Columbia boasts so many great neighborhoods! Areas like Five Points, the Mill District, Main Street, the Bull Street District, West Columbia, Forest Acres, and the Vista all offer some of the best restaurants, shopping, parks, music and entertainment. There is something for everyone in each distinct location.
I’ve previously explored Main Street and Five Points. Today I’ll be taking on a trip through the Vista. I recently began a new job at USC and am located right around the corner from the Vista. I love driving through this area every day. Plus, now I’m closer to my some of my favorite Columbia restaurants. Lunch date, anyone?
While the Vista may be known for having some amazing restaurants, there are also plenty of other places to explore. Come along with me and discover all the Vista has to offer!
Discovering Columbia :: Exploring the Vista
Restaurants
The Vista has a multitude of fantastic restaurants to choose from! It boasts everything from familiar chains like Mellow Mushroom, Panera Bread, Jimmy John’s, Chipotle, and Rita’s Italian Ice, to coffee shops (Bitty & Beau’s, Sweetwater’s Coffee & Tea), a microbrewery (Columbia Craft Brewing Company), family restaurants, oyster bars (Pearlz Oyster Bar, The Oyster Bar), and everything in between. Below are some of my favorites.
Grill Marks – If you’re looking for a place with next level burgers, fries, and shakes, then check out Grill Marks. It’s a burger lovers’ paradise!
Kaminsky’s – Ready for dessert? Stop in Kaminsky’s! Here you’ll find a decadent selection of desserts from cake to sundaes to dessert martinis, and more!
929 Kitchen and Bar – This is probably my favorite restaurant in Columbia. Bold Korean flavors with a modern fusion twist, friendly staff, affordable prices, and family friendly.
The Hollow – Looking to venture outside of your usual fare? Try The Hollow! This upscale restaurant features food that is forest-to-table in the traditions of rustic American cooking. Some of their featured recipes include bison, duck, boar, rabbit, rainbow trout, wild mushrooms, seasonal fruit and vegetables, and rich grains.
Small Sugar – This is one of my favorite breakfast/lunch/coffee spots in Columbia. Small Sugar has delicious dishes that are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients primarily sourced from smaller farms throughout the Carolinas. With a variety of choices from tartines to bread to pastries to sandwiches, there is something for everyone.
Carolina Western Pub – Looking for some country western fun in Soda City? Then stop into Carolina Western Pub! Here you’ll find great food and drinks, live music, and country line dancing. If you’re new to line dancing, check out their FREE line dancing lessons on Thursday nights.
Shopping & Entertainment
City Grit – City Grit is a market, wine bar, wine store, and event space located in the heart of the Vista. In the market you’ll find a selection of grab n’ go dips, spreads, dressings, and meals. They focus primarily on goods produced by women and people of color. City Grit also offers catering and holiday meals for both Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Imagine This Boutique – This boutique offers beautiful women’s fashions and accessories. you’ll find a variety of eclectic clothing, hand bags, and jewelry at affordable pricing.
Todd and Moore – Looking for some sporty clothes? Check out Todd and Moore! Here you’ll find clothes to support your favorite team, whether you’re a Gamecock or a Tiger, as well as running shoes, pickleball apparel, and other performance apparel for a variety of sports for men, women, and children.
Craft Axe Throwing – Gather your friends and/or your date and head on out to Craft Axe Throwing for a night of fun and laughs! Craft Axe offers both hatchet and tomahawk throwing, with 17 targeted lanes, ensuring ample space for your tossing enjoyment. They also offer cold craft brews to drink, comfortable seating throughout, and multiple tv’s so you don’t have to miss the big game while enjoying time out with friends. Planning an event or a birthday party? Craft Axe Throwing can help make your event unique and unforgettable.
Urban Outfitters – Your hot spot for trendy clothing and accessories for women and men. You’ll even find some fantastic beauty and wellness, music, and home products here as well.
One Eared Cow Glass, Inc. – This place boasts some of the most beautiful hand blown glass items I have ever seen. In addition to selling these gorgeous items, visitors can also watch the glass blowers create these amazing works of art in the studio.
Relaxation
Gervais Nails & Med Spa – Want to get pampered while in the Vista? Gervais Nails and Med Spa offers a variety of services. You can receive a variety of waxing services, facials, manicures, eyebrow and lash services, and head spa services.
Metropolis Salon – This hair salon will leave you feeling like you’ve had the most luxurious experience ever. Metropolis Salon boasts a clean and modern workspace. After you check in, you’ll be shown to the amenities bar where there are complimentary snacks and refreshments for you to enjoy while you’re there. Their specialized stylists will handle all your needs from cut to color to extensions. Are you a curly girl who has trouble finding a stylist who knows how to cut/style your naturally curly hair? Well, Metropolis Salon features multiple stylists who specialize in curly hair. Check it out!
Glowout – If you’re looking to get a spray tan, this salon is the place for you. Glowout specializes in natural looking spray tans that leave your skin feeling fresh and glowing. While you’re there, you might as well check out their other services as well. They offer blowouts, braids, updos, mani/pedis, waxing, and makeup services. And everything is priced very reasonably!
Hyde Vista – This sophisticated salon boasts a contemporary and vibrant atmosphere. Their expert team of stylists will make you feel right at home as you indulge in your treatment of choice, whether it be color, cut, styling, extensions, or keratin treatments. They even offer men’s grooming services, including beard detailing.
What’s your favorite place to hit up in the Vista?
