restaurant

Some spots are just so good they don’t deserve to be kept secret.

From the best under-the-radar restaurants to the parks and trails that are literally off the beaten path to a small town that’s as close to idyllic Mayberry as you’ll find in these parts, Midlands residents shared their favorite hidden gems in the Columbia area and just beyond.

Take these ideas to plan your next lunch date or weekend outing.

Places to please your palate

Bierkeller Columbia pop-up beer gardens: Bierkeller is Columbi-ja’s nomadic brewery, the child of Scott Burgess, who lived nearly a decade in Germany. You’ve got to catch these traditional German brews at occasional pop-up events — sometimes at the Columbia Canal Park or at the Saluda Riverwalk. “It’s actual beer and food and fun on one of the most underutilized (and beautiful) places in the city,” hidden gems nominator Clair Hann said.

Follow Bierkeller on Facebook and Instagram to find out when and where upcoming pop-ups are planned.

Pro tip: You can actually order Bierkeller beer once a week for crowler pickup at Swamp Cabbage Brewery, 921 Brookwood Drive, Columbia. And coming sometime soon, Bierkeller plans to settle down and open a brewery of its own, the Post and Courier has reported. Further details have not yet been revealed.

No Name Deli: Its name is as unassuming as its humble building at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Marion Street in Columbia. But the food here is not to be overlooked.

“Food is great, soup, cornbread, etc., and the staff is extra friendly,” nominator Coleman Catoe said. Some (including at least one editor at The State) might argue this longtime capital city gem is not so hidden, especially given the line at lunchtime. No Name has stood the test of time as an enduring lunchtime staple. Interestingly, it only recently began accepting credit and debit cards as payment.

As Catoe noted, “It’s been in business 30 years, so you know they do something right.”

Granby Grill: Opened in 2020, Granby Grill is a relative newcomer to the Columbia dining scene, compared to a long-timer like No Name Deli.

This restaurant’s nominator makes a bold claim: “The burgers are the best in Columbia.” Oh, really? Only one way to find out — visit this lunchtime-to-late-night spot in the redeveloped Granby Mill complex at 612 Whaley St. in Columbia.

Boca Grande Burritos: Another superlative assertion: “Hands-down the best burritos in town. They’re still new but deserve the spotlight!” said nominator Meredith Taylor.

Boca Grande has made a splash at 4525 Forest Drive, offering a robust selection of hefty-sized burritos. It looks like the secret might be out about this gem; Taylor recommends that you “go on a week night to beat the crowd!”

Manny’s Shaved Ice: Nominator Sandra Kay says go here for “the most yummy desserts & snacks. Strawberries & Cream is the simplest & most delicious sweet I’ve ever had. And the chicharon preparado is my favorite light lunch!”

Manny’s, indeed, has you covered for a variety of sweet shaved ice concoctions, shakes, smoothies and even some savory fare, including elote (Mexican street corn) and the aforementioned chicharron preparado (a crispy fried flour snack with toppings). Discover this hidden gem at 1228 Augusta Road in West Columbia.

Loveland Coffee Cafe: The Midlands’ caffeine game is strong, but the Loveland Coffee in Irmo stands out as a hidden gem “like a mini retreat there, hidden right off the main (road),” nominator Ann Jones said. What started with a crowdfunded drive-thru kiosk in 2012 turned into a full-fledged roastery by 2016, and in 2020 Loveland opened its brick-and-mortar cafe at 7475 Carlisle St. in Irmo. You can also swing by the drive-thru at 7001 St. Andrews Road.

If you love Loveland, then you might also love their local coffee-beer collaboration: Steel Hands Brewery’s popular coffee lager.

Brunch at NoMa Warehouse: Perhaps you’ve been to the new(ish) NoMa Warehouse at 2222 Sumter St. in Cottontown for the weekly Friday night NoMa Flea market. But apparently you’ve been missing out on the weekly Sunday brunch: “You can have authentic Mexican brunch while shopping from local artists, jewelry, clothes, plants,etc,” a nominator said.

Follow NoMa Warehouse on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on events planned there.

Peebles BBQ & Wings: “They have the best boneless wings and their mop sauce is *chefs kiss*!” nominator Peyton Robbins said.

Peebles recently doubled its footprint in Columbia, opening a new spot at 902 Gervais St. in the Vista. Of course, you can visit the original at 1332 Rosewood Drive (you’ll know it by the yellow painted building with the rooster mural).

