Although Five Points is mostly composed of bars, in the Vista you’ll find a diverse range of restaurants that will satisfy whatever taste you’re craving at any particular moment. Here’s a list of up and coming hot spots and some old Columbia favorites, all of which are reasonably priced.
Sweet: Kaminsky’s Dessert Bar
Where: 930 Gervais St
Hours: Monday - Thursday: 5 p.m. - midnight. Friday: 5 p.m. - 2 a.m. Saturday: Noon - 2 a.m. Sunday: Noon - midnight.
If you have a sweet tooth, Kaminsky’s Dessert Bar has all the answers you’ve been searching for. With locations in both Columbia and Charleston, the mere mention of Kaminsky’s is sure to bring a smile to the face of South Carolina natives. Even though it's located in bustling part of the city, Kaminsky’s manages to maintain a cozy quality that makes it feel like your home away from home.
The menu offers a variety of mouthwatering cakes, original milkshakes and tasty coffee beverages. Pastries are prepared fresh daily and the servings are usually relatively big. Additionally, the restaurant offers reward points for loyal costumers.
Savory: Blue Marlin
Where: 1200 Lincoln St
Hours: Monday - Friday: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Fridays until 11 p.m.). Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday: 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Located on Lincoln Street, Blue Marlin is a Columbia staple. The menu takes inspiration from its the heart of the Lowcountry and provides a wide range of seafood dishes and other Southern delicacies such as fried green tomatoes. Each dish is packed with flavor and captures the rich history of Southern cuisine with every bite. More than anything, Blue Marlin is Southern hospitality at its finest and is a great place to partake in relishing the culture that makes up the state. This is the spot to definitely bring family when they come to visit. Meals can range from $11 to $30.
Salty: 929 Kitchen & Bar
Where: 929 Gervais St.
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 11 a.m. - midnight. Sunday: Closed
While it’s only less than a year old, 929 Kitchen & Bar has cemented itself as a popular hangout spot among Columbia's young adults. 929 is a contemporary restaurant that specializes in Korean cuisine, but blends both Korean and American influences. The menu presents a wide variety of items, ranging from traditional Korean dishes like Bibimbap to a number of fusion dishes such as Bulgogi Philly Steak and Korean tacos.
The interior of the restaurant is gorgeous and creates an upbeat, welcoming atmosphere. Most items on the menu are typically inexpensive, making 929 a great spot to explore new foods and escape from the busy, day to day campus life.