Gay Bars, Hotels & Venues in Columbia, SC — 26 LGBTQ+ Spots

If you're looking for a low-key spot with drag shows, karaoke, and male dancers, PT's 1109 is your place. This locally owned gay bar in the Vista area has been around since 2000 and welcomes everyone. Happy hour runs weekdays 5-8pm and weekends 6-8pm, with events most nights. The crowd leans mostly male, with some women too. It picks up around 11:30pm, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. The dance floor gets going with go-go dancers, and Sunday karaoke with Kevin Snow draws a regular crowd. There's also a nice deck out back. Yelp reviews note the bartenders are friendly, though some found the atmosphere a bit divey. Nearby, Art Bar offers a different scene if you want to bar hop.

The crowd here is mixed gay and straight, shifting more toward gay as the night goes on. Art Bar split into three zones: a quieter front bar for talking, a hopping dance floor in back with a DJ, and an outdoor patio with its own bar. The walls are covered in local art, and a hot dog vendor sometimes sets up outside. Hours run 5pm-2am most nights (Sunday from 8pm). Best nights are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The Vista location puts you walking distance from Kelly's Pub for an after-hours stop. After Art Bar, you might head to Group Therapy for another round.

Most gay bars welcome everyone, but Capital Club requires membership or a call ahead. As Columbia's oldest gay bar since 1980, it offers a private, old-school feel with a beautiful wooden bar, signed theater posters, and indoor smoking. The vibe is casual and slightly exclusive, so plan ahead if you're visiting.

Group Therapy bills itself as a mixed gay-straight bar in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, but the crowd leans heavily straight, especially on weekends. Expect a divey atmosphere with a dark interior, a back deck, and DJs spinning on certain nights. It's not the dedicated gay space some travelers look for. The hours shift daily, opening as early as 4pm most weekdays but later on weekends. Drink specials are a draw for the college-heavy crowd. If you're seeking a more reliably LGBTQ+ spot, Art Bar is a nearby alternative.

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.

According to Yelp, Trustus Theatre has 19 reviews with a 4.6 average rating. This theater in Columbia's Vista district is known for bringing Broadway musicals to the city. It's a local spot for theater lovers, with a focus on dynamic productions. The box office is open Tue through Sat from 1pm to 6pm. You'll find it in the Vista, near other arts venues like the Nickelodeon Theatre. It's a solid choice for catching a show without the big venue hassle.

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.

One Eared Cow Glass is open when the gallery says it is, so check their social media before heading over. It's an LGBTQ-owned glass art gallery in the Vista neighborhood, selling one-of-a-kind pieces like lights, vases, bowls, and some seriously impressive sinks. The space feels more like an art studio than a shop. You can browse handblown glass without pressure. If you want a sink that's a conversation starter, this is your spot.

Unlike typical art museums, this one lives inside a former department store transformed into light-filled galleries in 1998. The Columbia Museum of Art holds a strong collection spanning centuries, from Italian Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary works. You'll find Sandro Botticelli's Nativity and Claude Monet's The Seine at Giverny alongside furniture, silver, and Louis Comfort Tiffany glass. The changing exhibitions and educational programs add variety for repeat visits. It's located downtown near Hampton Street, with free admission on the first Sunday of each month. Thursday hours run until 7pm, perfect for an after-work visit. The museum is LGBTQ-friendly and offers regular concerts, films, and lectures. Plan around 2 hours to see the permanent collection. For a full evening, you could pair a visit with nearby Nickelodeon Theatre's indie films.

The first thing you'll notice walking into the Nickelodeon Theatre is its intimate art deco charm. Since 2012, this nonprofit arthouse cinema has operated in the former Fox Theatre on Main Street, a renovation that preserved its classic feel. It's the only nonprofit arthouse theater in South Carolina, founded in 1979 by two USC students. The Nick shows new releases, independent films, and classics, drawing over 55,000 visitors each year. You can grab a craft beer or wine at the concessions counter before settling into one of the 75 seats. Screenings run twice most evenings, with a matinee three days a week. Free wifi is available, and the theater often hosts film series and media education programs. For more arts downtown, check out the Columbia Museum of Art nearby.

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.

In Columbia's Sandhill neighborhood near Two Notch Road, the Village at Sandhill is a dog-friendly upscale mall that opened in 2005. It features clothing boutiques, a bookstore, and gift shops, plus major department stores, movies, and dining. You'll find shops for everyone here. Hours run 10am-9pm most days, with a shorter Sunday schedule of noon to 6pm.

This Courtyard is open 24 hours a day, making it easy to check in whenever your travel plans land you in Columbia. As the official USC hotel, it sits right on campus and is within walking distance to Colonial Life Arena, the State House, and downtown's nightlife. Rooms come with mini-fridges, microwaves, and free WiFi, plus there's a seasonal outdoor pool with a fireplace. The complimentary shuttle covers a 3-mile radius, so you can explore without a car. The crowd skews toward college families and sports fans, but the location in the Vista district means you're close to gay-friendly bars and restaurants. Covered parking is available for a fee. If the Columbia Marriott up the street is full, this is a solid backup with similar amenities.

Town Theatre opens its doors for evening and weekend performances, making it a natural stop during a downtown Columbia outing. Housed in the oldest community theatre building in continuous use in the United States, this venue focuses on family friendly entertainment and traditional musicals. It's a historical site that has been staging shows since the early 20th century, offering a nostalgic theater experience. The theatre draws a mix of local families and theater enthusiasts. Regulars appreciate the intimate setting and the classic musical lineup. If you're planning a visit, check their website for current show schedules and ticket availability. For more contemporary performances, you might also explore Trustus Theatre nearby.

Downtown Columbia near Main Street, the Columbia Marriott positions itself as the city's Official Pride Hotel. This landmark property features a distinctive atrium design with clean, comfortable rooms. It's open 24 hours and offers free wifi, a restaurant serving Southern American cuisine, and a lounge for cocktails. The convenient location puts you within walking distance of the University of South Carolina and venues like Township Auditorium. The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers with a fitness center and event spaces for weddings or meetings. You'll find streaming media options and Netflix in rooms. It's also a short drive from Riverbanks Zoo and Williams Brice Stadium.

Workshop Theatre is a publicly supported theatre that mixes new plays with traditional stage hits. Located in downtown Columbia, this venue is a consistent source of entertainment. It holds a single review, so experience may vary; keep expectations measured.

SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista is best for travelers who want more space than a typical hotel room. Each suite is 25% larger than comparably priced rooms and includes a microwave and mini-refrigerator. The hotel is in the Historic Vista District, steps from restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife. It offers a full-service bar, over 3,000 square feet of meeting space, and a 24-hour fitness center plus indoor pool. Complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi come with every stay. The hotel is open 24/7, so you can check in anytime. It's about a 10-minute walk to the University of South Carolina campus. Regulars appreciate the spacious rooms and the fact that there's no need to leave the Vista for a night out.

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.

This hotel is open 24/7, a historic landmark that also fits a modern stay. Built in 1913 as Columbia's first high rise, the Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel combines Gothic revival architecture with recently renovated rooms. It's a great base for exploring the city, with a spa and free WiFi on site. You'll find it in downtown Columbia, near Washington Street and the Vista. The lobby blends historic charm with contemporary comfort. If you're looking for other nearby options, the Columbia Marriott is just a short walk away.