Months have blurred into a haze of delivery apps and questionable life choices. You’ve forgotten what real cheese tastes like, and your wallet? Probably buried under a pile of takeout containers. But here’s meaning: twelve glorious burger joints in Columbia, SC that’ll make you put on pants and remember what joy tastes like.
Mack’s Cash Grocery
$ | (803) 779-9858 | WEBSITE
Back in the day – a.k.a. “lunch hour” – this immensely popular burger joint was known to have one of the busiest lunch rushes in Columbia. And for a good reason – their fresh-made burgers are flat-out fantastic, and their onion rings come right out of the fryer. But what has been our move, and will always be our move, is to get the classic burger with everything, which comes hot off the grill with that perfect char. Looks like even during peak hours, old habits die hard.
Mack’s Cash Grocery is available for quick service, just walk in and order at the counter.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$$ | (803) 926-1759 | WEBSITE
If you believe that meaning is what we make of it, then we’re placing all our bets on the simple joys of a good meal at Applebee’s Grill + Bar. Dining here is basically the closest thing to comfort you can find these days, with standout dishes like the perfectly cooked Salmon, customizable to your needs, and, our favorite, the Oreo shake to cap it all off.
Applebee’s offers a welcoming atmosphere with friendly servers like Chris who provide fantastic attention, especially with kids, and a hostess who greets you warmly. While there was a hiccup with missing appetizers, the staff’s apologetic attitude and the overall quality of the meals ensure a satisfying visit. It’s accessible for all and available for casual dining, making it a reliable spot for a laid-back evening out.
Burger Tavern 77
$ | (803) 667-9608 | WEBSITE
Yeah, we’ll say it. It’s a shame that we can’t just hang out at Burger Tavern 77 all day. Honestly, half the fun was grabbing a seat in their well-lit dining space and watching, with equal parts anticipation and delight, as your perfectly cooked burger arrived with those crispy, seasoned fries and that tasty dipping sauce. And looking back, maybe that was the point?
Maybe we’ve become the delicious combination of caramelized onions, mushrooms, and Swiss cheese on an onion roll, all coming together after a long week of craving something real. Just something to think about. Anyway, everything from the French Onion Soup Burger to their build-your-own options, or that fresh spinach salad with grilled chicken, is available for dine-in or takeout. Check their website or find Burger Tavern 77 on most major delivery apps. Dipping sauce definitely included.
Bad Daddys Burger Bar
$ | (803) 661-6318 | WEBSITE
You’ve organized your sock drawer. Alphabetized your spice rack. Hell, you’ve even tried to convince yourself that kale chips are a satisfying snack in a desperate attempt to find meaning. But yet, you’re still left with the undeniable truth that everything is temporary and nothing truly fills the void. This is critical – it’s time to bring in the burger.
Specifically, the build your own burger from this relaxed spot in Columbia, where thick patties, fresh toppings and gluten-free buns come together in perfect harmony. Will it erase your growing suspicion that we’re all just hurtling through space on a rock? Unlikely. But it’s also harder to dwell on it when you’re eating a burger this good. Get the truffle fries for sharing. Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar is available for takeout, especially helpful for families with allergies.
Zesto
$ | (803) 786-7968 | WEBSITE
Even when the world feels like it’s spinning too fast, there are still simple pleasures worth holding onto. Exhibit A: a perfectly crisp burger. Exhibit B: literally everything at Zesto.
From the outside, this family-run Columbia spot might seem like just another comfort food joint, but everything from their generous chicken tenders to onion rings that shatter with each bite (but taste of seasoned batter and sweet onion) rivals what you’d find at a trendy gastropub, but at prices that won’t break the bank. And when you’re getting that much flavor for so little – does it even matter if your jeans feel a bit tighter?
Zesto is open for dine-in and takeout, swing by 123 Main Street or find them on your favorite food app.
Jack Browns Beer & Burger Joint Columbia SC
$ | (803) 708-6049 | WEBSITE
When the world is bad, and your stomach is for sure grumbling, the only correct course of action is to order a burger (and probably a beer to go with it). From the Classic Jack made with superior beef to the donut burger special that’s a sweet and savory treat, everything on the menu at Jack Browns is perfect for when you need a little extra comfort. Or, let’s be honest, a lot of extra comfort.
