Lunch Spots Walkable to CMCC For All Occasions

Whether you are visiting the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center for a meeting, sporting event or social gathering, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat nearby.  

STRICTLY BUSINESS: 

When you have important business to discuss, look no further than Blue Marlin. Seafood, steaks and salads, along with an abundance of large booths and the ability to accommodate larger parties makes it easy to get the deal done. 

Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse in the Hilton Hotel across the street from the convention center specializes in quality steaks and customer service for lunch or dinner with clients or a corporate group meeting. 

TIME TO CELEBRATE: 

Motor Supply Co. Bistro is a local favorite for lunch or dinner with a menu that changes daily including chef-driven cuisine and cocktails. The atmosphere is cozy and distinctly Columbia.  

Serving lunch, dinner, and of course happy hour, Boku Kitchen and Saloon has a celebratory vibe inside and out. Dine on Pan-Asian cuisine small plates and enjoy curated cocktails. For the night owls, they also have a late-night menu Thursday-Saturday.

Di Vino Rosso delivers elevated Italian dishes in an urban and classy 1920’s building. 

Pearlz Oyster Bar is a happening spot with a great bar and way more than oysters on the menu. Once you’ve finished your meal, enjoy live music in the Pearlz Lounge upstairs on Friday and Saturday nights.   

Craving pizza with fresh toppings? Mellow Mushroom does exactly that with their Great White pizza that will have you dreaming of the Tuscan countryside. Other fan favorites include Holy Shiitake and Buffalo Chicken pizzas. 

SOMETHING SHARABLE:  

CITY GRIT, an artisan market, wine bar and restaurant with a European flair, offers small plates as well as take-away options from James Beard finalist duo Sarah Simmons and Aaron Hoskins.  

Dine on tapas, shareable appetizers, and desserts indoors or on the patio at Gervais and Vine. Don’t miss the nightly specials or the chance to look over their premiere wine selection.

Located across the street from the convention center is Hickory Tavern, where you’ll find all your favorite Southern go-to appetizers, entrees, and shareable bites.

SOMETHING SWEET: 

Kaminsky’s Dessert Café serves up decadent cakes, next-level shakes, coffees and dessert martinis in a cozy café setting. 

Grill Marks may be known for their burgers, but their shakes alone are worth the trip if you have a sweet tooth.  

POUR ME A COLD ONE: 

Columbia Craft Brewing Company is a brewery plus taproom featuring ales, lagers, hazy IPAs, sours and barrel-aged beers made on site.  

Republic Biergarten features elevated Southern eats, craft beer, cocktails and pool tables. Enjoy your meal outdoors in their spacious patio when the weather is too good to stay indoors.

Thirsty Fellow specializes in pizza, pub food and offers a variety of Columbia-brewed beers on tap, as well as a full bar of other options such as the Pink Popsicle or Skinny Girl Summer.

The Oyster Bar serves raw and steamed oysters along with other seafood specials and “the coldest beer in town.” 

QUICK AND EASY: 

When you’re in a rush in between sessions and need a quick no-frills bite, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Monterrey Mexican and fast casual Mediterranean favorite, Cava, offer speedy options to get you on your way. Each of these spots are a block or less from the convention center.  

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re looking for something specific, check out our extensive restaurant list searchable by area of town, cuisine type and more. 

Pro tip: Reservations and notice are encouraged at most restaurants if you are bringing a large party.