The Other Store: The very definition of a hidden gem, The Other Store just may be responsible for the “best Salads and Sandwiches in town,” a nominator said. It might look like “just” a convenience store from the outside, but step inside to enjoy comforting lunch fare — even chicken bog!

You’ll find The Other Store at 4130 Bethel Church Road, where there’s also a “Starry Night” mural on the building, so that’s nice.

Nomad Cafe Co.: They’ve got coffee; they’ve got pastries; they’ve got wheels!

“The iced honey vanilla latte and the cinnamon brown sugar with oat milk are fabulous! But they also serve smoothies and danish!” a nominator said. “This is a traveling coffee trailer owned and run by Logan, whose dream as a little girl was to own her own coffee truck!”

You’ll find this traveling coffee trailer most often parked at 130 Highway 378 in Lexington (near the intersection with West Main Street) on weekday mornings, or you might catch them at a party or neighborhood event. Visit Nomad’s website, www.nomadcafeco.com, to book them for yourself.

Pontiac House of Pizza: Some might say these are the finest pies in Elgin, and perhaps beyond.

“Delicious Greek, Italian, American entrees, great staff and service,” a nominator said.

When you visit Pontiac House of Pizza at 10531 Two Notch Road, you might as well pop into another hidden gem next door, Ivy House Antique Mall at 10511 Two Notch.

Family Fresh Mex taqueria: Tacos, burritos, flautas, tortas — Family Fresh Mex has all that and more. And if you once loved taco night at The Whig, you may love that downtown Columbia’s newest taqueria is located right upstairs from the beloved underground bar.

“It’s cheap, it’s DELICIOUS, and it’s really close to where I work,” a nominator said.

You can find Family Fresh Mex at 1200 Main St., across the street from the State House.

Fire and Spice restaurant: You can get a Cuban sandwich, a Greek gyro and a Vietnamese bahn mi sub all in one place at Fire and Spice in Irmo.

“Super food,” a nominator said. See for yourself at 7971 North Woodrow St., Irmo.

Bonus: We wish we could give you more details about this hidden gem, but one nominator simply highlighted a “food truck that parks at the gas station and beer outlet on Augusta Road near the junction with Jarvis Klapman.”

“Amazing tacos, very authentic, street food like I would eat in Mexico,” nominator Lydia Pappas said.

If you find it, let us know how it is.

Enjoy nature, skip the crowds

South East Park: “60 acres of almost pure woods, fields and a pond that you can fish in. The tennis courts are an added bonus,” nominator John Hart said. The tennis courts, in fact, are the newest and largest among Columbia’s city-run parks.

Hart also praised the park’s walking paths and disc golf course. Enjoy them at 951 Hazelwood Road, Columbia.

Cayce Riverwalk chainsaw carvings: Nominator Ashley Hunter suggests a scavenger hunt to find all the clever pieces by local chainsaw artist Wade Geddings, who created a slew of “incredible” artworks carved into tree stumps and logs along the riverwalk. How many can you find? Keep your eyes peeled for a fox, a bear, an alligator and more. There are multiple entrances to the Cayce Riverwalk, including the main entrance at 201 Naples Ave.

W. Gordon Belser Arboretum: Nominator Whit Ashley describes this gem as “a true forest in the middle of an urban neighborhood. The Arboretum features amazing biodiversity, provides a buffer from busy city life, and preserves precious natural habitat, along with local culture and history.”

Belonging to the University of South Carolina, the W. Gordon Belser Arboretum encompasses 10 acres in Columbia’s Sherwood Forest neighborhood. There you’ll find 10 unique plant biomes, a waterfall, walking trails, a botanical garden and several exhibits.

Ashley notes that “until her recent passing, (the Arboretum) was maintained tirelessly by UofSC biology professor Dr. Patricia Decoursey. Dr. Decoursey deserves recognition for her work to protect and care for the Arboretum and all of the life within its ecosystem.”

Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve: Escape the city and head to Saint Matthews in Calhoun County to experience this 201-acre nature preserve bordering the Congaree River. According to the Blue Trails website, Congaree Bluffs offers a birds-eye view of Congaree National Park and is home to more than 100 species of trees, shrubs, and woody vines, and possibly hundreds of species of other plants.

“Quiet, fewer crowds than the riverwalks, beautiful view of the Congaree River,” a nominator said. What more could you ask for?