The fries are an additional cost, but they’re delicious and best enjoyed crispy with a lot of flavor, and the vast beer menu means there’s always something to wash it all down. The atmosphere is laid-back with great music, and the service is consistently quick and knowledgeable—Marquise, the assistant manager, is known for their friendly hospitality. Prices are fair, though seating can be limited and parking can be a challenge.
Jack Browns Beer & Burger Joint is available for dine-in, and it’s regarded as one of the top spots for a burger and a beer in Columbia.
Hardee’s
$ | (803) 776-7281 | WEBSITE
Much like our morning routines and belief in a good breakfast, Hardee’s service has evolved during recent years. Gone are the days of just grabbing a quick bite, but in their place is a friendly and attentive experience, both at the drive-thru and inside. That means staff who are extremely pleasant, especially during the morning hours, as well as food that’s noteworthy, like the chicken tender platter with hot and crispy chicken and fries – a.k.a.
meals that pair really well with a contemplation of life’s simpler pleasures, such as ‘Should I get the sourdough or toast with my sandwich?’ and ‘Wait, did they really accommodate my lettuce-wrapped burger request?’ Hardee’s is available for dine-in and drive-thru, with enough room for parking and a kid-friendly atmosphere.
US Wings & Deli- Harbison
$ | (803) 749-1888 | WEBSITE
Did the folks behind US Wings & Deli-Harbison somehow foresee that we’d all be craving simple, honest comfort food in these chaotic times? It sure feels like they did – nearly everything on their menu seems designed to chase away those nagging hunger pangs with straightforward satisfaction. Their wings arrive crispy and perfectly seasoned, the okra is fresh and fried to golden perfection, and… they’re offering house-made drinks that actually taste like real fruit? Alright, I’m sold.
Like, how can you complain about anything when there’s fresh okra that good? US Wings & Deli-Harbison is wheelchair accessible and kid-friendly with plenty of parking, perfect for families or anyone needing a quick, satisfying meal.
VIỆT KITCHEN-PARIS BÁNH MÌ
$ | (803) 708-2577 | WEBSITE
If you don’t find yourself floating in a state of pure bliss when handed the fried oyster plate from Việt Kitchen-Paris Bánh Mì, then damn, maybe life really is meaningless. But that probably won’t happen, because for just $12, this welcoming spot with its spacious, airy ambiance will give you a soul-satisfying assortment of crispy croissants, steaming soups, stacked sandwiches, and freshly made desserts like macarons, pie, and cakes, plus, a generous portion of their signature bánh mì.
Their Columbia location is available for dine-in with friendly service and reasonable prices, especially when paid in cash.
Paulou’s Bar and Grill
$ | (803) 728-0888 | WEBSITE
Kind of like the guardian angel Gabriel, or the voice in your head last night that told you not to buy a $200 milk frother, Paulou’s Bar and Grill is in the business of saving souls. Their menu is focused, but you almost can’t go wrong with ordering anything from this welcoming spot away from the stadium crowds. It’s all ultra-satisfying, ambrosia-level food, from chicken and waffles to the Pound Cake Waffle, a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and made-to-order freshness.
Plus, everything’s under $15. So… maybe you can get that frother after all? Let’s talk about it later. Paulou’s is available for takeout, just call ahead since everything’s cooked fresh.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews
$ | (803) 462-9909 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of fantastic burger spots in Columbia, but one of the best, and certainly the most pet-friendly, is this neighborhood brew house. Half gourmet burger joint, half welcoming patio hangout, there’s no better place in town to crush a $14 Southwest Salad while sipping on a craft brew or a soda from the fountain.
And while they’re not offering any of their tremendous Donattos pizza to-go (yet), they just introduced a new lunch special, which includes Robert’s burger recommendation, Mya’s side choices, and the Red Robin sampler, where for $22, you get three mini burgers, seasoned fries, and a side salad. Or, as it’s referred to in “The Biz,” the exact combination of things we need to keep us from doing something drastic, like skipping lunch entirely.
Red Robin is available for patio dining, call ahead to check on wait times.
Bernie’s Chicken
$ | (803) 256-2888 | WEBSITE
Bernie’s Chicken is a certified Columbia institution. And while, for the purpose of this guide, the actual existence of “souls” is up in the air, there’s no denying the pure, uninhibited joy that comes from digging into their plates of fried chicken, fish sandwiches, and incredible potato salad. Don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time for that “immortal soul” discussion for later. Bernie’s Chicken is available for takeout, call (803) 555-0198 or find them on various delivery platforms.