Dining in Columbia South Carolina s Vista District

by

Ashish Desai

Columbia s Congaree Vista district is a popular urban section of downtown Columbia near the banks of the Congaree River. The area once housed mills, warehouses, and other industrial businesses but was revitalized in the late 1990s. It now contains restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and museums. A new greenway along the river allows for pedestrian and bicycle access through the heart of the area. The Vista is home to some of the most popular eateries in the South Carolina capital. Here is a sampling of some of the excellent dining choices available to visitors in the Vista.

Blue Marlin, at 1200 Lincoln Street, is located in a former railroad station. This casual eatery serves cuisine from the Low Country. Executive chef Brian Dukes menu includes seafood classics such as seafood gumbo, Charleston crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and the Blue Marlin seafood platter. The restaurant also specializes in hand-cut steaks. Top off a meal with a slice of homemade key lime pie or a piece of decadent Blackout Cake.

M Vista, located at 701 Lady Street, offers Asian cuisine in a blend of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, and Korean inspired dishes. The menu features sushi, sashimi, Maki rolls, tempura fried rolls, spring rolls, lettuce wraps, soups, and salads. The specialty entrees include Peking duck, seafood Szechuan, and Kung Pao scallops. The menu also includes noodle and vegetarian dishes.

Liberty Tap Room and Grill, at 828 Gervais Street, has a Euro-fusion menu including steaks, seafood, burgers, and comfort food such as Liberty chicken and certified Angus beef meatloaf. An extensive list of beers on tap, including their own microbrews, makes Liberty Tap Room and Grill a beer lover s paradise.

Just down the street, at 936 Gervais Street, is Pearlz Oyster Bar. The restaurant features some of the best seafood in Columbia, including Low Country specialties and a seafood and raw bar. The menu includes oysters, mussels, shrimp, and a fresh catch of the day. Other great menu choices are seafood tacos and lobster rolls. For lighter fare, enjoy delicious gumbo or a seafood Cobb salad. Pearlz has a full bar and offers a Happy Hour menu and drink specials on weekdays from 4-7pm.

Mojitos Tropical Caf features the tastes of the Caribbean, South and Central America. Cuban sandwiches, empanadas, plantains, and roasted pulled pork are menu favorites. Drink selections include sangria as well as mojitos in several flavors. Mojitos Tropical Caf is located at 1004 Gervais Street.

Carolina Ale House boasts award winning food and the only rooftop bar in the Vista. The atmosphere is fun and casual. Popular menu items include ribs, burgers, flatbread pizzas, sandwiches, and fish and chips. There is a full bar and a large selection of draft and bottled beer. Enjoy live music on the rooftop on Friday and Saturday nights. Carolina Ale House is located at 708 Lady Street.

Ashish Desai is the General Manager for Hilton Garden Inn Columbia/Northeast. A top choice among other

hotels in Columbia SC

, this newly opened property is located just off I-77 at exit 11 near the Northeast business district and is conveniently situated just 15 miles from downtown Columbia. For more information visit: http://www.ColumbiaSouthCarolinaHotel.com

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Dining in Columbia South Carolina s Vista District