Columbia, South Carolina’s Best Soul Food Spots That Locals Say Feel Just Like Home
Columbia runs on flavor that feels familiar. Step inside nearly any neighborhood diner, and the smell of seasoned chicken and simmering greens wraps around you like a welcome.
Plates arrive heavy with creamy mac and cheese, sweet yams, and cornbread still warm from the oven. Conversations flow easy, laughter fills the room, and everything tastes like it was made with care.
These South Carolina spots don’t rush the process, they just let the food speak in that unmistakable Southern way.
1. Kiki’s Chicken & Waffles, Harbison/Columbia
Sweet meets savory in the most spectacular way at this Harbison favorite. Crispy chicken thighs rest atop fluffy Belgian waffles, creating a combo that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
The signature honey butter drizzle pulls everything together like magic. Regulars swear by the catfish and grits for breakfast, which might sound unusual but works beautifully.
Portions here don’t mess around, so come hungry or plan to take leftovers home for later enjoyment.
2. Skeet & Ro’s Seasoned with Soul, Broad River Rd
Broad River Road hides this treasure where seasoning gets taken seriously. Every dish bursts with flavor layers that show real kitchen expertise passed down through generations.
Their fried pork chops have earned legendary status among regulars who plan their weeks around them. Candied yams strike that perfect balance between sweet and savory without going overboard on sugar.
The husband and wife team running this place treat customers like extended family members gathering for Sunday supper.
3. Lizard’s Thicket, Multiple Columbia Locations
Since 1977, this local chain has fed Columbia families without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality. Multiple locations mean you’re never far from their famous fried chicken and country fried steak.
The buffet setup lets you sample everything or pile your plate high with personal favorites. Fresh vegetables get cooked low and slow the old-fashioned way.
My cousin once ate here three days straight during finals week because nothing else provided that same comforting energy boost.
4. Doc’s Barbeque & Southern Buffet, Shop Rd
Barbecue and soul food join forces at this Shop Road institution where smoke and seasoning create pure magic. The buffet stretches long with options that change daily based on what’s fresh and in season.
Tender ribs fall right off the bone without requiring a wrestling match. Lima beans and okra gumbo represent vegetables done the Southern way, cooked until they’re soft and flavorful.
Prices stay reasonable enough for families to visit weekly without worrying about the budget.
5. Ray’s Diner, Two Notch Rd
Breakfast gets serious attention at this Two Notch Road spot where grits come creamy and biscuits arrive hot from the oven. The no-frills atmosphere puts all focus squarely on the food where it belongs.
Sausage gravy over biscuits could win awards for richness and flavor depth. Hash browns get cooked on the flat top until edges turn perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Waitstaff remember regular customers’ orders, which adds that personal touch missing from corporate chain restaurants.
6. D & D Country Cooking, West Columbia
West Columbia residents guard this secret carefully, hoping it stays their neighborhood treasure forever. Country cooking here means recipes handed down through multiple generations of Southern cooks who knew their stuff.
Thursday meatloaf special brings crowds who wouldn’t dream of missing it. Mashed potatoes taste like someone’s grandmother made them with real butter and cream.
The tiny dining room fills up fast during lunch rush, so arrive early or expect to wait patiently for a table.
7. Bogarts Restaurant, West Columbia
West Columbia claims another winner with this spot where recipes haven’t changed in decades because they got it right the first time. Fried chicken maintains that golden standard everyone else tries to copy but rarely matches.
Potato salad tastes homemade because it actually is, prepared fresh daily in small batches. String beans get slow-cooked with onions until tender and full of flavor.
Desserts rotate but always include at least one pie option that’ll tempt you even when you’re stuffed.