New Columbia bar serves up 500 different beers, offers delivery from local restaurants
Imagine a bar that serves nothing but beer. Now imagine that this place does exist, and it's in the Vista.
World of Beer, an American bar franchise, opened its Columbia location in late December. The Vista bar is the company's 21st location.
Located near the Wild Hare and Jillian's, World of Beer picked prime real estate for its newest franchise. The restaurant is spacious, with two floors of seating and high ceilings. The walls are lined with flat-screen HD televisions that are tuned into the latest sporting events. Popular music is laced through the speakers, but the volume is soft enough that customers can still carry on conversation. World of Beer's second floor has a stage for live acts and standing room and tables for patrons.
Bud Light and Keystone can't be found on this menu, but the variety of domestic and imported drafts and bottles are sure to please any beer lover's taste buds. World of Beer's list features more than 500 different brews, ranging from Southern-brewed favorites like South Carolina's R.J. Rockers and Georgia's Sweetwater to imports including Rodenbach from Belgium and Boddington's Pub Ale from England. World of Beer's menu changes frequently, so customers will likely discover new offerings during return visits.
In addition to drafts and bottles, World of Beer customers can order 4-ounce beer shots, which range in price from $2 to $3.50. The establishment also has a mixes menu with suggestions for mixing drafts.
While there is no food menu at World of Beer, hungry customers shouldn't change their plans. World of Beer has takeout menus for other Vista restaurants (including the Wild Hare and Five Guys) on hand, and the food can be delivered to World of Beer.
Worried that the wide selection of beers will take a toll on your wallet? World of Beer offers various drink discounts throughout the week. Every Monday is service industry night. Tuesdays are Loyalty Card nights, with cardholders receiving a 25-percent discount on all bottles from open to close. Loyalty cards allow customers to earn points for every different beer they purchase at World of Beer. Rewards for points include T-shirts, a plaque, a mug and a $250 bar tab when you reach 500 beers. Loyalty cards cost $15, and your server can assist you with signing up.
On Wednesday nights, college students and faculty with valid school identification receive a 50-percent discount on select draft beers from 9 p.m. to close. Every Thursday is Ladies' Night at the bar, with ladies receiving a 50-percent discount on select drafts all night.
World of Beer also hosts live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This weekend's lineup features Deleveled from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Charles Riley Duo from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturday. Other upcoming events include Beer Can Appreciation Day on Jan. 24, when all cans are 50 percent off from 9 p.m. to close and a Super Bowl celebration on Feb. 5. World of Beer will also be participating in the World Beer Festival on Jan. 28. Advanced tickets for the festival can be purchased for $40 at World of Beer.
Although the Vista location serves only beer now, the bar will be adding a wine list and cigar menu soon.
If you're looking for a friendly atmosphere and a unique drinking experience, check out World of Beer.
The Vista location is on 902 Gervais St.
World of Beer is also opening franchises in Charlotte, N.C., and Savannah, Ga., this winter.