This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.
Although I’ve only lived in Columbia, SC for about two years now, I like to consider myself a “brunch connoisseur” of sorts. A Sunday brunch is one of the best times to get together with friends. No matter what you may be celebrating or catching up on, the food makes the meal — no questions asked. I’ve had my share of brunches here in Columbia, so here are some of my favorites to cure any Sunday-scares.
- The Gourmet Shop. If you’ve visited Columbia, there’s a good chance that you visited The Gourmet Shop during your time here. This Five Points stable doubles as a specialty foods market where you can buy fresh baked goods, artisan cheeses, fine wines, and specialty chocolates. Their outside seating is as close as you can get to Parisian-style dining in the south and is my favorite place to be on a nice day. Besides their cozy atmosphere, their food is — hands-down — the best. My go-to is usually a salmon bagel or a turkey pesto panini.
- smallSUGAR. Funny enough, this was the first place that I ever went in Columbia — and it quickly became one of my favorites. Their counters are lined with some of the most delectable pastries, most notably the flaky croissants. You order at the counter and get to pick your favorite spot on their outside patio. Not only is smallSUGAR’s coffee delicious, their creative breakfasts are mouth-watering. My favorite is their “smallSUGAR breakfast” with a toasty flatbread, soft-boiled egg, marinated cucumbers, and an array of toppings.
- Tazza Kitchen. This was a more recent discovery of mine, although I know people who have raved about this place for forever. Their wood-fired, cozy vibe is perfect for any Sunday brunch and their drinks will certainly wake you up. Tazza’s brunch cocktails are one-of-a-kind. Their bloody Mary are unique but delicious, topped with candied bacon and pickles. I tried their huevos rancheros with eggs, avocado tomatillo, pico de gallo, crema, and black beans, to name a few things included, and I highly recommend it.
- Motor Supply Company. This Vista staple is known for it’s amazing brunch menu. While supporting local agriculture, Motor Supply changes their farm-to-table menu very often to bring you new plates every week. From their lemon & lavender kombucha to their brioche French toast, they have something to cure every ailment.
Columbia’s array of scrumptious restaurants is hard to capture in words. Whether looking for a light pastry or a heavy brunch, you’re bound to find what you need here in the City of Dreams.