Place to plan a day trip

Downtown Ridgeway: Nominator Boyd Brown said, “If a mountain town or a Mayberry exists in the Midlands, it’s Ridgeway. Three local restaurants, one which doubles as a tea room; antique stores; a historic hardware store and just charm.”

About a half-hour drive from downtown Columbia, the small town of Ridgeway is known for its annual Pig on the Ridge barbecue festival, which the town claims to be “the biggest barbecue cookout in the state,” held the first weekend of November.

Sites to see and enjoy

University of South Carolina School of Music Recital Hall: Nominator Phillip Bush notes that this is a place to catch free concerts “almost every night” from September to April. Ahem: FREE CONCERTS!

“Aspiring talented musicians from around the US to South America to China, giving their all, instruments from strings to winds to piano, their recitals for their degrees all free to the general public, in an acoustically excellent 200-seat gem of a hall,” Bush wrote. “Columbia’s best-kept secret for high-quality, zero-cost entertainment.”

The recital hall is located at 813 Assembly St. in Columbia, and a calendar of concerts and recitals can be found on the School of Music’s website.

Arcade Mall: The historic Arcade Mall — built in 1912 as Columbia’s first shopping center — is somewhat hidden in plain sight right on Main Street in downtown Columbia. Inside, you’ll find Odd Bird Books, Swanson’s Deli (a big hit for weekday lunches), Ally & Eloise bakery, Ophidian tattoo parlor, His and Hers tailor shop, Stoner’s Pizza, artist Blue Sky’s studio and more. And soon, you’ll find Takosushi restaurant, which is opening in the spaces formerly occupied by Indah coffee shop and Pita Pit.

In one of the Arcade Mall’s most memorable uses, former owners built Columbia Down Under, which offered bars and restaurants in the basement from 1972 to 1974.

“A bit of Gilded Age splendor right here in Columbia. Neatest building downtown,” nominator Matt Bohn said.

The Arcade Mall is located at 1332 Main St.

Saluda River Factory ruins at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden: Along a trail leading from the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to the Saluda River, you’ll find the blue granite stone walls and arch, all that remain of one of South Carolina’s first textile mills and, at one time, one of the South’s largest. The Saluda River Factory was built in the 1830s, burned during Gen. William T. Sherman’s occupation of Columbia, rebuilt after the Civil War and destroyed again by fire in 1884, according to Riverbanks.

“To the average visitor walking through the Botanical Gardens, you might miss the directional sign pointing to the natural foliage path leading to the ruins. The mill, prior to the Civil War, was one of the largest textile mills east of the Mississippi. Sherman knew of the importance of this mill to Columbia’s economy and ordered it to be burned. All that is left along the banks of the Saluda River are the granite ruins of this once thriving mill,” a nominator said.

Historic Columbia’s Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens: This historic home, built by wealthy merchant Ainsley Hall in 1818 and sold in 1823 to wealthy planter Wade Hampton I, is one of the capital city’s oldest remaining structures, according to Historic Columbia. “For the next 50 years, the estate grew to be Columbia’s grandest residence under the Hampton and Preston families and the many men, women and children they enslaved,” according to Historic Columbia.

“Beautiful gardens surround both of these significant house museums,” a nominator said. “A great place to take your lunch or walk through the gardens any time of the year. New event space opening there next month that is actually a greenhouse that will facilitate plant propagation for the gardens.”

A new feature has just opened at the site: A greenhouse and historically inspired gatehouse. The mansion and garden are located at 1615 Blanding St. and are open for tours Wednesday through Sunday.

Some secrets are meant to be kept

You don’t want the masses crowding up all your favorite spots. Can’t argue with that.

“(It’s) some place I wouldnt share with the rest of the world. Nobody else knows about it! Why are you asking your readers to help destroy these places?” one person said in response to The State’s recent hidden gems poll.

Another: “Why in the wide world of sports would anyone want to publicize a hidden gem. It would certainly (lose) its designation as a hidden gem when the masses converge on it!”

And another: “I cant tell U where it is, coz woont B secret anymore, but it is a nice zenful road w/beautiful folieage most times of the yr. Nice to drive down this hidden in plain site street. It can B peaceful & one might even see deer or snake crossing the road. I take pics. of the foliage. its not in Cola, but in the tri-city area. Maybe some can guess this place. Beautuful wild foliage.”

Understood; we’ll let you keep some gems to yourselves.