboba Bowls with popping boba keep the menu feeling fresh. With the option to order ahead in the app or online for delivery, curbside* or pickup (*at participating locations), it’s an adaptable choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—think of it as a tiny vacation in the middle of your Midtown–Downtown wanderings.
A Columbia original for lunch or an early dinner
For a heartier midday stop that still feels quick and casual, seek out Groucho's Deli. Groucho's Original Deli in the heart of 5 Points is a neighborhood institution serving signature sandwiches you won’t find anywhere else.
Lunch and dinner here are fast, fresh, and original. Their popular Dipper™ sandwiches offer a distinctive experience—the STP Dipper, for example, layers a special blend of roast beef, turkey, Swiss cheese melt, and bacon crumbs on a fat sub roll with your choice of dipping sauces. With a menu filled with sandwiches, salads, melts, and more, it’s easy to find something for everyone. Quick table side service and a friendly atmosphere make it inviting for the entire family, and catering and delivery on larger orders mean it’s also a smart choice for group meetups or events.
Evening: Bowls, Pizza, and Rooftop Views
Teriyaki bowls made to order
As the afternoon slides into evening, keep things flexible with a customizable bowl at Teriyaki Madness. Specializing in Seattle-style teriyaki bowls, this Columbia spot lets you build around a variety of proteins—chicken, steak, tofu—and plenty of fresh veggies.
Choose your base from noodles, rice, or fried rice, and know that each dish is made-to-order for peak freshness and flavor. Gluten-free and vegetarian options keep the menu accessible, and the convenience of curbside pickup, delivery, or takeout makes it just as fitting for a relaxed night in as for a quick stop between downtown activities. Downloading the TMAD app unlocks exclusive offers and rewards, a nice bonus if you find yourself craving teriyaki on repeat.
Pizza, taps, and a game-day vibe
For a lively evening with friends, head into The Vista area and grab a table at Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom. Located close to the Colonial Life Center Arena and the Capitol, Old Chicago serves legendary, scratch-made pizza on three standout crusts: Chicago-style Tavern Thin, Ale-Infused, and OC Thick pan-style, all loaded with premium cheeses, fresh veggies, and all-star meats.
Beyond pizza, the menu scores big with World-Famous Pizza Rolls, hand-breaded tenders, sauced or dry-rubbed wings, and hearty entrées that pair nicely with ice-cold craft beer or refreshing cocktails. The atmosphere is lively, with the game always on and fans feeling like part of the action. Their World Beer Tour invites you to sample 110 top brews and earn rewards, adding a little adventure to your evening out.
Seasonal flavors and city views
To cap off the evening in style, make your way to Hendrix. Located in Columbia, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience centered around a rooftop bar with craft cocktails and stunning city views.
The scratch kitchen focuses on sustainable, locally-sourced ingredients, turning them into chef-inspired dishes that reflect the vibrant flavors of the city and state. You can book a meal in the dining room with reservations or aim for one of the first-come, first-served seats on the rooftop. Either way, Hendrix delivers an unforgettable atmosphere, from delicious food and exceptional cocktails to those Instagram-worthy skyline moments. Online gift cards make it a thoughtful way to share the experience with friends or family.
Nightcap: Sweet Treats and Late-Night Cravings
Frozen custard, ices, and everything in between
When you’re ready for something sweet to round out the day, stop by Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard. As the largest Italian Ice concept in the nation, Rita’s brings a wide lineup of frozen treats to Columbia.
Their famous Italian Ice is made fresh daily and features real fruit flavors that deliver refreshing brightness in every spoonful. The rich Frozen Custard offers a creamy counterpoint, and you can combine the two in layered Gelati for the best of both worlds. The Blenders drink lineup, indulgent milkshakes, and sundae options—with plenty of toppings and flavors—make it easy to find exactly the kind of dessert you’re craving, whether you like it simple and fruity or over-the-top and creamy.
Breakfast food, any time of night
If your idea of a nightcap is more hashbrowns than ice cream, circle back to Waffle House. Their around-the-clock service means waffles, T-bone steaks, and those iconic hashbrowns are waiting whenever the late-night hunger hits. It’s a comforting, no-frills way to close out a full day of eating in Midtown–Downtown Columbia.
From sunrise brunch plates and smoothies on the go to teriyaki bowls, pizza, rooftop cocktails, and icy desserts, Midtown–Downtown Columbia offers a full day of flavors within a compact, walkable area. Pick a few favorites or try to hit them all; either way, you’ll end the day well-fed and already planning your next bite.