11 Gay-Friendly Restaurants in Columbia, SC

Copper River Grill attracts a loyal local crowd that makes it a weekly staple. The menu covers grilled seafood, chicken, steak, sandwiches, burgers, and oven-baked pizzas. Try the Sashimi Tuna appetizer or, if you're up for it, the 32-oz. Big Sky Porterhouse. Service is consistently praised as some of the best in Columbia.

Inside a historic railroad station from 1902, California Dreaming has been serving made-from-scratch American classics since 1984. The vibe is casual and family-friendly, drawing businesspeople, USC students, and faculty alike. Known for large salads, burgers, seafood, and steaks, the honey croissants are a crowd favorite. Full bar with happy hour means strong mixed drinks. It's a solid first-date spot too. Reservations are accepted, and outdoor seating is available. Friday and Saturday hours run until 10pm, other nights until 9pm. Free wifi makes it easy to linger. The Columbia location is one of nine across the Southeast, each with its own character.

If you're looking for a trendy sushi spot in the Vista, Tsunami has you covered. This sushi bar uses fresh ingredients for well-crafted Japanese dishes, including hibachi, tempura, and pot stickers. The weekends can be packed with college students, but midweek is pretty mellow. The atmosphere is hip and exotic, with outdoor seating and a full bar. They're open daily from 4pm to 10pm, and happy hour is a good time to stop by. Tsunami has two Columbia locations, but this one sits near Assembly and Gadsden. If you're in the mood for something different, Motor Supply Company Bistro is another nearby option for American fare with a farm-to-table twist.

When you walk into M Vista in Columbia's Vista neighborhood, the first thing you notice is the casual, welcoming atmosphere. This Asian fusion spot specializes in sushi and healthy steamed dishes, with an emphasis on freshness and balance. The owner's motto, "For pleasure and longevity," drives a menu that has changed five times since 2008 based on customer feedback. You can enjoy organic chicken steamed instead of fried in dishes like General Tso's. The restaurant is dog-friendly and has a full bar and free wifi. Reservations are accepted. If you're craving sushi, you'll find more than 20 specialty rolls, plus the option to create your own steamed dish with little oil or salt. It's a solid choice for a relaxed meal in the Vista. After dinner, you could walk over to Motor Supply Company Bistro for a nightcap.

M Cafe, part of the M Gourmet Group since 1999, serves downtown Columbia as a lunch-only Asian fusion spot. The menu draws from Shanghai, Szechuan, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese influences, with an emphasis on healthy but tasty dishes. Reservations are accepted, and the venue offers beer and wine, free WiFi. Yelp data suggests the restaurant may be permanently closed, so checking current status is essential before visiting.

A diner on Yelp calls this the most romantic restaurant in Columbia, and the tagline agrees. Al’s Upstairs has served Italian fine dining since 1979, with an executive chef using an Old World style influenced by his grandmother’s cooking. The dressy attire and full bar set the tone for a formal date night. Reservations are recommended, though confirmed hours are limited to Tuesday through Saturday evenings. It's worth noting that Yelp listings indicate the venue may be permanently closed, so call ahead before planning a visit.

The smell of bratwurst and sauerkraut hits you as you walk into Julia's German Stammtisch, a cash-only family affair in Columbia. Chef and owner Julia runs the show with her daughter working the floor and her son behind the bar. The menu sticks to German classics, and with a 4.3-star Yelp rating from over 250 reviews, regulars keep coming back.

Café Strudel is best for travelers who want a relaxed weekend breakfast or brunch in West Columbia. This Bohemian café serves handcrafted desserts and breads, with playful dishes like 'Hangover Hashbrowns.' The staff is wonderful. The eclectic crowd and unhurried pace make it a local favorite, though you'll want to allow extra time on weekends.

The crowd here is a mix of locals who've found this hidden alley spot and newcomers drawn by its big-city energy. SakiTumi Grill and Sushi Bar has been serving Columbia's Vista neighborhood since 2006, offering an eclectic menu that ranges from sushi to international grilled items and tapas. The vibe is casual and trendy, with a full bar and free WiFi. The owner started in restaurants at 15 and has built a place that feels like a close-knit gathering of friends. The best time to go is after 6pm when the energy picks up. Reservations are accepted, which is useful on weekends. You'll find the entrance down an alley between Gadsden and Lincoln, but regulars know it's worth seeking out.

Longhorn Steakhouse is a national chain founded in Atlanta in 1981, known for its Western-themed decor and steakhouse fare. The menu features owner-listed specialties like the Bone-In Outlaw Ribeye and Flo's Filet, along with chicken, salmon, and ribs. The restaurant offers a full bar, free WiFi, and a casual atmosphere. It also runs a food donation program, giving unused fresh food to local community food banks. The Columbia location is in the Vista neighborhood near Lincoln. Yelp reviewers have given it 2.6 out of 5 stars from 153 reviews, so expectations should be tempered. Hours are 11am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 11pm Friday and Saturday. If you're in the area, nearby Motor Supply Company Bistro is another option worth considering.

"Motor" to locals, this bistro occupies a renovated engine supply building from the late 1800s on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizable by its original 1930s neon sign. The menu changes twice daily, and the kitchen makes everything from charcuterie to mustard in-house. It's a farm-to-fork pioneer in Columbia's Vista district, with a solid-oak bar imported from Europe and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. Sunday brunch is especially popular, and you'll find a heated patio and free valet parking. It's a great spot to start a night out in the Vista, especially if you're heading to Tsunami for sushi later.